Medicare fraud and scams can put your benefits and identity at risk. Learn common Medicare scam tactics, red flags, prevention tips, and how to report suspected fraud.
Medicare is expanding mental health coverage in 2025. It now covers licensed professional counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Telehealth remains covered for mental and behavioral health needs.
Prepare for Medicare's 2026 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Learn key dates, how to prepare, and why a licensed agent can help you find the right plan for your needs.
Don't let a serious illness leave you with overwhelming debt. Learn how a critical illness or cancer insurance policy can protect you from out-of-pocket costs and high deductibles.
Unpack the Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty. Learn why it happens, how it's calculated, and how to avoid this lifelong surcharge.
Medicare is evolving to better support the mental health and well-being of its beneficiaries—and 2025 brings several impactful updates. With growing awareness around the importance of mental health, these changes are timely and vital, especially for older adults and individuals in underserved communities. More Mental Health Providers Now Covered One of the most significant updates is Medicare’s expanded list of covered mental health professionals. In 2025, beneficiaries will be able to receive care from licensed professional counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and addiction specialists. This change is especially meaningful for those in rural or underserved areas where access to mental health care can be limited. Continued Support for Telehealth Telehealth remains a key tool for delivering mental health services. Medicare continues to cover telehealth, including audio-only visits, for mental and behavioral health needs. This flexibility allows beneficiaries to receive care from the comfort of their home—a crucial feature for those with mobility issues or limited local provider options. New Coverage for Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) Medicare Part B continues to cover outpatient mental health services such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric evaluations. In 2025, Medicare expands this coverage to include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs). IOPs provide structured, multi-hour therapy several days a week—filling a gap for those who need more than traditional therapy but not inpatient care. Enhanced Assessment and Suicide Prevention Tools New billing codes have been introduced to support comprehensive mental health assessments and personalized safety planning. These tools aim to improve early intervention, diagnosis, and suicide prevention efforts, allowing for a more proactive approach to mental health care. Medication Becomes More Affordable There’s also good news for those managing mental health with prescription medications. Medicare Part D now caps out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses at $2,000 annually. This cap helps reduce the financial burden of ongoing medication, making treatment plans more accessible and sustainable. What About Inpatient Care? Inpatient psychiatric care remains covered under Medicare Part A, which includes hospital stays, therapy, and medication management for those in crisis. These services continue to be an essential component for individuals facing severe mental health challenges.
When you enroll in Medicare, you get access to hospital and medical insurance through Parts A and B—but many people are surprised to learn that it doesn’t cover everything. In fact, some of the most commonly needed services—like routine dental, vision, and hearing care—are not included in Original Medicare . The good news? You do have options . Whether through Medicare Advantage plans or standalone coverage, there are several ways to make sure these essential health needs don’t fall through the cracks.
Finding a retirement community that is right for you can be tricky. After all, people move to retirement communities for many different reasons: to be free of the responsibilities associated with home ownership, for a change in climate, to pursue interests like golf, to be near family and friends, for companionship (because they are single, divorced or widowed), or because they want to live where the medical help they need will be readily available. So, how do you decide which is most important to you and then find the retirement community that best suits you? Perhaps the first step is to understand exactly what a retirement community is. They are housing developments designed for retired people who are usually age 50 and over. The housing itself may include single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, condominiums and co-ops. In addition to the housing, there are social and recreational facilities and activities specific to the needs of the community's population. There are several varieties of retirement communities. These include standard retirement communities that offer the more standard amenities, namely, housing, recreation and social services; service-oriented communities that offer various levels of service ranging from independent-living facilities to assisted-care facilities to facilities for long-term medical care; and federally subsidized congregate housing, which offers full-service retirement housing for people who are financially eligible.
As we age, keeping our bones strong becomes more than just a good idea—it becomes essential to maintaining our independence and quality of life. Osteoporosis, often called the "silent disease," can creep in without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Fortunately, you have the power to take steps now that can make a big difference in your bone health later. Let’s break it down. What Is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops when bone loss outpaces the creation of new bone tissue, leading to reduced bone density and structural deterioration. The disease affects millions of Americans, especially women over the age of 50, but men are not immune. Common fracture sites include the hip, spine, and wrist—injuries that can lead to serious health issues and loss of mobility. Learn more about Osteoporosis from the National Institute on Aging. How Is Bone Mass Measured? One of the best ways to detect osteoporosis early is through a bone mass measurement test, often called a bone density test. Medicare helps cover this test for individuals who meet certain criteria, including those at risk for osteoporosis due to age, medical history, or other factors. Covered every 24 months—or more frequently if medically necessary—this test is painless and compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. The results help your healthcare provider determine your risk for fractures and decide if you need treatment. If you're enrolled in Medicare and meet the guidelines, you may pay nothing for this test. More information about Medicare coverage for bone mass testing is available at Medicare.gov . Practical Tips for Better Bone Health While osteoporosis may sound intimidating, there’s plenty you can do right now to protect your bones and maintain strength over the years: 1. Stay Active Weight-bearing exercises—like walking, hiking, or dancing—encourage bone formation and strength. Add resistance or strength training twice a week to maintain muscle and bone mass. 2. Eat for Your Bones Calcium and vitamin D are essential. Include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your diet. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements. 3. Limit Bone Harming Habits Smoking and excessive alcohol can weaken bones over time. Quitting or cutting back can improve not just bone health but overall wellness. 4. Fall-Proof Your Life Since fractures often result from falls, take steps to improve balance and safety at home. Clear clutter, install grab bars, and consider balance-enhancing activities like tai chi or yoga. 5. Talk to Your Doctor Have regular checkups and ask about your bone health. If you’re over 65 or have risk factors, a bone density test might be recommended. Bottom Line: With the right knowledge and a few lifestyle changes, you can protect your bones and enjoy a healthy, active life. Whether it’s through preventive care like Medicare-covered screenings or staying active and nourished, you’re never too young—or too old—to start taking care of your bones.
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