MEDICARE UPDATE APRIL 2025 EDITION
HAPPY APRIL!! ENJOY THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER
Medicare Myths vs. Facts: What You Think You Know Could Cost You
There’s a lot of noise out there about Medicare—some of it helpful, some of it confusing, and some just plain wrong. It’s no wonder so many people feel overwhelmed! Each month, I’ll clear up one or two of the most common Medicare myths I hear from clients so you can feel confident and informed.
This month’s myth: “Medicare is free.”
The truth: While Medicare Part A is usually premium-free if you (or your spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, other parts are not. Part B, which covers outpatient care, typically has a monthly premium (in 2025, most people will pay $174.70 per month). And if you’ve added a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, or a Medigap policy, there may be additional costs. It’s important to budget for your healthcare—Medicare helps, but it’s not 100% free.
Did You Know Medicare Covers These Preventive Services—for Free?
One of the biggest perks of being on Medicare is the number of preventive services you can get at no cost. These services are designed to help you stay healthy by catching potential health issues early—before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.
Your Annual Wellness Visit is a great place to start. This is not a full physical, but a yearly appointment with your doctor to create or update a personalized prevention plan. It includes things like reviewing your medications, checking your risk factors, and talking about things like fall prevention and memory concerns. The visit is covered every 12 months, and there’s no cost if your doctor accepts Medicare.
Other fully covered preventive services include flu shots, colorectal cancer screenings, bone mass measurements, mammograms, diabetes screenings, and more. Not sure which ones you qualify for? Your doctor can help you set up a preventive care schedule tailored to your health.
The bottom line? Take advantage of these benefits—they’re included in your coverage and can make a real difference in your long-term health.
Stay Scam-Savvy: Medicare Scams Are on the Rise
Unfortunately, scammers love targeting Medicare beneficiaries. Why? Because your Medicare number is just like a credit card number to a fraudster—it gives them access to bill Medicare for services or equipment you didn’t ask for or receive. Staying informed is your best defense.
Here’s a common scam I’ve seen lately: Someone calls and says they’re from “Medicare” or a “Medicare Benefits Center.” They might offer a free back brace, COVID test, or genetic screening in exchange for your Medicare number. It might sound legitimate, but Medicare will never call you unprompted to ask for your personal information or offer products.
Tips to protect yourself:
- Never give your Medicare number to anyone you don’t know and trust
- Don’t respond to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts offering “free” items
- Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) regularly—if you see a charge for something you didn’t receive, report it.
- If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468.
- Staying alert and cautious can help you avoid scams and keep your benefits secure.
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