As a result of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), individuals who are newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 will not be able to purchase Medigap Plan C or Plan F (including the Plan F high deductible option). This is because after January 1, 2020, MACRA prevents individuals new to Medicare from purchasing Medigaps that pay for the Part B deductible ($185 in 2019). Both Plan C and Plan F cover the Part B deductible.

On January 1, 2019, the durable medical equipment (DME) competitive bidding program temporarily ended.

The competitive bidding program was originally designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and help ensure that people with Medicare had access to quality DME, supplies, and services from suppliers they could trust. The program benefited people who had Original Medicare, lived in a competitive bidding area, and needed DME that fell under the competitive bidding program.

Dear Marci,

I sometimes worry that I’m not communicating well with my health care providers. What are some things I can do to get the most out of my doctors’ appointments?

Nelson (Worcester, MA)

Dear Marci,

I have Original Medicare. My doctor said that she does not believe that Medicare will cover a certain procedure, and that she would like me to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice. What does this mean, and what should I do?

-Jesse (Austin, TX)

Dear Marci,
I am new to Medicare. I have been receiving treatment for depression and anxiety for several years, and have gotten treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Will these services be covered under Medicare? How much will they cost?
Beau (Baton Rouge, LA)

Medicare Interactive (MI), an online resource developed by the Medicare Rights Center, is the go-to source of Medicare information for almost 3 million people each year. In an effort to streamline MI content, the Education team at the Medicare Rights Center started an in-depth process last year to overhaul over 400 pages of Medicare information in the popular “Get Answers” section of the website.

Dear Marci,

Last November, during Fall Open Enrollment, I switched into a new Medicare Advantage Plan. I have since realized that I do not want to be a part of this plan. Can I change my Medicare coverage?

Dear Marci,

I think I need a power wheelchair to get around my home. How do I get one, and how do I get Medicare to cover it?

– Jacob (Concord, NH)

Dear Marci,

I’ve heard that Fall Open Enrollment is coming up. What is Fall Open Enrollment, and what should I do to prepare for it?

– Andre (Dover, DE)

Dear Marci,

Last year I received an Annual Notice of Change from my Medicare Advantage Plan. Will I get one this year? What should I do with it?

– Emmanuel (Springfield, MO)