Replacing a Medicare card, and when you should carry it
By Sara Duris Q. My Medicare card has been water-damaged. How do I get a new one? A. You can get a replacement card by logging into or creating a Medicare account to order or print an official copy of your Medicare card, or you can call to request one. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order […]
What’s the difference between Initial Enrollment or a Special Enrollment in Medicare?
By Sara Duris Q. What’s the difference between Initial Enrollment or a Special Enrollment in Medicare? A. When you turn 65, you are eligible to enroll in Medicare. This is your Initial Enrollment period, spanning seven months — the three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after your birthday. […]
Understanding hospital admission vs. observation
By Sara Duris Q. I don’t understand how my recent hospital stay wasn’t a full admission and why Medicare won’t cover all the charges? I was in a room there over three days, but they said I didn’t meet inpatient criteria. What is going on? A. Having an inpatient admission to a hospital versus being […]
How to get home-delivered meals; Medicare cost changes for 2025 – March 1, 2025
By Sara Duris Q. Does Area Agency on Aging provide meals to people in the community? How can someone qualify to get meals delivered? A. The Agency does provide meals to our clients through home-delivery programs. We also partner with Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan and Cass County Council on Aging to provide not […]