The Medi-Cal program is California’s Medicaid health care program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible California residents with limited income and resources. It is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Eligibility To be eligible for Medi-Cal, you must fall into one of the following categories: Low-income […]
Medicare & Medicaid
Common Medicare Frauds Targeting Seniors
Billing for Services Not Provided: Fraudulent healthcare providers might bill Medicare for services, tests, or procedures that were never actually performed. Upcoding: Providers bill for a more expensive service or procedure than what was actually provided. Unnecessary Services: Some providers might order unnecessary tests or procedures just to increase their […]
Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty
The Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty is an additional cost that gets added to your Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) monthly premium if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part D when you first become eligible and do not have other creditable prescription drug coverage. This penalty is typically […]
Understand Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage component of Medicare, designed to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for prescription medications. It is available to anyone who has Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Costs of Medicare Part D Medicare Part D costs can vary depending on the plan you choose […]
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative way for Medicare beneficiaries to receive their Medicare benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, its benefits compared to Original Medicare, who might choose it, and other relevant details. What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)? Medicare Advantage plans […]
Medicare Part B: Standard vs. Premium
People who have Medicare Part B, even with the standard coverage, are still required to pay a monthly premium. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2024 is $174.70. This premium is mandatory for all beneficiaries of Medicare Part B, regardless of whether they have additional coverage or […]
Medicare Part A: Standard (Premium-Free) vs. Premium
The differences between Standard (Premium-Free) and Premium Medicare Part A primarily involve whether you need to pay a monthly premium based on your work history. Both options have the same deductible and provide the same coverage. The deductible for inpatient hospital stays in 2024 is $1,632 per benefit period, applicable […]
Steps to Enroll in Medicare
Enrolling in Medicare typically involves a few key steps, and it’s important to be aware of the deadlines to avoid penalties. Here’s a general outline of the process and what happens if you miss the enrollment periods: Determine Your Eligibility: Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. […]
Man Sentenced to 82 Months for $73 Million Medicare Fraud
Leonel Palatnik, the 42-year-old co-owner of Panda Conservation Group LLC, was sentenced to 82 months in prison for his role in a $73 million Medicare fraud scheme. The scheme, executed during the COVID-19 pandemic, involved paying kickbacks to telemedicine providers to authorize medically unnecessary genetic tests, exploiting temporary telehealth regulation […]
A Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid
Who can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid at the same time? Here’s how it generally works: Qualifying for SSDI and Medicaid: When you are approved for SSDI benefits, you are also automatically eligible for Medicare, not Medicaid, after a waiting period. However, you can be eligible […]










