Blogs | State Health Insurance Assistance Programs

male nursing helping a older man in a skilled nursing setting

December 8, 2025

Medicare and Skilled Nursing Facility Care

Staying in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) can be a vulnerable time. While you are in an SNF, you may be newly released from the hospital and still recovering. But SNF stays come with their own challenges related to your Medicare coverage, which can be difficult to navigate while focused on your healing. Empower yourself now with the knowledge of how your SNF benefit works, so you can be ready if you or your loved one is in an SNF in the future.

medicare card, drivers license, and social security card with lock laid over

November 19, 2025

Medical Identity Theft

It’s crucial to protect your Medicare number and other personal information. Scammers are becoming more advanced in how they target consumers, and Medicare beneficiaries are always at risk. Read this blog to learn how to protect yourself from medical identity theft, detect the warning signs of fraud, and report suspicious behavior.

Older male getting vision checked by young male optometrist

September 29, 2025

Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits

Dental and vision and hearing, oh my! Medicare Advantage Plans may try to tempt you with a variety of supplemental benefits—or things that Original Medicare can’t cover. These supplemental benefits can be extremely helpful, or they can end up being disappointing and misleading. Read this blog to learn what to look for when considering supplemental benefits and when to be cautious.

An older man and woman sitting on a couch looking at a tablet

August 28, 2025

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

Fall Open Enrollment is the time of year when you can change your Medicare coverage, but knowing where to start can be tough. In this blog, you’ll learn strategies to choose the coverage that best fits your needs for 2026.

A couple sitting on a couch looking at paperwork

July 23, 2025

Choosing Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Everyone with Medicare faces the same question at some point—should I enroll in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan? Although both are part of the Medicare program, they differ in important ways. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the differences between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, and when you might consider one over the other.

June 23, 2025

Medigaps

Original Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of most services. But what about the other 20%? Or the other out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or inpatient copays? Let’s discuss Medigaps, which can help cover these costs.

May 28, 2025

Medicare and Employer Coverage

When you have Medicare and another type of insurance, Medicare will either pay primary or secondary for your medical costs. Primary insurance pays first for your medical bills. Secondary insurance pays after your primary insurance.

April 28, 2025

Medicare and Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment (DME) includes items like walkers, wheelchairs, and oxygen tanks that help people with daily activities. In this blog, learn what DME is, who is eligible for coverage, and the rules surrounding Medicare support for these essential items.

April 1, 2025

Part B vs. Part D Drugs

Part D always covers medications, right? Not quite! Some drugs can be covered under both Part B or Part D—depending on what the drug is used for and how it’s administered. Misunderstanding Part B versus Part D drugs can lead to complications for you at the pharmacy or with your billing. Read more to learn the difference between Part B and Part D drugs.

February 25, 2025

Lowering Part D Costs

The stress of affording your medication is a familiar feeling for too many people. Although this year brings the new $2,000 cap on Part D spending, there are other ways, too, to help you lower your Part D costs. This blog reviews four cost-saving programs and strategies.

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