Julie Appleby, KFF Health News April 2, 2024   Some consumers covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans are being switched from one plan to another without their express permission, potentially leaving them unable to see their doctors or fill prescriptions. Some face large IRS bills for back taxes. Do you have experience with ACA plan-switching or a related enrollment issue you’d like to share? Click here to tell your story. SHARE YOUR STORY Unauthorized enrollment or plan-switching is emerging as a serious challenge for the ACA, also known as Obamacare. Brokers say the ease with whi ..read more

For people navigating the aging process, driving remains a symbol of independence. It enables seniors to care for themselves, stay connected with loved ones, and maintain a routine outside the home. However, recognizing when it's no longer safe to drive becomes increasingly challenging with age, making it important to proactively prepare for this decision. Many seniors rely on friends, family, and loved ones to navigate this sensitive topic. But that can lead to difficult conversations. One way to plan ahead, prepare for these conversations, and ensure you take an active role in this decision ..read more

Tax time is coming! This year, taxes are due on Monday, April 15, 2024. The IRS has launched the IRS Direct File. This is a pilot program that allows people to file their taxes for free, directly with the IRS. There is no software that you have to buy. But this pilot program is only currently open to people who live in these states: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Am I eligible to use the IRS Direct File? You may be eligible to use IRS Direct File if you reside in one of the participating sta ..read more

If you are looking to join a cancer support community, attend the 2024 Triage Cancer Conference! It will cover a wide array of important cancer-related topics, such as help with health insurance, disability insurance, employment rights, getting organized, planning ahead, and more. When is the Triage Cancer Conference? The 2024 Triage Cancer Conference will now be a two-day event taking place online on May 17 and 18. You can register for one or both days of the Conference. You can see the agenda and register for the Conference here. Who Should Attend? The Triage Cancer Conference is open to all ..read more

Navigating Medicare and understanding the many plan options available can be hard. What can make this process even harder, are the misleading and deceptive sales strategies insurance companies use to sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. It is important to be able to identify misleading Medicare Advantage and drug plan ads so that you don’t sign up for a plan that won’t work for you. Understand Medicare Costs One way that insurance companies confuse consumers is by claiming that their Medicare Advantage plans cost $0. While it can be true that the plan costs $0 m ..read more

As of March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has expanded eligibility for VA Health Care to millions of Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards, while serving in the U.S. Military. This change was created by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022. The PACT Act includes a number of new benefits for those exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military. Learn more about PACT Act benefits here. Who is Now Eligible for VA Health Care? Veterans who served in the Vietnam War ..read more

Do you get health insurance coverage through your employer? Do you know if your employer-sponsored health insurance plan is insured or self-insured? Do you know the difference? Do you know why it matters? You should. But if you don’t, you are not alone. Most people don’t. This blog explains the difference between insured and self-insured employer health insurance plans, why it matters, and how you find out which plan you have. Difference Between Insured and Self-Insured Plans? These are two ways that employers provide health insurance benefits for their employees: Insured plan: this is wh ..read more

In order to buy a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace, someone must (1) live in the United States; (2) be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, or be lawfully present in the U.S.; and (3) not be incarcerated. If you are a U.S. “resident” for tax purposes you are eligible to buy a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Immigration law can be complicated and there are many rules about who is “lawfully present.” Generally, people who are in the U.S. without documentation (e.g., a visa) are not able to buy health insurance through the Marketplace. But there are some very limited exceptions ..read more

In the arena of health insurance, things are always changing. Those changes may be about what type of care is covered, who is eligible for that care, or how much patients have to pay out-of- pocket for that care. Staying on top of those changes can feel challenging for patients, caregivers, and other members of the health care community. That is no different for navigating changes to Medicare coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers more than 65 million Americans. Each year, there are changes to Medicare costs and people who have Medicare coverage have to make dec ..read more

Navigating cancer can feel daunting. What is the best health insurance for me and my family? Can I continue working during treatment? How do I get help paying for prescription drugs? Triage Cancer has answers to these questions and more. And, we will be sharing that information through our 2024 free Webinar Series, to help educate the cancer community on all cancer-related topics. What Topics Are Covered in Triage Cancer Webinars? Triage Cancer's free educational webinar series discusses the practical and legal issues impacting people beyond diagnosis. Topics include: Triage Health: Understand ..read more