What are Medicare “star ratings” and how are they measured?

Medicare rates Medicare Advantage and Part D (prescription drug plans) using something called Medicare stars. A 5-star rating is the best, while a 1-star rating is the worst. When you’re trying to choose a Medicare Advantage or Part D (prescription drug) plan, all the choices can be overwhelming. The star rating program was put in […]
How do I know which doctors accept Medicare assignment?

First off, let’s define what Medicare assignment is and the impact it can have on your out-of-pocket costs. One of the most significant potential gaps in Original Medicare is healthcare providers’ ability to bill you for something called excess charges if they don’t accept Medicare Assignment. They may still accept you as a Medicare patient, […]