Savvy 65 Medicare

Savvy 65 Medicare Straightforward Medicare education and guidance to help you understand your options and choose coverage that fits your individual needs.

MEDICAID FACT  #4  Some Assets Don't CountMany people assume they must spend every dollar they own before they can quali...
06/11/2026

MEDICAID FACT #4 Some Assets Don't Count

Many people assume they must spend every dollar they own before they can qualify for Medicaid.

The reality is that not all assets are treated the same. Depending on your situation and your state's rules, a primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, household items, and certain burial arrangements may not count toward Medicaid eligibility limits.

That's why it's important not to make assumptions based on what you've heard from friends, neighbors, or even family members. Medicaid rules can be complicated, and what counts—and what doesn't—often surprises people.

Before making major financial decisions, make sure you understand the rules that apply to your specific situation.

📞 Donna Lee
Savvy65 Complete Medicare Solutions
☎️ 404-226-6222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.Savvy65.com

Proudly serving the Southeastern senior population since 2006.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Medicaid rules and eligibility vary by state.

06/11/2026

When you have a Medicare question, who do you call first?

Many people immediately call the insurance company, but that may not always be your best resource. In this video, I explain why your Medicare agent should often be your first call and how an experienced agent can help you navigate claims issues, prior authorizations, doctor networks, prescription costs, and other Medicare challenges.

The insurance company knows their plan. Your agent knows how to navigate the Medicare landscape.

📞 404-226-6222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Savvy65.com

Savvy65 is a division of Barstead Brokerage, LLC, proudly serving the Southeast since 2006.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for information about all available options.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

06/11/2026

Could you have Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C and not know it?

Many people with hepatitis have no symptoms for years, which is why screening can be so important. Medicare covers Hepatitis C screening for eligible beneficiaries and may also cover ongoing screenings for those at higher risk. Medicare also covers Hepatitis B screening for individuals who meet certain risk criteria.

In this video, Donna Lee of Savvy65 explains who may qualify for these screenings, why early detection matters, and how Medicare helps cover these important preventive services.

If you're a Medicare beneficiary, this is a benefit worth discussing with your doctor.

Donna Lee
Savvy65 – Complete Medicare Solutions

Helping Medicare beneficiaries across the Southeast better understand their coverage and benefits since 2006.

This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health needs and screening recommendations.

MEDICAID FACT  #3 Medicaid Rules Vary By StateYour friend qualified for Medicaid.  That doesn't automatically mean you w...
06/10/2026

MEDICAID FACT #3 Medicaid Rules Vary By State

Your friend qualified for Medicaid. That doesn't automatically mean you will. One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicaid is that the rules are the same everywhere. They're not.

Medicaid is a federal-state partnership, which means each state has some flexibility in how it administers its program. Income limits, asset rules, available benefits, and long-term care programs can vary from state to state.

What qualifies someone in Georgia may not qualify someone in Florida. Likewise, benefits available in one state may not exist in another.

That's why it's important to get information based on the state where you live—not advice from a friend who lives somewhere else. When it comes to Medicaid, location matters.

📞 Donna Lee
Savvy65 Complete Medicare Solutions
☎️ 404-226-6222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.Savvy65.com

Proudly serving the Southeastern senior population since 2006.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Medicaid rules and eligibility vary by state.

06/10/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home.

In this video, I explain what Medicare does cover, when skilled nursing facility benefits may apply during recovery, and why so many families are caught off guard by long-term care costs.

I also briefly discuss the role Medicaid may play for qualified individuals and why planning ahead is so important.

I'm Donna with Savvy65, a division of Barstead Brokerage, LLC, helping seniors across the Southeast make Medicare easier to understand since 2006.

📞 404-226-6222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.Savvy65.com

Like and subscribe for more Medicare education and Medicare Mistakes I See Every Week.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

06/10/2026

Could you have glaucoma and not know it?

Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can gradually damage vision without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That's why regular eye exams are so important.

In this video, Donna Lee of Savvy65 explains Medicare's coverage for glaucoma screenings, who may qualify, and why early detection can help protect your vision.

If you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or other risk factors, this is a Medicare preventive benefit worth knowing about
Donna Lee
Savvy65 – Complete Medicare Solutions

Helping seniors across the Southeast understand Medicare since 2006.

For educational purposes only. This video is not intended as medical advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

06/09/2026

🚨 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Update 🚨

CMS has released important new details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, scheduled to begin July 1, 2026.

Providers now have access to the prior authorization form and instructions needed to determine eligibility. The program is not a simple sign-up process. Your healthcare provider must submit paperwork on your behalf.
One significant update is that the form requires documentation showing the medication is not being covered through your existing insurance. In other words, you may need to demonstrate that coverage has been denied before qualifying for the program.

CMS has also extended the Bridge Program through December 31, 2027.

Current medications included:
• Wegovy®
• Zepbound® KwikPen®
• Foundayo®

General eligibility requirements:
✅ Enrolled in Medicare Part D
✅ Meet the program's clinical criteria
✅ Provider submits required paperwork
✅ Medication is being used for an approved weight-management purpose

The program generally does not apply to beneficiaries already receiving Part D coverage for GLP-1 medications due to conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, certain cardiovascular indications, obstructive sleep apnea, or MASH.

Eligible beneficiaries will pay a fixed $50 monthly copay. The program operates outside of Part D, so costs do not count toward your Part D deductible or annual out-of-pocket maximum.

📄 Provider Form & Instructions:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge/information-providers?utm_source=chatgpt.com

📄 Program Information:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge

Information continues to evolve as CMS releases additional guidance. Always review official CMS materials and consult your healthcare provider regarding eligibility.

MEDICAID FACT  #2When someone says they're "on Medicaid," what does that actually mean?Many people are surprised to lear...
06/09/2026

MEDICAID FACT #2

When someone says they're "on Medicaid," what does that actually mean?

Many people are surprised to learn that Medicaid isn't just one program.
There are several different Medicaid programs, each designed to help people in different situations. Some programs help pay Medicare premiums and healthcare costs. Others provide health coverage for lower-income individuals. Some are designed specifically for long-term care needs.

That's why two people can both say they're on Medicaid and be receiving completely different benefits.

The biggest mistake is assuming you don't qualify because someone else with a different situation didn't qualify.

Understanding the different Medicaid programs is often the first step toward finding out what help may be available.

📞 Donna Lee
Savvy65 Complete Medicare Solutions

☎️ 404-226-6222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.Savvy65.com

Proudly serving the Southeastern senior population since 2006.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Medicaid rules and eligibility vary by state.

06/09/2026

Did you know that some Medicare services require prior authorization before they're covered?

In this video, I explain one of the most common Medicare mistakes I see—ignoring prior authorization requirements. Many beneficiaries assume that if their doctor orders a test, procedure, medication, or medical equipment, Medicare will automatically cover it. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

I'll explain how prior authorization works, why it's more common with Medicare Advantage plans, and the new Medicare pilot program testing prior authorization for certain Original Medicare services in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington.

Understanding these rules before you need care can help you avoid delays, denials, and unexpected expenses.

📞 404-226-6222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.Savvy65.com

I'm Donna with Savvy65, a division of Barstead Brokerage, LLC, helping seniors throughout the Southeast understand Medicare since 2006.

👍 If you found this video helpful, please Like, Subscribe, and Share.

Disclaimer:
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

06/09/2026

🚨 GLP-1 Medicare Update 🚨

CMS has released additional details about the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program scheduled to begin July 1, 2026.

Eligible Medicare beneficiaries may be able to access certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for a flat $50 monthly copay through December 31, 2027. The program operates outside of your regular Part D drug coverage and requires prior authorization. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services⁠)

✅ Covered Medications:
• Wegovy® (all formulations)
• Foundayo® (all formulations)
• Zepbound® KwikPen formulation only

Who may qualify?
✔️ Enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan
✔️ BMI of 35 or higher

OR

✔️ BMI of 27 or higher with a qualifying health condition such as:
• Prediabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Other qualifying obesity-related conditions

The program is intended for beneficiaries seeking treatment for weight management and weight reduction. Those receiving GLP-1 medications through Part D for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes may not qualify under the Bridge Program. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services⁠)

As always, eligibility is determined through the program’s clinical criteria and prior authorization process.

Follow Savvy65 for Medicare updates that matter.
📞 404-226-6222
🌐 www.Savvy65.com
📧 [email protected]

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