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Medicare Expert
Patricia Barry
Patricia Barry, senior editor of the AARP Bulletin and its online Ms. Medicare columnist, is a recognized authority on Medicare and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. She has written extensively about Medicare and other health care issues for consumers and is the author of the book Medicare For Dummies (Wiley/AARP 2013). To see questions on a wide range of Medicare issues that Ms. Barry has already answered, view the “Ask Ms. Medicare” archive below. To submit a new question, email her at msmed@aarp.org.
Ask Ms. Medicare
Archive
Eligibility
Learn about how you can qualify for health coverage under Medicare.
Enrollment
Learn about when and how to sign up for Medicare according to your circumstances.
Disenrollment
Learn about how to opt out of Medicare if you are already enrolled.
Out of Pocket Expenses
Learn about your share of Medicare costs.
Medical Coverage (Part A and Part B)
Learn about medical services covered under Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (outpatient insurance).
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Learn about how Medicare’s prescription drug program works.
Medicare Private Health Plans
Learn about the Medicare Advantage program, an alternative way of receiving Medicare benefits.
Sources of Information and Help
Learn about how to find personal help on Medicare issues.
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