The Medicare prescription maze
My father is a smart guy, but he needed my help to sign up for Medicare prescription coverage.

You can enroll in Medicare without tears

When I finally left my job I quickly signed up for COBRA coverage to stay on my employer's health plan. I figured I'd stick with the devil I knew. That was a mistake.

Treating healthcare sticker shock

The toughest time to find good healthcare coverage is between age 50 and 65 because Medicare, the federal healthcare program, doesn't kick in until age 65. The most important advice? Shop carefully. Health insurance plans vary widely in price and coverage.

Four ways to help tame medical costs

Your health can have a major impact on your financial outlook. "People are increasingly expected to pay more of their costs out of pocket." Check out some strategies for maintaining a healthier outlook in the face of rising medical costs.

Cut the costs of long-term care insurance

Long-term care insurance isn't cheap. But compared to the out-of-pocket cost of paying for care, the premiums are small change. FInd out about the long term care insurance options and which type of policy is best for you.

You can negotiate your health care bill

Everything is negotiable - even the cost of your healthcare! In fact, 70 percent of adults who talk with a hospital are successful in negotiating a lower price for their medical bills.

Benefit plan enrollment can be confusing

It's open enrollment season, when workers choose benefits from a complex range of health insurance, disability coverage, and retirement savings alternatives. Experts say decisions will be easier for those who identify their past needs and long-term goals.

Time to review your Medicare plan

Starting Nov. 15, seniors and others covered by Medicare will have a six-week open enrollment period to choose or switch their health and prescription drug plans. But if you are responsible for finding a plan for yourself or a parent, and you are planning ahead for the holidays, there's no reason you shouldn't start investigating your options now.