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Expert advice from our team of clinicians and advocates to help you navigate Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs.

A couple in their late 60s relax on a porch swing with coffee
Saving money4 min read

Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs can pay the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you, and one of them also pays your copays. Here's who qualifies in 2026.

Updated October 12, 2026Read article

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Latest articles

  • A woman in her 70s sips tea in a warm, lamp-lit living room on a cold morning
    Everyday needs6 min read

    Help Paying Utility Bills

    The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay heating and cooling bills, and it can stop a shutoff. Here's who qualifies in 2026.

    October 12, 2026Read more
  • A man in his 70s talks with a counselor in a calm room with plants
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    Does Medicare Cover Counseling?

    Yes, Medicare pays for therapy and counseling, including video visits. In 2026 you pay 20% after the $283 yearly deductible.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A grandmother in her 70s laughs with her granddaughter on the sofa
    Medicare & Medicaid5 min read

    Can You Have Medicare and Medicaid?

    Yes, you can have both. Medicaid then pays the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you, plus copays, rides and often help at home.

    October 12, 2026Read more
  • A woman in her late 60s shakes hands with her doctor
    Doctors & care5 min read

    Find a Doctor Who Takes Medicare

    Ask the office, "Do you accept Medicare assignment?" If they say yes, you pay 20% after the $283 deductible in 2026. Here's how to find one.

    October 12, 2026Read more
  • A daughter helps her father, in his 80s, button his cardigan
    Caregiving & long-term care6 min read

    Does Medicare Pay for a Caregiver?

    Medicare does not pay for a caregiver for daily help, but it pays for part-time skilled care at home. Medicaid and veterans benefits may pay family.

    October 12, 2026Read more
  • A man in his 70s smiles at his kitchen table beside a glass of water and a pharmacy bag
    Saving money5 min read

    Extra Help With Prescription Costs

    Extra Help pays most of what your Medicare drug plan costs. In 2026 you pay up to $5.10 for a generic if one person makes up to $23,940 a year.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A woman in her 70s on the phone at her kitchen table, pen in hand over a notepad
    Medicare & Medicaid5 min read

    How to Appeal a Medicare Denial

    If Medicare or your plan says no, you can appeal. You have 120 days in Original Medicare and 65 days in a Medicare Advantage plan.

    October 10, 2026Read more
  • A man in his late 70s smiles in his armchair at home while his daughter kneels beside him and tucks a blanket over his knees
    Caregiving & long-term care6 min read

    Medicare After a Hospital Stay

    After 3 days admitted to the hospital, Medicare can pay for 20 days of rehab in a nursing facility. Days 21 to 100 cost $217 a day in 2026.

    October 11, 2026Read more
  • Two women in their late 70s laugh on a park path, one using a walker
    Equipment & supplies6 min read

    Does Medicare Cover Walkers and Wheelchairs?

    Yes, Medicare pays 80% for a walker, wheelchair or hospital bed your doctor orders for home. You pay 20% after the $283 deductible in 2026.

    October 11, 2026Read more

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  • Photo of Dr. Nate FaviniExpert clinician

    Dr. Nate Favini

    Chief Medical Officer

    Specialties

    • preventive care
    • Medicare coverage
    • finding a doctor

    Experience

    Dr. Nate Favini is Pair Team's Chief Medical Officer. He has led the clinical team since 2023.

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    Alison Shmerling

    Medical Director

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    • chronic conditions
    • medications
    • prescription coverage

    Experience

    Alison Shmerling is Pair Team's Medical Director. Since 2024, she has overseen its nurse practitioners, nurses and care managers.

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    Holly Cuevas

    Lead RN Care Manager

    Specialties

    • hospital follow-ups
    • home health
    • medical equipment

    Experience

    Holly Cuevas is a registered nurse and a lead nurse care manager at Pair Team. Since 2022, she has helped patients after a hospital stay.

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    Jeneli Almonte

    Lead Care Manager

    Specialties

    • food
    • housing
    • utilities

    Experience

    Jeneli Almonte is a Lead Care Manager at Pair Team. Since 2022, she has helped patients with benefits, housing and food.

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    Adriana Bugarin

    Behavioral Health Specialist

    Specialties

    • mental health
    • counseling
    • substance use

    Experience

    Adriana Bugarin is a behavioral health specialist at Pair Team. Since 2022, she has helped patients with mental health and substance use care.

    Read full bio