Medicare 101 Guide

Medicare was established in the United States as a national health insurance program for those 65 or older. Medicare Parts A, B, and D are the parts of Medicare that most people pay for individually. The program is chiefly funded through a payroll tax, though recipients are responsible for a monthly premium and cost-sharing. Medicare provides benefits to eligible beneficiaries who meet specific eligibility requirements. Participants are encouraged to enrol in a supplemental private supplementary policy through Medicare Advantage or private fee-for-service plans. The premium for these policies is paid by the beneficiary, not the federal government. Those eligible for Medicare enrolment must be at least 65 years old. Those under 65 must be permanently disabled or suffer from specific terminal illnesses.

1. What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal healthcare program for seniors and the disabled. Its age eligibility rules are confusing, so some of those who qualify get stuck in a coverage gap that leaves them unable to afford necessary medical care. The government has been trying to help out with an updated guide on how Medicare works, but there’s still confusion about what benefits people should expect from this program. Here are some things you should know about Medicare from a healthcare perspective to make the most of your coverage and stay healthy for as long as possible.

It provides medical services to those covered by Parts A and B of the plan, which covers hospital expenses and doctor visits, respectively. Part C is Medicare Advantage (MA), which offers additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, outpatient care, and hearing aids or eyeglasses for seniors. Those who enrol in Medicare Part D receive coverage for prescription drug costs.

2. Medicare Part A

Part A covers most of the hospital expenses for Medicare beneficiaries. The amount of coverage is based on financial needs determined by complicated formulas adjusted annually for inflation. You might wonder why this coverage gap exists in the first place, but it’s important to remember that Medicare is also a government program—i.e., you pay taxes into it, and the government gives you healthcare back. The government limits the hospital expenses covered by Part A each year.

People who have certain types of employer-sponsored insurance—such as pensions or other retirement plans—also get Medicare Part A coverage. These people are known as “dual eligible” which means they are both Medicare beneficiaries and members of an eligible group.

3. Medicare Part B

Part B covers the costs of doctors and outpatient care, such as doctor office visits and in-patient hospital stays. Medicare beneficiaries must pay a monthly premium for that coverage. Recipients also have to pay a deductible each year for any covered services. You must pay the deductible for each service before Medicare kicks in to cover the remainder.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets cost-of-living increases yearly. The program also covers certain preventive services with no cost sharing. You can expect to pay about $4 for your doctor visits and up to $150 for prescription drugs.

4. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

It is privatized Medicare, offered by health insurance companies and paid directly to Medicare beneficiaries. It covers various healthcare benefits and services, from screenings to hospital stays, with cost-sharing or copayments. It’s private, beneficiaries don’t have to pay anything for their plans, and neither does the government for most of those benefits.

Private insurance companies offer these plans and don’t have an annual limit on Medicare benefits. They can cover the same services as Part B and cost less because they aren’t required to follow Medicare’s formula for setting premiums and deductibles. Beneficiaries must know precisely what’s covered by each plan.

5. Medicare Part D

Part D is the prescription drug coverage offered through Medicare Part A. It covers the costs of most, but not all, prescription drugs. Some of the covered drugs are generic versions of brand-name drugs. You have to pay a monthly premium for your prescription drug coverage, and there is no cost-sharing requirement as with other parts of Medicare Part A. There’s no annual limit on the total drug costs covered, but there is a limit on what you pay out-of-pocket each year for prescriptions. Part D plans also have pre-set out-of-pocket limits that beneficiaries must pay before their plans kick in again. Beneficiaries pay their premiums and cost-sharing annually, which are set by the insurance companies offering the plans.

6. How to Enroll in Medicare?

Most people eligible for Medicare enrol in the program through their employers. If you’re self-employed, it’s wise to enroll in employer-sponsored health insurance as a dual eligible. If you’re not covered by an employer-provided plan and don’t qualify for Medicaid or a state plan, you can enroll in Medicare at any time during open enrollment. Plans often allow you to pick which parts of Medicare the federal government will cover and which ones you want to be responsible for paying out of pocket.

7. How is Medicare Paid For?

The government pays a fixed amount to beneficiaries based on their income and a sliding scale for those who are disabled or elderly. There are also premiums for MA plans. Medicare is a federal program, so it is subject to all the laws passed by Congress that regulate the establishment of insurance companies and the prosecution of fraud committed against them. Participants have access to all the information about their benefits from the Social Security Administration, which maintains a database with all Medicare enrolees’ personal information.

Medicare is a good program that helps seniors when they need it most. The government will pay its share of the costs of hospitalization or doctor visits during its 50-year lifetime. Since Medicare pays so much less than private insurance, beneficiaries often have to pay more out-of-pocket for many services, especially prescription drugs and other medical supplies.

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Alberta’s Sports Betting Industry

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Alberta’s Sports Betting Industry

Published on February 21, 2025

Todayville Content Team

The limited nature of sports betting opportunities in Alberta makes it difficult to judge just how successful a full launch will be, with only single-game sports betting allowed since Bill C-218 was passed in 2021.

However, projected legislative changes that look set to take place in 2025 should provide the regulatory framework required for a more comprehensive betting market, with a focus on online operations.

To get a better idea of betting in Alberta, we asked Lewis Mitchell who explained that offshore betting sites have been able to cater to the needs of consumers. The convenience offered by online sports betting is something that the retail industry can’t compete with, and the wide range of betting markets, enticing bonuses, and selection of payment methods make it a popular option.

At present, the only online sports betting operator licensed to run in Alberta is PlayAlberta, a government-run operator that is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

The new regulatory framework was set to be implemented at the end of 2024, but the project was delayed. The popularity of Ontario’s online sports betting market, which has seen significant growth, has encouraged other provinces to look at ways they can enjoy the revenue it would create and the improved protections they could offer their citizens.

Albertans have Canada’s highest spending on gaming per capita, and this statistic has led experts to believe that it would welcome a more open online sports betting industry.

The province is home to one of Canada’s youngest adult populations, and a legal betting age of 18 would be conducive to a successful online sports betting market. Another benefit for the 4.9 million inhabitants of Alberta is that Canadians don’t pay tax on winnings.

The wide selection of pro-sports teams in Alberta would also help with a launch, with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Wranglers, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Calgary Roughnecks, and Calvary FC just some of the options for local sports fans to get behind.

Alberta is in pole position to become the second province to allow commercial online betting operations and will benefit from insights available from Ontario, helping to avoid potential pitfalls. The industry would provide a welcome boost to provincial finances via tax revenue and improved employment.

The opportunity to allow other sports book operations will alert existing live-betting operations including Enoch’s River Cree Resort and Casino and Eagle River Resort, as well as the Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino in Morley, Starlight Casino in Edmonton, Calgary’s The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, and the Casino Lethbridge.

The province will likely follow the lead of other regions that allow online betting markets by implementing application and license fees, with license fees requiring annual updates.

The limited nature of the existing sports betting market in Alberta leaves significant room for growth. The wide variety of sports and betting markets available for locals to explore will provide great competition for potential new betting apps.

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From coins to wagers: The expanding crypto gambling market

Published on February 14, 2025

Todayville Content Team

The world of gambling is changing fast with the rise of crypto. More people are turning to it as their preference for online betting as it is safe and offers new options. You can now use digital coins like BTC to place bets in a whole new market.

Many online casinos are beginning to accept crypto, making it easier for players to join in. With an increasing number of people interested in digital money, the crypto market is expanding rapidly. Learn more about crypto gambling here.

Benefits of crypto gambling

Crypto gambling offers many benefits that make it appealing to players. With the use of digital currencies, Bitcoin gambling is faster, safer, and more private.

The following benefits can help you see why using crypto in a casino is popular:

Transparency

One of the best things about crypto gambling is transparency. Blockchain technology records every game and transaction, making it easy to see what happened. This gives you peace of mind that the games are fair and the outcomes are legitimate.

Anonymity

You don’t need to share personal data when using crypto, which means you can enjoy games without worrying about your privacy being exposed.

Faster transactions

Speed is a major advantage of using crypto for gambling, as transactions happen quickly. You can deposit and withdraw your money almost instantly, rather than waiting days for banks to process payments.

International access

Crypto gambling allows players worldwide the world to join in. Traditional gambling sites may limit access based on location, and while crypto also has that, it is often accessible. This opens up chances for everyone, no matter where they are.

Lower fees

Using crypto often means lower fees for players. Traditional banking methods can charge high fees for transactions, but crypto usually has much smaller costs. This means more money can stay with the player, leading to bigger winnings.

Rise of crypto casinos: The new era

Many players are excited about using crypto to bet and play games. This shift marks the start of a new era in online gambling.

Increased interest

There has been a notable increase in interest in Bitcoin casinos. More people are searching for places to gamble using Bitcoin than ever before, showing that more players are curious about using digital currencies for betting.

Market growth

The global online gambling market is expected to grow rapidly. Experts predict that more players will choose crypto casinos, leading to larger markets. With the rising use of crypto, the future of online gambling looks bright.

Rising betting activity

The percentage of gambling done through crypto is on the rise, which means more players are getting involved. This trend shows that crypto gambling is becoming a preferred choice for many.

Demographics

Players interested in crypto casinos tend to be young and tech-savvy, between the ages of 18 and 34. This age group is familiar with technology and enjoys exploring new forms of gambling, making crypto casinos an exciting option.

Trends to watch

The future of crypto casinos seems promising as new digital assets may emerge, giving more options for players. Innovations in payment systems and game offerings are expected to grow as more users enter the market. Keeping an eye on these trends can help players stay ahead in the ever-evolving online gambling world.

Challenges facing crypto gambling

While crypto gambling offers many benefits, it also faces some challenges. Here are two major concerns about why it is not easy to operate a casino:

Regulatory uncertainty

Countries have diverse laws about crypto, which can confuse some players. This can make it hard for online casinos to follow the rules and for players to know what is allowed in their region.

Volatility

Their values can change quickly and suddenly, which can create financial uncertainty for players, making it hard to decide how much to spend or bet.

Security risks

Although crypto casinos boast good security, some risks still exist as hackers may try to steal digital currencies or personal data. This may make you hesitant to fully trust these online platforms, even with strong security measures in place.

Factors driving crypto casino growth: Engines of evolution

Several key factors are helping the growth of crypto casinos. These factors make online gambling with crypto more appealing to players. Knowing these reasons can explain why more people still choose crypto casinos.

Security

Security is a major factor that helps crypto casinos grow. Blockchain protects transactions by securely recording them, so trust your money and data to be safe. With strong security measures, you feel more at ease placing your bets.

Enhanced privacy

Enhanced privacy is another vital reason for the rise of crypto casinos. You do not need to share a lot of personal details when using crypto, allowing you to enjoy gambling without worrying about your identity being exposed. Keeping personal data private makes the experience feel safer and more fun.

Global usage

Global usage is key to the success of crypto casinos. Crypto can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world, making it accessible. Players from various countries can easily join in, making the market much larger and more diverse. This worldwide access means more people can connect and play together.

Saving with speed

Transactions happen quickly with crypto, which makes them popular. Deposits and withdrawals can take only a few minutes compared to traditional banking methods which can take days. This speed allows you to enjoy your winnings right away. Quick transactions make it easier for players to keep the fun going without long waits.

Innovative gaming options

Crypto casinos are bringing fun and new ideas to online games as many operators are creating unique games that use the special features of blockchain technology. For example, some games allow you to earn tokens that can be traded or used in various ways.

Others might offer exciting themes or new ways to win, making each game feel fresh and different. This variety keeps you interested and makes crypto casinos a more exciting choice for gambling.

Social engagement

Crypto casinos often focus on building a strong community. Many platforms feature chat rooms and forums for players to interact, share tips, and enjoy a social gaming experience. This sense of community adds to the thrill and keeps you coming back for more.

A bright horizon for crypto gambling

The future of crypto gambling looks bright as more players are starting to use crypto like Bitcoin for their bets, helping the market grow. Online casinos are offering more games and better rewards for those who use digital money. With new technology and more interest from players, crypto gambling is becoming a big part of online gaming.

You can expect a safer and more fun gambling experience as the benefits of Bitcoin gambling include faster transactions and better privacy. As more people learn about these good things, crypto casinos will likely become more popular, showing there is a bright future for crypto gambling.