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

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

Medicare Savings Programs

In 2026, the biggest Medicare Savings Program stops doctors and pharmacies from billing you Medicare copays if your income is low.

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

    Many states start taking applications in October or November for help with heating and cooling bills for the 2026 to 2027 winter.

    October 12, 2026Read more
  • A man in his 70s talks with a counselor in a calm room with plants
    Doctors & care6 min read

    Does Medicare Cover Counseling?

    Yes, Medicare pays for talk therapy, counseling and psychiatric care in 2026, at an office or by video or phone from home.

    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 in 2026, and full Medicaid then pays for care Medicare does not, like long nursing home stays.

    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

    In 2026, a community health center waives the $283 Medicare deductible, and a doctor who opted out of Medicare can charge you the whole bill.

    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 daily caregiving, but in 2026 its dementia program pays up to $2,625 a year for a caregiver's break.

    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

    In 2026, Extra Help caps a generic drug at $5.10 and a brand-name drug at $12.65, for one person making 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 & Medicaid6 min read

    How to Appeal a Medicare Denial

    If Medicare or your plan says no, you can appeal. In 2026, 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 a hospital stay in 2026, Medicare pays for a nurse or therapist at home for $0, plus rehab in a nursing facility if you need it.

    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?

    Since October 1, 2026, Medicare can cover a walker that turns into a transport chair, and rented equipment becomes yours after 13 months.

    October 11, 2026Read more

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Meet our team of expert clinicians and advocates

  • 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.

    Read full bio
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    Alison Shmerling

    Medical Director

    Specialties

    • 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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  • Photo of Jeneli AlmonteExpert advocate

    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
Meet the whole team