Better Choices for Seniors

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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

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Choosing A Medicare Supplement

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Many seniors don’t want or need the out of pocket surprises, the “prior authorizations”, the denied claims or sudden change of doctors and hospitals, that can happen with HMOs and PPOs (see HHS report in right column).

In order to get the right plan, and the best price for that plan, here are some things that seniors should know when making choices:

• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans can be used at any provider that accepts Medicare patients.

Seniors using a Medigap plan have the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients—they are not restricted to HMO or PPO networks.

• Medicare—not the insurance company—makes the decisions about what is covered.

Seniors using a Medigap plan don’t have to worry about prior authorizations and denied claims. If Medicare covers the procedure, the Medigap plan pays the 20% “gap” in coverage.

• Medicare Supplement plans can be shopped—and changed—any time of year.

Medigap plans are not restricted to annual enrollment/disenrollment periods like Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plans.

• Medicare Supplement plans are standardized (different insurance companies must offer the same exact Plan F, Plan G, Plan N, etc.)

Be aware that different insurance companies can charge different prices for the same exact plan.

The greatest value we can share with you is our knowledge. If you have any questions regarding Medicare insurance, please contact us.

Become a Medicare Supplement expert in just minutes using our online screen sharing with a licensed agent. Call us today!

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Better choices…Medicare Supplement savings.

Medicare Explained 2023 Fall Savings

Don’t listen to agents that prescribe Plan G for everyone.

Because of the potential for large monthly premium increases in the future, you’d better be flush with cash or living in a year-round open enrollment (Washington, New York, Connecticut, Vermont) or “birthday rule” (Oregon, California, etc.) state if you intend to go with Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan G. For folks like me living in an “underwriting” state—most states allow insurance companies to put you through underwriting (answer health questions) if you want to change your Medigap plan after your Initial Enrollment Period—it is important to take a look at Plan N as a hedge against large monthly premium increases in the future.

Is your Medicare insurance agent interested in the higher commission earned on the more expensive plans, or are they looking out for your future interests?

CALL (844) 300-2121 FOR MORE DETAILS

 

HOW CAN WE HELP?

    There are two kinds of people who want to cut Social Security

    “There are two kinds of people who want to cut Social Security—paid liars, and people who believe the lies.”

    —Social Security Works.

    HHS Inspector General’s Findings On Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization and Denials

    Click on the picture to see the HHS Inspector General’s report making recommendations to curb roadblocks to timely care for Medicare Advantage recipients.

    Throwing Good Money After Bad

    Lavishing cash on MA plans does not improve the quality of the plans according to numerous studies. Here’s one of the latest:

    Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Program Hasn’t Improved Quality, Study Finds

    CDC Official Coronavirus Information Page

    Here’s a good place to check for updates on all things Coronavirus:

    cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

    A More Reasoned Explanation of the 2022 Trustees Report

    From www.SocialSecurityWorks.org

    Mainstream media is all too eager to parrot right-wing thinktank doomsaying upon the release of the Trustees Report on the viability of the Social Security fund. The fact is right now the fund enjoys an approx. $2.85 trillion accumulated surplus.

    Read all about it here

    Plan F not available to those new to Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020

    The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) — TITLE IV—OFFSETS Subtitle A—Medicare Beneficiary Reforms SEC. 401. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN MEDIGAP POLICIES FOR NEWLY   ELIGIBLE MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES—included changes to Medigap plans that effects “newly eligible” Medicare beneficiaries after January 1, 2020.

    “Newly eligible” is defined as anyone who is turning 65 on or after January 1, 2020 or anyone who is eligible for Medicare benefits due to age or disability as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on or after January 1, 2020.

    As of January 1, 2020 MACRA prohibits sales of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans C and F to those “newly eligible” for Medicare.

    The law makes Plans D and G the new guaranteed issue plans for those who are “newly eligible” within the guaranteed acceptance rules for Medicare Supplement plans.

    The law also mandates that a Social Security Number can no longer be used as an identifier. This part of the law has already gone into effect and all current eligibles should have already received their new Medicare ID card with the new Medicare identifiers.

     

    “This delay in patient care is both unnecessary and unacceptable.”

    The American Hospital Association speaks out strongly against Medicare Advantage tactic of “prior authorization”.

    Complete AHA article and statement here

    Medicare Still Not Seeing Aggregate Savings From MA Plans

    After 20+ years Medicare Advantage plans still fail to provide savings for the Medicare program. Read about it here:

    Fierce Healthcare: MedPAC is asking Congress to change how MA payments are calculated

    BTW, Your Annual Flu Shot Is A No-Cost Preventive Service Under Part B Of Medicare

    (download complete Your Guide to Preventive Services PDF pamphlet)

    Changes In Part D for 2021

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made some changes to the way you create and store your prescription drug list for your Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare beneficiaries are now able to create an account at Medicare.gov to save prescription drug lists, keep track of claims, etc. Creating an account is easy. Check out the video.

    Quick Tips