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Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment
Medicare Plans

Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: How to Make Changes to Your Plans
Now that we are in October, the attention of many seniors has turned to the Medicare annual enrollment period. How could you not be thinking about it, right? The television commercials have begun, and the mailings have started piling up. Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment
During this time of year, it is important to understand exactly what changes you can make to your Medicare plans and how to go about making those changes.
Medicare Advantage Plan Changes
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan currently, you should have received a “notice of plan changes” in late September/early October detailing exactly how your Medicare Advantage plan would be changing for 2018. This type of plan changes each year – premiums, deductibles, co-pays, networks, etc.
While it can be tempting to just toss that mail out with the rest of the “junk” you receive this time of year, it is not wise to do so. This document contains vital information about how much your plan will cost and how it will work for the following year.
It is prudent to compare your Medicare Advantage plan against other Medicare plans during the annual election period each year, which runs from October 15 to December 7. Unless you fall into a special circumstance, this is the only time that you can make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage plan. Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment
There are several ways to go about doing this. One, you can compare the plans yourself on Medicare.gov. Medicare’s website will give you at least some idea of the differences in the plan costs; however, for more detailed information, including exclusions, networks, and more, you would need to acquire plan-specific information.
The other way that you can compare Medicare Advantage plans is by using an independent broker that works for many companies, not just one specific insurance company. They can provide all the details and make recommendations based on your specific situation.
Medicare Part D Changes
The other type of plan that you should compare during the annual election period is Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. If you have traditional Medicare, you probably also have a prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D. Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies, and they can vary tremendously.
Just like with Medicare Advantage, these plans can change each year, in terms of premium, deductible and co-pays. Also, your medications may change over time. The plan that was good for you this year may not work for you as well next year.
It is absolutely critical that you don’t let the annual election period slide by without at least taking a look at your “notice of plan changes” for Part D. And, if you really want to be proactive, which is advisable, you should compare the Part D plan options online.
There is a tool on Medicare’s website (www.medicare.gov), on which you can plug in your zip code, medications and pharmacy. Then, the Medicare Plan Finder will rank all the plans in order of which ones would give you the lowest overall annual cost, based your specific situation and medications. The tool can be a little tricky to use, but here are step-by-step instructions for using it.
A Word about Medigap and the Annual Enrollment Period
Contrary to popular misconception, the annual enrollment period does not affect Medigap plans at all. These plans have an open enrollment that coincides with your 65th birthday or Medicare Part B effective date, but there is not a recurring, annual period for Medigap plans.
That said, the annual period provides a great opportunity to compare your Medigap plan to other plan options and see how your rates stack up against the rest of the marketplace.
Any time you change Medigap plans or companies you do have to answer medical questions and be “approved” medically, unless you are in one of a few states that prohibits medical questions on the application. Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment

Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment

Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment Making Changes to your Medicare During Open Enrollment

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How Aging with Friends Fills the Void of Being Alone
Medicare Plans

United Healthcare Plan G

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

United Healthcare Plan G: Old Plan, New Company

Plan G is an increasingly popular Medigap plan, even more so with the announcement of the end of Medigap Plan F. Plan G has been increasing in market share and momentum as a viable alternative to the most common plan, Plan F. Now, one of the largest providers nationally of Medigap plans is entering the Plan G fray. United Healthcare AARP Plan G
United Healthcare Plan G is now being offered in many states, as of 7/1/2017. United Healthcare partners with AARP for Medicare plans, giving them a broad national reach and making them a leader in the Medicare insurance marketplace.

For the last few years, United Healthcare has been one of the few major players in Medigap plans that did not offer a Plan G. They have focused the majority of their Medigap marketing efforts on Plan F and Plan N. However, now that is changing.

United Healthcare currently offers Medigap plans in all 50 states. The United Healthcare Plan G is being offered in 25+ states starting in July. Other states are expected to approve the Plan G rates in the coming months.

What You Need To Know

Keep in mind that all Plan G’s are the exact same – they all provide identical coverage and go by the standardized Medigap coverage chart. Plan G is full coverage at the doctor and hospital, with the exception of coverage of the Medicare Part B deductible (currently $183/year). That is the only out-of-pocket costs that you are responsible for on this plan.

The plan standardization means that you can compare plans from United Healthcare with plans from other companies with the assurance that you will receive the same Federally-standardized benefits.

Likewise, in addition to the coverage being standardized, the way that the plans work is the same as well. All Medigap plans pay claims through the Medicare “crossover” system – this is Medicare’s electronic system for coordinating payments between Medicare and your Medigap plan.

Also, all Medigap plans can be used at any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, nationwide. So there are no networks with Medigap plans. United Healthcare AARP Plan G

Medigap rates are determined by a variety of factors, including where you live, your gender, and your age. So, it is prudent to compare plans for your specific situation before making or considering a plan change.
United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G United Healthcare AARP Plan G

United Healthcare AARP Plan G

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Medicare Plans

Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage

by Jagger Esch
written by Jagger Esch

When it comes to insurance, it would be fair to say you either pay now or pay later. If you pay now, you are choosing to pay a higher premium with the expectation your insurance plan will pay more when you file a claim. The pay later option means a lower monthly premium and leaves the Medicare Beneficiary with a greater out of pocket expense when seeking medical treatment. Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage
There are several reasons to choose a Medigap Plan over Medicare Advantage Plans. The comprehensive benefits provided by a Medigap, as known as Supplement Plans can limit or eliminate out of pocket costs. Individuals covered by a Medigap Plan avoid network restrictions and have coverage worldwide. Most importantly, Medicare Supplement Plans allow the insured to budget the cost of their coverage and reduce unexpected expenses.

Medicare Part A

For 2018, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1340, then the plan pays 100% of hospital expenses for that benefit period. The benefit period lasts 60 days from the start of the hospital visit. If your hospital stay lasts longer than 60 days, you will incur a per day coinsurance.
The Medicare Beneficiary is responsible for that daily coinsurance. After 60 days, or in the event of an unrelated condition, if the Medicare Beneficiary is admitted to the hospital, a new benefit period starts, and the $1340 deductible is applicable, again. This can continue throughout the policy year.

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers preventive services and medically necessary services such as doctor visits, durable medical equipment, diabetic supplies, and drugs administered in a doctor’s office.
The Medicare Part B deductible is $183 for the 2018 year, after the deductible is satisfied, Medicare pays 80%.

Gaps in Coverage

As you can tell, Original Medicare leaves gaps in coverage. There are gaps in Part A and gaps in Part B. Original Medicare does not have any out of pocket maximums or provide any caps to minimize the loss incurred by the Medicare Beneficiary. Your exposure to loss is undefined; there is nothing to protect the Insured person from financial losses.

Take into account that it cost about $5,000 to go to the emergency room. That’s without being admitted and without a gamut of tests. The gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare can be filled quickly and affordably by enrolling in a plan offered by any reputable insurance provider.

Medigap Plans Protect

Medigap plans do have a premium that is in addition to your Medicare Part A and Part B. The premium amount for your Medigap Plan is paid by the Medicare Beneficiary directly to the Insurance Company.

With a Medigap plan, you choose the amount of risk you are willing to take, the premium is reflected in the amount of benefits you elect. Regardless of the underwriting company (the name on the card you carry), the benefits are the same and are differentiated by letters.

Most people choose Plan G. Medigap Plan G, covers everything not covered by Medicare except for the $183 Part B deductible. The Plan F, provides the most protection to the Medicare Beneficiary, and minimizes the medical costs that could be incurred.

Of course, you can save on premium dollars if you are willing to consider some of the other plans. This is where your licensed insurance agent can help, by shedding some light on the various options that will provide the most coverage and still keep the premium within your budget.

Medigap Offers Freedom

You’re free to choose your doctors and hospitals. These plans allow Medicare Beneficiaries to select doctor’s based on their personal preference, in addition to choosing the hospitals they utilize. The only requirement, is that the provider accept Medicare.

The freedom offered by being insured can be liberating. Just ask someone who has been limited to a list of doctor’s or had a claim from a specialty hospital denied. Treatment of medical conditions/ diseases can be determined by the patient and doctor.

The Disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage Plans require the Medicare Beneficiary to use network doctors and hospitals. With most advantage plans, going out of network isn’t an option as there are no out of network benefits. Most have network restrictions and seeing a specialist will require a visit to your primary doctor to obtain a referral.

There are only specific periods during the year when you can enroll or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan. Otherwise, you can’t change your Plans during the year.
The premium on a Medicare Advantage Plan can be low or even zero. However, the Medicare Beneficiary will incur expenses over the course of the policy year, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Typically, Medicare Advantage Plans have an out of pocket maximum of at least $6,000.

You Get What You Pay For

Medigap Policies are the best choice for securing the most comprehensive coverage. You keep your Original Medicare Parts A and B. Then choose the Medigap Plan that best fits your needs and fills the gaps in coverage left by Medicare. A qualified licensed insurance agent can help you compare the costs and benefits of your options. When comparing your choices, it will become apparent which option will best suit your needs and budget.

Medicare Beneficiaries choose supplement plans for several reasons. Most people buy a Supplement Plan because they want to protect their assets. After more than 40 years in the workforce, it’s prudent to protect that which you have worked so hard to earn.
Others select a Medigap Plan for the freedom to choose their caregivers, hospital and doctors.

Medigap Policies provide coverage at any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare. In addition, these Supplement Plans provide coverage when you travel outside the United States.

When choosing a plan to fill the gaps left by Medicare, Medicare Beneficiaries are electing to purchase one of the Medigap Plan options. These plans offer a set monthly premium amount that Medicare Beneficiaries can work into their fixed income.

A set monthly premium works best for Medicare Beneficiaries as the unexpected out of pocket costs associated with a Medicare Advantage Plans leaves the insured person financially vulnerable.

There are several options available and the best way to shop around for the plan that meets your needs is to contact a qualified licensed agent. Your agent will ask you some questions to better understand your concerns and budget.

Once your agent understands your specific needs, he/ she will be able to check with the carriers in your region to advise which companies offer the best premium amounts for the coverage you’ve elected.

Enrollment into a supplement plan is best when you are first eligible for Medicare Part B. However, if you have delayed enrolling in Part B, because of coverage through your (or your spouse’s) group health insurance plan with an employer, you may be able to enroll in Part B and your Medigap Plan when that coverage ends. You will want to take action prior to the group plans termination day. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance agent as soon as you suspect any changes to your coverage.

Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage

Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Difference between Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage

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What you Need to Know about Open Enrollment fo Medicare
Medicare Plans

What you Need to Know about Open Enrollment fo Medicare

by Jagger Esch
written by Jagger Esch

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) begins October 15th and runs through December 7th each year. It’s also known as Medicare’s open enrollment. A time when Medicare Beneficiaries can re-evaluate their coverage and make changes. It’s also a good time for those who didn’t sign up for a Medicare plan when first eligible to go ahead and enroll. What you Need to Know about Open Enrollment fo Medicare
Depending on the type of plan you have, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage during this time. Only under special circumstances that qualify as a Special Election Period, can Medicare Beneficiaries make changes outside the Annual Enrollment Period. That’s why it’s imperative that you understand when you can make changes.
For example, with Medicare Advantage Plans (also known as Medicare Part C) the Annual Election Period is when you can sign up, change or disenroll from the plan. The AEP allows Medicare Beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A & B to switch to a Part C plan.
In addition, Medicare Beneficiaries that are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) can disenroll in the Advantage Plan and enroll in a Medigap Plan, also known as a Medicare Supplement Plan.
The effective date for coverage elected during the Annual Enrollment Period will be January 1st of the following year.

Provider Networks

Are you willing to change doctors to save money? If you are enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan, this will a topic on the table when you review your options. If you have any doctors that you are not willing to change, have that information handy.
It will help your agent research your options, and make sure the doctor you’d like to keep are in the preferred network of any Medicare Advantage Plan you are going to consider.

Prescription Drugs

Your pharmacy can provide you with a list of the drugs and doses you are currently prescribed. This list is convenient when reviewing your Part D, Prescription Drug coverage options. Whether you are enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement/ Medigap plan, you will need to know if you are getting enough prescription coverage.
Prescription drugs are categorized into different tiers, with copayments/ coinsurance depending on the tier they fall under. The same prescription may have different costs, depending on the Prescription Plan you purchase.
Your agent will ask you for a list of your prescription so they can review those options available and advise which one will best suit your needs.

How to evaluate your options

Confirm your eligibility to enroll

To sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the service area of the Medicare Advantage Plan.
If you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), there are a few exceptions, but typically you cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. You should contact Medicare for resources and options available.

Review changes to your situation and decide if your current coverage still meets your needs

Before the Medicare Annual Election Periodbegins, review the coverage you have in place. Consider the health benefits your current policy offers and weigh it against the benefits you’ve utilized over the previous 12 months.
You will receive an Evidence of Coverage from your current insurance carrier every fall. Use this document to review against your expected needs for the upcoming calendar year. Of course, nothing takes the place of a licensed insurance agent that can help you review the many options available to minimize your medical expenses.
Verify that your Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage is considered creditable. That means the coverage is expect to pay at least as much as the standard Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. If you go for 63 or more consecutive days without creditable drug coverage, you may incur a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty. That penalty never goes away.
If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) in place, you should check to see if your current plan offers dental and /or vision coverage. Usually, these ancillary benefits require a separate enrollment.
For most people, changes occur and our health coverage needs are no exception. It’s worth the time invested to make sure you have the coverage needed before it’s too late.

Be conscious of how enrolling in a Medicare plan may affect other insurance coverage

Coverage such as Tricare for Life or a Federal Employee benefits plan could be impacted if you choose to enroll in other Medicare Coverage. Before making any changes, be certain to speak to your licensed agent or benefits administrator to find out how your insurance works with Medicare.
There are some plans that require you to have Medicare to maintain eligibility, while others will cause you to irreversibly lose your coverage if you enroll into a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan.
We should really stress that if you have a retiree benefit plan, please contact your benefits administrator to be sure you understand your obligations in maintaining that coverage. Most plans that are offered to retirees just can’t be beat, so exercise caution if or when you choose to review other options that may be available.

Consider the cost of your coverage

With Medicare Advantage Plans, your insurance company reviews the plan benefits and premiums they charge, every year. Adjustments are made as needed to keep the premium/ loss ratio within the regulatory requirements.
Just as the insurance companies review the policies every year, your licensed agent can shop around and help you compare prices for the best coverage that will meet your anticipated needs and budget for the upcoming year. It has nothing to do with loyalty and is strictly dollar driven. Take advantage of the knowledge agents have to offer. Remember, the agent works for you.
Be cognizant of total cost sharing expenses. A lower premium doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll save money if it’s offset by high deductibles or copayments.
Medigap Plan benefits do not change. Medigap or Medicare Supplement Plans are regulated by Medicare and the benefits do not change. These are the plans that are differentiated by letters, such as Medicare Supplement Plan F or G. It is of interest to note, there are at least ten different Medigap plans currently available.
Any rate increases must be submitted and approved by Medicare. With a Medigap plan, the coverage is the same for a Plan F no matter who underwrites the policy. Medigap Plans cost a little more in premium than an Advantage Plan, but leave the insured person with less out of pocket expenses when seeking medical treatment.

What Can You Do

Working through the intricacies of Medicare can be like navigating through murky water. Frankly, you never really know what’s below the surface. You need a trust licensed insurance agent. The agent works for you, as a matter of fact, the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to help you find the best plan to meet your needs and budget.
Contact your pharmacy and ask them to provide you a list of your medications and doses. Then make a list of the doctor’s you want to be in your network. Determine what benefits are “deal breakers” when you start looking over your coverage options this fall.
Gather your receipts from copayments and coinsurance that you’ve paid for the current 2017 year. Then seek out your agent to help you review the data and make an informed decision as to which coverages will best suit your needs in 2019.

What you Need to Know about Open Enrollment fo Medicare

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Introduction to new Medigap Plan G
Medigap

Introduction to New Medigap Plan G

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

For many years now, the Plan F Medicare Supplement has been the top selling plan. Because of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Plan F will no longer be available for sale for people who turn 65 in 2020 and thereafter. People who have a Plan F in force at that time can keep their current plan or switch to another Plan F with a different company, but they may not want to. Here’s why: Introduction to new Medigap Plan G
As history has shown with other plans that have been eliminated in the past, Medigap enrollees can likely expect their premiums to rise significantly if younger and healthier seniors are prevented from enrolling in their plan. That is what exactly what happened when Medicare did away with the Plan J in 2010, and many experts expect the same result with the Plan F. Introduction to Medigap Plan G

Let Me Introduce You to Plan G

Plans F and G are identical with one exception – Plan G does not cover the annual Part B deductible (see the Medicare supplement plan chart on our comparison page). Part B of Medicare is the part that is paid to physicians or outpatient facilities for your care. So with a Plan G, you would be responsible for the annual Part B deductible – which is $183 in 2017.
Today, more and more seniors are finding that they can save on out of pocket costs by choosing Plan G instead of the Plan F. In most areas of the country, the difference in premium between a Plan F and Plan G is $280-360 per year. There is no need to pay the insurance company up to $360 more for the only additional benefit of them paying the $183 deductible for you. If you will pay that deductible yourself, you can pocket the difference. The Part B deductible will get paid to Medicare whether you pay directly with a Plan G or by letting the insurance company pay it through a Plan F with a convenience fee tacked on.

Why The Big Difference In Premium?

There are many theories as to why there is a big difference. Many experts attribute it to the fact that Plan G does not accept Guaranteed Issue enrollees. These are typically enrollees who are leaving an employer plan to go on Medicare. Plan F policies must accept all Guaranteed Issue enrollees without any underwriting, regardless of their current health.
Another school of thought says that many people will be more apt to seek treatment for minor issues as they have no deductibles or co-pays under the Plan F for Part B services. This is what is referred to as “first-dollar coverage.”
Either way, the better option is to go ahead and look at the Plan G (or even Plan N). The good news is that Plan G is already a better value today as I demonstrated above. Making a change could actually be beneficial now instead of waiting to see what possibly happens to Plan F premiums down the road. IIntroduction to new Medigap Plan GG
Keith Murray is an independent agent and the founder of ExpertMedicare.com and Integrity Senior Solutions Inc. Keith has over 21 years of experience working with Seniors on their Medicare insurance needs. He can be reached at 1-888-228-6119 or through the website. Introduction to new Medigap Plan G

Introduction to new Medigap Plan G

Introduction to new Medigap Plan G Introduction to new Medigap Plan G Introduction to new Medigap Plan G Introduction to new Medigap Plan G Introduction to new Medigap Plan G Introduction to new Medigap Plan G Introduction to new Medigap Plan G

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