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Explaining Medicare Part B Excess Charges
Medicare Plans

Explaining Medicare Part B Excess Charges

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

Medicare Part B Excess Charges: What Are They and How To Avoid Them?

Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that covers doctor’s visits and outpatient services. Medicare has a pre-defined fee schedule that most doctors that participate in Medicare use. This is called accepting Medicare “assignment.” Explaining Medicare Part B Excess Charges
However, doctors can choose not to accept that fee schedule and charge more than Medicare allows – these charges, over and above the Medicare payment schedule, are called Part B Excess charges. Explaining Medicare Part B Excess Charges

How Do Medicare Part B Excess Charges Work

When you go to a doctor that does not accept Medicare “assignment”, they have the option of “balance billing” above the Medicare payment schedule in most states. If you do not proactively ask the provider if they accept Medicare assignment, you may be surprised to receive a bill after services and after Medicare and your supplement insurance have paid their portions.
This bill will generally come to you 2-4 weeks after your visit to a non-participating provider in Medicare. The “excess charges” amount is limited to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Explaining Medicare Part B Excess Charges
Generally, we see these excess charges to occur with much more regularity at specialists as opposed to at primary care physicians.

How To Avoid Medicare Part B Excess Charges

There are two relatively easy ways to avoid Medicare Part B Excess charges altogether. The first is simply to make sure that you go only to doctors that participate in Medicare (i.e. accept Medicare assignment).
There is not a list of network providers maintained by Medicare, unfortunately. However, you can verify that your provider takes Medicare assignment by simply asking them. Anyone in the billing/insurance office should be aware of this practice and terminology and should be able to answer that question for you. Ideally, you would confirm this before seeing a doctor or receiving services.
The other way that you can avoid the excess charges is to be enrolled in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan that covers those excess charges for you. Most of the more common Medigap plans do cover the excess charges; however, Plan N is one of the plans that does not.
If you have Medicare with a Medigap Plan N, you will still be responsible for the Part B Excess charges if your doctor does not accept the Medicare payment schedule. Other common Medigap plans – such as Plan G and Plan F – do cover the Part B Excess charges. Explaining Medicare Part B Excess Charges

Other Considerations Related to Medicare Part B Excess Charges

There are a few states which have prohibited excess charges from being executed – currently, these states are: CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI and VT.
Nationally, Medicare Part B Excess charges are still relatively uncommon. Recent estimates show that patients get billed for excess charges on less than 5% of claims. Still, it is something that you should be aware of so that you can avoid this unneeded and preventable expense.
 

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Medicare Plans

Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

One of the superstars of Medigap plans in the last five years has been Medigap Plan G. This plan is one of the more comprehensive Medigap plans and has been increasing in market share and favorability with Medicare beneficiaries. Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem

What Does Medigap Plan G Cover?

Medigap Plan G is one step down from the “Cadillac” Medigap plan, Plan F. Plan G fills in all the gaps in Medicare with the exception of the Medicare Part B deductible. For 2017, that deductible is $183/year.
Plan G pays the Part A (hospital) deductible, as well as the 20% coinsurance that Medicare does not cover under Part A and Part B. So on a Plan G, your only out of pocket costs for Medicare-covered expenses would be the Part B deductible amount.

How Does Medigap Plan G Work?

Plan G works just like Plan F and the other Medigap plans. It is designed to work with Medicare and fill in the remaining gaps after Medicare pays. Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem
You can use a Plan G at any medical provider that accepts your primary coverage, Medicare. There are no networks on any Medigap plans, including a Plan G (Does my doctor accept my Medigap plan?).
Different insurance companies sell Plan G. In some states, there are as many as 30-40 companies that sell this plan. Each company may charge a different price for their Plan G, although the coverage is the exact same with each of them.
In addition, all the Plan G’s, regardless of which insurance company sells it, pay claims through the Medicare “crossover. This is Medicare’s automated claims payment system that works for Medigap plans and coordinates payments from your secondary insurance (Medigap). Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem

Is Medigap Plan G Right for Me?

That is the “64 million dollar question”. Or, maybe it’s the $183 question! The Part B deductible is the only difference between a Plan F and a Plan G. So if the premium savings on a Plan G is greater than the deductible amount, it certainly makes sense to consider a Plan G.
There are other considerations as well. If you have researched Plan F, you may be aware that Plan F is scheduled to end for new beneficiaries as of 2020. What this means for current beneficiaries in Plan F is uncertain, but most analysts agree that Plan F rates will not be as stable moving forward once no “new” beneficiaries are put into that plan. This makes Plan G an even more viable alternative.
Lastly, historically speaking, Plan G has been more stable over time than Plan F has. Plan F is offered in certain “guaranteed issue” situations whereas ‘G’ is not offered in those situations. Over time, this means the pool of Plan G policyholders is slightly healthier, and this has led to more stability over time for Plan G vs Plan F.

Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem

Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem Medigap G: A Solution to your Medigap F Problem

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Do All Doctors Accept Medigap
Medigap

Do All Doctors Accept Medigap

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

If you are turning 65 and comparing Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans, you will probably ask “do all doctors accept Medigap plans?“. This is one of the most common questions for people turning 65 – it can seem complex, but the answer is actually very straight-forward. Do All Doctors Accept Medigap
Put simply, when it comes to accepting Medigap plans, it all depends on if your doctor accepts Medicare itself. Medigap plans “follow” Medicare. So, if a doctor or hospital takes Medicare, they will accept your Medigap plan. It does not matter which company or plan you have since Medigap plans themselves do NOT have networks. Do All Doctors Accept Medigap
If your doctor is a non-participating provider with Medicare itself (rare), then they will NOT accept your Medigap plan either. If Medicare is not accepted, there is nothing for the Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan to “supplement”.
This is not the case, obviously, with many other types of insurance which rely heavily on network arrangements to determine which doctors you can/can not see. For example, under-65 individual plans, group plans, and Medicare Advantage plans all typically use a PPO or HMO network of providers.

What If My Doctor Does Not Accept Medicare Assignment?

There is a difference in accepting Medicare and accepting Medicare assignment. Medicare “assignment” is the terminology that essentially means whether or not a doctor accepts the Medicare payment as payment in full. Medicare has a pre-defined payment schedule for each service or procedure. This is the amount that they will pay to a provider for a certain service or procedure, and it is based on where you are located (varies by location).
Most providers DO accept Medicare assignment (most estimates show that around 95-96% of doctors do accept assignment nationally). This means they accept the terms and conditions (and amounts) on the Medicare payment schedule.
If a physician does not accept assignment, however, he or she can charge up to 15% above the Medicare payment schedule. This is called a “Part B Excess charge”. This is typically billed to you after the doctor visit. There are a few states that have prohibited the charging of these excess charges, including CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI and VT (as of early 2017). In those states, doctors can not charge above the Medicare payment schedule if they are going to accept Medicare patients.
Even when doctors do charge excess charges, many of the standardized Medigap plans cover these Part B Excess charges, including Plans F and G. Plan N is the most common plan among the plans that do not cover Part B excess charges.

Why Won’t My Doctor Accept My Medicare Supplement Plan?

We often get this question in January and February of each year. Inevitably, what has happened is the person is in a Medicare Advantage plan that they are mistakenly calling a Medicare Supplement. The Advantage plans all have networks and are typically PPOs or HMOs. Those networks change each year – sometimes even in the middle of a year – and if your doctor is not in network with the specific plan you have, you may have to find a new doctor.
This is one of many reasons why it is crucial to understand the differences in Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

Do All Doctors Accept Medigap Plans: The Bottom Line

So in summary, do all doctors accept Medigap plans? The short answer is “No”. However, if a doctor accepts Medicare itself, which is your primary coverage, then they will also accept your Medigap plan, regardless of what company sold you the plan or which Medigap plan you have. The key thing to remember is that Medigap plans “follow” Medicare. Do All Doctors Accept Medigap
Do All Doctors Accept Medigap

Do All Doctors Accept Medigap

Do All Doctors Accept Medigap

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Guide to Choosing a Part D Prescription Drug Plan
Medicare Plans

Tips to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Since over thousands of baby boomers enroll into Medicare every day, it’s important to know the facts about the health care insurance program. If you fail to learn, you remain open to expensive mistakes and catches. Tips to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls
Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, says, “Avoiding the most common errors in Medicare is the difference between having good financial and health security — or not.” He warns older consumers to learn the rules to avoid higher premiums.
I enrolled in Medicare last year and found the process overwhelming. With the difficult language and limitless selections to choose, it’s no wonder the enrollment left me puzzled. The continuous flow of promotional mail from insurance carriers made the matters worse, not better regarding gaining knowledge. The marketing letters just added to the confusion. And now I face open enrollment and fear the process will take similar paths.
So, to make it easier for the younger boomer, I’ve researched Medicare myths and truths with the intention to save you time and headaches. Here is my assessment:

  • Medicare is not free, and the program has an annual deductible. Beneficiaries do pay monthly premiums. Your income determines the amount.
  • Never assume you don’t qualify or haven’t earned the necessary credits. You may be eligible for the full benefits for Part A – hospital insurance. Understand that the credits are not mandatory to be eligible for Part B, doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical equipment. It’s a requirement that you enroll in Part D, the prescription drug plan, even if you don’t take medications.
  • You must sign up for Part B unless you are 65 and have health coverage at your job (or spouse job) and the employer has 20 plus workers, then delaying Part B is allowable.
  • Even if you have a retiree health plan or COBRA, Part B check with your plan to understand how it works with Medicare.
  • Never count on a friend, associates, or partner to steer you in the Medicare process. Assess your health needs, medications, treatments, physicians, etc. to learn which plan is best. Seek free consultations here.
  • Enrollment begins when you turn 65. You have eight months to enroll when you have coverage at work (or if a spouse carries you on their plan) when it ends.
  • Select a Part D plan according to the drugs you take. Compare coverage and costs among different plans by using the plan finder program on medicare.gov or by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227.
  • Open enrollment comes up once yearly in the fall about an open season that allows you to switch plans.
  • If you intend to buy Medigap, a supplement that covers some out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays, you must do it at the right time.
  • Don’t ignore the Annual Notice of Change that comes in the mail each September if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO) or a Part D drug plan. It states changes and cost increases. It is your chance to make comparisons.
  • There is help to pay for the Medicare, check the Medicare Savings Program and the Extra Help Program to see if you are eligible.

Tips to Avoid Medicare Pitfalls

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Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
Medicare Plans

Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Americans don’t celebrate it as a holiday, but July 30 is an important historical date in the United States. It was on this day in 1965 that President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law, introducing a national health insurance program for citizens aged 65 and older. Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
In its first year of availability, more than 19 million Americans enrolled in the program. Medicare has since expanded to include individuals who are permanently disabled and those who suffer from kidney failure. This year the number of enrollees is expected to reach 57 million, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As the Baby Boomer generation continues to leave the workforce, that number will continue to increase. In fact, Becker’s Hospital Review projects that 19.1 million more people will enroll in the program over the next 11 years. Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
That’s why it’s important for people approaching retirement to consider Medicare Supplement insurance. A Medicare Supplement policy can help patients cover some of the costs related to medical treatment that aren’t paid by Medicare. Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
But, before investing in Medicare Supplement insurance, consumers have to do their homework. They should review the 2016 Medicare and You guide published by CMS to find the latest updates to the Medicare program, and also research insurance companies. Not all companies are the same, and there are five things that people should consider before they decide which company to go with:

Insurance Company Ranking

There are many insurance companies that sell Medicare Supplement insurance in the United States today. Fortunately, there are third party organizations like Standard & Poor’s and A.M. Best that rate these insurance organizations for financial strength. These ratings are important to consider when choosing your coverage, as they rate an insurance company’s credit worthiness and its ability to pay its claims.

Experienced agents Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance

When buying Medicare Supplement insurance, be sure to work with an agent who is knowledgeable and experienced in selling the ten standardized Medicare supplement plans.
Medicare is a complicated topic and consumers have so many other issues to think about after retiring from a lifetime of work that working with an agent has its advantages.
The majority of insurance companies will educate and provide training to their agents to ensure that they know the product and insurance laws before they allow them to sell. These insurance companies make sure that their agents stay updated on the annual changes the government makes to the Medicare program, which helps them to work with customers to find the insurance policy(ies) that is right for them.

Pre-existing conditions

Not all Medicare Supplemental insurance programs cover pre-existing conditions. Before reading through a policy, a number of seniors sign up for insurance, only to realize later that they aren’t covered for a second heart attack, or for hospital stays due to recurring back problems during the preexisting condition limitation period.
All companies that sell Medicare Supplement policies cover all pre-existing conditions during an insured’s open enrollment period, which is six months from their Medicare Part B effective date—so start researching your options right away and be sure to connect with a knowledgeable sales person well within those first 180 days. But, some will issue the policy beyond the open enrollment period with a pre-existing condition clause attached. If you are like most consumers, and don’t want to worry about what might not be covered at the time of a claim due to a pre-existing condition, then it is important to choose a company that does not issue policies with pre-existing clauses.

Multiple plan options

Medicare Supplement insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are four parts to Medicare:
Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
• Part A, covering in-hospital care
• Part B covering medical services and preventative care
• Part C, Medicare Advantage which is a combination of the first two
• Part D, medical prescriptions
There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). Find a provider that can talk with you about what plans they offer in your state, and who can talk you through what will work best for your specific situation.

Customer’s Choice Understanding Medicare through Supplemental

Technology has changed the way the business of insurance is done. Today’s seniors are more tech savvy than previous generations, with Pew Research data showing that 61 percent of people over the age of 65 go online. Seniors expect and want to buy insurance the way they want to buy it – whether it’s purchasing online, over the phone, or face-to-face. When researching insurance companies, find one that will work with you the way you want. Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
Millions of Americans are helped by the Medicare program each year, but supplemental insurance plays a critical role in helping policyholders to cover expenses they would otherwise have to pay. You worked your whole life to be in a position to enjoy your retirement. Don’t let the exorbitant medical expenses from an unexpected injury or illness prevents you from doing that. Research how supplemental insurance can help you, and find an informed agent who can help you select coverage that is right for you. Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
By Kevin Murray and John Fauzey, Combined Insurance
Kevin Murray is Vice President, Combined Affinity Markets and John Fauzey is VP, Director of Senior Sales at Combined Insurance. Understanding Medicare through Supplemental Insurance
 

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How to Avoid Common Medicare Mistakes
Medicare Plans

How to Avoid Common Medicare Mistakes

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Medicare, our national social insurance plan for seniors, has been severely disabled since 1964. Compared to individual health insurance plans for those under 65, it is excellent coverage. But you must take an active role in managing your coverage. How to Avoid Common Medicare Mistakes
When you are approaching your 65th birthday, keep the following advice in mind:

  • Enroll on time How to Avoid Common Medicare Mistakes

    In the months prior to turning 65, you are going to be inundated by junk mail. Somewhere in all that, you will also receive a notice from the Social Security Administration that contains your award letter. It lists effective dates for your Part A and Part B, and your Medicare claim number. You will also receive your Medicare card, with the same information on it. Make a copy of the card, and keep these in a safe place.

  • Don’t assume you are enrolled

    Even if you haven’t received a letter or card, don’t assume you are enrolled. Call 1-800-Medicare and get your enrollment information over the phone. Or, you can even enroll online at www.Medicare.gov.

  • Choose a Medicare Supplement plan

    This is particularly important f you spend a lot of time in another home. One of the most common mistakes we hear is seniors choosing an Advantage plan that narrows their choice of providers, when they spend a great deal of the year out of this area. Advantage plans are Regional HMOs. They expect you to choose a primary care physician from their participating group, and that you only see specialists in their referral network.

  • Choose the best plan you can afford

    It is a lot easier to downgrade coverage later than it is to upgrade. For Medicare Supplements, the F plan is the best coverage available. With this supplement plan added to your Medicare plan, you will have almost no out-of-pocket expenses at all and have the largest choices of providers.

  • Medicare Supplements, review plans every year on your birthday

    You have 30 days after your birthday to change your plan with no underwriting, as long you move to a similar or lesser plan. If you want to improve your coverage, you will need to go through medical underwriting.

  • Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

    Schedule to review your plan each year during open enrollment, October 15 – December 7. Don’t assume that the premiums and co-pays for your medication will stay the same year to year.

If you receive a bill for any medical service, do not pay it until you receive the explanation of benefits from Medicare and/or your Medicare Supplement. It will explain why a charge was not paid. Often, it is as simple as incorrect coding and a simple phone call to the provider can get the bill resubmitted to Medicare. How to Avoid Common Medicare Mistakes

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Using WebMD for Second Opinions
Health Tips

Using WebMD for Second Opinions

by Steve Black
written by Steve Black

WebMD is an award-winning database of medical information and analysis, written and curated by over 100 doctors and health professionals from across the United States. It’s a great resource for getting the information you need to have an informed discussion with your physician at your next appointment (though no advice on the website should be acted on without consulting said physician). The following is a list of some of the most popular and useful features on WebMD. Using WebMD for Second Opinions

The Symptom Checker Using WebMD for Second Opinions

This is one of WebMD’s most-used features, which allows you to match symptoms of a problem to a possible medical condition. To start, simply select whether you’re checking symptoms for yourself or someone else, and said person’s gender and age range. You’ll be presented with a model of the body, which you can click on to pinpoint the area where the symptoms can be seen or felt. Then, simply specify your symptoms, and WebMD will create a list of possible conditions, with more likely ones appearing at the top. Click on one for more information about that condition.
This is a useful tool for making a general diagnosis if you wake up one morning with stomach pains, or you’re sitting the grandkids and one of them won’t stop crying because their ear hurts. Again, though, you should probably talk things over with a doctor before you decide on a course of action. For more detailed instructions on how to use the Symptom Checker, visit this WebMD Symptom Checker tutorial on Techboomers.com.

Drug and Supplement Database

WebMD also has a wealth of information on common medications and vitamin/mineral supplements (prescription and non-prescription). Did your doctor just prescribe a new drug for you? Have a look at what’s in it, what its common side effects are, and what it may do when combined with any other medications that you may be taking. Did you mix up your pills by accident? WebMD can help with that, too. Identify common pills by their shape, colour, or stamp to get your medications back in order.

Doctor/Hospital/Pharmacy Directory

Medical information and advice aren’t the only things that you can search for on WebMD! You can also find doctors who practice in your area based on their specialty, how far away they are from you, what kinds of health insurance they accept, what medical procedures they’re licensed to perform, and more! Using similar criteria, you can find local hospitals or pharmacies, too! So whether you’re moving to a new neighbourhood or just heading out of town on a vacation, you can use WebMD to know where you need to go if a medical emergency comes up.

Health Insurance Advisory Using WebMD for Second Opinions

Worried more about the financial side of your health than the physical side? WebMD can help you find peace of mind with its “Health Care Reform” section. In it, you can find various resources on United States medical insurance, from whether you need it or not to how much it costs to how the new Affordable Care Act changes the game to what plans are available from insurance companies in your area. When you put it all together, you’ll be able to find the health insurance plan that’s right for you and your family!

WebMD for Pets Using WebMD for Second Opinions

If you have a furry four-legged friend at home, WebMD has them covered, too! Whether you’re a feline fanatic or prefer canine companions, WebMD has information and advice that will help give your cat or dog the best care possible. For example, you can check what might be ailing your pet based on physical symptoms or behavioural oddities. Or, you can search for a specific topic within the “Pets” section (such as nutrition, training, or exercise) without having to search through the rest of WebMD. Just be sure to discuss any of your findings with your veterinarian before taking action! This WebMD for Pets article from Techboomers.com will give you more information on the service.
Of course, there’s much more to WebMD than just the services we’ve covered here. For example, you can also chat with WebMD users about your medical experiences, ask the WebMD community a question about your health, and get a health expert’s take on current medical trends. If you want to learn more about what WebMD can do for you, come see our WebMD tutorials on Techboomers.com! How to Use WebMD

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Medicare Rules You Must Know
Medicare Plans

Medicare Rules You Must Know

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Learn about these must-know facts about retiree healthcare.

Healthcare is an essential need for everyone, and it becomes even more important as you age and require more medical services. The Medicare program is a vital component of getting American seniors the healthcare they need, but it comes with some rules that many people find confusing or difficult to follow. Below, we’ve called out five key Medicare rules that should be foremost on your mind as you prepare for your golden years. Medicare Rules You Must Know
medicare1. When to apply for Medicare
Most people become eligible to receive Medicare when they reach age 65. As long as you or your spouse worked long enough to get Medicare coverage — typically 10 years — then it makes sense to apply for free hospital coverage under Medicare Part A at your earliest opportunity. You can file an application for Medicare as early as three months before you turn 65. Moreover, if you’ve applied for Social Security benefits earlier than that, then your Medicare Part A coverage will typically begin automatically on your 65th birthday.
Medicare Part B medical care coverage requires paying a monthly premium, so if you have other sources of coverage, you might not want to enroll automatically in the program. For instance, those who have group health coverage under an employer plan can wait beyond age 65 to sign up for Medicare Part B, and then sign up later when their other coverage ends. Again, though, applying three months prior to turning 65 is the best time to get Part B, and you can get automatic coverage if you so choose if you apply for early Social Security benefits.
2. Penalties for applying late for Medicare
The reason it’s important to apply for Medicare at the right time is that you can owe penalties if you get coverage late. Those who qualify for premium-free Part A coverage won’t face late penalties, but for Part B coverage, every 12 months that you go without enrolling when you should have will send your monthly premiums up by 10% for the rest of your life. Part D prescription drug coverage penalties for applying late can also apply if you chose not to get a policy when you were first able to do so.
As discussed above, some people have other sources of coverage through work or a spouse’s health plan. Such people get a special enrollment period starting the month after the qualifying coverage ends and extending for eight months. As long as you sign up for Medicare during that period, you typically won’t owe a penalty.
3. What Medicare Advantage plans offer that original Medicare doesn’t
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, have features that traditional Medicare doesn’t. Most Medicare Advantage plans are designed to have more complete coverage than traditional Medicare, offering out-of-pocket maximums and different copayment and coinsurance options that can change the amount you have to pay for medical services. By using managed care options, Medicare Advantage plans can cut costs and pass on savings to policyholders through better benefits or lower premiums. However, these plans can also have restrictions on which medical professionals you can use to take advantage of the best coverage options available. It pays to look closely at all your options to pick the one that best fits your needs.
4. When you can change your coverage
Annual enrollment periods allow you to switch between different Medicare offerings. From October 15 to December 7, you can change between original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, or you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans. You can also make changes to your prescription drug coverage during that period, whether it involves getting an integrated Medicare Advantage plan that offers such coverage or getting a separate policy under Medicare Part D.
A second period specifically allows you to go from a Medicare Advantage plan back to original Medicare, but no other changes are allowed. This period extends from January 1 to February 14.
5. How to deal with disputes over coverage
You’re allowed to appeal a decision that Medicare or a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan provider makes concerning your coverage. If you’re denied coverage, then you’ll typically go through a five-step process. First, you can seek a redetermination by the company handling claims for Medicare. If that doesn’t work, then a qualified independent contractor will reconsider the decision. Your next recourse is a hearing before an administrative law judge, and if that fails, then a Medicare Appeals Council can review the case. Finally, you have the right to take the case to federal court for a judicial review.
Medicare is an essential part of your financial planning, and understanding these rules will go a long way to making sure you have the coverage you deserve. Keep these rules in mind, and you’ll be able to make better decisions about Medicare when the time comes.

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What is Medigap?
Medigap

What is Medigap?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

What is Medigap?

What is Medigap?As to most people didn’t know about, although they should be. Medigap is an insurance that covers the gaps by Medicare. And although Medigap is private coverage insurance, it is highly synchronized by both federal and state government, and for this reason, what is Medigap best value is that it is affordable for many seniors. What is Medigap?
The cost of health care is so expensive these days. Sometimes, when doctors or surgeons charge more than Medicare, you will have to pay the difference.
The best thing is to apply for it within 6 months of first being covered by Medicare, because at this season, insurers are obligatory to sell you the policy you want, even if you are considered high risk, or have a pre-existing condition. Plans must be guaranteed renewable as to what is Medigap rule that it cannot be canceled as long as you keep paying the premiums.
There are ten different standardized Medigap plans authorized by the federal government. However, individual states can decide which and how many are offered to sell to people. What is Medigap basic coverage of Plan A is that it is offered in every state, and every insurance company that sells Medigap must offer it. Basically, Plan A covers payments you would be accountable for if you were hospitalized for over 60 days, and Medicare no longer covered you. What is Medigap another concern is that it would also pay that part of payment of nonhospital care that Medicare Part B wouldn’t cover. Plan A would also cover the first 3 pints of blood you would need, in or out of the hospital. So plan A is a basic coverage.
Choosing among all the policies offered can be perplexing, so study the variety of plans well, what is Medigap benefit and what is Medigap best offer for you.
When choosing a plan, do as much evaluation shopping as possible, before you decide.
In conclusion, learn the plans and choose sensibly, making sure that your Medicare and Medigap policies together cover as many health catastrophe as possible.
 

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