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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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Understanding Medicare Plan N
Medicare Plans

Understanding Medicare Plan N

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

Medicare Plan N is one of the 10 standardized Medigap plans that are offered to supplement traditional Medicare. Plan N is one of the options that is typically a lower premium with more cost-sharing. So, it can be a good fit for someone who is in relatively good health or who wants to go with a lower-premium option.
Plan N works just like other Medigap plans. Coverage is Federally-standardized, so one Plan N will be the exact same as any other Plan N in terms of coverage. In addition, you can go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare – there are no networks. Also, all claims under Plan N are paid automatically through the Medicare “crossover” system.

What does Plan N cover?

Plan N covers the Medicare Part A (hospital) deductible in full. It also pays in full for the hospital coinsurance, hospice coinsurance, and skilled nursing facility coinsurance (20%). So, it is essentially complete and full coverage under Part A charges, filling in the gaps in Medicare Part A.
The Part B (doctor fees and outpatient) charges are where Plan N differs from other, more comprehensive plans like Plan F, Plan C and Plan G. Plan N does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $183/year for 2017. Also, after that deductible is met, you have co-pays for doctor visits under Plan N – these co-pays are $20 per visit (primary or specialist) and $50 for a visit to the emergency room. Lastly, Plan N does not cover the Part B Excess charges. In short, Part B excess charges are when a doctor does not accept the Medicare payment schedule as payment in full. Under Plan N, you are responsible for paying these.
You must have Medicare Part A and B in order to purchase any Medigap plan, including Plan N. Rates vary considerably depending on your age and where you live. In some states, Plan N can be a very competitively priced plan and a great value. In other areas, the price difference between Plan N and more comprehensive plans is so small that it may not make sense.
It is advisable to research whether Plan N is right for you and how to choose a Medigap plan prior to turning 65 or selecting a plan. If you are in good health with minimal pre-existing conditions, it may make sense to go with a Plan N. However, it is always a good idea to think about your Medigap selection with a long-term perspective as you may have to “qualify medically” to change plans at a later time.
 
 

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Medicare Plans

Boomers turning 65 face complex healthcare choices

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Every day, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. Not everyone will sign up, but it’s important to understand the importance of early choices when enrolling in Medicare for the first time. Boomers turning 65 face complex healthcare choices
You can enroll in Medicare three months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 or up to three months afterward.
“Turning 65 opens the door to Medicare eligibility, but it brings with it some complex choices,” says Paula Muschler, manager of the Allsup Medicare Advisor, a personalized Medicare plan selection service. “Choices seniors make at this time can impact their healthcare costs over the long term and their entire family.”
Muschler offers the following key steps for Medicare first-timers.
1. Take a look at your existing group health plan coverage and think about how it will coordinate with Medicare. Many people work past age 65. As a result, Medicare-eligible individuals who have health coverage through their employer or their spouse’s employer may be able to wait to enroll in Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient medical care. This is not true in every case, however. This option depends on other factors, such as the size of the employer and how soon you expect to retire after reaching 65. You may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part A, which includes hospital coverage, even if you defer Part B.
2. Consider the options for first-time enrollment, keeping in mind your current health needs and financial resources. If you choose traditional Medicare, you have an average of 31 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans from which to choose. You can also choose from 10 standard Medigap policies for supplemental coverage, ranging from basic to comprehensive coverage. The price for these plans also can differ from one company to the next.
Adding to the complexity, Medigap plans are not required to accept you after your initial enrollment period. This is one reason first-time choices are crucial. Seniors evaluating Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare also have an array of options – an average of 20 plans, depending on where you live. “We’ve been able to help Allsup customers find plans that cost less and match their specific healthcare needs,” Muschler says.
3. Follow Medicare enrollment rules to avoid costly mistakes. Penalties are in place for decisions related to Part B and Part D coverage. The late-enrollment penalty is 10 percent for each full 12-month period you could have been enrolled in Part B. Likewise, Part D imposes a penalty if you go for more than 63 days without coverage after enrolling in Part B.
“Your first-time Medicare plan choices also are more complicated if you have retirement dates, COBRA coverage or dependent coverage to consider,” Muschler says. “These are good reasons to contact a Medicare specialist, who can help answer the right questions and provide guidance to seniors so they make choices that match their situations.”
4. Understand how higher income and changes in your income affect Medicare costs. Higher-income beneficiaries pay higher premiums for Medicare Part B and prescription drug coverage. For Part B, the 2013 monthly premium is $104.90 for joint filers with income of $170,000 or below ($85,000 for single filers). However, the premium increases to between $146.90 and $335.70 for those with incomes above these thresholds. Likewise, higher-income beneficiaries can expect to pay from $11.60 to $66.40 more each month in prescription drug premiums.
The Social Security Administration uses IRS records when determining premiums. Social Security may reduce an individual’s income-related monthly premium with verification. “Social Security has specific requirements about how you can document changes in your income when you are requesting reduced Medicare premiums,” Muschler explains.
5. Review healthcare coverage for your spouse and dependents to determine how your choices may affect their coverage. If you are nearing Medicare eligibility, you can find yourself at a crossroads when it comes to providing healthcare for your entire family.
Some employers may continue to provide coverage to a worker’s family, or you may need to purchase COBRA coverage or private coverage for family members. “One early step is to talk with your benefits plan administrator to see what options you may have and then plan for your family,” Muschler says.
Seniors turning 65 have seven months during their initial enrollment period to make critical decisions. But you can begin evaluating your options earlier to be better prepared.
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Boomers turning 65 face complex healthcare choices

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Checklist for Retirement
Retirement Planning

Checklist for Retirement

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Are you looking to retire within the next two to three years? If so, it is imperative that you are prepared to make the leap. Retirement can be a fun and exciting time in your life, but only if you are fully prepared for it. We have made a checklist to make sure you are prepared for this new season of life. Checklist for Retirement
 
Before retiring from your job, make sure that you and your spouse are properly covered by health insurance. Not taking this step can be costly and it can have a negative impact on your retirement savings. Checklist for Retirement
Most senior citizens are able to qualify for Medicare. Do you? If so, complete your paperwork and signup right away. You do not want to create any lapses in coverage. If you do not qualify for Medicare yet, be sure to examine other avenues of coverage. Can you purchase affordable health insurance or can you extend your current health insurance plan with COBRA?
Before retiring from your job, make sure that both you and your spouse are covered with the right amount of life insurance. Do you have a private life insurance policy? If not, now is the time to get one. Some employers terminate an employee’s life insurance policy if it was provided and paid for by the company. As your age increases, life insurance is a must, so make sure that you are covered.
If you have been contributing to your company’s 401(k) plan and an IRA, you need to decide when to start withdrawing this money, as well as how you want to do so. Do you want to receive one large, lump sum payment? If you are unsure, it may be best to first consult with a financial advisor. In fact, when doing so, be sure to ask about all rules and restrictions. If you withdrawal your money from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) before the written guidelines, you may be charged a penalty. Checklist for Retirement
Over the past few years, you likely developed a clear vision of what your years in retirement would look like. Where do you want to live? What type of property do you want to live in? What activities do you want to enjoy? Do you want to start your own small business? Your retirement savings are likely based on your retirement wants and needs. Now is the time to make any last minute changes, as you still have a couple of years to save additional money.
Do you foresee yourself making a large purchase in the near future? These purchases can include a new home or a car. If so, now is the time to make them, especially if you will depend on financing from a professional lender. Some lenders will give loans to those in retirement, but some are also cautious of doing so, due to fixed income living. That is why you are encouraged to make all large purchases before you enter into retirement.
The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want to examine and take action when needed. As a reminder, if you plan to retire in two or three years, you still have time to save for retirement. Contribute any amount that you can to your 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA). When it comes to retiring, there is no such thing as having too much money.

Checklist for Retirement

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Presidential Election Aging Issues
Retirement Planning

Top Presidential Election Aging Issues

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Questions seniors should ask the candidates about Social Security and Medicare

Whether you’re retired, still working, or in school, be concerned about Social Security and Medicare, because they are in trouble. If you’re like 170 million Americans who contribute to Social Security and Medicare, or one of the 54 million who rely on both, you should demand to know the candidates’ plans. Presidential Election Aging Issues
At the heart of many retiree’s financial security, lies Social Security, but its solvency is at risk. The program celebrated its 80th anniversary, and it continues to help lower the poverty rate among older Americans, in particular, older women. Without benefits, 48% of them would fall below the federal poverty line. But with Social Security, only 11% live in poverty. The program is also the largest children’s benefits program in the nation, so its future has intergenerational consequences.
The presidential elections are around the corner, so it’s a great opportunity for older Americans to speak up and ask each candidate how they plan to save Medicare and Social Security? I’m not here to debate which candidate will serve us best. Instead, I raise a few questions that we should ask to learn how they will save the vital programs?
Since every 18 seconds, the 65+ population increases by one person, the answers are critical. At the moment, the total count is close to 49,445,000, and it’s expected to grow to 83,000,000 by 2050. Watch the live counter http://www.seniorcare.com/featured/aging-america/. For this reason, Mrs. Clinton, and Mr. Trump, I want to know, “What is your vision for older adults, and what role will the government play in our behalf?
The recent trustee report shows that retirees could face a reduction in Social Security payments after 2035. As president, what actions would you take on to save it? Would you increase the payroll tax rate, reduce benefits, privatize the retirement program, or none of the above? If the latter, what is the alternative? Top Presidential Election Aging Issues
Both trust funds, Medicare and Social Security, shows the two will exhaust. Medicare by 2024 under today’s law, and the Social Security by 2033. So, as you see, Mr/Ms. President, we need to know, and we need to know fast.
In the case of Medicare, would you permit reforms in the Affordable Care Act to change how the medical systems deliver care? Will you continue to penalize hospitals if a patient returns within the 30-day window following surgery? Would you encourage health care systems to increase coverage for preventative care? How else do you propose to save Medicare?
So many seniors worry about the high costs of drugs. What do you think about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program? And what would you do about the rising costs of prescription meds?
What’s your plan to eliminate the shortfall? One answer better not be, “Older Americans need to die younger.” I’m sure you’ll find only a handful of volunteers willing to oblige. Most of us aspire to live longer.
Carol Marak, aging alone advocate, columnist, speaker and editor at Seniorcare.com. A former family caregiver, She earned a Fundamentals of Gerontology Certificate from the USC Davis School of Gerontology and writes about personal concerns while growing older.
Top Presidential Election Aging Issues

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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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Cutting Expenses for Retirement
Money Tips

Cutting Expenses for Retirement

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

According to CNN Money, you can expect your monthly expenses in retirement to fall by 30%. Cutting Expenses for Retirement
The rule of thumb is you’ll only need abo­­ut 70% of your pre-retirement income to live comfortably. A 30% decrease in your expenses is natural, but you can still go further. Cutting your expenses by 50% after retirement is within the realm of possibility. Some of it will happen naturally and some of it may require action on your part. Read on to get some ideas flowing! Cutting Expenses for Retirement
Payoff has Some Simple But Proactive Ways to Decrease Expenses
Take your natural decrease in expenses even further with the tips below!

  • Consider reducing insurance coverage. Life insurance is mainly for those who depend on your income. At this point in your life, your children are probably grown and your spouse has his or her own money flowing in. Consider getting rid of or cutting back on your life insurance. If you’ve been able to save during your career, this may be enough of a legacy for your loved ones.
  • Be sure to take required minimum distributions on your 401(k). Each year, anyone over 70 ½ is required to make minimum withdrawals from their retirement accounts. If you don’t take out the right amount, then you will be penalized heavily. It’s a 50% penalty PLUS income tax on the amount you should have taken. If you’re unsure of how much you should be taking out, look here to help with the calculations.
  • Take caution to reduce fees from ATMs and banks. Limit your transactions, particularly on investments, and be sure you’re following the rules on using your bank account. These small fees can add up!
  • Prioritize spending the money that will be taxed first. Many types of retirement accounts will get automatically taxed. So save your 401(k)’s until after you’ve spent those. You don’t get taxed on your 401(k) until you take the money out, so keep it in there (but take minimum distributions!) until you have exhausted all of your other already-taxed money.
  • Don’t be late for Medicare. Premiums increase the longer you wait to sign up. In fact, for each year you wait to enroll, the cost increases by 10%.
  • Senior discounts! You’ve earned them, so feel free to ask for all the discounts you can get. Some companies publicize discounts, but many don’t, so it’s always a good idea to ask whenever you go to purchase anything from food to hotel stays.
  • Travel! Retirement is a great time to travel! You can now go anywhere at any time of year. Use that flexibility to take advantage of the cheapest time of year to travel and on the cheapest day. Here’s a good resource on how to find cheap flights. The reduced stress from avoiding peak travel times may also help to lower your medical bills!

If You’re Ready to Take The Bigger Steps To Savings:

  • You’ve probably considered selling your home. Big homes are a huge and potentially unnecessary expense. With the kids out of the house, you may not need so much space. Psychologically, it may be hard to let go, so this is a decision that should be carefully weighed. How much are the savings and simplified lifestyle worth to you?
  • To take things one-step further, consider moving far away! You are no longer tied down to a job. Consider a city, a state, or even a country with a low cost of living. Arizona and Florida treat early retirees particularly well.
  • Could you survive as a one-car household? If it sounds possible, this could save you thousands of dollars. You’ll need one less garage stall, be able to do away with insurance and registration for a second car, be making a great step towards the more simplified lifestyle you may desire.
  • Price comparison-shopping may have seemed like a luxury when time was short, but now it’s a luxury you may be able to afford. Instead of rushing to get a new clothes dryer on the weekend, you can wait and make sure you’re making the best deal possible. If you enjoy clipping coupons, now’s your chance to finally master that elusive $100 per month grocery goal you’ve had for years!
  • If you still have any, now is the time to focus on eliminating debt! Expenses have never been lower, and you’re freer to explore all of your options. Payoff.com is a great option for helping with credit card debt. With a dedicated advocate by your side, they will help you get to the retirement you’ve always dreamt of-free from debt!
  • Still have a landline? Use an outdated internet service? Consider learning about and adopting the latest technologies, while dispensing with the old ones. You may find that this not only saves you money but also helps you to connect with everyone around you!
  • Consider devoting more time to do-it-yourself projects. Instead of outsourcing work you once enjoyed, like gardening, you can now do it yourself. In theory, you’ll have 40+ hours freed up to devote to new projects. What will you accomplish? Maybe turn your hobby into a new business?

How Low Can You Go?
Remember when you were a teenager? Your expenses were probably pretty low. You can get them low again in retirement. There are so many ways to naturally and proactively save money in retirement. The best news is that it’s not just about savings. It’s about living the lifestyle you want.
Take your savings and new flexibility to make your dreams a reality. Have you ever wanted to live abroad? Go ahead! Have you ever wanted to learn carpentry skills? Go for it! You will have more time for it, and the resources to pursue it. What will you do with your extra cash?
Enjoy retirement! You now get to save (and spend) money on your own time, and on your own terms.
Brought to you by Payoff! Cutting Expenses for Retirement
DISCLAIMER – All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. The above statements are provided as tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. Payoff cannot and does not guarantee applicability or accuracy regarding your individual circumstances. You should consult with a financial professional about your personal situation.

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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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