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Am I covered for Travel Under Medicare?
Travel

Am I covered for Travel Under Medicare?

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

How Much Does Healthcare Cost Around the World?

It is widely known that the United States spends more money per person on healthcare than any other developed nation in the world. If you are living in a country which has socialized medicine, the cost of medical treatments, office visits, etc. are typically much lower than in the U.S. Generally, speaking to cost only and not quality or ease of care, you will see the costs of healthcare in developed nations to be at least 50% lower than what you might pay in the U.S. Am I covered for Travel Under Medicare?

Medicare coverage for travel within the U.S.

Original Medicare:

Original Medicare is a national plan. The Medicare coverage is the same no matter what U.S. state you are visiting. With Medicare, you can travel domestically and still be covered under the same, identical Medicare coverage that you have when you are at home.

Medigap Plans:

Medigap plans “follow” Medicare. In other words, anywhere that takes Medicare will also take your Medigap plan. This, obviously, includes any doctor, hospital, facility in the United States that takes Medicare. Medigap plans provide additional coverage for the gaps that your existing Original Medicare does not cover. So, when traveling domestically, your Medigap plan will continue to supplement the costs of your care.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C):

Medicare Advantage plans are based on geographical areas. The plans you are eligible for depend upon where you reside and in which county you live. Please be aware that if you have been outside of your service area for 6 months or longer, your Medicare Advantage plan provider may automatically disenroll you.

Medicare coverage outside the U.S.

Original Medicare:

While original Medicare covers you without interruption within the United States and its territories, including Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is no coverage for any healthcare costs outside of the United States or any of its territories. You will be responsible for all the costs. Once you cross the border, you can say goodbye to your health coverage. The good news though, is that there are a few exceptions to this:

  • If you are on a cruise ship that is a maximum of 6 hours or less from a U.S. port, it is treated as domestic travel.
  • If you’re traveling directly to or from Alaska by way of Canada, you can visit a Canadian hospital.
  • If you happen to have a medical emergency in the U.S., but there is a foreign hospital nearer, then you may visit the foreign hospital without incurring any penalty.
  • In the case of a non-emergency – if you live closer to a foreign hospital, then you may go to that hospital without penalty.

For all the above exceptions, the total costs of your hospital stay will be covered. In addition, your emergency room visit will also be covered if you are not admitted to the hospital. Please note, your medical transportation or follow up care will not be covered until you return to the United States.

Medigap Plans:

Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N, will provide coverage for foreign travel emergency health care when you travel outside the U.S. (or its territories). Although plans E, H, I, and J are no longer available, if you bought one of these plans prior to June 1, 2010, you have had the opportunity to keep it. If you are still on one of the discontinued plans, they also provide for foreign travel emergency health care coverage. The following provisions are included in this benefit:

  • The medical emergency must commence within the first 60 days of the start of your trip, and if Medicare won’t otherwise cover that care.
  • The plan pays 80% of the incurred charges for certain health care services or supplies for emergency care outside the U.S. after you have met a 250 deductible for the year.
  • There is a lifetime limit of $50,000.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C):

Medicare Advantage plans do not function like Medigap plans. Part C plans work differently. Each plan can decide which benefits to offer and that pertains also to foreign travel. To find out what the foreign travel coverage benefits are, you will have to ask your plan provider. Some plans cover travel emergencies and some do not. Part C plans also may not cover you in every country.
If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. for an extended period, there are long-term options for foreign health insurance, which is called “expatriate insurance”. Benefits may differ for each country.
The best advice you can have prior to travel abroad or within the U.S. and its territories, is to be prepared. Ask your plan provider or Medigap insurance company what coverage they will provide during your trip. Be aware of where you are covered and under what circumstances, and then plan accordingly.

Am I covered for Travel Under Medicare?

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What are Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medigap
Medicare Plans

What are Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medigap?

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

Have you wondered why some people can bypass all those medical questions on Medigap applications, while others must answer them? These seniors have what is called “guaranteed issue rights, also known as “Medigap protections“. It is when insurance companies afford you the right, under certain circumstances, to enroll in Medigap policies without having to answer medical questions. What are Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medigap
The insurance companies that sell Medigap plans are required by law during this protected time to:

  • sell you a Medigap policy at the best available rate regardless of your health condition. They cannot deny you coverage
  • cover all your pre-existing health conditions
  • NOT to charge you more for a Medigap policy because of any health problems, whether in the past or present.

Although insurance companies must follow the Federal law, each state may include additional enrollment periods during which Medigap protection rights may exist. You need to check with your state SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for more information.

In Which Situations Can You Use Guarantee Issue Rights for Medigap?

  1. If you currently have health coverage through an employer group plan (including retiree or COBRA) or through a union, and that coverage will be ending. Note: If you are on COBRA, you can enroll in a Medigap policy immediately or when your COBRA coverage is terminated.

To have your guaranteed issue right applied:

  • It must be no later than 63 calendar days from the date you lose your coverage; or
  • You get a notice telling you that your coverage is ending; or
  • You have proof of that date on a claim denial, if none of the other two options are available.
  • Please note, that your guaranteed issue rights may be extended for up to 12 months in certain situations depending on State law.

Make sure you keep a copy of any letters, notices, postmarked envelopes, and claim denials, as you may need to show proof and include them with your Medigap application.

  1. If you were enrolled in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) when you were first eligible for Medicare, or PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) and disenrolled within the first 12 months you had the plan to return to Original Medicare (Trial Right). Know the differences in Medigap and Medicare Advantage
  • The earliest date you must/can enroll in a Medigap policy is two months prior to the date your coverage will end; but no later than 63 calendar days following the termination of your coverage.
  1. You are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, and your plan is leaving Medicare or can no longer provide care in your area, or you are moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.
  • The earliest date you must/can enroll in a Medigap policy is two months prior to the date your coverage will end; but no later than 63 calendar days following the termination of your coverage.
  1. You have a Medicare Select policy and you move out of your plan’s service area.
  • The earliest date you must/can enroll in a Medigap policy is two months prior to the date your coverage will end; but no later than 63 calendar days following the termination of your coverage.
  1. You lose your coverage because of your Medigap insurance company going bankrupt, or your Medigap policy coverage ends through no fault of your own.
  • You must/can enroll not later than 63 calendar days from the date your coverage ends.
  1. You leave a Medicare Advantage Plan or are disenrolled from a Medigap policy due to the insurance company ignoring the rules, or misleading you.
  • You have 63 calendar days from the date your coverage ended to buy a Medigap policy under guaranteed issue rights.

Note that you can enroll in a Medigap plan at any time. There is not an annual enrollment period for these plans. However, if you are not in one of these “guaranteed issue” situations, you have to answer medical questions and “qualify” in most situations. Regardless of your situation, it is important to follow the steps to compare Medicare Supplement plans before enrolling.
Lastly, it is strongly advisable to enroll in a Medigap policy before your current health care coverage ends. You can apply while you still have your coverage but the earliest effective date won’t be until the day after your current coverage ends. At all cost, try not to have any breaks in health care coverage, otherwise, you may not be eligible for Medigap protection when you most need it!

What are Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medigap

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Turning 65 - Steps To Enrolling In Medicare
Medicare Plans

Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson
Turning 65. A milestone. Qualifying for Medicare means a whole new world of healthcare options. But there are many questions that come with a comprehensive health plan such as Medicare. “What do all of these Parts and Plans mean? When do I need to enroll? What plan offers the best coverage? Have you seen how much mail I have gotten about Medicare options?” Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare
We completely understand! It can be totally overwhelming, to say the least. The transition onto Medicare can be completely painless and simple if you know the proper steps to take.
There are many informative videos available on YouTube that are designed to help educate those new to Medicare. You can find a lot of the information you need without a salesman or marketer looking over your shoulder. No one is there pressuring you to make a decision. And it can all be done right on the device you are reading this article on right now, from the comfort of your home.

Your Medicare Options

Medicare Part A and Part B are the only parts of Medicare that you enroll in through Social Security, and you can do that at your local Social Security office, through the SSA.gov website, or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213. The other Medicare Parts (Part C & Part D) and any supplemental coverages are done through an insurance company or an independent agent.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before being eligible for Medicare and reside in the United States, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B. You can look for your Medicare card in the mail 3-4 months before your 65th birthday.
Here are the steps you will need to take to get your Medicare coverage in place:

  • Confirm you are eligible for Medicare
  • Learn about Medicare costs so that you can prepare for what you will pay
  • Contact Social Security for the necessary forms to apply for Medicare – www.ssa.gov
  • Receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card and verify that the information is correct, including that you are enrolled in Part A AND Part B
  • Learn about your coverage options: Medicare supplement vs Medicare Advantage
  • Learn about Part D – the Medicare Drug Plan – and determine which Part D drug plan is best for you
  • Learn the importance of having an independent agent who works for you and not for the insurance company (the prices are identical whether you enroll directly with the company or use a trustworthy, independent agent)
  • Review your coverage with your agent annually to ensure you are getting the best available coverage at the best price from year to year

 
Keith Murray is an independent agent and the founder of 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 at https://medigap.us.

New to Medicare? Check out our Medicare Made Easy video series at medigap.us/medicarevideos

Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare

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Turning 65 – Steps To Enrolling In Medicare
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Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan
Medicare Plans

Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

When you are turning 65, you most certainly get inundated with information from all different sources – direct mail, phone calls, TV ads, unsolicited advice from friends and more. So, how do you sort through the noise to find the right course of action for you? Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

The first, and really most important, choice that you will have is whether you will stay with traditional Medicare and purchase a Medigap policy to fill in the “gaps” in Medicare or whether you will opt for a Medicare Advantage plan. The differences in Medigap and Medicare Advantage are numerous, so it is crucial to understand them and make an informed choice when looking at these two options.
To briefly address those differences, Medigap plans pay AFTER Medicare and “supplement” Medicare; Medicare Advantage plans pay INSTEAD of Medicare. Medigap plans do not have networks (can go to any doctor nationwide that takes Medicare); Medicare Advantage plans are usually HMOs or PPOs and do have networks and sometimes require referrals to see specialists.
As far as costs, Medigap plans typically have higher premiums than Medicare Advatnage plans in most areas of the country. But in terms of out-of-pocket costs, Medicare Advantage plans have a menu of co-pays and deductibles for each different service or procedure, whereas the out-of-pocket costs on Medigap plans are more limited and defined. Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan
The last consideration when comparing these two is future insurability. When you go with the Medicare Advantage plan initially, you may have to go through underwriting in the future if you decide you want to switch to a Medigap plan. Some people choose to start with Advantage plans, since they are in good health, then later try to switch when they have more health problems. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to do that. Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan

Next Step: Compare the Plans

Once you decide which route you are going to – Medigap or Medicare Advantage – you can start to compare the plans. Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan
Medigap plans are relatively straight-forward to compare. They all are required go by the standardized coverage chart. So, for example, a Plan G (usually the best deal) with one company is the exact same as a Plan G with another company. See more about what Plan G offers.
Comparing Medicare Advantage plans can be more difficult as there are more variables, but that makes it even more crucial to do. Some things you need to consider when comparing Medicare Advantage programs are the network of doctors/hospitals, the coverage for your specific medications, the premium for the plan, the co-pays for different medical services and procedures, and the rating and history of the plans you are considering. You can compare all the Medicare Advantage plans on Medicare.gov. Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan

Pick a Plan and Re-Evaluate Over Time

One of the big mistakes that I see with people on Medicare is that people choose a plan at age 65 and then stay on the same plan the rest of their lives. In most cases, this is not advantageous for you.
One, the plans change over time. With Medicare Advantage plans, they change in terms of cost, coverage, networks, and more. With Medigap plans, while the coverage can never change, the costs do change over time. Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan
It is crucial that, once you make your initial selection of a plan, you re-evaluate your needs over time to make sure you have the best plan for you. Turning 65? How to Pick a Plan

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How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care
Aging

How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

As our parents grow older, adult children play a bigger and bigger role in their care and well-being. That can mean playing a bigger role in their physical, mental, and emotional health. Unfortunately, this can be difficult if you are unable to speak with your parent’s physician. So, if you’re starting to play a bigger role in your parent’s elderly care, you will likely want to establish lines of communication between yourself and your parent’s physician. How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care
Talking with an elderly parent’s doctor can be a complicated legal and medical situation. But when you’ve taken the necessary steps, it makes elderly care much, much easier. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to establish those lines of communication, along with some tips for how to engage with your loved one’s physician. How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care

Obtaining Legal Authorization

Physicians are legally obliged to keep a person’s medical information private. While some physicians will share information with a patient’s verbal permission, many feel uncomfortable doing so without written authorization.
If your loved one wants to retain their own medical power of attorney, your loved one can create a document that gives his or her physician permission to share medical information with a specific person or persons. A copy of this document must be supplied to your loved one’s physician. If your loved one wishes to give you or another member of your family medical power of attorney, you will need to follow the proper legal procedure for doing so.
It is always a good idea to let other members of your family know when medical authorization is being granted to another person. This can help avoid confusion about who is handling your parent’s health, and can prevent arguments around important health care decisions.

What to Do on Doctor’s Visits

Taking a leadership role in your parent’s medical care is not a decision you should take lightly. Once you’ve made the decision, you will become an advocate for your parent’s health and well-being. That means attending doctor’s visits with your parent, acquiring all the information you can about your parent’s medical history and current condition, and asking questions on behalf of your parent to get them the care they deserve.
When your parent has a doctor’s appointment, join them and make sure you come prepared. If your loved one has specific medical concerns, take notes beforehand and prepare a list of questions you would like answered. You may wish to speak with other family members or your parent’s elderly care provider to see if they have noticed any changes in your loved one’s condition or behavior.
One of the best things that you can do is start a notebook to keep track of your parent’s medical information. A notebook is an excellent tool that can be used to record things you notice about your parent’s condition at home, write questions for your parent’s physician in advance, and record information given by your parent’s physician.

Common Questions for Your Parent’s Doctor

The best way to get the information you need from your parent’s doctor is to ask smart questions. While the questions you ask will depend on your loved one’s condition and diagnosis, here are a few common and basic questions that you should keep in mind when speaking to your loved one’s physician:

  • Can you explain the diagnosis in more detail?
  • Does my parent need to see another medical professional or specialist?
  • Will my parent need to change their routine?
  • Is my parent at further risk of injury or illness due to their condition?
  • How will this impact my parent’s elderly care program?
  • Are there any specific signs or symptoms we should look out for?
  • How often should medication be taken and in what dosage?
  • What should we do if my parent misses a dose or takes an extra dose on accident?
  • Are there any side effects we should expect from the medication(s)?
  • How soon should my parent have their next appointment?

Share Information with Family & Elderly Care Providers

If you have important information about your loved one’s health, you may want to consider sharing it with other family members and/or elderly care providers. Providing family and elderly care workers with this information can make it easier for them to look after your parent. However, it’s important that you check with your loved one first before sharing private information. There may be information that your loved one doesn’t want shared with family or their elderly care provider. Unless this could put them in danger, it is important to respect their wishes.
Find out about elderly care services in your area by contacting your local Visiting Angels. Get started by contacting your local Visiting Angels office.

How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care

How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care How to Talk to an Elderly Parent’s Doctor About Care

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Medicare and Dental: What You Need To Know
Medicare Plans

Medicare and Dental: What You Need To Know

by Garrett Ball
written by Garrett Ball

While Medicare does cover much more preventive care than many people realize, original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental services and procedures in most cases. It’s important to understand what is not covered and explore your options for Medicare dental plans if you want to have dental coverage once you are on Medicare. Medicare and Dental: What You Need To Know

Medicare’s Coverage of Dental

First and foremost, you should understand that your regular dentist check-ups and any related services and procedures would not be covered under Medicare. Part B of Medicare is the part that covers anything outpatient, and Part B does not cover any dental.
There are very few situations in which Part A of Medicare (inpatient/hospital) would pay for dental surgeries if you are hospital-confined and need surgery as a part of another medical procedure. For example, Part A may cover a tooth extraction in preparation for radiation.
Overall, though, you should know that, if you go to the dentist once or twice a year, regular Medicare is not going to pay a dime for those visits. Likewise, if you have more frequent (and expensive) dental needs, such as fillings, crowns, or dentures, Medicare will not pay anything towards that.

Options for Medicare Dental Coverage

So, since Medicare itself does not provide any coverage for dental, what are your options? The good news is that you do have a few options to choose from if you still want to have dental coverage once you go on Medicare.
The first option is that you can purchase a stand-alone Medicare dental plan. There are about 5-10 companies that sell these in most states for people on Medicare. These plans can give you some coverage for regular check-ups as well as paying a percentage, usually after a waiting period, towards more comprehensive services and procedures. Premiums for this type of stand-alone dental coverage can vary greatly, but typically, you can get a dental plan for $20-40/month.
Another option is that you can go on a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans are privatized versions of traditional Medicare, some of which include some minimal coverage for dental. Note that this type of plan takes the place of Medicare, so you should certainly look at all the benefits, restrictions, and long-term implications – don’t just choose to go with this type of plan because it covers a dental check-up once a year.
Lastly, you can choose to be a cash payer for dental once you go on Medicare. This is actually what the majority of people end up doing. Often, you can get a better price by paying cash for your dental services and procedures, and all you have to do is ask. This can be a good option if you are a minimal user of dental services.

Other Considerations for Medicare and Dental

One important thing to keep in mind when considering whether you should purchase additional coverage for dental once you go on Medicare is the waiting periods that these plans often have.
While these plans do not typically have underwriting (i.e. ask you medical questions when you apply), they do typically have waiting periods. This means that certain services and procedures would not be covered for a specified time (usually a few months). So, when your dentist tells you that the only way to eliminate your severe tooth pain is to do an expensive dental procedure, it’s too late to purchase dental insurance at that time.
Although Medicare does not cover routine dental care and procedures, you can still protect yourself by planning ahead. Look at your options to see if it is worthwhile to purchase a stand-alone dental plan. Or if you decide not to purchase a plan, you can budget for dental monthly, then be a cash payer with resources available when you need them.

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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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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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Should You Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Plans

Should You Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson
For years, conventional wisdom in senior insurance said that if you were going to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, Medigap plan F was the way to go. But is purchasing Plan F now a smart move considering it will no longer be issued to new enrollees as of 2020? Should You Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?

What is Medigap?

Medigap is actually a nickname for all of the lettered Medicare Supplement plans. They are designed to pay some or all of the fees not covered under Original Medicare. Medigap pays the fees or “gaps” that Original Medicare typically requires you to pay out of pocket, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. These costs can really add up. Should You Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?

Difference between Medicare Plan F and G:

Each lettered Medigap plan is designed to pay for different gaps in coverage. Plan F is considered the gold standard because it offers everything that Medigap is legally allowed to cover at a historically great price. Plan G, America’s second most popular plan, covers everything that F does except for the Part B deductible which currently is $183.
There is some speculation that Plan F’s monthly premium will increase after 2020 if new younger members are no longer allowed to enroll. Since no one knows what will take place in the future, how do you choose between the two?
We suggest starting with the current price. Many insurance companies now offer Plan G at such a great price that you can save hundreds of dollars annually over plan F. If you can find a plan G that saves you more than $183 a year over F today, it’s most likely a smart move to go with it now.
If you are unable to find a competitively priced plan G, then go with Medigap plan F. You don’t want to overpay for G just because we are unsure about the future of plan F prices.
One final note: Not all Medigap plan prices are posted online, so check with a licensed insurance agent before you pull the trigger on Medigap to make sure you have the best-priced plan in your area.
About the Author: Amy De Vore
Amy is a licensed independent agent. Senior65 is dedicated to helping seniors understand Medicare and enroll in appropriate senior insurance health plans. Should You Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?

Should You Still Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F?

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