Medicare Advantage Plans: How Can They Help Me?

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Julie

Medicare Advantage Plans are programs that provide eligible individuals with additional benefits outside of their regular Medicare benefits.  Medicare Advantage isn’t like traditional Medicare, which is handled by the government.  Instead, these types of plans are offered by private providers that have been approved by Medicare, and who must abide by strict rules in administering policies and handling patient claims.  It’s important to note that Medicare Advantage plans do not replace your original plan; instead, individuals still have regular Medicare when they sign up for this type of extra coverage through a private provider.

Sometimes referred to as “Part C” or “MA Plans”, the Medicare Advantage Plans have varying rules regarding out of pocket costs and different rules for how you receive services.  With Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare pays the companies providing the plans a fixed fee for your care, and the plan handles all of it’s own payments to the doctors and hospitals on their end.  In addition to coverage for treatment and services, Medicare Advantage policyholders typically receive prescription drug coverage (Part D) through these types of plans as well.  Participants are not allowed to have prescription drug coverage through both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  Those who do try to enroll for both will lose their Advantage Plan and will have to rely solely on their original Medicare program for prescription coverage.

There are a few different types of Medicare Advantage Plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans, Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans and Special Needs (SNPs).  In general, you can apply for Medicare Advantage Plans if you have Medicare Part A & B, and if you live in the service area of the plan that you want to live in.  Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and costs associated with Medicare Advantage Plans before signing up in order to get the best coverage option for your needs.

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How to Find the Best United Health Care Medigap Supplement Plan for Your Needs

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Julie

Are you looking for a way to stretch your Medicare coverage?  Many seniors are now opting for an addition to the regular Medicare plan in the form of a Medigap supplement.  Medigap supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to fill in the gaps in coverage provided by Medicare Parts A and B.  For retirees who are 65 and older who are already enrolled in Medicare Parts and B, signing up for a United Health Care Medigap Supplement Plan can help to greatly reduce a big portion of their health care costs.  Depending on which plan is chosen, patients often see thousands of dollars in coinsurance costs and copayments covered either completely or nearly completely by their Medigap plans.  Which is something that can be a huge help for those who are relying on their retirement fund for financial support.

United Health Care Medigap plans are designed to be easy to use and offer big benefits for seniors who need some extra coverage that covers them wherever they are in the US.  Medigap plans offer individuals the freedom to choose any doctor or type of specialist that accepts Medicare with no “out of network” fees and no claim forms to deal with.   The plans provide predictable, out of pocket costs and some plans will even cover part of or all of your Medicare deductibles.  Having this peace of mind built right into the plans can help to reduce worries about accidents or unexpected illnesses, as you don’t have to wonder about how the bills will be paid.

In addition to being flexible and affordable, United Health Care Medical plans provide guaranteed renewable coverage, as long as all premiums are paid on time and there are no application errors.  Extra services and benefits, such as pharmacy and vision discounts, are also often included in these plans, making them an important value for many seniors.

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Blue Shield Medicare Supplemental Plans: How to Stretch Your Coverage and Protect Your Healthcare

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Julie

For those who are 65 and older, smart money management is the key to getting the most out of retirement.  Managing your day-to-day expenses while also balancing your investments, a mortgage and other bills and expense can be daunting, but it’s important to take a serious look at your finances and to keep a watchful eye on them throughout the year.  Medical costs can make a big dent in your savings, which is why so many seniors are now opting for healthcare coverage solutions that help them get the most out of every penny.

Adding a Blue Shield Medicare Supplemental Plan (also referred to as a Medigap plan) enhances your existing Medicare coverage by extending coverage to areas where Medicare doesn’t quite cut it, with privately run plans that are designed for a wide range of budget needs.  Blue Shield, one of the most widely recognized insurance providers in the US, offers seven different Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in a variety of benefit levels and prices that are designed to work well with your needs.  Blue Shield’s supplemental plans also include complimentary membership into the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, and wellness discounts on routine eye care, hearing aids and alternative health services discount program. That can really save you money over time.  Those who sign up for a Blue Shield Medicare Supplemental Plan can also save 25% on acupuncture, chiropractic care or massage therapy, when the services are completed by a contracted provider.

If you find yourself wondering how Medicare will cover it all when it comes to maintaining your health and paying the medical bills, then it’s time to sign up for a Blue Shield Medicare Supplemental plan.  You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your current prescriptions are covered and that any new prescriptions down the road will be covered as well

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What is Medigap Supplement Insurance?

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Julie

For many individuals who are 65 years and older, one of the biggest healthcare decisions they are faced with after retirement is how to cover the cost of medical services and medications that the traditional Medicare program doesn’t cover.  Medigap Supplemental Insurance adds benefits to your existing Medicare enrollment, helping to cover some of the gaps in coverage, including the costs of copayments, coinsurance and deductibles, which can really add up quickly throughout the year.  For those who are already enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, these types of private insurance plans can be a big help when it comes to keeping the costs of your healthcare in retirement down and they are easy to sign up for and use as well.

Applying for Medigap Supplement Insurance is incredibly easy, as long as it’s done during the open enrollment period (which starts 6 months after turning 65, or when you enroll in Part B at age 65 or older), which is determined by Medicare.  For those who choose to enroll outside of their open enrollment period, the insurance issuer will typically assign a penalty amount to the premium that is incurred each month and that continues throughout the life of the policy, so it’s important to know your options ahead of time.

Each MediGap plan offers different features and benefits that vary depending on the insurer and how high the premiums are.  It’s always a good idea to compare the different Medigap plans and their premiums, as you don’t want to get locked into something that you can’t afford, or that doesn’t offer the benefits or coverage that you need.  So, if you are approaching age 65 or have already passed that important milestone, take the time to look at your options and you’ll save yourself big hassles down the road.

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How Blue Cross Medicare Supplements are Helping Americans Get the Most Out of Their Healthcare Options

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Julie

When it comes to managing your health care in the US, the complexities of the Medicare program can be difficult to understand.  Some seniors are surprised to find that once they hit 65 and enroll in Medicare, they still have to pay for some of their medical costs out of their pocket.  Blue Cross Medicare Supplements are plans that help seniors who are enrolled in Medicare offset some or all of those self-paid costs, without sacrificing the quality of care you receive or your freedom of choice when it comes to choosing a doctor.

Medicare Supplement plans from Blue Cross were designed to help get rid of some of the guesswork about medical costs and healthcare that typically pop up during retirement.  While Medicare Supplement plans weren’t designed to pay for 100% of your medical costs, they do strengthen the coverage that you already have, by providing the flexibility and affordable rates that you’ve been looking for.

In order to purchase a Blue Cross Medicare Supplemental plan, you must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.  Part A comes from the government and provides hospital insurance and has a deductible or coinsurance requirement, for inpatient care.  Part B typically covers around 80% of Medicare’s approved coverage amount, and also comes with an annual deductible.  Utilizing a Medicare Supplement plan in addition to your current coverage makes it easy to improve your coverage and you can see any doctor that you want in the US, as long as they accept Medicare patients.  It’s an easy way to feel safe and secure that you’ve got the coverage you need, with a plan that reduces rate increases and that won’t be terminated if your health changes.

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Medicare Part D: What Seniors 65 and Older Need to Know

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Julie

Paying for medications has become increasingly difficult for today’s seniors, who are often faced with expensive medications to treat chronic conditions.  There are a few different ways to get prescription drug coverage through Medicare, however, that can save patients thousands of dollars in prescriptions costs each year.  Medicare Part D, which provides insurance that helps cover the costs of prescription medications, is a Medicare program that many individuals now utilize to help cover the cost of prescriptions.  Before selecting a Medicare Part D plan, it’s important to understand how the program works in order to avoid problems down the road.

Anyone who is currently on Medicare Part A or Part B is eligible to sign up for drug coverage, regardless of how much they currently make.  These types of prescription insurance plans don’t require the patient to get a physical, and you won’t be denied coverage if you are already on several different medications, which is important for many patients who are 65 and older.

In many cases, signing up for Medicare Part D is voluntary, however, if you are planning on getting your drugs from Medicaid, then you must use a Part D plan to get them as soon as you hit the point of eligibility for Medicare.  Those who already have better drug coverage than what is offered by a Medicare drug plan don’t have to sign up for Part D.

It’s important not to delay signing up for Medicare Part D if you need it and don’t have any other coverage, since you’ll incur a penalty charge for singing up late that increases the costs of your premiums for as long as you are in the program.  Signing up late also means that you can’t add the coverage unless it’s during the open enrollment period at the end of the year.

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An Easy Solution to Cover Extra Costs with AARP Supplement Plans

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Julie

AARP Supplement plans can help seniors cover some or all of the medical expenses that they incur during routine visits and emergency care that aren’t covered by Medicare parts A & B.  These types of plans are a good option for those who want to limit their out of pocket medical expenses, and they are incredibly easy to use as well.  For those who are looking for a better way to properly manage their medical costs during retirement in addition to being enrolled in Medicare, AARP Supplement Plans are a smart solution that can start helping you more effectively manage the costs associated with treatments and prescriptions.

For those who need a good Medicare Supplement plan, the AARP plans are a great option as they are incredibly affordable and very easy to use.  The plan lets patients see any provider in the US that accepts Medicare patients, making it easy to see a doctor or to switch to a new doctor, anywhere in the US.  In an effort to make these types of plans even more convenient, they are also “guaranteed renewable”, meaning that your insurance provider cannot cancel coverage or raise your premium based on the number of claims you file each year or due to the state of your health.

Those who are faced with high prescription drug costs find that AARP supplement plans also provide the flexibility to add Medicare prescription drug coverage to their Medicare Parts A & B and Medicare Supplement insurance plans.  This makes it much easier to manage the costs of maintenance medications and other prescriptions, which can be incredibly pricey.  Having an AARP supplement plan makes it easier to keep the cost of your prescriptions under control, and provides peace of mind that your healthcare needs will be covered as well.

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Why You Probably Need a Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Julie

Medicare is a necessity for those who are 65 and older and who need health insurance to help offset their out of pocket medical costs.  Without Medicare, many individuals wouldn’t be able to pay for the important medications and treatments that they need to stay healthy throughout their golden years.  Although the coverage is helpful, many seniors who have Medicare are now finding that there are often loopholes and holes in their coverage due to how the program is administered.  As a result, a Medicare supplement plan has become a must-have for those who are currently enrolled in Medicare, as it can help make medical bills much more manageable.

Medicare supplement plans can help seniors pay for the treatments and prescription medications they need by providing coverage in areas where the basic Medicare program coverage is lacking.  While there is no legal requirement to have a Medicare Supplement plan, there are many reasons why they are so important to today’s seniors.  In the current economic climate that is seeing rising medical costs paired with shrinking incomes, it has become challenging for many seniors to stay on top of paying for their own medical care.  Medial supplement plans can make it easier on this age group, by closing the gap between how much services cost and how much will be covered.

In order to get Medicare Supplemental insurance, you must be actively enrolled in both Part A and Part B of the Medicare program.  Medicare supplement insurance isn’t part of Medicare, and must be purchased separately outside of the basic Medicare program.  The plans can only be used to cover out-of-pocket costs in the traditional Medicare program, and they can’t be used by those who are enrolled in a private Medicare health plan.

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Health care exchanges significant for Wisconsin farmers

Posted on November 5, 2012 by admin

Amidst so much debate over the Supreme Court’s decision, the Wisconsin farmers have supported it holding that it is conducive for farm families, rural neighbors and all Americans. It is a drastic step in the right direction for family farmers and rural communities to get access to reliable, affordable health care.

Upholding of the individual mandate keeps the Affordable Care Act unharmed. The Act deters health insurance companies from refuting care based on pre-existing conditions, and closes the Medicare prescription drug coverage “doughnut hole.” It implies that more people will be able to obtain and pay for health insurance.

Rural residents generally have a difficult time getting health insurance because they are mostly   self-employed and run small businesses, with insurance costs too high because of small risk pools. They frequently give off too much for awful coverage. Some are uninsurable high-risk involved in farming. They are also unable to pay high premiums for the existing system of individual and family coverage. Exchange is expected to widen the risk factors for these people and reduce costs of insurance and health care dollars spent. The bill aims at making the buying groups as strong as possible, by extending the group to as many employers as permissible by federal law.

For more information please visit us @ www.medigap4seniors.com, , or call us at 888-502-5553 to speak with one of our Medicare experts.

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Shopping for Medigap Rates

Posted on September 26, 2012 by admin

Many seniors are unaware of the many rules medicare has. Here are some easy to remember tips when shopping for a Medigap Plan. Medigap Plans are assigned a letter, starting from A ending in N. All plans are identical from one company to another. This means if I buy plan F,which is the most comprehensive plan available from Mutual of Omaha vs UHC/AARP the coverage is exactly the same. However the difference may be that one company offers the plan for less premium than the other. Medicare recommends that seniors shop around and find the lowest rates in their area for the plan that best fits their needs. We believe the best way to do this is to find an agent that will help you do the research. At Medigap4seniors we have helped thousands of seniors find the best plan and rates. You can reach us at www.medigap4seniors.com,or call toll free @ 888-502-5553.

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