Tag Archives: medicare advice

Travel smart with Medicare

Before going on any trip, creating a checklist is always recommended. While you are updating your passport, checking the weather to prepare to pack, you should also make sure to check on your health coverage while traveling. Medicare can be great for travelers if the proper decisions are made.

Original Medicare covers you in the United States of America, including the District of Columbia, Guam, U.S. Virgins Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and America Samoa. If you are going outside of these lands and/or overseas, for a majority of the time Medicare will not pay for the health services or supplies. There are some rare occasions where Medicare will cover your service or supplies.  An example of the rare occasions where Medicare will cover your service or supplies is as the following: If your emergency happens in the United States of America but nearest hospital to treat you is in Canada or Mexico.

According to Medicare.gov “In some cases, Medicare may cover medically necessary health care services you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare won’t pay for health care services you get when a ship is more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port. “  As you can see, understanding the boundaries, the loop holes and the safety net created by Medicare is best left to an expert to fully understand.

Many experts advise their clients to invest in travel insurance as a “just to get home” safety net. when you have travel insurance you will have coverage for things that aren’t an emergency. It’s reasonably priced, and a great asset to have to in your back pocket if you are a frequent traveler, particularly an international traveler. If you have an emergency under $50,000, Medigap is a great option for you. With Medigap you can go anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare . Also most Medigap plans include foreign travel emergency coverage up to  $50,000- but this coverage is meant to be reimbursed. For example, if you were hurt abroad, depending on the procedure needed you would either Medivac to the United States or receive treatment abroad. Either way, it would be your responsibility to pay for that procedure out of pocket, and then the insurance company will reimburse the claim. The Medigap covers 80% up to 50k, so you could still end up with a big bill.

So before setting sail, or boarding the plane, make sure you speak to your Medicare advisor and ask many questions. No one plans to have a medical emergency while on vacay, but it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive.

Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)

6 Things You Should Do Before Medicare AEP Begins Oct. 15

Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)

It’s that time of year again, the Annual Election Period (AEP) is upon us. If you’ve been a Medicare recipient prior to this year, then you are all too familiar with the implications of AEP. If this is your first enrollment season, then you’re about to experience what can be a frustrating and stressful time as a Medicare enrollee.

 

During the Medicare AEP, beneficiaries are able to alter their coverage under specific programs such as Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans. Often times, people make the mistake of thinking this is also the only time to change Medicare supplement plans, however those can be changed anytime throughout the year. The main things to focus on during AEP are switching from or to a Medicare Advantage plan, and entering into or changing your prescription drug plans.

 

You may be wondering why it is necessary to monitor these plans during the AEP, and the simple answer is that these plans change in coverage and price every year. If you don’t change or do anything to your existing plans, they will likely be much different in price and/or coverage as you enter into the next year. In many cases, the change can be significant. That’s why it’s always worth having your Medicare advisor analyze your existing plans and medications to ensure you’re still in the most cost-effective plan every year during AEP. Don’t wait, you could end up locked into a plan with a much higher premium or with holes in your coverage if you miss the AEP window (October 15th through December 7th).

 

In an effort to curb the stress and confusion that comes from Medicare AEP season, we’ve developed a list of 6 things that you should do to prepare.

 

  1. Confirm your eligibility. This is pretty obvious, but you must be eligible to enroll in Medicare plans. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, consult this article from the US Department of Health & Human Services website: http://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/who-is-elibible-for-medicare/index.html

 

  1. Analyze your existing coverage thoroughly. Take some time to consider your past year of coverage. Weigh the pros and cons of the specific plan you’re in, the company/carrier of the plan, the total expenses (including prescription meds) of the year. Consider aspects like how quickly your claims were paid, if your doctor had any trouble with your insurance at any point, and if the out of pocket expenses were worth the healthcare you received.

 

  1. Make note of any changes in medication or health that could impact your plans. After you’ve done a thorough self-analysis of your past coverage, make sure to note any looming changes that could be upcoming in your health. For example, if your doctor suggested a new medication or treatment that wasn’t previously needed when you set up your original plan. Write this all out and give your coverage an overall satisfaction rating for the year. This will help determine what the next move for you should be, and will make you aware of what you need most out of your healthcare coverage.

 

  1. Compare prices of plan options for the coming year. There are MANY plans, programs, and carriers to choose from. When it comes time to select your coverage for the upcoming year, it’s essential to decide what type of Medicare beneficiary you are. Are you someone who would prefer to pay a little more on a monthly basis in exchange for peace of mind that you won’t have any unexpected expenses? Or would you rather pay a lower monthly premium and take the risk that your coverage may require high out-of-pocket expenses should you have a health issue? If you can answer this question for yourself, you’ll give a better starting point to determine what plan/program is a better fit and how much you will spend on said plan.

 

  1. Make a list of your current medications, dosages, and frequency. After analyzing the entirety of your coverage, the next step would be to write down every medication you take, the dosage, frequency, and brand. This list is going to guide your Part D plan selection.

 

  1. After completing steps 1-5, set an appointment with a Medicare advisor. After you’ve done the previous five steps, you have painted yourself a pretty thorough picture of your healthcare needs. Now it’s time to take this information to your Medicare advisor, so they can analyze and help you select the best coverage at the best price. Completing steps 1-5 prior to your call or appointment will make the process go much faster and smoother for you. *Helpful Tip: Always work with a non-captive Medicare advisor. They have access to all the plans and companies, not just one of them. This ensures you are in the best plan at the best price.

 

Remember, in order to ease the confusion, contact a Medicare representative to help make this AEP much smoother. If you don’t have a dedicated agent or aren’t sure, our toll-free Medicare hotline is open for questions, comments, concerns for anyone in the United States who needs consult on their Medicare plans/coverage at (888)-404-5049.

 

 

Unbiased and Factual Medicare Presentations Available Year Round

Senior Health Medicare Presentations Overview

Unbiased and useful information is what viewers of our Medicare presentations can expect, always. With almost two decades of experience in Medicare, our presenters are the best of the best and can help you feel secure and informed when it comes to your Medicare insurance. If you’re a part of a group, association, retiree club, or credit union, this is a great FREE way to provide more benefits to your members.

On-Site Medicare Workshops

 If your group is located in the state of Michigan, or in the bordering states like Ohio or Indiana, we would be happy to hold an on-site Medicare workshop at your location or a location of your choice. We provide the lunch and the information, and your members benefit.

Virtual “Webinar-style” Medicare Workshops

Same information just presented virtually for those on-the-go or out of our region. Great way to get a feel for our presenters and style before committing to an in-person workshop. Also a great way to get the same valuable information on your time and schedule.

Choose from a list of intriguing topics like:

  • “Medicare 101: An Overview of the Medicare Benefit”
  • “Medicare Advantage versus Medicare Supplement”
  • “How the Affordable Care Act Will Effect Medicare in the Next 5 Years”
  • “How to Recognize and Avoid Medicare Scams”
  • “Understanding the Difference Between Part A and Part B”
  • “Part D Prescription Plans Made Clear”
  • “How to Choose the Right Medicare Supplement Plan”
  • And more! We can customize topics based on audience interest.

Our presentation calendar fills up quickly, so book your spot today! We recommend late summer/early fall time slots to make the best impact on your members right before the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

Call Cortney to set up your FREE Medicare presentation at (517) 304-3484 or email her at cpeters@seniorhealthmedicare.com

Can I keep my doctor if I switch to a medicare supplement?

Can I keep my doctor if I switch to a medicare supplement? 

Yes, at least, most likely. 98% of all doctors in the united states accept medicare.  It is the bread and butter of most hospitals because seniors make up the majority of hospitalized patients.

 

If your doctor accepts medicare, your doctor will take medicare supplements!

 

Imagine medicare as a road with a bunch of pot holes. Medicare supplements is the tar that the road crews fill the road with. Once it’s added it just becomes part of medicare!

When Is The Annual Enrollment Period for medicare?

When Is The Annual Enrollment Period for medicare?

The annual enrollment period for medicare is between October 15th and December 7th each year.
During this time you’re going to be able to do a few special things.

  • Change your Medicare Part D Plan.
  • Change from and to medicare advantage programs.
  • Change from a medicare advantage program to a medicare supplement.

This a time where medicare is crazy busy and agents are very active.

Keep in mind, if you have a medicare supplement you are going to be able to change your medicare at any day and time.

 

If you have any questions, ask an agent at http://www.omegabenefit.org/