Medicare will stop using Social Security numbers for identification. Beneficiaries who already have a Medicare identification card with their Social Security number, know that Medicare will mail you new cards with Medicare ID numbers. Mailing will begin in April 2018 and be completed by April 2019. The change is intended to protect beneficiaries from identity Read more about New Medicare Cards[…]
Network Types When selecting a health plan, you will want to know about a few common NETWORK Types: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): These plans do not require a Primary Care Provider and allow you to go to doctors outside of the Network. There may be different limits, and deductibles when using services that are considered “Out Of Network” One Read more about What are HMO, PPO, EPO Network Types?[…]
Please know, that if you have Medicare Part A (BUT not Part B), and you are offered COBRA that you need to be aware of when you can apply for Medicare Part B. IF you want Medicare Part B, you must do so within 8 months of losing active employer coverage. But your Read more about What if they offer COBRA?[…]
The Part B deductible has changed over the years. This becomes important in understanding how it impacts your Medicare Supplement plan choice. Part B Deductible over the years Year Annual Part B Deductible 1966-1972 $ 50.00 1973-1981 $ 60.00 1982-1990 $ 75.00 1991-2004 $ 100.00 2005 $ 110.00 2006 $ 124.00 2007 $ 131.00 2008-2009 Read more about Part B Deductible over the years[…]
You’re over 65, have Medicare Part A for a while already, but you are covered through your (or your spouses) work plan, as an ACTIVE employee (and did not apply for Part B): (RETIRING) IF you HAVE coverage from an ACTIVE employer plan, on your own, or through your spouse, and you are eligible for Part Read more about Retiree Vs Retiring and Medicare Part B[…]
Hey everyone, This is recent news regarding Medicare Supplements Plan C and Plan F. I have been attempting to keep up on the future of the plans, so that my clients know that if they want Plan F, or think they may one day want it, that they will want to get it before Read more about Medicare Supplement’s Plan C and F in 2020, and MACRA 2015[…]
I use this constantly when helping people understand the options available to them, when it comes to Medicare plans. It is an empowering tool. If you already have a plan, you can check to see how your medications look under that plan,and if perhaps another plan may be better suited. Keep in mind, if Read more about How to use Medicare.gov to help you find a plan[…]
Medicare.gov has really stepped up to the plate for people looking for more information about preventative services. I frequently use the www.medicare.gov website to keep current on the various preventative screenings and the timings for tests and such. There are a number of different preventative tests and screenings that Medicare covers besides Colonoscopies, and they each Read more about Colonoscopy and Medicare[…]
People often ask what to do when they lose their employer plan, and are under 65. At this point you can get a: Marketplace Plan (within 60 days of losing your existing coverage) For Marketplace plans, here in California, I typically refer people to www.coveredca.com. Others I would refer to www.healthcare.gov You can also call Read more about Not on Medicare and Losing your Job Based Insurance?[…]