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Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017

Medicare plan choices connecticut 2017 will cover Medicare Advantage (Also called Managed Medicare or Medicare part C, Medicare Supplments (also called Medigap) and Medicare Part D plans.  Various companies in Connecticut offer all three types of plans for 2017.   This post will cover all three plan types. Also it will cover how a Medicare receipient can pick the best choice for him/her.  Benefit and rate comparisons have been provided below throughout the post.  Good luck.

NOTE: There are links below which provide Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and PDP plan comparisons for the State of CT.  We can run any additional quotes/comparisons that are needed for any product. (MAPD, Medigap, PDP)  Call or email our office with any questions (203)-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com.  

Quick Medicare A and B Information before getting into the plans

First of all, you need to know the basics rules of Medicare A and B. While picking the right plan is important, having Medicare A and B is probably as important.  First of all, you must have Medicare A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) or a Medicare suplement plan (Medigap).  A part D drug plan (PDP) requires you to have Medicare part A and/or B.  Medicare part A cost nothing for almost everyone while part B costs money every month.  CLICK FOR PART B PREMIUMS  If you are drawing social security already, the part B premium will be taken out of your check every month.  If you are not drawing social security, you will be billed quarterly.

Part A of Medicare covers hospitalization while part B covers outpatient services such as doctors and testing. CLICK FOR MEDICARE A AND B BENEFITS  You will see that Medicare covers 80% of Medical costs, as a result,  most people want to cover some or all of the other 20%.  Finally, it does not cover prescriptions drugs, therefore many people purchase a PDP plan.  As a result, those aging into Medicare likely will enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap and/or a PDP plan.

Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017- Medicare Supplements (Medigap Plans)

Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like foreign travel coverage. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare allowed amounts for covered health care costs. Then the Medigap pays its portion of the cost depending on the plan you have.

A Medigap policy is not a Medicare Advantge Plan.

Things to know about Medigap policies

1. You must have Original Medicare A and B
2. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can apply for a Medigap policy, but make sure you can leave the Medicare Advantage Plan before your Medigap policy begins.
3. You pay the Medigap premium and the Medicare Part B premium
4. A Medigap policy only covers one person. If you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, you’ll each have to buy separate policies.
5. You can buy a Medigap policy from any insurance company that’s licensed in your state to sell one.
6. Any standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable even if you have health problems. This means the insurance company can’t cancel your Medigap policy as long as you pay the premium. Furthermore, Connecticut is a guaranteed issue state for Medigap.  This allow a change form one Medigap to another throughout the year without any health underwriting.

Medigap policies don’t cover everything

Medigap policies generally don’t cover benefits such as long term care, vision and dental.

Click for Medigap rates Connecticut 2017

Dropping your Medigap and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage:

You have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty when you join a new Medicare drug plan if:

• Either you drop your entire Medigap policy and the drug coverage wasn’t creditable prescription drug coverage, or
• You go 63 days or more in a row before your new Medicare drug coverage begins

Call or email us with any questions at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com. We do not charge a fee for our services.

Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017-Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C or Managed Medicare plans . They are Medicare-approved health insurance plans for individuals who are enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you are still in the Medicare program and must continue paying your Part B premium. Original Medicare is not billed while in an Advantage plan, as a result, some people incorrectly think they are not part of the Medicare Program

Medicare Advantage plans provide all of your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) coverage. Sometimes, they offer additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing, and most include prescription drug coverage. These plans often have networks, which mean you may have to see certain doctors and go to certain hospitals in the plan’s network to get care.

Medicare Advantage plans may potentially save you money vs using a Medigap and PDP plan because the monthly premium is much lower in most cases. Pricing (monthly premium, copays, dedutibles and co-insurance) will vary by plan provider, so it’s worthwhile to compare all plans in your area. Your costs will vary by the services you use and the type of plan you purchase.

Medicare Plan Choices Connectict 2017- Plan options can include:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)  (Not currently available in CT for 2017)
• Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
• HMO Point-of-Service (HMOPOS)
• Medical Savings Account (MSA) (Not currently available in CT for 2017)

You can generally join if you:

           live in the service area of the plan you want to join (Most plans in CT are offered in all CT counties with a few exceptions)

•  have Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, coverage.
•  don’t have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant); however, there are a few exceptions.

Choose your plan carefully. Outside of when you first become eligible to enroll and other personal circumstances that may qualify you for a Special Election Period, you are only able to change plans once a year during the Annual Election Period. The Annual Election Period lasts from October 15 through December 7 of each year. (An exception to this rule is for those that have a “Trial Right” which allows  them to change from an advantage plan back to a Medigap and drug plan.

There is also a Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through February 14. During this time, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can disenroll from their plan and return to Original Medicare coverage and buy a Medigap and PDP plan if they want to.

One more thing to note is that Medicare Advantage plans, with or without prescription drug coverage, vary depending on where you live. The name of this blog is Medicare plan choices Connecticut 2017.   In fact, the rules above apply to most states.

Medicare plan choices Connecticut 2017 – Click Here For 2017 MAPD Plan Comparison CT

Medicare Part D (PDP) Plans CT 2017

A prescription drug plan (PDP) is an option for those eligible that want to enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, which can lower the costs of prescription drugs for insured. A prescription drug plan (PDP) is a stand-alone plan, covering only prescription drugs. Enrollees who choose the option of prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan would also have coverage for other medical expenses as part of that plan. Medicare Advantage drug plans and stand alone PDP plans are different but the drug coverage portion works in a similary manner.  Enrollees pay a co-pay for each prescription, a monthly premium (not with some advantge plans however) and an annual deductible.

Note: Please call or email our office for a full list of PDP plans available in CT

Term Life Insurance Without Medical Exam

John Hancock SmartProtect Term with Vitality provides up to $1,000,000 of term life insurance with a medical exam. There are a number of companies that offer term life insurance without Medical Exam. The difference with the Hancock policy is the rates.  Most non medical term policies have rates that are 20% to 40% higher than comparable life policies that do require an exam.  The John Hancock SmartProtect plan has  both rates that are competitive and plans that are fully underwritten.  Rates can go even lower if use the Vitality Program.  It gives the insured a free Fitbit.  You   can be use the Fitbit to track your progress toward a healthy lifestyle.  In fact, if you use the Vitality program you can lower your rates even further.

As an example:

A 46 year old male in good health can get $1,000,000 of SmartProtect term for 20 years for only $133 a month.  If they use the Vitality program the rate can go as low as $86.75 a month.  The rates with Vitality actually  come out lower than the most competative life policies that do require an exam.  The product is available to anyone age 20 to 60 and policies can be issued in about 3 days after submission of the application.

Please note that this policy does not require a medical exam but it does check on current health.  In fact, this is not a guaranteed issue plan, some people will not be approved for a policy.  Some companies may not accept people who have major health conditions.   You can buy Term Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam.  Contact our office if you want a quote or have any questions.  Either by Phone- 203-796-5403 or email at Edward@croweandassociates.com

Click the links below for additional information on the policy:

John Hancock SmartProtect Term with Vitality pre qualification form

John Hancock SmartProtect Term with Vitality application

Low Cost Long Term Care Insurance

National Guardian Life (NGL) is now offering low cost long term care insurance.  NGL is offering a new long term care product with premiums up to 50% lower than other LTC companies.

Who should buy long term care insurance?

Long term care insurance provides services and benefits not covered by Medicare.  Unlike traditional health insurance long term care plans are designed to cover long term services and supports.  These typically include personal and custodial care.  Care can be give at home, a community organization or other facility.

Long-term care insurance policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a pre-selected limit) for services to assist them with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, or eating.  You can select a range of care options and benefits that allow you to get the services you need, where you need them.

The NGL Essential plan offers a lifetime benefit.

This benefit provides you with the comfort of knowing you are covered for life with no max benefit period.  Joint pricing offers a lower rate for couples applying together.  Step rated cost of living adjustment means that you will start with the lowest offered rate.  The reverse combo feature combines return of premium with or without a claims offset.  An optional surrender rider protects the premium you’ve already paid in to the policy.  In addition, if you never use the policy, your beneficiary will receive up to 80% of the amount you paid  into the policy.  This mimics a life combo policy.

Click here for a full product guide.

Crowe and Associates is a full service insurance brokerage.  We are also Medicare specialists.  Click here for a free confidential Medicare quote.  If you have questions regarding either medical or long term care insurance, please contact us for an appointment.  There is no fee for our services.   You can  reach us either via phone at 203-796-5403 Or,  you can email us at admin@CroweAndAssociates.com.

Travel Insurance

Crowe and Associates is now able to offer clients travel insurance.

Travel insurance offers peace of mind.  Insurance companies offer plans both for groups and individuals.  While traveling abroad, unexpected evens can happen.  Whether you are a student or on vacation, these plans can protect you from the unexpected.  Even if you have medical insurance here at home, benefits may not apply while abroad.  Both individual and group rates are affordable.  Group rates are as low as one dollar a day.

Medical care, including urgent and emergency care are provided.  In addition to medical coverage,  these plans include coverage for unplanned events.  Such events include lost checked luggage and political evacuation.  Not only do they offer trip delay and trip interruption coverage, but natural disaster benefits are included as well.   In fact, they even include personal liability coverage.

Plans are provided by HCC Atlas.  HCC Atlas is a subsidiary of Tokio Marine.  They are a premier global company with a market cap of approximately $30 billion. Tokio Marine HCC holds a financial strength rating of AA- for Standard & Poor’s.  They have a Fitch Ratings and A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.

In the event that you need to file a claim,  you can do it easily online.  Or, you can call us and we will be happy to assist you.

Click here to access a complete list of individual plan benefits.

Click here for a complete list of group benefits.

Ready to enroll?

If you are planning to travel abroad for more than 5 days, these plans may be exactly what you need for peace of mind.  We are happy to discuss benefit coverage and provide you with a quote.  If interested, please call the office at 203-796-5403 or email us at admin@croweandassociates.com.

Crowe and Associates is a full service insurance brokerage.  We are able to offer our clients medical (and Medicare) as well as dental insurance.  We offer annuity and long term care advice.  Crowe and Associates is an appointed Access Health Care brokerage.  Our clients do not pay us fees of any kind.  If you need help in any of these areas, please call the office or email us for an appointment.  You can also visit our website at www.CroweAndAssociates.com for a complete list of services.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are managed health programs that serve as a substitute for both “Original Medicare” Part A and B benefits. There are a number of types of Advantage plans.  The majority are either HMO or PPO plans. Medicare Part A provides payments for in-patient hospital services and stays. Part B provides coveage for outpatient services.  Doctors visits, lab work, scans and x-rays all fall under part B.  Original Medicare claims are processed through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare Advantage plans are offered by commercial insurance companies. They receive compensation from the federal government, to provide all Part A and B benefits to enrollees, but do not pay claims through the CMS.

Most Medicare Advantage plans (sometimes referred to as “Part C”) include the Part D prescription drug benefits, and are known as a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan (MAPD). The government makes seperate payments to the plans offering drug benefits with the advantage plan. Medicare pays the insurance company a set amount every month for members enrolled in the plans.

Medicare Advantage plans

must offer a benefit that is at least equal to Medicare’s and covers what Original Medicare covers. They do not have to cover every benefit in the same way. Plans that require higher out-of-pocket costs than Medicare for some benefits,  can balance it out by offering lower copayments for doctor visits or other benefits.  CMS limits how much the Medicare Advantage plans can vary from benefits under Original Medicare. Many plans offer benefits which are not covered by Original Medicare.  They do this as a value added benefit to entice more people to enroll in the plan.

All Medicare Advantage plans must have out of pockets maximums for medical services.

The limit for 2016 is $6,700 medical out of pocket.  This applies to in-network services only. Once the out of pocket maximum is obtained, the plan will pay all additional costs. This assumes the services received are in network.  Medicare advantage plan have networks. This means the enrollee must use in network doctors to be covered.  There are exceptions to this such as with a PPO plan.

Other ways to get care out of network would be for an emergency or urgent care situation. Enrolling in a PPO plan provides the ability to go out of network. PPO plans permit a subscriber to use any physician or hospital, but at a somewhat higher expense. Certain PPO plans can lead to much higher costs for going out of network.  The combined out of pocket max goes up to $10,000 on a PPO.  The total is for in and out of network usage.

People can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

when first eligilble for Medicare A and B.  They must enroll in A and B prior to enrolling in an advantage plan.  Under most situations, the member can change plans every January during AEP. There are exceptions to this rule however. Many states have multiple Advantage plans offered by various companies.  Some states have over 20 different plans to choose from.  Companies will also offer plans by county.  They may offer a plan in one county but not another within the same state. 

People with low medical utilization tend to migrate towards advantage plans.  If someone is going to the doctor a few times a year on average, they tend to look at the low Advantage premiums as a way to save money. Those with higher medical utilization will have a tendency to go with a Medicare supplement plan of some type.  Supplements tend to have higher premiums and less out of pocket costs which appeals to someone utilizing care more often.  Supplements are also attractive to those that do not want to abide by a network of doctors.  Others tend to go with a supplement to avoid the need for prior authorization which is required on advantage plans.

Trial Right–

Medicare Advantage trial rights are rules that allow someone to switch out of their advantage plan. There are two cases in which a trial right is created.

• Taking an advantage plan when first eligible for Medicare.  A trial right is created allowing the member to change back to Original Medicare any time in the first 12 months.  They can go to Original Medicare with a supplement and/or Rx plan the first of any month
• Taking an advantage plan for the first time. If someone is taking an Advantage plan for the first time. (Even if they have been on a supplement previously). They will have a trial right for the first year they are in the advantage plan. This would allow them to change to a supplement and/or drug plan

AEP- At this time you can change your plan (Advantage to supplement or supplement to advantage) every January 1st during AEP.  At this time someone can make any change they would like. Some states will underwrite a move to a supplement however.

MADP- During this period, a person may leave an advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare.   MADP runs from  January 1 through February 14th every year.  They can also enroll in a supplement and/or Rx plan if they would like.

SEP- A Special Election Period allows someone to make a change outside of AEP.  Certain circumstances will create a SEP.  Moving outside the plan service area, qualifying for extra help, lose of employer coverage.  These are all examples that would create a special election.

Additional Resources:

 Medicare Basics Video – Click here

 For Medicare Advantage Basics Video Click

Click for Medicare Supplement Basics Video

Medicare Information for state of Connecticut

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans, also called “Medigap” insurance, provides extra coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. People in Original Medicare often take Medicare Supplement insurance to cover the gaps in Original Medicare. Medicare has two parts, Part A and Part B.  Both programs have gaps in coverage that a supplement may cover. (Depends on which on is purchased.)

Gaps In Coverage

Part A Gaps:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital, inpatient skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice services.  The following is a list of gaps in coverage:

• Hospital deductible per stay
• Hospital coinsurance (Medicare covers the first 60 days in full after the deductible has been met.  Days 61 to 90 have a copayment, and days 91 to 150 – the “lifetime reserve” –  a higher copay.
• No coverage after 150 days.
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance payments (Medicare covers the first 100 days).
• No coverage after 100 days.
• Home health aide services that are provided on more than a part-time basis.
• Home health nursing and aide services.

See exact amounts for the current year here.

Part B Gaps

Medicare Part B (outpatient coverage) provides coverage for a number of outpatient and physician services.  It also pays for durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices, supplies and ambulance.  The following is a list of gaps Medicare does not cover.

• Part B deductible (annual deductible of $166).
• Part B 20% coinsurance payment (Medicare pays 80% of the allowable charges).
• Balance billing above the Medicare-approved charge (some physicians and providers charge more than the amount Medicare approves).  Billing above Medicare approved amounts not allowed in all states.  The amount they can bill above is limited as well.

Who Needs Medicare Supplement Plans?

There are a number of programs that help fill in the gaps of A and B.

• Government Programs such as QMB or Full Medicaid.
• Group Retirement Plans.
• Standardized Individual Medigap Policies. (Means the plans have the same core benefits.)

If you have Medicaid or are a QMB

Medicare beneficiaries with Medicaid (Title 19 or QMB) usually do not need Medigap insurance because Medicaid will cover their out of pocket costs. Chick here for a short video about Medicaid.  Not all doctors and facilities will take Medicare however.  People who do not qualify for Medicaid may still be eligible for the QMB program. QMB program benefits include:

• The payment of monthly Medicare premiums.
• All costs of Medicare annual deductibles.
• Payment of Medicare coinsurance.

Those not on Medicaid or QMB

People that are not on Medicaid or QMB may want to consider one of the many Medicare supplement plans available.  Currently, there are plans A,B,C,F, High F,G,K,L,M and N. Each plan covers different amounts of the gaps not covered by Original Medicare.  Plans are standardized which means benefits in a plan must be the same from company to company. Example: Plan F has the same benefits no matter who offers it.  A persons health is the biggest factor when choosing between all the options. Price point of a specific plan in an area is a consideration as well. Many people take a Medicare supplement because there is no network to follow.  As a result, the beneficiary may see any provider that accepts Original Medicare when using a Medicare supplement plan.

What is the best Medicare supplement plan option?

There is not a perfect plan for everyone.  Each individual situation is different and as a result, the right supplement for one person may be wrong for another.  In general plans F,N,G,K and High Deductible F have the best price points for the benefit.  This is very dependent on the state you reside in however.  In most states, the best deal for a supplement is the high deductible F supplement.  Most people do not understand how high F works however so they overlook it.   CLICK FOR MORE INFO ON HIGH DEDUCTIBLE F SUPPLEMENT  Note: call our office at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com if you want a quote over the phone or sent to you by email.

CT Medicare Supplement Rates                                                             

 NY Medicare Supplement rates

 NJ Rates 

 PA Medicare Supplement rates

 Mass Medicare Supplement Rates 

Florida Medicare Supplement rates

Georgia Medicare Supplement rates

VT Medicare Supplement Rates

 Washington Medicare Supplement 

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Arizona Medicare Supplement Rates

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Rhone Island Medicare Supplement Insurance Rates

North Carolina Medicare Supplement

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South Carolina Medicare Supplement

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Hawaii Medicare Supplement

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Alaska Medicare Supplement Rates

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Kentucky Medicare Supplement Rates

Ohio Medicare Supplement Rates

Nebraska Medicare Supplement Rates

Maryland Medicare Supplement Rates

North Dakota Medicare Supplement

Oklahoma Medicare Supplement

When do you take a Medicare Advantage plan instead?

A Medicare Advantage Plan is not a supplement. Instead,they are very different types of plans.  A supplement is secondary to Medicare.  A Medicare Advantage plan replaces Medicare and acts as the primary insurance as a result.  There are a number of things to consider when choosing a supplement or Advantage plan.  What doctors will be used?  How often is care received? Does the beneficiary plan to travel? These are just a few things to consider when choosing.

Do they cover prescriptions?

Medicare Supplement Plans do not include Rx coverage.   A beneficiary can consider a stand alone drug plan for coverage because they can not buy a supplement with a drug plan.  Instead they would buy a part D plan from an insurance company. The part D plan can be from a different company than the supplement company.  Part D plans are offered by many companies. They have very different premiums and benefits from one company to the next.

What plans are popular? 

It depends on the state you live in but, in general, plans F, N and G are popular choices.  The high F plan can be the best choice if the cost is low. Some states have low cost High F plans and others do not.  Some states allow you to change from one supplement to another any time.  The change can be made without any type of health check.  Other states will check health if changing plans outside of a guaranteed issue period.

More info about Medicare Supplement plans.

Supplements will only cover services allowed by Medicare. If Medicare does not approve the care, the supplement will not cover it either.  An example is acupuncture which is not covered by Original Medicare. The supplement will not cover the charges either. Medicare supplement benefits do not change every January like they do with an Advantage plan.  The premium is subject to change but the benefits do not.  Medicare supplement plan F will no longer be available as of 2020. As a result, the plan G supplement will be the closest option to a plan F.  This is not a big issue because those in it already can keep it but no one can buy a new plan F as of 2020.

Looking for Medicare information in Connecticut?

Click here for a no cost, confidential Medicare quote.

Medicare Part B Coverage

Medicare Part B coverage is medical insurance.  Part B covers doctor visits.  It also covers well visits.  Coverage for medically necessary services and supplies is provided. This coverage includes any service or supply that you require for either diagnosis and or treatment of a medical condition. Part B also covers outpatient services.  Covered services include those provided by either a hospital, doctor’s office, clinic or other health care facility.

Medicare Part B also covers many preventive services to prevent illness or detect them at an early stage.  Together,  Parts A and Part B are known as Original Medicare.

Medicare Part B benefits

Medical services and supplies covered by Medicare Part B include (but may not be limited to):

• Doctor’s visits,
• Urgent care visits,
• Laboratory tests,
• X-rays,
• Emergency ambulance services,
• Mental health services, and
• Durable medical equipment.
• Preventive services, such as pap tests, flu shots, and screenings.
• Rehabilitative services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, as well as speech-language pathology services.

Part B has a monthly premium associated with it.  The monthly premium is $104.90 in 2016.  If you get either Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Office of Personnel Management benefits, your Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your benefit payment. If you don’t get these benefit payments, you’ll get a bill.   Note:   If you did no take Part B when you were first eligible, the cost of Part B will go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you  could have had Part B but didn’t sign up for it, except in special cases. You will have to pay this penalty as long as you have Part B.

Click here to learn how and when to enroll in Medicare.

Are you ready to sign up for Medicare?  You can sign up online.  Click here to enroll.

We are one of  the Northeast’s leading Medicare expert brokerages.  We do not charge consultation fees.  Feel free to contact the office at 203-796-5403 if you have questions.

Click here for a free personalized Medicare quote.

Interested in getting a home or auto quote?  We can help with that as well.  Email us at Admin@CroweAndAssociates.com.  We will send you a personal online link to enter your info and request a no obligation quote.

 What is Medicare Part A Coverage?

Medicare Part A coverage is hospital care coverage.  This plan covers both lab tests and surgeries.  Doctor care during the stay is also covered.  There is also coverage for supplies like wheelchairs and walkers when they are medically necessary to treat either a disease or a condition.  Part A covers in-patient hospital stays.  These plans also cover care in a skilled nursing facility or nursing home care as well as Hospice care and some home health services.  Note:  Part A will cover nursing home care for medical purposes.  Medicare will not cover the expense if custodial care is the only care necessary.

Part A includes benefits for hospital expenses.

Other expenses part A covers are, a semi-private room and meals as well as medications.  There is also coverage provided for nursing services and other supplies from the hospital.  Part A benefits will cover home health care services when deemed medically necessary.  Your doctor must order home health services in order for this expense to gain approval. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays coverage will only receive approval by Part A after a qualifying hospital inpatient stay for a related illness or injury. To qualify for SNF care, the hospital stay must be a minimum of three days.  A qualified stay begins on the day you are admitted. The day the hospital dischares you does not count toward the 3 day requirement.  Patients can be kept for observation.  Time spent under observation is considered outpatient.  This time does not count towards your qualifying stay.

If your doctor has certified that you have a terminal illness, you may be eligible for hospice care coverage.   Your doctor will need to determine a 6 month or less life expectancy.  In hospice care, the focus is on palliative care.  Hospice focus is not cure.  The goal is to relieve pain and make the patient as comfortable as possible.

Click here to learn how and when to enroll in Medicare.

Click here for more information regarding Medicare Part A  benefit coverage.

Connecticut residents looking to compare plan options can click here for more details about plans available.  If you still have questions or would like to set an appointment, please call the office at 203-796-5403.  In fact, we are leading Medicare experts in CT and are here to help.  We do not charge for our consultation services.

Click here for a no cost personal and confidential Medicare quote.

Medicare Plans Connecticut

Medicare Plans Connecticut is a broad term that can refer to a number of companies or plan types in Connecticut.  Insurance companies offer either Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD), Medicare Supplement plans (Also called Medigap)  or Medicare Part D Rx plans.  A summary of both plans and companies has been provided below.  Choosing the right plan means matching up the needs of the insured (current health, doctors, as well as Medications and volume of care) with the strengths of the given plan type.

Medicare Advantage plans-

Managed Medicare plans offered with (MAPD) and without (MA) drug coverage.  Medicare Advantage plans take the place of Original Medicare.  They are the primary insurance and have a network as a result.  There  in network only (HMO) and out of network (PPO) plans available. In Connecticut, most plans are HMO style plans.  Connecticare, United Healthcare, Aetna and Wellcare as well as Anthem BCBS offer plans in Connecticut.

There are two plans with a $0 monthly premium. Both require referrals to specialists. There are a number of plans in the $29 to $44 a month range. The higher end HMO and PPO plans have a premium from $99 to $128 a month. The positive points with MAPD plans are, they have a very low to no monthly premium.  These plans include Medicare part D coverage and they offer some benefits that Original Medicare does not.  Some of the negatives can be, the copay for medical services, provider networks as well as referrals for specialists.  Click the links for plan designs of some of the more popular plans in CT.

Connecticut does not have medical underwriting which is important to consider.  Medicare rules allow someone to change plans every January 1st during OEP.  Without checking health, a member can change from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage plan.  If someone develops a health condition, they could change to a supplement without any issues.

Medicare Plans Connecticut 

United Healthcare Medicare Complete Plan 1

UHC Medicare Complete Plan 2

United Healthcare Medicare Complete Plan 3

Aetna Medicare Plan HMO Connecticut

Anthem Mediblue Plus HMO

Anthem Mediblue Select HMO

Medicare Plans Connecticut can also be Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)– Medicare Supplement plans are offered by a number of companies in CT.  These plans are standardized. This means benefits are the same from company to company.  Common plans offered in CT are Plans F, High F, N, K, L and G.  AARP offered by United Healthcare tends to be the first choice in CT.  A number of companies including Humana, AARP, Anthem BCBS, Combined Life, United American and Cigna all offer a number of plan choices.

Click here for standardized Medicare supplement rates in CT

Medicare Part D plans (stand alone Rx plans)-  Medicare part D plans are offered by a number of companies in CT.  Some of the more popular choices are UHC branded Saver, UHC branded Preferred RX, Humana Walmart Rx, Silver Scripts, Express Scripts Rx.  There are too many plans to list them all.   You cannot purchase a stand alone Rx plan with a Medicare Advantage plan.  Clients can only purchase these plans along with a Medicare supplement.  You can also combine these plans with Medicare A and B.  If you buy a supplement plan, you do not have to use the same company for the Rx plan.  Clients can choose any company they feel is offering the best plan for them.  Note: The Humana Walmart Rx plan is  the current lowest cost (lowest monthly premium) plan in CT.

Need to sign up for Original Medicare A and B?  Click this link to sign up online through the Social Security Website.

States offer  programs to individuals in need of assistance.  In fact, you may qualify for assistance.  Click here to learn about programs offered and determine if you are eligible.

 If you have either additional questions or need a quote, Click here.

Medicare Supplement Rates Connecticut

Medicare Supplement Rates Connecticut are available at the bottom of this blog.  These Medicare Supplement plans are also called Medigap plans.  Connecticut is a standardized state for Medicare supplements.  Plans have identical benefits from one company to the next. The only difference is in price and value added features. Value added are things such as Silver Sneakers being available with a plan. A Medicare supplement plan is secondary coverage.  Original Medicare both A and B are the primary insurance with a supplement.  Providers bill Original Medicare first.  The portion not covered by Medicare is sent to the supplement.  The supplement covers some or all of the remainder depending on the the plan chosen. Plan F covers 100%, plan N covers most charges, plan L covers 75% and so on.  There are 9 supplement types in CT

How do you decide which one to take?

It depends on your situation.  People in very poor health may be better with a Plan F.  Someone in average health may look at plan N or plan L.  Supplements have some advantages: No network and ability to choose coverage level are two big ones.  Also, the ability to choose any Part D plan. There are also some negatives. The first is paying three premiums.

A part B premium of $121.80. The Supplement premium and the Rx premium.  Some people will make the decision to go with a Medicare Advantage plan instead. Connecticut does not allow companies to underwrite plans.  This simply means they can’t check your health.  This allows members to move from one supplement to another during the year.  Certain health conditions may cause an issue if you want to change plans.  They could also move either to an advantage during OEP or from an Advantage to a supplement.   Rates have been provided below.  In fact, the grid holds the rates for every company with a supplement in CT.

Click this link for CT rates 2016

Are you looking for Medicare Advantage Plan information instead?

If you need to sign up for Medicare A and B, Click for online enrollment with Social Security

Click here for a no obligation Medicare quote.