GET CONTRACTED
Edward@Croweandassociates.com
Call us: 1.203.796.5403
Crowe & AssociatesCrowe & Associates
  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • Sales Blog
  • Sales Tools
    • Online enrollment
      • Connect4Medicare
      • Sunfire
    • Quote and comparison site
    • Application Processing
    • Free Medicare lead program
    • Agent website
    • Predictive dialer
  • Free Leads
  • Products
    • Medicare Plans
    • Life Insurance Plans
    • Final Expense Insurance
    • Long Term Care Insurance
    • Fixed and Indexed Annuities
    • Healthshares
    • Dental and Vision Plans
    • Other Products
  • Training Webinars
  • Contact Us

Blog

Home 2017 September

Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2018

By Ed Crowe | Individual Health Insurance | 0 comment | 18 September, 2017 | 0

Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2018

Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2018 runs from November 1, 2017 through December 15, 2017.  This is an opportunity to make any desired changes to your existing health insurance plan. This could be changing plan options with the same company or looking a plans from other companies.  Those with an Exchange plan (obamacare) plan may want to look at other offerings in the exchange or possible outside of the exchange for 2018.  For exchanged and non exchange based plans, the insurance companies can not block enrollment due to health issues.  This is a guaranteed issue period on exchange and non-exchange type plans.  All changes during this time will take place on 1-1-18.

Benefit Changes and Rate Increases

Benefit changes and the inevitable rate increases for the plans also take place on 1-1-18.  The preliminary estimate shows that most companies will have increases of over 20% for 1-1-18. It is not yet know how the subsidy for those on Obamacare plans will be effected.  Usually, those receiving an income based subsidy are best staying on an exchange plan given they are getting help with the premium.  The monthly subsidy can be substantial if the insured persons income falls within the guidelines.  Although the plans will be increasing their premiums, it is hard to tell how much of that will be offset by the subsidy.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2018: Other options

Those that are not planning on being able to get a subsidy for 2018 may want to explore other options.  Non subsidized plan premiums are very expensive for someone age 50+ and the 20+ percent increase will only make that worse.  A non subsidized silver level plan for a 50 year old is currently about $640 a month.  After the increase that number will be around $768 a month.

Crowe and Associates has access to other non-exchange and non-subsidized plans for 2018 that have substantially lower premiums.  Call our office to learn more at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com

Our plan is a full major medical plan that waives the penalty for being uninsured. There are copays for services prior to paying any type of deductible.  Rates are the same for all ages and are as follows…

  • Single -$548 month
  • Parent and Children- $898 month
  • Couple- $1,022 month
  • Family- $1,298.00 month
What is an Annuity

What is an annuity

By Ed Crowe | Annuities | 0 comment | 14 September, 2017 | 1

 What is an annuity

This is a more complicated question than one might realize. So what is an annuity?  The standard definition from the dictionary is listed below but it does not really help to answer the question.

an·nu·i·ty
əˈn(y)o͞oədē/
noun
noun: annuity; plural noun: annuities
  1. a fixed sum of money paid to someone each year. In most cases, payments are for the rest of their life.
    “he left her an annuity of $1,000 in his will”
    • a form of insurance or investment entitling the investor to a series of annual sums.
      “an annuity plan”

Answer:

Annuities are a type of investment account clients typically use either for retirement savings, conservative account growth or to generate regular income payments in retirement. Annuities are insurance contracts, the issuing insurance company provides basic guarantees in the contract, this depends on the type of annuity.

There are many types of annuities, and the right one for each person depends on their situation and goals.

Looking for guaranteed income in retirement

Consider income annuities or annuities with guaranteed income riders:

Income annuities can provide a stable and predictable source of retirement income. With these types of annuities, you surrender access to a lump sum of money in exchange for a stream of income that’s guaranteed for life. Payments from income annuities can start as early as 30 days from the day you sign the contract.  Although, the more competitive income annuities require a much longer gestation period ranging all the way up to age 85.

Fixed or Variable Annuities with guaranteed income rider:

 The majority of annuities on the market today offer a guaranteed income riders.  Riders will provide a set amount of income at a future date determined by the insured.  Income riders are predictable and can be illustrated to show how much guaranteed income will be paid out for life at any given start date.  Most income riders have an annual fee that is deducted from the overall account value of the annuity. Some income riders will increase the benefit base (number used to determine the income payout) on a guaranteed annual basis.  You can find past income riders with 8% to 10% compound roll ups for 20, 30 or sometimes 40 years.  The current interest rate environment has lowered the guarantees in most products income riders over the past few years.

Trying to conservatively grow your nest egg.

Consider either a Variable or fixed indexed annuity for safe growth.

 Most growth oriented annuities will provide minimum growth guarantees and also have lock in features which set a new minimum value every year.  Some Variable annuities can go below your initial value if the market based accounts they use have negative returns.

What is an annuity; what to consider when making a choice:

Understanding the basics of an annuity is one thing.  The bigger step is knowing the details and understanding which annuity is best for your situation.

  • What the fees and charges will be. Fees and charges vary greatly from company to company and also depends on the type of annuity.
  • Who issues the annuity. Annuities are backed by the strength of the company that offers them. Take a look at the financial rating of the company you use.
  • How do you want your annuity invested. You can go with a fixed annuity (called a MYGA), an indexed annuity or variable annuity.  In general the fixed annuity is a set rate but will often have a lower yield.  Fixed indexed annuities have potential for more growth but can also do little to nothing in bad years.  A variable annuity can either grow substantially or have negative returns.  This will depend on market performance.
  • How much flexibility you need. Annuities have surrender periods.  The surrender periods range from 3 years up to 15 years.  This depends on the product as well as state.  Choose one that fits your needs.

If you have more questions on the topic, either give us a call at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com to get answers.

For more information; you can visit our website croweandassociates.com.

independent medicare insurance agents

independent medicare insurance agents

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 12 September, 2017 | 0

Independent Medicare insurance agents

This post will help clients understand why it is important to work with independent medicare insurance agents.  Here at Crowe and Associates, we want our clients to feel confident about their insurance choices. We are happy to meet with anyone either in our office or at your home, if necessary.  Because every client is important to us, you can reach us by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at edward@croweand associates.com anytime you have questions or concerns.

We DO NOT charge clients for our services. 

Independent Medicare insurance agents work with multiple insurance companies on a general contractor basis.  Independent agents do not work for any one specific company.  This arrangement gives clients more choices when they shop for Medicare plans.  This also helps to ensure that clients will receive the best offer available.  Unfortunately, not all independent insurance agents work with all of the companies.  It is important to ask your agent which companies they work with.  In general, they should be contracted to offer Anthem/Empire BCBS, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, Aenta Medicare, Wellcare, Connecticare, Emblem, Mutual of Omaha and First United American.  Crowe and Associates works with all of the mentioned carriers and a few others. There is never one insurance company with the best plan for everyone, therefore it is important to have access to all the major companies.

Crowe and Associates is an agency of Independent Medicare Insurance agents

Let the experienced professionals at Crowe & Associates help you understand the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. We are here to make sure you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.  We don’t want you to make the wrong health plan choice and get yourself into a mess that you could have avoided.   Let Crowe & Associates guide you through your Medicare enrollment and you can rest easy.

Our location is; 304 Federal Road, Suite 107, in Brookfield, CT.   Crowe & Associates is a seasoned group of licensed sales professionals in both the insurance as well as the investment fields.

We are licensed to sell insurance in most of the 50 states and have partnerships with several mainstream insurance carriers.  This allows us to guarantee the best insurance services in Connecticut and the Eastern United States.

Build your assets, share your questions, obtain benefit security, and start an outstanding relationship with one of our dedicated professionals. We will help you obtain the best coverage available. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Who are our agents?

The agents at Crowe & Associates are motivated self-starters. We truly care about helping people fulfill their insurance as well as their Medicare needs. Each and every one of our agents is dedicated and highly competent.  Our agents receive training by experienced and knowledgeable professionals in both the insurance and investment fields.  In addition, we offer our agents many learning opportunities and have an open door policy.  This means both our clients as well as our agents have the full support of our office.

Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment period 2018

Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment period 2018

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 7 September, 2017 | 1

Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment period 2018

You are only eligible to enroll and dis-enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans at specific times of the year.  Therefore, some of you may want to know when the Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment period 2018 is.  The (MAPD) Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period starts on January 1 and lasts until February 14 every year.  During this time, you can leave your MA plan and go back to Original Medicare.  You also have a chance to enroll in a Part D drug Plan, if you haven’t already done this.

 

During the Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period 2018:

You can decide to leave a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare. The length of your enrollment does not matter.  Even If you have just joined the Medicare Advantage plan during the AEP (Annual Election Period).   You are able to change your mind and go back to original Medicare (Part A & Part B).  If you do decide to dis-enroll from your MA Plan, that goes into effect on the first day of the following month after you make your request.

Example:  if you dis-enroll from your plan on January 1, it won’t be in effect until February 1.

Be aware of  the date your Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment goes into effect. Some kinds of Medicare Advantage plans require you to use in-network providers in order to be covered. If you’re in a SNP (Special Needs Plan) or an (HMO) Health Maintenance Organization, you must only use doctors that are in the plan’s provider network until you are dis-enrolled. If you use out of network providers, your plan may not pay for the services you receive.

If you decide to dis-enroll during this period, you will be eligible to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan(PDP). This is true whether or not the Medicare Advantage plan you leave included drug coverage.  If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan, you can just join a stand- alone Medicare prescription drug plan.  If you do this, you will be automatically dis-enrolled from your Medicare Advantage plan.  You could also just submit a dis-enrollment request to your plan.  As we stated earlier, when you join a Medicare prescription drug plan, your coverage starts the first day of the following month.

It would be wise to enroll in a PDP very close to the time you decide to dis-enroll from a MA plan.  This way you can avoid any lapse in drug coverage.   Original Medicare doesn’t come with prescription drug benefits. Additionally, Medicare Part D has a penalty if you go without creditable prescription drug coverage for over 63 days in a row. If you have other prescription drug coverage, it must be the equivalent of standard Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

You CANNOT use The Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period 2018 to either join or to change plans.

The only thing you can do during the MADP is to dis-enroll from Medicare Advantage to go back to Original Medicare.  The Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period is not the same thing as the Open Enrollment Period also known as the AEP.  The Open Enrollment Period is only to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a prescription Drug Plan, make plan changes or dis-enroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare plans.

There is also a difference between the MADP and the Initial coverage election period.  The Initial coverage election period is the time that you are first eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.  There is no other time that you can change your Medicare Advantage plan unless you qualify for a special election period. In certain circumstances you can dis-enroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and switch to a different plan. For example; if you move out of the plan’s service area or if someone used deceptive marketing practices on you when you signed up for your plan.

 

Please contact us with any questions about this information.  You can reach us either at (203)796-5403 or at edward@croweandassociates.com.

 

Medicare Open Enrollment 2018

Medicare Open Enrollment 2018

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 7 September, 2017 | 0

Medicare Open Enrollment 2018

If you have questions about Medicare Open Enrollment 2018, you should read this.  The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) starts on October 15 each year and runs through December 7. This time is also referred to as the Annual Election Period.  This period of time is for Medicare clients to re-evaluate their coverage, check for changes and explore any new options that may meet their needs more efficiently.  You should speak with your broker and at that time he/she can help you compare your current plan against others on the market.   If you find a better health coverage option is available, you can make the desired changes.  Your new coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year (Jan.1, 2018)

For example:

If you have Medicare Parts A or B, you can either join or drop a Part D prescription drug plan.

If you already have a Part D prescription drug plan, you can change to a different Part D prescription drug plan.

You can also drop your Medicare Advantage Plan (also called Part C) and change back to Parts A & B (Original Medicare)

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change to a new Medicare Advantage Plan.

Learn more about the difference between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan

 Do I really need to re-evaluate my Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment?

There are changes made every year to health plans that can effect how much they cost you.  Changes can include premiums, deductibles, drug costs as well as pharmacy and provider networks. This means that it is possible that your chosen provider may decide not to participate with your health plan anymore. Your health plan may also change it’s formulary (the list of  covered drugs and how much they will cover for them). Because of all these variables, you really should review your options.  Make sure the coverage you chose still meets your needs.  If you do this, you may be able to:

Get yourself better prescription drug coverage or add it in for the first time.  Your medication needs may have changed during the course of a year.

Keep your current doctors in-network. Just in case your provider has decided to change his network affiliation. Open enrollment can be a good time to lower your medical costs.

You might find a higher quality plan that is still in your budget.

These are all things you might want to consider when you are planning for the upcoming year.

Crowe and Associates works with numerous Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D Rx and Medicare Supplement plans. If you have any questions about your coverage, please feel free to contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403, or by email at edward@croweandassociates.com.

 

Balance billing rules Medicaid

Balance Billing rules Medicaid

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 5 September, 2017 | 1

Balance billing rules Medicaid

This blog Balance billing rules Medicaid will provide details on billing for those with Medicare and Medicaid.  It is also useful for those with Medicaid only. This information may help to prevent future out of pocket costs associated with health care.

Balance billing rules Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans

A number of Medicaid eligible members also have a Medicare advantage plan.  Medicare advantage plans are co-pay based plans with a network of providers.  Those enrolled in Medicaid will not need to pay the co-pays on the Medicare advantage plan if the provider they see is participating with Medicaid. If the provider is not participating with Medicaid, they will have a co-pay for the services.  There are plans called Dual Eligible Medicare Advantage plans that work a bit differently.  If the provider participates with the Dual Advantage plan, the insured will not be responsible for a co-pay.  This is true even when you go to a doctor this not participating with Medicaid. This rule gives members access to doctors  who are not currently participating with Medicaid without a cost share.

Balance billing rules with Original Medicare and Medicaid

Those with Original Medicare A and B and Medicaid can go to any provider that participates with A and B.  If the provider does not participate with Medicaid, they are not allowed to bill the insured for the Medicare cost share.  Providers not with Medicaid do have the ability to refuse to see that member if they choose however.

Overall

Non Medicaid providers not being able to bill Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible members can be a positive in some situations.  This is because it allows members access to a wider range of providers.  Some providers will simply not be willing to see dual members any longer and as a result, this trend is increasing. Dual eligible plans help to expand access to providers and may have extra benefits such as dental and vision.  On the other hand, if the dual plan does not have a specific doctor in network, the member will not be able to see them.  They would be able to see that same provider if on Original Medicare only.

If you would like more information about Crowe and Associates, please visit our website at here.

Categories

  • Annuities
  • annuity
  • Brokers
  • CD rates
  • Dental
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability
  • FDIC insured CDs
  • Fixed interest rates
  • General Articles
  • Group Health Insurance
  • Individual Health Insurance
  • Investments
  • Latest news
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Care
  • Medicare
  • Medicare A and B benefits
  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Medicare compliance
  • Medicare Drug Coverage
  • Medicare Supplements
  • Over The Counter benefits
  • phone and home Medicare sales
  • Retirement Income
  • Voluntary Benefits

Recent Comments

  • Rachel on When is The Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period (MADP)
  • Kathy Stark on United Health Care OTC Catalog
  • Tracey Klee on UHC 2022 OTC Catalog
  • Brenda Brogan on Aetna OTC 2023
  • terry zehring on Anthem 2022 OTC catalog

Social Icons

Archives

  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • February 2022
  • December 2021
  • October 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • October 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • September 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • April 2011
  • January 2011
  • August 2010
  • April 2010
  • September 2009
  • August 2009

Recent Posts

  • Insurance Live Transfer Leads
    27 January, 2023
    0

    Insurance Live Transfer Leads

  • MetLife dental NCD
    24 January, 2023
    0

    MetLife dental NCD

  • ConnectiCare OTC 2023
    18 January, 2023
    0

    ConnectiCare OTC 2023

  • $35 insulin list
    18 January, 2023
    0

    $35 Insulin List

With licensed sales professionals in both the investment and insurance fields, the experienced and knowledgeable team at Crowe & Associates can tend to your various needs.

Latest News

  • Insurance Live Transfer Leads

    Insurance Live Transfer Leads

    Insurance Live Transfer Leads With Crowe and Associates, agents can access insurance

    27 January, 2023
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800 MEDICARE to get information on all options.

Follow Us

  • Follow Us on LinkedIn
  • Find Us on Facebook
  • Watch Us on YouTube

Subscribe to our newsletter

Edward K. Crowe & Associates LLC BBB Business Review
  • Home
  • About
  • Agents
  • Quote
  • Retirement
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Contact
Copyright 2023 Crowe & Associates | All Rights Reserved |

Insurance Agency Website by Stratosphere

  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • Sales Blog
  • Sales Tools
    • Online enrollment
      • Connect4Medicare
      • Sunfire
    • Quote and comparison site
    • Application Processing
    • Free Medicare lead program
    • Agent website
    • Predictive dialer
  • Free Leads
  • Products
    • Medicare Plans
    • Life Insurance Plans
    • Final Expense Insurance
    • Long Term Care Insurance
    • Fixed and Indexed Annuities
    • Healthshares
    • Dental and Vision Plans
    • Other Products
  • Training Webinars
  • Contact Us
Crowe & AssociatesCrowe & Associates

Online Enrollment- Enroll prospects online without the need for a face to face appointment. Access to all major carriers with the ability to compare plan benefits and prescription drug costs. Link to recorded webinar https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2899290519088332033

All agents receive a personalized enrollment website. Prospects can use the site to compare plans, check doctors, run drug comparisons and enroll in plans. Agents are credited for all enrollments. Click Here

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]