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Dental, Vision & Hearing plan

If you are looking for a great all-in-one package of health care products, look no further.  Our Dental, Vision & Hearing plan package will provide you with the coverage you need at a price you can afford.  These plans are offered by SureBridge.  SureBridge is an affiliate of the Chesapeake Life Ins Company and a recent partner of the UnitedHealthcare Group family of companies.

Plan Details:

Pays 100% on preventative services on DAY ONE of the policy with no deductible

No waiting period on basic benefits (fillings and simple extractions)

Only a 9-month waiting period for major services on dental

Benefits on basic and major services go up 10% every year for the first 3 years.

Issue ages 0-90

ISSUE AGE rates – Premiums are locked in

All applications, contracting done online

Guarantee issue and renewable for life

Carrier pays the provider directly

Click here for more information/brochure

►Now Available: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, ME, MI, MN, MS, NE, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, WI, WV and

WY!

►Launching 6/21: LA, MO, ND,

NM, NV and UT

►Launching 7/19: TX, KY and OH

(More States to come for 7/19

Launch!)

Network Information:

Dental = Carrington Dental Network

Vision = No network

Hearing = TruHearing

**Out-of-network is based on 75% of what dentists in the area are charging.  (UCR)

To see the plan rates for your state click here

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Medicare Part B premium appeal form

The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for 2019 will be $135.50.  Medicare Part B is what you use to pay for medical costs of doctor’s visits, medical equipment and outpatient procedures.  If you have a MAGI that is over the Medicare maximum amount, you can file a Medicare Part B premium appeal form.

However, if you have a high income level, Medicare might make you pay a higher amount for your part B premium. Medicare uses your modified adjusted gross income or MAGI to decide the amount you will pay for your Part B premium. They take this amount from your tax return from 2 years ago.  This means that if you have Medicare Part B in 2019, your premium is based on your MAGI from your 2017 tax return.

If your income has gone down from what it was 2 years ago, you can use the Medicare Part B appeal form below to file an appeal and have your Part B premium lowered. In some circumstances, a life changing event can significantly reduce your income.  There are many reasons that you can experience a reduction in income.  These instances include divorce, death of a spouse, loss of a pension just to name a few.

Medicare Part B Appeal Form   Click here for an appeal form

If you are more comfortable with an in-person meeting, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule a meeting t your local Social Security office.

If you want a better idea of what the IRMAA is, take a look at the chart below:

Medicare Part B Appeal Form – Income for extra help

If you fall below certain income levels you may qualify for extra help paying for your Part B or Part D premiums. Click here for details.

Would you like help with your Medicare coverage? Please feel free to contact our office.  You can reach us either by phone (203)796-5403 or email [email protected]

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PPO

If you are or ever have been in the market for a healthcare plan you will most likely come across the term PPO.  A PPO is a preferred provider organization. These plans offer a network of healthcare providers for their members to use for medical care at a negotiated rate.  PPO plans allow members to see any in-network health care provider they choose without requiring a referral.

More PPO information:

If you choose to join a PPO, in most cases, you will not need to choose a primary care provider.  You will be able to use any provider within the company’s network of providers. All your in-network healthcare services will be covered at the negotiated rate.  You will also have the option of using out-of-network providers, although they will be covered at a lower rate. It is always a good idea to make sure your provider participates with your health plan in order to avoid receiving a higher than expected medical bill.

In most cases you will have a deductible to meet each year before your medical bills are covered by the insurance company.  There is also the matter of co-pays for certain services.  Some services will require you to pay a percentage of the total medical cost. These are things you should be aware of, if possible, before you go for medical care.

PPO Providers:

PPO plans have a number of in-network doctors and medical facilities you can choose from. In this way the plans are similar to HMOs.  It is always more cost effect to use an in-network provider when seeking medical treatment. Providers who participate with your insurance company have an agreement to accept lower payments and in return, receive access to patients who participate with the insurance company’s network.  One advantage to a PPO is that beneficiaries do receive coverage for some out-of-network care. If you decide to use an out-of-network provider you will most likely have to pay a higher rate for your care but the insurance carrier will pay some of the cost.

Another benefit of joining a PPO is that you will not be required to get a referral to see a specialist.  You can choose from any in-network provider for medical services

PPO plans might be a good fit for you if:

• You do not want to get a referral before seeing a specialist.
• Sometimes you want to use an out-of-network provider.
• It is important for you to have the choice of where you receive your medical care.

If you would like help choosing a Medicare plan, click here

To set up an appointment with a sales rep, please contact us either by phone (203)796-5403 or by email [email protected]

Does Medicare cover home healthcare

Does Medicare cover home healthcare; If you are getting ready to sign up for Medicare you might ask the question.  This can be a very important question to know the answer to.  As we all get older, we do not want to worry about what will happen to us if we become too ill to take care of ourselves.

• 24-hour-a-day home care (live in health care).
• Meal delivery to your home.
• Services that pay people to shop, clean and or do laundry for those who need assistance.
• Medicare does not pay for Personal care given by home health aides.  This care consists of bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom.  If this is the only help you need.

Does Medicare cover home healthcare; Medicare will cover your home healthcare services if you meet all the criteria below:

Part time skilled nursing care.  This means any service that only a licensed nurse can do safely.

If you require the services of a part time home health aide for personal care such as bathing, dressing or using the bathroom.  These services include things that do not need to be done by a licensed nurse.  Medicare will not pay for the home health aide unless you also require therapy or other nursing care.  These services must be a part of your at home treatment plan for your current health condition.

Physical, occupational or speech therapy for any amount of time the doctor recommends.

In order for Medicare to pay for any therapy, they should be prescribed in order for you to regain your quality of life as it was before the on set of your current health condition.

Medicare will also pay for approved, necessary medical supplies such as wound coverings ect.   It does not include either prescription drugs or biological therapy.

Durable medical equipment such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs are also covered by Medicare.

FDA approved injected osteoporosis drugs are also paid for by Medicare when deemed necessary in certain situations.

Please remember; although your health care provider helps with the arrangement for Medicare covered home health care, the final word is yours as to which agency you use.

If you need help choosing the best Medicare plan for yourself, please contact us.  You can reac us either by phone (203)796-5403 or email [email protected]

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HMO vs PPO

How do HMO and PPO Plans differ?

There are many choices to make when it comes to your health insurance. You may be familiar with the terms HMO and PPO.  You may not know what the letters stand for or what the differences in the plans are.  Let’s start by telling you what these initials mean.  An HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization.  A PPO is a Preferred Provider Organization.  We will give some information about HMO vs PPO plans in this post. Note: Medicare Advantage plans also have HMO and PPO plans designs.  The information is applicable to Medicare MA and MAPD plans as well.

We have listed some information about each type of plan below:

The decision to choose one health care plan over another depends on many factors.  These factors include your health, your budget and the network of providers available for each plan.

Click here for information about choosing the right Medicare Plan

If you would like more information about choosing a Medicare health plan, please contact us.

You can reach us either by phone (203)796-5403 or by email [email protected]

Medicare & You eHandbook

If you want the most up-to-date, accurate Medicare information, you need the Medicare & you eHandbook.  Sign up by May 31, 2019 to receive your downloadable copy.  Just click the following link to sign up:

Sign up to get the “Medicare & You” eHandbook.

If you don’t like to have paper clutter all over the house,Medicare will email you this fall as soon as the eHandbook is available. You will also receive an email notification when there are major updates; such as cost changes.  This way you will always have the latest most accurate information.

This a quick and convenient way to find the answers to your Medicare questions.  You will receive important update notifications by email.  You can use the search tool to find what you are looking for easily.  It only takes a few minutes to sign up for this useful tool.

If you need to sign up for Medicare, learn how to do it quickly on line click here.

Need help with Medicare questions?  Please feel free to contact us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]  We are happy to help youfeel confident with your Medicare choices. There is no cost to speak to a licensed agent who can help you navigate Medicare.

If you would like to quote Medicare plans, click here for Advantage, Supplement and Part D plan quotes

Compare Medicare plans

Medicare beneficiaries will feel confident with their choice when they have the option to Compare Medicare plans.

Most people feel overwhelmed when the time comes to enroll in a Medicare plan.  There are a lot of options available whether you are new to Medicare or changing plans during one of the election periods. 

There are couple options when it comes to choosing how to get your Medicare coverage:  

The First option is to take Original Medicare; this means Part A and Part B. If you decide to do this, you have the ability to add a Medicare supplement plan/Medigap plan as well as drug coverage or Part D.  These plans provide additional coverage when paired with original Medicare.   Medicare supplement plans pay the additional 20% of your Medicare approved costs that Medicare does not pay.  These plans do not require you to choose a network of providers and are offered by Medicare approved, private insurance companies.  You can use them with any provider who participates with Medicare.  You do not need referrals to see any doctor or specialist.  

Another option is to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan/Part C.  A Medicare advantage plan includes both Part A and Part B coverage. They take the place of your original Medicare coverage. These plans are offered by Medicare approved private insurance companies.  The Plans also require that you use a provider who participates in your plan’s specific network.  These companies offer either HMO or PPO plans.  Most of them also offer prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. 

CLICK HERE TO COMPARE MEDICARE PLANS

 You may be eligible to receive help paying for your Medicare coverage if you have limited income:

If you are within the eligible income level you may qualify for Medicaid.  Medicaid is both a federal and state program that provides help with medical costs.  There are also MSP programs sponsored by the state government that can help you pay medical expenses.  These programs help pay medical expenses such as; premiums, co-pays and prescription costs as well as deductibles.

Medicare also works with other types of health care coverage you may have such as, employer. union or veteran’s benefits.

There are many things to think about when it comes to your health.

We understand the importance of finding the right health care coverage to fit your individual needs and budget.  We are always happy to help you find the best plan for you.  You can reach us either by phone (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]

Need to sign up for Medicare: Click here

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You Medicare Supplement plan comparison

One you are ready to sign up for Medicare you might want to do a Medicare Supplement plan comparison.  This will help you find the best coverage for your health care needs as well as your budget.

If you are thinking about signing up for Medicare there are many factors to consider.

Those factors will most likely include whether or not you would like to sign up for a Medicare supplement plan.  These plans are a great tool to help provide you with additional health coverage after your original Medicare Part A and Part B pays their part of your approved medical costs.  A Medicare supplement plan will help you pay the 20% of your approved medical expenses that Medicare does not cover.

If you want to sign up for Medicare on line; click here for information

Medigap is another name for a Medicare supplement plan.  The plans a regulated by the federal government and must all offer uniform coverage.  Many different insurance companies are licensed to offer these plans.  That is why you should always do a Medicare supplement plan comparison.  Although the plans offer the same basic coverage, they differ in price and extra coverage options.

Here are a few good reasons to consider a Medicare Supplement plan:

They provide extra coverage for your approved medical expenses.

You can go to any provider who accepts Medicare, that means there is no provider network to worry about.

You do not need to get a referral if you choose to go to a specialist; as long as the provider participates with Medicare.

When you travel anywhere in the U.S. you still have medical coverage.

These plans are guaranteed renewable, as long as you pay your premiums.

CLICK HERE TO COMPARE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT  PLANS

Please contact Crowe and Associates either by phone (203)796-5403 or email at [email protected] if you would like assistance with signing up for Medicare or choosing additional health care coverage.

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Compare Medicare supplement plans

When you are getting ready to sign up for Medicare, you should compare Medicare supplement plans to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs.

What is Medicare supplement insurance:

CLICK HERE TO COMPARE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS

Because the plans are standardized by the government, the best way to find the right carrier for your needs is to compare the plans side by side.  This way you can choose a plan that offers the cost and extra benefits that best fit your needs.

Click here to sign up for Medicare on line

Please contact us if you would like help in choosing the best Medicare coverage options for you.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]

What is a High Deductible F Plan

If you are ready to take your Medicare benefit, you might want to know; What is a High Deductible F Plan.

Although the High Deductible Plan F 2020 will not be available for new beneficiaries, there is a similar plan called Plan G.  Plan G has most of the same coverage benefits as Plan F, with the exception of the plan B deductible payment.

Humana over the counter catalog

If you are a member of Humana, you will want to know how to get your Humana over the counter catalog.  Please remember, only some of the Humana plans have an OTC benefit.

For an OTC order form, Click here.

If you have questions about how to use your OTC benefit, you can call Humana Pharmacy at 1-855-211-8370.  There are Customer Care representatives available from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.  They are also available on Saturdays from 8 a.m.  until 6:30 p.m., Eastern time. 

There are a few ways to order your OTC items:

You can order by Mail.  Just Fill out the Health and Wellness Products Order Form (download a copy here) send the order form to:
Humana Pharmacy
PO Box 1197
Cincinnati, OH 45201-1197

You can Fax your order into Humana. Once you download and fill out the order form, fax the pages to 1-800-379-7617.

How much is the OTC benefit allowance?

Compare Medicare Advantage plans

If you are new to Medicare, you should Compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the one that fits you best.  Some people refer to Medicare Advantage plans as either Part C or MA Plans.  These plans are used as an alternative to original Medicare.  If you choose to participate with a Medicare Advantage plan, you do not lose your Medicare benefit.  These plans include your Medicare Part A and Part B and in most cases a prescription drug plan or Part D.

How does a Medicare Advantage Plan work with Medicare:

Private insurance companies must have their plan approved by Medicare before they can offer them to clients.  Medicare has very strict guidelines that insurance companies must follow.  Once Medicare approves the plan, Medicare will pay a certain amount to these insurance companies every month for your care.

Every plan has different charges, costs and rules for services you receive.  Some plans require you to get a referral before seeing a specialist and weather or not you have to go to certain approved providers for your medical care for non emergency care.  Insurance companies change there policies every year.  That means you should check your policy each year during open enrollment to be sure it is still the best option for you.

Compare Medicare Advantage plans to be sure what services are covered:

Although Medicare Advantage Plans cover all the services that original Medicare approves, some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional extra coverage.  The options can include things like; vision, hearing and dental coverage.  The cost for each plan also varies depending on the company you choose as well as your location and a few other things.  Click here for more cost information.

Click here to compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area.

Medicare Advantage plan prescription drug coverage:

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