OTC Catalog

The Aetna Medicare Over The Counter (OTC) Catalog 2019 is now available.

Carriers now offer a Medicare over the counter (OTC) benefit  to their members.  In addition to your plan benefits, over the counter benefits  defray some of the cost of necessary healthcare items not covered as a medical or pharmaceutical expense.

Aetna Medicare  offers members an Over-The-Counter benefit.  This benefit pays up to a $25 maximum amount every month for over the counter  (OTC) items.  The catalog lists eligible items.    Only items listed in the OTC catalog are covered by the over the counter benefit.  Many products you would normally purchase from a drugstore are critical to a healthy lifestyle.  These items may include non-prescription medications, vitamins,  and eye care.  In addition to these you can purchase every day items that impact your health, like hand sanitizer.  This benefit allows you to purchase these items from the catalog at no cost to you.  Accordingly, the cost of these items is part of your Medicare OTC benefit.

1. The over the counter benefit in 2019 is up to $25/member every month.  However, there are rules with regard to how items must be ordered.
2. The over the counter  benefit is included with all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans in 2019.
3. You must order from the catalog or online. Items purchased from a retail store are not part of the benefit.
4. Because this is a “use it or lose it” benefit,  benefit dollars do not carry over month to month.  Therefore,  be sure to check the catalog each months for items you will need.
5. You cannot use your CVS Extra Care card toward these purchases.
6. Free shipping!  There are no shipping or handling fees.
7. Orders typically take two weeks to arrive.  Plan ahead for adequate supplies.

Please see below to download the color format OTC catalog.  The catalog includes a newly expanded product list.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AETNA MEDICARE 2019 OVER THE COUNTER CATALOG.

Choosing a Medicare plan can be confusing!  Remember, that is what we specialize in!    If you still need help determining which Medicare option will suit you best,  call us at 203-796-5403 and schedule an appointment today.

Your new Medicare card, Things to know

Your new Medicare card, Things to know

Social Security is still busy sending out the new medicare cards in the mail.  You can click this link to get an email when your new card has been put in the mail new Medicare cards. This will give you an idea when to expect receipt of the new card. This way you can keep an eye on the mail for it. Many of the new cards have already been sent out.  If you have not yet received your new card, do not worry.  It will get to you in the very near future.

If you need to get your new Medicare card ID, you can click the following link to create a free Medicare account. From there you will be able to get your new Medicare number without having to wait for it to arrive in the mail.  CLICK THIS LINK TO CREATE A FREE MEDICARE ACCOUNT.

Once your new card arrives in the mail, you can use it right away.  There are a few things you need to do once your new card arrives:

Always Carry your new Medicare card with you.

 Keep in mind that your doctors and health care providers are aware that you will be receiving it and they will want to see your new Medicare ID when you come into their office for care.

1. Destroy your old Medicare card.  You no longer need the old card for anything, so the best thing to do with it is to carefully and completely destroy it.  You do not want anyone getting your information.
2. Keep your Medicare Advantage Plan card. If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan,  (an HMO or PPO),  you will continue to use your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card when you use a health care provider.  Please keep in mind you will also need to carry your new Medicare card, because you health care providers will ask to see it.  Remember, these new cards are safe to carry with because they do not use you social security number anymore.
3. If you have a Medicare Drug plan card you will also need to keep that with you.

Do not worry that your new Medicare card looks different than the old one.  Your  Medicare coverage and benefits have not changed. If you would like more information about the new Medicare card you can click here.

If you need help with choosing Medicare plans, please contact our office.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]

to learn more about us; visit croweandassociates.com.

How Much is Medicare part B

When you are getting close to the age of 65, you might get a little anxious thinking about what steps you need to take to get you Medicare benefits.  One of the questions you probably have is How Much is Medicare part B. .   If you are retired and living on a fixed income this is an important question to ask.  Medicare Part B covers your necessary medical services and supplies.  In 2018 the standard cost for Medicare Part B is $134.00 a month for an individual.

According to federal law, some higher-income beneficiaries will have to pay a higher premium for their part B coverage.  This law also applies to your Medicare prescription drug coverage.  Less than 5% of people will be affected by this law.  Therefore, the majority of people will not have to pay the additional premium.

The document in the link below is for 2018; but the IRMAA limits are set to be the same for 2019.  They will most likely go up substantially in 2020.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INCOME/PAYMENT AMOUNTS

How Much is Medicare part B – Social Security will use your most recent tax return

Your most recent tax return will be used to decide if you need to pay the higher premium.  The amount is based on your (MAGI) modified adjusted gross income.  Your MAGI is your total adjusted gross income along with your tax-exempt interest income.  If you are filing as single and your MAGI is more than $85,000,you will pay a higher Part B premium.  In the event that you are married, filing jointly and your MAGI is greater than $170,000 you will pay a higher Part B premium.  If you will have to pay a higher premium, you will receive a letter from Social Security with the reason for the higher cost as well as the amount you will have to pay.

When you have income that is not over the set income limits you will not have to pay any additional premium.

If your income has gone down, due to a change in your life, you can contact Social Security and explain it to them.  They will need proof/documentation of the new information and may adjust your payment amount accordingly. We list some examples of life changes below:

You or your spouse stops working or has reduced hours.

An unforeseen event causes you to lose an income-producing property.

Recently you were either married, divorced or widowed.

You have lost income from a pension plan.

In the event that your income has gone down, you can use  Form SSA-44 to ask for an adjustment.  You can find the form on line at www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf.w.

If you would like more information or help with signing up for Medicare, please contact the office.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]

New Medicare Card Scams

Unfortunately, there have been reports of some New Medicare Card Scams.

Be aware that  Medicare is in the process of sending out the new Medicare cards.

 Therefore, if you receive a call and someone says you need to give them your personal information or payment of any sort to get the new card, hang up! It’s a scam. Medicare will never call uninvited and ask for personal information or money the cards are free and Medciare already has all the information they need to get the card to you.  Click this link to check the status of your new card.

If you have not received your new Medicare card yet, don’t worry. Sending cards out to each state takes some time.  You and your friends will probably get your cards at different times.  If you do not have your new card yet, you can keep using your current Medicare card.

Additionally, you are able to log in to your MyMedicare.gov account to see when your new card was mailed. To sign up for a free Medicare account you can go to MyMedicare.gov  and in a short amount of time you can create an account.

IMPORTANT: If you have received your new card, start using it right away!

YOUR NEW CARD WILL LOOK LIKE THIS:

PLEASE REMEMBER:

1. Your new card will automatically be mailed to you. There is nothing for you to do.  Just wait for the card to arrive, as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address, visit your My Social Security account.
2. Once you get your new Medicare card, you should destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card.
3. Medicare uses a unique combination of numbers and letters on the new cards. They use numbers 0 thru 9.  They do not use the letters S, L, O, I, B, or Z on the cards.

Call Crowe and Associates with any questions at 203-796-5403

Medicare Employment Verification form

You might wonder why you would need a Medicare employment Verification form?  If you are going to apply for Medicare in a special enrollment period you need to have had group plan coverage within the last 8 months through either yours or your spouse’s employer.

If you have a disability you must also have had large group health plan coverage through either your own or your spouse’s employment. The Medicare verification form is used to prove that you have had or have this coverage.  It is needed to process your Medicare enrollment application.  The employer that provides you with health coverage will complete some sections of this form for you.  The form includes information about your health care coverage as well as the dates of employment.

Click here for Employment verification form

HOW DO I FILL OUT THIS FORM?

You will fill out the first part of the form(section A).  Have your or your spouse’s employer(whichever provides insurance coverage to you)fill in the second part of the form(Section B) and sign it.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE COMPLETED FORM:

Once both sections are complete, you need to include the form with your Medicare enrollment application.  You send both forms to your local Social Security office.
If you need to find your local Social Security office click here, after you get to the page you click on the menu.  Then click on contact us, and finally click on find an office.

If you have any questions or need help with this, please contact our office.  You can reach us either by phone (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]

Preventive care definition

This post will help you to better understand what the Preventive care definition is.  This will give you an idea of what your health care coverage is providing to you and sometimes what it is not.

The care that you receive to prevent illness or disease is referred to as preventive care.  This can also include counseling you receive in an effort to prevent health problems. The reason insurance companies provide these services at no cost to you is because; if you are healthy it costs them less to provide insurance coverage for you in the long run. The basic idea is that getting preventive care, such as screenings and immunizations,  helps keep you and your family healthy.  All Marketplace health plans as well as many other health plans are required to cover preventive services without charging you either a copay or coinsurance. This applies even if you have not met your yearly deductible yet.

The Preventive care list includes different services if you are an adult than the services that qualify as preventive if you are a child.  The insurance industry also bases preventive care on the risk factors for each individual.  These factors vary according to both your family history as well as your personal history.

CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW THE ACA LIST OF PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES

If you need assistance with obtaining insurance, please contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]  We are always happy to assist clients in finding the best coverage options available to them.

Medicare forms online

Medicare forms online can help you search for a Medicare form to file a claim, request an appeal, or for Medicare to give someone access to your personal health information?

To get the Medicare form you need, visit Medicare.gov and find the situation that applies to you.

Maybe you’ve been working past the age of 65, have had health coverage through your (or your spouse’s) employer, and are now ready to enroll in Medicare Part B. If so, you’ll most likely need to fill out CMS forms 40B and L564 and take those to your local Social Security office to start Part B coverage. You can find those particular forms on Medicare.gov, too, under “Enrollment Forms.”

To get the Medicare form you need, find the situation that applies to you. Get forms in alternate formats.

Medicare forms online – Enrollment forms

Medicare forms online – Appeals forms

Get a list of all Medicare forms.

Crowe and Associates is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm M-F to answer your questions.  Call us at 203-796-5403

Extended Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2019

This year you have more chances to make sure you chose the best health care coverage available for your needs. There will be an Extended Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2019.  The extended period is called the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and will run from January 1 through March 31st.

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is from October 15 until December 7 each year. The dates changed in 2011, but have been the same ever since.  For 2018 Medicare coverage, open enrollment ended on December 7, 2017. For 2019 coverage, open enrollment will run from October 15, 2018, until December 7, 2018.

During the annual enrollment period (AEP)  you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage.

• You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.
• You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.
• And if you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during the general open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet some basic criteria.

• You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.
• You must live in the plan’s service area.
• In most cases, you cannot have End-Stage Renal Disease (some exceptions apply).

Extended Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2019 –  More about OEP

During the Medicare OEP from January 1 to March 31st you will have one more chance to make a plan change.  If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will be able to drop the advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare.  You can also add a drug plan at that time if you choose.  If you have a current Medicare Advantage plan or a PDP plan, you will be able to change to a different Medicare Advantage or PDP.  This is a one time election.

Extended Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2019 – Information about auto renewals on Advantage, Part D and Medicare Supplements

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or  Medicare Advantage Plan and you are happy with your coverage, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment.  You should just confirm your current plan will continue to be available. If your plan is going to be discontinued and isn’t eligible for renewal, you will receive a notice from your carrier before open enrollment. If you don’t, it means you can keep your plan and don’t need to do anything during open enrollment.

Keep in mind, every year your benefits and premium could change.  Although you want to keep your current coverage for the following year, it’s important to check for and understand any changes that may apply. You should always check to make sure that your current plan is still the best choice available to you. The coverage of the available plans can changes from one year to the next. Although the plan you have now was the best option last year, you should make sure that is still the case for next year.

Following AEP is the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period that runs from January 1st through February 14th.  During this time, a Medicare Advantage plan member is able to disenroll from their current Medicare Advantage Plan. They can then go back to original Medicare and purchase a Medicare supplement plan if they choose.  They can purchase a new Part D Prescription drug plan ony if they disenrolled from an MAPD.

In 2019, the new enrollment period will be from January 1st through March 31st.

This enrollment period will allow Medicare Advantage Plan members to disenroll from their current plan and switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.  They can only do this one time within this period.  They can also return to original Medicare and purchase a Medicare supplement if they choose. This is not Guaranteed Issue business.   Similar to the dis-enrollment period, members can only enroll in a new Part D plan if they have disenrolled from an MAPD.

Crowe and Associates is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 to answer any questions.  Call us at 203-796-5403

How to Sign up for Medicare on line

This post will give you instructions on how to sign up for Medicare on line.  Please keep in mind, the only people who are eligible to use this tool are people who are turning 65.  If you have already turned 65 more than 2 months ago you will have to sign up for Medicare at your local Social Security office.

If you are not ready to retire yet, you can still apply for Medicare on line. The online application usually only takes a few minutes.  Just select submit your electronic application and you are done. You do not need documentation and will not have to sign any forms.   Social Security will process your application and contact you if they need any more information.  You will receive your Medicare card in the mail.

Social Security works with CMS by enrolling people into the Medicare program.

How to sign up for Medicare on line – There are several good reasons to use the online Medicare application:

• Avoid the trip and the waiting in your local Social Security Office.
• Start and stop your application when you need to without losing your information.
• Correct your application before you submit it.
• When you are finished, just select “Submit Now” to send your application to Social Security no need to wait for the mailman.
• Receive a printable receipt of your application for your records.
• Receive a confirmation number after you submit your application that you can use to check the status of your application.

How to sign up for Medicare on line – If you are not planning to receive retirement benefits yet:

you should still sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65.  Once you are in the online application, you will be able to opt out of receiving cash retirement benefits now. You will be able to apply online for retirement benefits later. With the online application, you can sign up for both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).  There is a cost for Medicare Part B coverage, therefore you may decide not to accept it. Although, if choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B and then decide you want it later,  you will pay a higher Part B premium. Your monthly cost will go up 10 percent for every 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it, unless you qualify for a “Special Enrollment Period.”

How to sign up for Medicare on line – Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you are age 65 and have Medical coverage through a spouse’s current employment, you might not need to apply for Medicare Part B yet. If this is the case, you may be eligible for a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP).

• You qualify if you or your spouse is currently employed and receive benefits from employer based health coverage.
• Anytime during the 8-month period that begins the month after your group health plan coverage or the employment it is based on ends, whichever comes first.

How to sign up for Medicare on line – What to do if your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or destroyed;

You can ask for a replacement card by using your online my Social Security account.  If don’t already have a Social Security on-line account, you can easily create one online.   Create your account by clicking on this link: Sign In or Create an Account.

Once you log in to your account, choose the “Replacement Documents” tab.  Then choose “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.”  You will receive your new Medicare card in about 30 days.

If you decide not to use the online service, you can contact Social Security either by phone or in person at your local Social Security office.

• Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Click the following link to contact your local Social Security office.

If you have further questions, please contact our office.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at [email protected]  To learn more about us, please go to www.crowenadassociates.com

resources https://www.medicare.gov/

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut 2018

About the Medicare Savings Program Connecticut 2018

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut 2018 (MSP) is available those below certain income levels. As a result, the program does not take assets into consideration for eligibility.  There are three levels of the program, Someone may qualify for if their income is below the guidelines.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays for your Medicare Part B premiums, and any Medicare deductibles and/or coinsurance.  Most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A but the QMB program will pay part A premium for those with a Medicare Part A premium.
  • income limits for 2018 – Single $2,135.32 a month – Couple $2,894.92 a month
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Will pay for your Medicare Part B premium
  • income limits for 2018 -Single $2,337.72 a month-  Couple $3,169.32 a month
• ALMB (Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Will pay for your part B premium;  You may not have any other type of Medicaid program while enrolled in the ALMB program
  • income limits for 2018 – Single $2,489.52 a month: Couple $3,375.12 a month

This program is subject to changes during the 2018 year. Click here for an update

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut 2018 Application

It’s easy to apply for the Connecticut Medicare Savings Programs. Simply complete an application and mail it in. The application is“Medicare Savings Programs Application/Redetermination,”.  There is no cost to apply for the program as well as no penalty for applying if you are not accepted.

Medicare Savings Program Application 

Formulario de Renovación de programas de ahorro de Medicare 

Please mail the completed application to:

DSS ConneCT Scanning Center

PO Box 1320

Manchester, CT 06045-1320

If you are having trouble printing the application, call Crowe and Associates at 203-796-5403

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut 2018- Apply through CHOICES

All three MSP programs are administered by the Connecticut DDS . To apply, you can complete the paper application (In the link above). You may also call CHOICES at 1-800-994-9422,

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut 2018 FAQ  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Link to the DORS website

More basic information on MSP

DORS BENEFITS QUICK GUIDE

Minimum Coverage Health Insurance for Individuals

The following post contains information about Minimum Coverage Health Insurance for Individuals.  If this is the type of insurance you would like to purchase, please use the information below to help you make an informed decision.

Medicare Savings Program Changes CT 2018

In this post we give you some valuable information about the Medicare Savings Program Changes CT 2018.  We realize many of you may be confused about all the recent news of changes in eligibility and income limits.  Please note: the effective date of any changes in this program has been extended until July 1, 2018 in the state of Connecticut.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are put in place to help the Medicare beneficiary pay their Part B premium.  In some instances, MSPs help beneficiaries pay for Part A premiums.  Usually, Part A is free, although if either the beneficiary or their spouse has not worked enough, he or she will need to pay the Part A premium.

Just to recap:

The program is not going to change until July 1, 2018. In the event that the income limits are lowered and that results in the loss of your QMB status, DSNP members will still have 90 days before you are dropped from the program. If you are being dropped you will receive a letter that explains this to you.  If yo do lose your QMB Status you will no longer qualify for protection of balance bills.  This means that you will be responsible for these bills as of the date that you lose your QMB coverge.

Each year in March the income limits for the MSP Program are reviewed, and usually raised.  This will not change the fact that the state is going to fund the program until at least July 1.

These following income limits are effective in March 2018:

QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary):
Pays both Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and co-insurances.
QMB income limits (211% FPL):
Single person – $2,135.32/month (previously $2120.55)
Married couple – $2,894.92/month (previously $2854.83)

There is no asset limit for people who receive benefits from this program.

To Apply: You can download an application form in either English or Spanish, CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION.

Applicants may also apply by going to the Connecticut Department of Social Services office for their town.