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UnitedHealthOne Vision

UnitedHealthOne Vision

UnitedHealthOne Vision

Crowe and Associates is offering clients  a vision plan called UnitedHealthOne Vision. The Vision plan offered is Davis Vision and it is available in all 50 States.

Your eyes are the windows to your health.  Eye exams can help your doctor maintain your vision with the use of either glasses or contact lenses.  They can also detect health conditions such as, glaucoma and  diabetic eye disease as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol.  Keep your vision clear by signing up for  a United Healthcare vision plan. Get the coverage you need for eye exams, glasses and contact lenses, with no waiting period.

There is a $10.00 copay for in-network eye exams.  They cover both glasses and contact lenses once a year.  There are no age restrictions for these plans.

Connecticut Rates:

  • Plan A monthly premium rates: $11.40 for primary insurance, additional $7.20 per month for each dependent.
  • Plan B monthly premium rates: $15.70 for primary insured, additional $9.90 per month for each dependent.

If you would like more information about the vision plans, please click on the link below.

United Health Care – Vision Only Brochure

 

If you would like to either enroll in a plan or speak about this further, please call Ed Crowe at (203) 796-5403 or email at Edward@croweand associates.com.

Petersen Short Term Health Insurance

Petersen Short Term Health Insurance

Because sometimes life is unpredictable, you may find yourself suddenly without health insurance coverage. For that reason, we now offer Petersen Short Term Health Insurance  plans to our clients.

This Short Term Medical plan is designed to be as easy to use as possible.   There are no co-pays and you do not need to have coinsurance. When you sign up for the plan you simply fill out a one page application. You will not have to answer any medical questions. Each policy is designated per person for both the maximum and  the deductible, for each policy period. There deductibles range from either $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, or up to $5,000. The insurance policies can go into effect as soon as the day after you submit your application.  The policies give clients a maximum policy period of 3 months.  This is the longest term available for Short Term Medical coverage.  Because the monthly premiums are so affordable for the Short Term Medical plan, anyone can get quality healthcare.

 

 Petersen Short Term Health Insurance  is a temporary health insurance plan for people between the ages of 2 weeks  and up to 64 years.  The plan covers eligible expenses caused by either an illness or injury for which you receive treatment from any doctor or any hospital within the USA.  All your expenses are applied to your deductible.   In fact, when you meet your deductible, the policy covers %100 of your approved medical expenses up to $1,000,000.

Clients are insured through a National PPO Network:

First Health gives clients access to a very large provider community.  This includes more than  5,000 hospitals, over 90,000 ancillary facilities, as well as over 1 million healthcare professional service locations.  Clients will have access to both an on line portal and a toll-free telephone number. This  helps you locate providers in your local area.

Here is a list of possible medical expenses that this policy covers:

  • Hospital Expenses
  • Physician Services
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Home Health Care
  • Ambulance Services Expenses
  • Prescription Drugs
  • $25,000 Accidental Death

If you would like to apply for Petersen Short Term Medical Health Insurance please click the link below

Click here to download  brochure for Short Term Medical

Petersen Short Term Health  Application

Medicare Part D Income Penalty 2017

Medicare Part D Income Penalty 2017

This post will explain the Medicare Part D Income Penalty 2017.

The cost of your Medicare Part D coverage will go up if, you reported an adjusted gross income of over $85,000. for a single person on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago.  For couples, your cost rises if the income you reported on your IRS tax return two years ago equaled more than $170,000. The income that Medicare uses to assess your Part D cost is your adjusted gross income as well as any other type of tax-exempt income you may have.

In fact, The rate you pay will change according to how high your income level is. The more income you have, the higher your premium for Part D coverage will rise.  Your normal part D plan premium payment will stay the same and you will continue to use the same payment method.  Medicare will automatically deduct any additional premium charges you receive directly from your Social Security check.  Medicare will send you a bill only if the additional premium amount is more than your Social Security check.

The additional premium uses a calculation that starts with the national base beneficiary premium of $35.63 for 2017. Below we have listed some examples of the rise in premium cost levels for Part D. The examples will help you figure out how much more you will pay for Part D coverage in 2017. Additional costs will not apply unless, your income is above the specified amounts.

 Additional premium costs for Medicare Part D in 2017, as calculated by income level as follows:

 

Individual – Adjusted Gross Income – Couples – Adjusted Gross Income –  Additional premium cost
 $85,000 or less  $170,000 or less $0.00
$85,001 up to $107,00 $170,001 up to $214,000 $13.30
$107,001 up to $160,000 $214,001 up to $320,000 $34.20
$160,001 up to $214,000 $320,001 up to$428,000 $55.20
Amounts Over $214,000 Amounts Over $428,000 $76.20

Life Insurance with major medical condition

Life Insurance with major medical condition

It is possible to buy life insurance with major medical condition.  If the condition is severe, you should expect to pay more than someone without a major medical problem. The rate you pay will be a higher price, but you are still eligible.   Both Term and permanent life policies are available on a guaranteed issue basis.

To find out about what life insurance for those critical illness covers, how it works and why it might be right for you,contact our office at 203-796-5403. We work with many life insurance plans that will cover a number of major medical conditions.  These conditions include; heart disease, Diabetes, breast cancer and obesity as well as a number of other conditions.   Ideally, if the condition is not severe you may be able to apply for an underwritten life policy.  The lowest price policies require a medical. This is great; if you can get approval.  For those with a major health condition and other conditions, it may not be possible.  Those with server or multiple conditions should look at simplified or guaranteed issue plans.

Life Insurance with major medical condition: Simplified issue plans

Simplified issue plans do not require a health exam.  The applicant fills out an application with health questions.  The answers are verified by the insurance company checking a drug record or pulling the MIB.  If the client has a condition that is not severe, the insurance company will issue a plan.

Guaranteed issue life insurance:

These policies can be either term or permanent insurance.  Guaranteed issue means anyone can get the policy regardless of current health status.  To quote the lowest cost guaranteed issue term and permanent policy use the link provided below. This link will take you to our MEC99 site which can be used to get an instant quote.

In fact,  it can be very difficult to get guaranteed life insurance under the age of 40.   Our guaranteed issue policy is available to anyone from age 18 and over.

CLICK FOR INSTANT GUARANTEED ISSUE LIFE QUOTE

Life Insurance for Lupus Patients

Life Insurance for Lupus Patients

It is possible to get life insurance for Lupus patients.

Term or permanent life insurance can be difficult to get with a history of lupus. This is due to the increased risks associated with the disease. However, it does mean someone with lupus cannot get coverage. It may cost more for a person with Lupus to get life insurance compared to someone without a health condition. The reality is if you have lupus there is a good chance that you will pay a higher premium rate for term or permanent life insurance.

They type of Lupus you have can determine how much more you need to pay for life insurance.  Everyone with Lupus can get a policy but the cost they will need to pay is the issue.

Types of Lupus

Discoid Lupus

This form of lupus affects only the skin and can cause rashes. It can go away and then come back. Discoid lupus is associates more with women than men and most commonly occurs between the ages of 20 and 48. About 10 percent of people with discoid lupus,  progresses to systemic lupus.

Systematic Lupus

This kind of lupus can affect just about any part of the body.  The symptoms can be mild to severe and tend to come and go.  Common symptoms include painful joints, rash, fever, hair loss, loss of circulation, ulcers and major fatigue. 

Which type of insurance to apply for:

If someone has either Discoid Lupus and no other health complications or Lupus that has been dormant for many years, they can apply for a fully underwritten insurance policy.    Insurance carriers offer the best rates if you purchase a fully underwritten policy.  For those that have Systematic Lupus or Lupus with other health complications, they should apply for a simplified issue or guaranteed issue policy.  Call our office for more specific details.  We have included a link to our lowest cost guaranteed issue term and permanent life policies below.  You can click the link to get a quote and or apply. The link will take you to our MEC99 quote site which allows you to get an instant quote

Click for guaranteed term and permanent insurance quotes

 

 

Sign up for Medicare On Line

Sign up for Medicare On Line

It is possible to sign up for Medicare on line. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Medicare, it is a government health insurance program.  Medicare is not only for people age 65 or older,  younger people who qualify as disabled and meet certain criteria may also use it. Signing up for Medicare does not have to be overwhelming.  You can sign up for Medicare on line, from your own computer!

What to know about applying for Medicare –

You have some choices to make when you sign up for Medicare.  When you are eligible, you can sign up for Part A, that’s hospital insurance and it is free. You are also eligible for Part B , that’s medical insurance.  Because you have to pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can decide not to take it. Although, if you change your mind and want to enroll in Part B after your initial enrollment, you could be charged a late enrollment penalty fee for the entire time you have Part B coverage.  The cost of this penalty will raise your coverage cost by 10 percent for every 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, and did not take it.  In some cases,you may avoid the penalty fee if,  you qualify for a special enrollment period.

If you are eligible to join Medicare at age 65, you basically have 6 months to enroll in Medicare.  The enrollment period starts three months before you  turn 65, that period includes the month you turn age 65. The enrollment period ends three months after your 65th birthday. However, if you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you will have the option to choose enrollment later.  Medicare part B offers a general enrollment each year to sign up, it starts on January 1  and ends on March 31. Your coverage go into effect on July 1 of the same year you enroll.

In fact, If you have Medicare you are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage.  This coverage does have a cost.   Although,  if you have limited income, you may qualify for help with either all or some of the plan cost.

 

Important:

If you receive insurance coverage from either your or your spouse’s employer or have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you should check with your benefits coordinator, personnel office or insurance company to see if signing up for Medicare is the best option for you.

 Sign up for Medicare on line:  CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE ON LINE

The Social Security administration works with CMS(Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services) by enrolling people in Medicare.  In fact, CMS is the agency that manages Medicare.

You can apply for Medicare on line, as soon as you are eligible. Click this link to get the online application to sign up for Medicare.  It will only  take a few minutes to complete. Once you complete the on line application and submit it, you’re all set. Normally, there is no documentation needed and there are no forms for you to sign. Once you submit your application, Social Security will process it.  Social Security will only contact you if  they need additional information. Once your application is processed all you have to do is wait for your Medicare card to come in the mail.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) and or health insurance based on employment, you may want to ask your personnel office or insurance company how signing up for Medicare will affect you.

To find out what documents and information you need to apply, go to the Checklist For The Online Medicare, Retirement, And Spouses Application.

 Already have Medicare, you can save yourself time and get both information and services online.

If you are a Medicare Part A member and you decide to enroll in Medicare Part B, you can click the link and complete a form CMS 40-B.   This form is an application for Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). After you fill it out, just mail it to your local Social Security office.

Medicare Employer Information Form

Medicare Employer Information Form

Medicare Part A Coverage –

Are you working and Medicare eligible with insurance either through your own or your spouse’s employer?  If this is the case, you should consider taking Medicare Part A (hospital Insurance).  In most instances, there is no cost to you for the extra coverage Part A provides.  We have included a link at the bottom of the page with the Medicare Employer Information Form.  This form helps both you and your employer start your Medicare Part A coverage.

Should you take Medicare Part B coverage?

Before you sign up for Part B coverage there a few things you need to be aware of.  First of all, Part B is medical insurance, this coverage is not free and you will be charged a monthly premium.  You also need to know; when you are Medicare eligible your employer insurance may change to some extent. Check with your human resources department or benefit coordinator so they can explain any changes in coverage or concerns you have. You will also need to double check insurance information with the Social Security Administration and Medicare.

Health insurance is very important to us all.  You don’t want to make mistakes with your healthcare coverage, as that could be costly.  Each person has different needs, therefore it is entirely up to you to decide what coverage is best for you.  You also have to decide if the costs will be reasonable with regard to your coverage needs.

Primary and Secondary Insurance –

In fact, if you have primary insurance coverage with your employer, most likely you do not need Part B. If you are not satisfied with the coverage your employer provides, you may want to think about Part B coverage.  If you choose to add Medicare Part B to your employer insurance you need to find out which insurance will be primary and which one secondary.  Primary insurers will pay your approved medical claims first.

Secondary insurance will normally pay the part of your expenses left over after the primary has paid.  The amount secondary insurers pay can be either all or some of the unpaid balance. This amount may be the remaining 20% of the doctors fee after primary has paid.  If you are not enrolled in a primary insurance plan, but only a secondary plan, you will have little to no coverage.  When employer insurance becomes secondary you may be better off if you take Medicare both Parts A and B.

 

Enrollment Period

Medicare offers a Special Enrollment Period without penalty when you first qualify for coverage.  You may enroll in Medicare, without penalty, at any time while you have group health coverage. This enrollment period is also good for eight months after you lose your group health coverage or you (or your spouse) stop working, whichever comes first.

Sometimes your employee coverage will automatically move into a Medicare Advantage Plan (private health plan).  If you have health coverage from either a union, a current or a former employer when you become Medicare eligible.  You can keep the Medicare  Advantage Plan or switch to either Original Medicare or a different Medicare Advantage Plan.  You should know that if you switch plans, Your employer or union could lessen or even terminate your health benefits or the benefits of your dependents.  Discuss any healthcare plan changes you may want with your employer or union to make sure your coverage is safe.

Click the link below for the employer medicare Forms.

Employer Medicare Forms

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut

Crowe and Associates wants to help you sort through some of the information on the Medicare Savings Program Connecticut.

Medicare Savings Programs are designed to help Medicare recipients by paying the Part B costs for them.  Although Part A is no cost to most people, if the recipient or their spouse has not worked long enough to qualify for this benefit then,  the MSPs (Medicare Savings Program), may pay the Part A cost for you.  MSP will also pay for the monthly part B premium which everyone pays for.  Your income must be within a certain range in order to qualify for the MSP.  There are 3 types of Medicare Savings Plans available, each one is based on the recipients income level.

The income limit amounts will remain in effect through March 2018.  We have listed the three plans that are available below:

CLICK HERE FOR MSP BROCHURE

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut: First Plan:

QMB – This plan is for only people who qualify as Medicare Beneficiaries and meet the income criteria as stated below.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) – There are no asset limits on this plan.
QMB income limits (211% FPL):   If you are a single person with income of $2,120.55 or less per month.
If you are a Married couple with income of $2,854.83  or less per month.

This plan pays not only premiums for Medicare Part A  and Part B but also deductibles and co-insurances as well.  It will also pay for drug plan premium up to the benchmark plan premium, provided coverage in the coverage gap and limit drug copay costs.

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut: Second Plan:

SLMB, this plan is solely for people who meet the following criteria:

SLMB or (Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary) income limits: (231% FPL) – There are no asset limits on this paln.
If you are a single person with income of $2,321.55 of less per month.
If you are a married couple with income of $3,125.43 or less per month.

This Plan will pay only Medicare Part B premiums.  It will also pay for drug plan premium up to the benchmark plan premium, provided coverage in the coverage gap and limit drug copay costs.

 

Medicare Savings Program Connecticut:  Third Plan:

ALMB is also called the Q4.  This plan has limited funds, therefore it is only available until the funds are exhausted. This is not an entitlement program and applications can only be accepted while there are funds available.  ALMB, (Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)  programs also have no asset limit
ALMB income limits (246% FPL):
If you are a single person with income of $2,72.30 or less per month.
If you are a married couple with income of $3,328.38 of less per month.

This Plan will pay only Medicare Part B premiums.  It will also pay for drug plan premium up to the benchmark plan premium, provided coverage in the coverage gap and limit drug copay costs.

TO VIEW QMB vs MEDICADE COVERAGE CLICK HERE

If you would like more information about any of these programs please contact Edward Crowe at Crowe and Associates either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at Edward@croweandassociates.com.

FOR FAQs CLICK HERE

FOR CT MSP APPLICATION CLICK HERE

Medicare Part D Enrollment Penalty

Medicare Part D Enrollment Penalty

How much is the Part D penalty?

The cost of the Medicare part D enrollment penalty depends on how long you go without Medicare Part D or creditable prescription drug coverage.

Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the “national base beneficiary premium” ($35.63 in 2017) by the number of uncovered months you didn’t have Part D or creditable coverage. The monthly premium is rounded to the nearest 10 cents of your Medicare Part D monthly premium.  The national base plan premium usually increase each year, so your penalty amount may also increase each year.

Here is an example of how the Medicare part d enrollment penalty works:

Mrs. Jones is now eligible for Medicare, and her Initial Enrollment Period ended on May 31, 2013. She doesn’t have prescription drug coverage from any other credible source.  She decided to join a drug plan during the open enrollment period for a 1-1-16 start date. Her drug coverage was effective January 1, 2016.

2016

Since Mrs. Jones was without creditable prescription coverage from June 2013–December 2015, her penalty in 2016 was 31% (1% for each of the 31 months) of $34.10 (the national benchmark premium for 2016) or $10.57. The penalty is rounded to the nearest 10 cents so she would pay $10.60 a month for a penalty.   Her current prescription rx plan would include the penalty premium amount with her regular plan premium.

Here’s the math:

.31 (31% penalty) × $34.10 (2016 base beneficiary premium) = $10.57

$10.57 rounded to the nearest $0.10 = $10.60

$10.60 = Mrs Jones monthly late enrollment penalty for 2016

Keep in mind, Mrs. Jones may pay a higher penalty the following year if they raise the benchmark premium for 2017

 

How do I know if there will be a Medicare part D enrollment penalty?

After you join a Medicare drug plan, the plan will tell you if you owe a penalty and what your premium will be. Most people will have to pay this penalty for as long as you have a Medicare drug plan. The exceptions would be for those that drop coverage or are approved for a drug help program such as MSP.

What if I don’t agree that I have a penalty?

You may be able to ask for a “reconsideration.” Your drug plan will send you a letter explaining how to appeal.  All appeals will be sent to a company called Maximus that will review appeals.  Maximus is the only company that can review them. As a result, you will need to wait until they make a decision. You must do this within 60 days from the date on the letter telling you that you owe a late enrollment penalty. Also send any documentation that supports your case.

Do I have to pay the penalty even if I think it is wrong?

You must pay the penalty until a decision has been made on the appeal. Failure to pay the penalty could result in termination of your enrollment.

How long does it take to decide on the appeal?

In general, Maximus (Medicare contractor) has 90 days to make a decision.

What happens if Maximus decides the penalty is wrong?

If Maximus decides you should not have a penalty, they will send you a letter stating that fact.   Your drug plan will then stop charging you the penalty and will send details regarding a refund of the penalty amount you already paid.

What happens if Maximus decides the penalty is correct?

They will send you a letter stating the penalty is correct. You will be forced to continue paying the penalty if you want to maintain you drug coverage.

Do you have a Medicare supplement plan (also called Medigap)?  If so, a high deductible plan F supplement may be a way to save money compared to your current supplement plan. CLICK TO LEARN ABOUT HIGH DEDUCTIBLE F PLAN SUPPLEMENTS

High Deductible Plan F

High Deductible Plan F

High Deductible Plan F can save substantial amounts of money on a yearly basis compared to a Medicare supplement plan F, G or N.  The following description will detail how the plan works and why it is often a better option for seniors.

What is a high deductible plan F?

A high deductible plan F is a Medicare supplement plan (also called a Medigap plan).  It has the same benefits as a standard plan F supplement but with a $2,200 deductible prior to having the coverage of a traditional plan F.  Once the deductible is satisfied, the high deductible F covers exactly the same as a plan F.  The benefit of the high F is the reduced monthly premium which can be up to 80% lower than the standard plan F premium.  Because high F is a standardized supplement, there is no provider network.  Medicare supplements do not have networks.  You may go to any doctor that accepts Original Medicare.

How does the deductible work?

The high deductible Plan F deductible does not work the same as a traditional high deductible plan.  Medicare A and B roughly covers 80% of approved services.  The 20% left over is the only amount that goes toward the deductible.  The common misconception is the insured needs to pay the first $2,200 of services which is not the case. In fact, most people enrolled in the high F plan do not meet the deductible on an annual basis.  The key is to understand what Medicare A and B covers which will provide a better understanding of what charges will go toward the high F deductible.

How much money can be saved on a high F plan?

The savings is in the reduced premium.  There is also additional savings when the annual deductible is not met.  Premiums vary by state.   We will use Connecticut as an example.  In Connecticut, one of the lower cost plan F supplements is $239 a month. One of the lowest cost high F plans in Connecticut is $53 a month which creates a substantial savings.

Plan F premium = $239 a month x 12 months = $2,868 annual premium.  This premium will be paid regardless of how often the plan is used.

High deductible plan F = $53 a month x 12 months = $636 annual premium.  This is a difference in annual premium of $2,232.   In the event the full deductible was hit for the year, the total plan cost would be $2,836 ($636 annual premium + $2,200 deductible paid).  When the deductible is met, the annual savings is marginal but the deductible is not often met for the year.

How often does the average person meet the $2,200 deductible?

The high deductible plan F works so well because the deductible is not often maxed out.  Here are some national averages to consider.

85% of people age 65 to 67 spend $541 a year toward the $2,200 deductible.  Remember that Medicare A and B is providing coverage at 80% of Medicare allowable charges and only 20% goes toward the deductible.  As a result, this will provide a total annual savings of  $1,691 using the high F plan vs. the standard F plan.

80% of people age 68-72 spend $647 a year toward the $2,200 deductible.  This would be a savings of $1,585 using the high F vs. the standard F plan

70% of people age 73+ spend $754 a year toward the $2,200 deductible creating a savings of $1,478 a year.

Those that do manage to spend $2,200 for the year will be no worse off than if they had a regular plan F.  Maxing the deductible plus the annual premium still has them spending less than the total annual cost for a standard plan F. The benefits are the same once the deductible is met for the year.

What happens if I meet the $2,200 deductible for the year?

If you do meet the $2,200 deductible for the year, your plan will pay all Medicare approved claims. It will work just like a regular plan F. The insurance carrier will track all costs and will pay your claims automatically if you have accumulated costs up to $2,200.  Everything is automated, without the need to submit any type of paperwork.  Note: Please be sure to use a carrier that provides automatic claims filing.  Using a carrier that does not auto file claims may require you to submit paper forms for claims to be paid.

What if I decide I want to go back to my old supplement?

In  CT, NY and some other states, you are allowed to change supplements the 1st of any month the entire year.  If you try the high deductible plan F and don’t like it, you can change back to your old plan F, G or N any month you like.  The change is guaranteed and can not be blocked due to health conditions in guaranteed issue states.  The process to change back is quick and simple.

Next steps

Call our office to discuss further at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com

CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS ON MEDIGAP HIGH F PLAN

 

High Deductible Medicare Supplement

High Deductible Medicare Supplement

High Deductible Medicare Supplement is usually the best option for a Medigap plan if the premium is low enough. The biggest challenge is understanding how the plan works and why it will prove to be a better choice than standard supplements such as F, G and even N.

If you are willing to pay out of pocket for certain health care costs and if your state has a well priced high F plan it could be your best option. A high-deductible Medigap plan F can offer substantial premium savings while still providing dependable coverage. Premiums on high deductible Medicare supplement plan F can run up to 75% less than plan F and G supplements. As with any other supplement, high deductible Medicare supplement plan F still provides access to a huge number of providers because Medicare is still the primary insurance.

How does the High deductible Medicare supplement plan work?

We need to start with an understanding of how high deductible Medicare supplement plan F works. A high-deductible Medicare Supplement Plan F pays the same benefits as a standard medigap Plan F. Its the same only after the insured has satisfied a calendar year deductible. For 2017 the deductible is $2,200. In other words, the $2,200 represents the max out of pocket you pay prior to having full coverage just like a regular plan F.

Out-of-pocket expenses are those expenses not covered by Original Medicare. It is important to keep in mind the deductible is only for the expense that Medicare approves but does not pay all of.  The insured does not pay the first $2,2,00 of medical services.  You only pay the approved services that Medicare does not pay all of such as deductibles, copays and cost shares. 

As an example, assume you have a Medicare eligible expense that costs $5,000 (Medicare approved amount which is usually much less than the provider charges.) Typically, Medicare will cover 80% of the approved charges which in this case is $4,000. This would leave the insured paying $1,000 of the charges.  The $1,000 would then be put toward the $2,200 deductible of the high deductible Medicare supplement plan. As a result, there would be a potential to spend $1,200 more out of pocket for the calendar year. If there is another $1,200 of costs, the plan will cover 100% of the remaining Medicare approved services for the year.

Examples of how a high deductible Medicare supplement work using real premiums

Lets use a real example from NY. One of the lower cost high deductible Medicare supplement plans in NY cost $64.00 a month.  $64.00 x 12 months is $768 in annual premium.  If you max out the $2,200 for the year it will be a total cost of $2,968 for the year.  One of the lower cost plan F supplements in NY (example is for the city, boroughs, Westchester county and LI) is $269.50 a month.   For 12 months that would total up to $3,234 in annual premium.  As you can see, the high F plan will be less even if the full deductible is met.

How much does the average senior spend toward the deductible in a year?

The big savings is when you do not meet the annual deductible.  Here are some averages:  85% of seniors age 65 to 67 spend an average of $541 annually toward the deductible.  80% of seniors age 68 to 72 spend an average of $647 annually toward the deductible. 70% of seniors age 73+ spend an average of $754 a year.   As a result, the averages favor the person enrolled in the high F plan saving substantial amounts of money every year.  If someone does have a bad year and meets the deductible they will still save some money no matter what.

A high-deductible Plan F will almost always provide a savings for those enrolled in it vs. a plan F. The trick is understanding how the plan works. Also, being able to pay any larger sums that may occur early in the policy year.  In some states, such as NY and CT, the insured can switch from one supplement to another. They can do this the first of any month throughout the year.  Health underwriting is not allowed so you can not be blocked due to health conditions.

How much does Medicare A and B cover and how much will I be left to pay toward my deductible?

Medicare part A is the hospital inpatient part of coverage.  There is a deductible for $1,316 for inpatient stays on part A.  Part B is 80% coverage after the deductible of $183 (annual).  Use the link to see other costs that will accumulate toward the deductible on A and B. Click for A and B benefits and cost share

Do you want to see the premiums for other Medicare supplements such as F,N,G,L and K?

Benefits for supplements in most states are standardized by plan. This means the benefits are the same regardless of which company is offering it.  For example, a plan F has the same benefits no matter who offers it. An example of rates is provided.  We are using Connecticut Medicare Supplement rates as an example here.  CLICK FOR CT MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT RATES

Are you an agent/broker looking to offer a high deductible Medicare Supplement to your clients?  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGH F PLAN SALES

Want a quote for the lowest cost high deductible Medicare Supplement in your state

Call our office to receive a quote over the phone (203-796-5403) or email Edward@croweandassociates.com  

Medigap Plans CT

Medigap Plans CT

Medigap plans Ct are also called Medicare supplement plans.   They provides coverage for these “gaps” in your Medicare coverage and can save you money.  Medigap plans are not Medicare Advantage plans rather, they provide coverage after Original Medicare A and B benefits pay.  As a result, it is important to note that Medigap plans will only cover services that are approved by Medicare. They will not help cover costs that Medicare does not allow/approve.

Access all Medigap plans CT (Medicare supplement plans) with this link.  Site will show you all plans and rates in CT.

Are you a broker looking to sell Medigap plans?  If so, click here to learn more about Medigap sales.

Medicare supplemental plans are offered by private insurance companies.  These plans help to pay the ‘gap’ between costs covered by original Medicare and your out of pocket costs.  Medigap plans are regulated by national and state governments and therefore benefits are generally the same, regardless of the insurance company.   For example, Plan A has the same benefits regardless of the company you purchase it from.  As a result, rates and value add benefits are the only difference from company to company.

Medigap plans do not cover medication expenses.  If you enroll in a Medigap plan, you should also consider a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.  The rule is different for drugs under medicare part B. As a result, it is important to pick the right part D drug plan.  The pharmacy you like to use and the specific prescriptions you take make all the difference when selecting a drug plan.  Call our office to learn more or use the CMS drug plan finder tool. 

Want to learn more about the differences between a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan? Click here to learn about all your medicare options.

We are one of Connecticut’s leading Medicare brokerage firms.  Please call us at 203-796-5403 or email us at edward@croweandassociates.com if you have questions.  Better yet, we can set a time to sit face to face and discuss all of your options.  If you aren’t able to travel to our office, we will gladly come to you.