Blog

Medicare Advantage Pros and Cons

If you watch T.V., you have probably heard about Medicare Part C also known as Medicare Advantage plans. Private insurance companies contract with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage plans. These plans must provide the same level of coverage as original Medicare. If you are considering a MA/MAPD plan, you should think about the Medicare Advantage pros and cons before signing up.

Because your healthcare is a very important decision, there is a lot to consider when choosing between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan.

 We will go over some of the features Medicare Advantage plans offer that may or may not provide the type of coverage you are looking for.

Medicare Advantage Pros:

Low premiums and cost shares

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 plan premiums. There are plans with a premium, but they are usually quite reasonable.  It is important to note; you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premiums when you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.  If you opt for Original Medicare and a supplement, the premium will cost you substantially more and you will also need to purchase a separate PDP (prescription drug plan).  Paying for two plans can add up especially compared to a $0 MAPD plan that also provides prescription drug coverage.

Some in-network doctor’s visits have a low or no cost share with a MAPD plan.  While the same visit with Original Medicare may leave you with a 20% co-insurance payment.

Medicare Advantage plans provide an annual maximum out-of-pocket expense limit. This means, when you reach the maximum, your plan pays 100% of your covered medical expenses for the rest of the year. You pay nothing.  There is no maximum out-of-pocket cap with Original Medicare.  In other words, there is no limit to what you could spend for medical treatment in any given year.

Comprehensive coverage

Medicare Advantage plans provide the same benefits Original Medicare, both Part A & Part B, offers. MA plans also provide additional benefits not offered by Original Medicare. Some MA plans offer vision, hearing, dental, OTC and more.  MAPD plans offer comprehensive prescription drug coverage.

Beneficiaries of MAPD plans only need 1 plan and 1 card for medical, hospital and prescription coverage. This is a convenient way for beneficiaries to cover all their needs.

Several Value-added benefits:

Medicare Advantage plans provide many additional benefits above and beyond what was already mentioned.  Some plans include fitness benefits like gym memberships or incentives for active lifestyles. Many plans offer rides to and from medical appointments to ensure you get the care you need. MA plans may also offer incentives for wellness visits or preventative services they may also cover chiropractic services or acupuncture.  These services are not usually covered by Original Medicare.

Please note:  additional benefits vary by plan and provider.  Beneficiaries should check their plan’s summary of benefits to view the full range of benefits available.

Some Medicare Advantage plans operate as managed care networks or HMOs.  This means beneficiaries must use in-network providers who often work together to coordinate care and can in turn save beneficiaries money. Plans also offer telehealth consultations with healthcare providers.

Medicare Advantage Cons:

Must use only in-network providers

Beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare or Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan can use any provider who accepts Medicare assignment.  On the other hand, enrollees in Medicare Advantage plans are limited to seeking care with in-network providers. Any services received out-of-network can be either denied coverage or may result in a higher co-pay amount. Additionally, the cost of your care may not apply to your out-of-pocket maximum.

Additional costs

Medicare Advantage plans may include additional costs.  These costs include co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance. These out-of-pocket costs can add up if you visit the doctor often.  The costs depend on the plan, provider, and the services received.

See below for some situations that can raise the out-of-pocket cost for a MA plan:

1. Beneficiaries may have a copayment for doctor’s visits.  Co-pays also apply to some prescription drugs.
2. In some instances, there may be coinsurance cost for some services.  This may apply to specialist visits or DME (durable medical equipment).
3. Out-of-network charges.  Anytime a beneficiary visits an out-of-network provider there may be higher out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, coinsurance or the entire cost) for services received.
4. Many plans have an annual deductible.  Beneficiaries must meet the deductible before some medical expenses are covered. This may also include cost of specific the prescription drugs.  This will depend on the tier of each medication.

Please remember; beneficiaries should be aware of the MA/MAPD plan’s summary of benefits to understand the potential costs associated with any plan.

Prior authorization

Because Medicare Advantage plans try to assure their plans are not misused, beneficiaries may need to have prior authorization for hospital stays, home health care, and some medical procedures as well as medical equipment. This may include a primary care doctor’s referral before a specialist visit is approved.

Additionally:

Because there is so much to consider, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a licensed Medicare agent when considering all your plan choices and comparing all the benefits that are important to you.

Click here for Generic Scope of apt

Agents who have questions – take a look at our YouTube channel

Get Started With Medicare

Medicare is its own universe  with its own jargon, terms, rules, and regulations. This can be intimidating, especially for those of us just starting out. However, signing up for Medicare is a vital step in making sure that you and your family have access to the essential healthcare you need in your golden years. Beware of Medicare scams!   Protect your Medicare ID and enrollment information.    Read on to learn how to get stared with Medicare.

 Learn the Basics

Original Medicare has two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is hospital insurance, and Part B is medical insurance. Within these two parts, many of the basic health care you will need is covered. There is also Part D, which are prescription drug plans that are purchased separately. Medigap, or Medicare Supplemental Insurance, refers to additional coverage purchased from private insurance carriers that helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare. Another name for Medicare Part C is  Medicare Advantage.   Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare.  Private insurance companies offer MAPDs.   The federal government does not offer these plans. These are bundled plans that usually include hospital, medical, and prescription coverage.  You must enroll in Medicare to qualify for one of these plans.

Prepare to Sign Up – Enroll

Get started with Medicare.   Most become eligible at age 65. And, promptly sign up.  Individuals receiving benefits from Social Security are automatically enrolled in Part A of Original Medicare.   Part A is hospital insurance. When they sign up for Social Security benefits, they have a choice about whether or not to enroll in Part B (medical insurance). Therefore, individuals not receiving Social Security benefits, must enroll in Part A.  Enrollment is not automatic for these persons. Here are the easiest ways to sign up:

• Online, at Social Security. The website is the easiest, fastest way to sign up and access any financial help you may qualify for.

• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

• You can contact your local Social Security office.

• If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

Regardless of method used to get stared with Medicare,  beneficiaries receive a welcome packet.     The welcome packet includes a Medicare card.   After enrollment, it takes about   2-3 weeks for the card to arrive.

Using Medicare

New enrollees will receive their Medicare card and start their coverage. It is a good idea to keep the Medicare card private, and only share it with medical professionals if necessary, as there are many scams around filing false claims to Medicare. The majority of doctors and service providers in the nation accept Medicare – about 93%. The most commonly excluded health care professionals, those who opt out of Medicare assignment, are psychiatrists and mental health practitioners, as well as pediatricians. It may also be helpful to give Medicare permission to share your information with someone you trust.  They can help if there is ever a medical emergency and you are unable to discuss treatment.

With these three simple steps, you will be well on your way to using Medicare successfully.

After Enrollment

The rise of automated and exclusively-online enrollment means that it can be easier to use technology to scam the unsuspecting.  Beware of Medicare scams!   Protect your Medicare ID and enrollment information. Medicare beneficiaries should always remember that Medicare will not reach out to beneficiaries via call or email unless they are answering their inquiry. Medicare will also never offer free gifts, medical equipment, or any other service for free.

Additionally, beneficiaries on an advantage plan do not need to show their Medicare card to providers.   Therefore, best if this card remains in a secure location not on them.

Licensed Agents

Are you a licensed certified Medicare agent?   Work with a better FMO.   Click here to see what Crowe and Associates has to offer. 

Keep up with all of our current events by clicking here. 

Ready to contract?   Begin here.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.   We provide weekly training.  We cover up to date topics on webinars.   And, we host weekly zoom calls.  Additionally, use this opportunity to network with other agents.

Click here to view more images by this artist

What is Medicare Part C

Many people see television ads telling them they need Medicare Part C.  In this post we answer the question; What is Medicare Part C and do you actually need it.

Medicare Advantage (Part C), gives Medicare beneficiaries an alternative coverage option to Original Medicare.  Medicare A & B provide coverage for essential health care benefits such as; doctor visits and hospitalization.  Part C (MA plans) take the place of your Medicare Part A & Part B benefits and are available through private insurance companies.  They also provide many value added benefits such as prescription coverage (Part D), dental, hearing, vision, OTC benefits and more.

More details about Part C:

All Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies.  MA/MAPD (Part C) carriers are regulated by CMS and must provide beneficiaries the same level of medical coverage that Original Medicare (A&B) provides.

Most Part C (MA/MAPD) plans offer a very competitive premium, many plans have a $0 premium as well as low out-of-pocket costs.  This gives people a very cost effective way to get the healthcare coverage they need.

If you opt for a MA/MAPD (Part C) plan, you should be aware of the plan’s provider network and confirm that your doctors are in-network with your selected plan.  Even if you choose a PPO plan, using an out-of-network provider can be a costly mistake.

Each year, during the AEP, you have an opportunity to either enroll in or out of your current Medicare plan.  The AEP starts on Oct. 15th and ends on Dec 7th.  If you are enrolled in a MA/MAPD, you have an extra opportunity to change your coverage options starting Jan 1 and ending March 31 each year; this is called the OEP.

Summary – Why Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

Part C (MA/MAPD) plans provide comprehensive coverage including additional benefits such as; dental, vision, hearing, prescriptions, OTC, rides to appointments and more. They also cover Medicare A & B charges for doctors and hospitals. Many plans include Part D, prescription drug coverage.  All you need is one card to cover your medical costs.

Because MA/MAPD plans have annual out-of-pocket maximums, beneficiaries can feel safe knowing the cost of their annual healthcare has a limit.  Plans also offer clear costs for services.  Some carriers offer coordination of care benefits which is a great way for all our providers to stay in the loop on your care needs.

There are several different plan options to suit your personal needs including; HMO, PPO, PFFS, DSNP, ISNP, etc.

A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is not for everyone:

It is important to consider many factors before choosing Medicare Part C coverage.  Some things to think about are; your personal healthcare needs as well as your budget. With careful research and an understanding of the plan’s features, you can make an informed decision that supports your health and well-being.

One of the most important points is to make sure our providers are in-network with the plan you choose.

Consider any medical conditions you may have an dhow often you will require medical attention.  It may be a better bet to join a Medicare Supplement and prescription drug plan depending on your personal health needs.  There are co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to think about with a Part C plan.

Make sure you are aware of the plans Star Ratings to be sure yo consider a good quality plan.

Remember; plans change every year.  Benefits are added and taken away.  That is why it is important to work with a knowledgeable, licensed Medicare agent to help you sort out all your plan options during the AEP or OEP enrollment periods.

Click here to learn more about Crowe and Associates

Visit our YouTube channel and review the Medicare AEP marketing rules

To view more images by this artist; click here

History of Medicare Advantage

The origins of Medicare Advantage,  also known as Medicare Part C, are in the 1970s.  Medicare is ever evolving.   Let’s discuss the high level history of Medicare Advantage.  The details are consistently redefined even today.

In a nutshell,  the greater part of the  3 decades following the 1970s bring beneficiaries major changes.

Balanced Budget Act of 1997

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997  established the new Part C of Medicare – Medicare + Choice.  Medicare Choice is an early version of what we know today as Medicare Advantage.  Additionally, the Balanced Budget Act aimed to earn federal savings within the Medicaid system in three areas. The gross federal Medicaid savings comes from three sources: Repeal of minimum payment standards from hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers.

History of Medicare Advantage – Medicare Modernization Act

In 2003,  the Medicare Modernization Act passed.  Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage and benefits, are established.  At this time, Medicare Choice Plans are officially renamed Medicare Advantage Plans. Before 2003, Medicare offered no prescription benefits or coverage. Because of this new coverage, beneficiaries can recently get all of their medical needs covered in one place, with one cohesive plan, and with one convenient ID card.

Privatized insurance companies begin to offer Medicare Advantage plans.  These companies contract with the United States government to provide plans that fit strict guidelines. MAPDs typically cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, in addition to extra coverage including out-of-pocket maximums, some minimal dental coverage, some hearing coverage, and, in most cases, prescription drug coverage.  Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.  Insurance carriers contract with the program. Medicare Advantage plans provide hospital, outpatient, and, usually, prescription drug coverage.   These plans supplant benefits under Medicare parts A, B, and D.   However, plans are risk-based plans.   Advantage plans are not universal plans covered by the federal government.  And, there is variation in the quality and quantity of benefits that purchasers receive. They are ubiquitous, though, with over 98% of beneficiaries having had access to privatized plans in 2017.

Already a certified Medicare agent?

Work with a better FMO!   Our agents have access to state of the art quote, enrollment and CRM software at no charge.  Additionally, we offer  every agent $500 every month to cover lead generation costs.

Click here to learn more about our benefits and programs.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here.

Why not start now?

Click here to view more images by this artist

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan

Original Medicare includes benefits for Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (doctor visits).  However, not all of a beneficiary’s needs may be satisfied.   (Click here to learn 5 things that are not covered.)  A Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Medicare Part C or MAPD, can be an effective and financially smart way to ensure that senior citizens have the medical coverage they need going into their golden years.

While not part of the original federal health plan, Medicare Part C became law in 1982. The way it works is that the federal government pays private insurance companies a specific amount of money per person to bundle the original Medicare benefits. Many companies also add prescription drug coverage, or Medicare Part D, in their advantage plans. Some of these plans cover additional services than original Medicare, making them a smart choice for many senior citizens.

Because many Medicare Advantage plans work like private insurance plans, the options for them include:

• Health maintenance organization plans (HMOs)

• Preferred provider organization plans (PPOs)

• Private fee-for-service (PFFS)

Because of their connection to the federal plan, Medicare usually sets the fee for both the provider and the individual enrollee. But, for a PFFS plan, the private insurance company sets those fees. Medicare Advantage plans must follow Medicare rules and guidance from the federal government, though each private company can have different out-of-pocket costs or access to services. In addition, insurance companies can, and do, change the rules of their Medicare Part C (Advantage) plans each year.

Already a certified Medicare agent?   Work with a better FMO.   In addition to $500 monthly lead dollars, we offer every agent state of the art quoting, enrollment and tracking tools at no charge. Click here to get started.  

Who Needs Medicare Supplemental Insurance

One of the most common questions you will have to answer from your clients will be, “why do I need supplemental insurance?” This is a good question, and will allow you to explain exactly why supplemental insurance and/or Medicare Advantage plans make financial sense for many seniors.   Seniors have the option of adding Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans to fill the coverage gaps.

Medicare Part A and B cover many of the typical medical expenses of senior citizens. Some of these include visits to primary care doctors or specialists, laboratory tests, or hospitalization. These original parts of Medicare also cover stays in skilled nursing facilities, surgical procedures, and outpatient procedures.

However, Parts A and B do not cover all of a typical senior citizen’s expenses. For example, despite the near ubiquitous use of hearing aids in old age, Medicare does not cover hearing care, hearing exams, or hearing aids. Also not covered are dental care, dentures, vision care, routine foot care, or long-term care. Additionally, prescription drugs, for the most part, are not covered under the original Medicare but by Part D, which has to be purchased separately as supplemental insurance.

Therefore, if a senior citizen knows or anticipates that they will need any of the typical healthcare used by their demographic, such as hearing aids, glasses, dentures, or prescription medication, they would benefit from purchasing a supplemental insurance plan.

This video will help you determine whether a Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan best suits the needs of your client.   Click here to view. 

Already a licensed health insurance agent appointed to sell Medicare?   Learn what we offer our agents.

Interested in marketing Medicare Supplements and Advantage plans?   Click here to learn how to get started.

What is the difference between Part A and Part B of Medicare?

In order to help your clients choose the best healthcare coverage for their needs, you need to understand the coverage they already have: Medicare. There are four parts to Medicare.  Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are provided by Medicare.  Those two parts make up the original federal health program.  Part A and B are referred to as Original Medicare.  Remember, Medicare is a US government entity.   Part C and Part D are purchased from private insurance carriers.

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance.  As hospital insurance,  Part A generally covers the following.

• Inpatient hospital stays

• Prescription drugs administered in the hospital

• Skilled nursing facility stays

• Mental health inpatient stays

• Hospice care

• Limited or temporary home health care

Medicare Part B is medical insurance.  As medical insurance, Part B generally covers the following.

• Annual wellness exams

• Doctor and specialist visits

• Preventative services (flu shots, etc.)

• Bone mass measurements

• Tests and screenings for certain diseases

• CPAP machines for sleep apnea

• Certain diabetes equipment and supplies

• Limited home health visits

• Durable medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)

This is not a complete list of the medical services covered by Medicare Part B.  However, it is a starting point to help your clients understand where their gaps in coverage are and how to choose supplemental insurance to address those gaps.

Click here to learn how to compare Medicare Advantage plans.

Click here to learn how to compare Medicare Supplement plans.

Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Sales Video

Medicare Advantage Plans

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

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

Medicare Advantage plans

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

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

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

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

People can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

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

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

Trial Right–

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources:

 Medicare Basics Video – Click here

 For Medicare Advantage Basics Video Click

Click for Medicare Supplement Basics Video

Medicare Information for state of Connecticut

Medicare Supplement Plans

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

Gaps In Coverage

Part A Gaps:

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

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

See exact amounts for the current year here.

Part B Gaps

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

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

Who Needs Medicare Supplement Plans?

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

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

If you have Medicaid or are a QMB

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

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

Those not on Medicaid or QMB

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

What is the best Medicare supplement plan option?

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

CT Medicare Supplement Rates                                                             

 NY Medicare Supplement rates

 NJ Rates 

 PA Medicare Supplement rates

 Mass Medicare Supplement Rates 

Florida Medicare Supplement rates

Georgia Medicare Supplement rates

VT Medicare Supplement Rates

 Washington Medicare Supplement 

 Virginia Medicare Supplement Rates 

Arizona Medicare Supplement Rates

California Medicare Supplement Rates

Maine Medicare Supplement Rates

Rhone Island Medicare Supplement Insurance Rates

North Carolina Medicare Supplement

Delaware Medicare Supplement Rates

South Carolina Medicare Supplement

New Hampshire Medicare Supplement

Colorado Medicare Supplement

Iowa Medicare Supplement

Kansas Medicare Supplement

Hawaii Medicare Supplement

Alabama Medicare Supplement

Alaska Medicare Supplement Rates

Idaho Medicare Supplement Rates

Kentucky Medicare Supplement Rates

Ohio Medicare Supplement Rates

Nebraska Medicare Supplement Rates

Maryland Medicare Supplement Rates

North Dakota Medicare Supplement

Oklahoma Medicare Supplement

When do you take a Medicare Advantage plan instead?

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

Do they cover prescriptions?

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

What plans are popular? 

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

More info about Medicare Supplement plans.

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

Looking for Medicare information in Connecticut?

Click here for a no cost, confidential Medicare quote.