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Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017

Medicare plan choices connecticut 2017 will cover Medicare Advantage (Also called Managed Medicare or Medicare part C, Medicare Supplments (also called Medigap) and Medicare Part D plans.  Various companies in Connecticut offer all three types of plans for 2017.   This post will cover all three plan types. Also it will cover how a Medicare receipient can pick the best choice for him/her.  Benefit and rate comparisons have been provided below throughout the post.  Good luck.

NOTE: There are links below which provide Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and PDP plan comparisons for the State of CT.  We can run any additional quotes/comparisons that are needed for any product. (MAPD, Medigap, PDP)  Call or email our office with any questions (203)-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com.  

Quick Medicare A and B Information before getting into the plans

First of all, you need to know the basics rules of Medicare A and B. While picking the right plan is important, having Medicare A and B is probably as important.  First of all, you must have Medicare A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) or a Medicare suplement plan (Medigap).  A part D drug plan (PDP) requires you to have Medicare part A and/or B.  Medicare part A cost nothing for almost everyone while part B costs money every month.  CLICK FOR PART B PREMIUMS  If you are drawing social security already, the part B premium will be taken out of your check every month.  If you are not drawing social security, you will be billed quarterly.

Part A of Medicare covers hospitalization while part B covers outpatient services such as doctors and testing. CLICK FOR MEDICARE A AND B BENEFITS  You will see that Medicare covers 80% of Medical costs, as a result,  most people want to cover some or all of the other 20%.  Finally, it does not cover prescriptions drugs, therefore many people purchase a PDP plan.  As a result, those aging into Medicare likely will enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap and/or a PDP plan.

Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017- Medicare Supplements (Medigap Plans)

Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017

A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, can help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like foreign travel coverage. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare allowed amounts for covered health care costs. Then the Medigap pays its portion of the cost depending on the plan you have.

A Medigap policy is not a Medicare Advantge Plan.

Things to know about Medigap policies

1. You must have Original Medicare A and B
2. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can apply for a Medigap policy, but make sure you can leave the Medicare Advantage Plan before your Medigap policy begins.
3. You pay the Medigap premium and the Medicare Part B premium
4. A Medigap policy only covers one person. If you and your spouse both want Medigap coverage, you’ll each have to buy separate policies.
5. You can buy a Medigap policy from any insurance company that’s licensed in your state to sell one.
6. Any standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable even if you have health problems. This means the insurance company can’t cancel your Medigap policy as long as you pay the premium. Furthermore, Connecticut is a guaranteed issue state for Medigap.  This allow a change form one Medigap to another throughout the year without any health underwriting.

Medigap policies don’t cover everything

Medigap policies generally don’t cover benefits such as long term care, vision and dental.

Click for Medigap rates Connecticut 2017

Dropping your Medigap and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage:

You have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty when you join a new Medicare drug plan if:

• Either you drop your entire Medigap policy and the drug coverage wasn’t creditable prescription drug coverage, or
• You go 63 days or more in a row before your new Medicare drug coverage begins

Call or email us with any questions at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com. We do not charge a fee for our services.

Medicare Plan Choices Connecticut 2017-Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C or Managed Medicare plans . They are Medicare-approved health insurance plans for individuals who are enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you are still in the Medicare program and must continue paying your Part B premium. Original Medicare is not billed while in an Advantage plan, as a result, some people incorrectly think they are not part of the Medicare Program

Medicare Advantage plans provide all of your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) coverage. Sometimes, they offer additional benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing, and most include prescription drug coverage. These plans often have networks, which mean you may have to see certain doctors and go to certain hospitals in the plan’s network to get care.

Medicare Advantage plans may potentially save you money vs using a Medigap and PDP plan because the monthly premium is much lower in most cases. Pricing (monthly premium, copays, dedutibles and co-insurance) will vary by plan provider, so it’s worthwhile to compare all plans in your area. Your costs will vary by the services you use and the type of plan you purchase.

Medicare Plan Choices Connectict 2017- Plan options can include:

• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)  (Not currently available in CT for 2017)
• Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
• HMO Point-of-Service (HMOPOS)
• Medical Savings Account (MSA) (Not currently available in CT for 2017)

You can generally join if you:

           live in the service area of the plan you want to join (Most plans in CT are offered in all CT counties with a few exceptions)

•  have Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, coverage.
•  don’t have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant); however, there are a few exceptions.

Choose your plan carefully. Outside of when you first become eligible to enroll and other personal circumstances that may qualify you for a Special Election Period, you are only able to change plans once a year during the Annual Election Period. The Annual Election Period lasts from October 15 through December 7 of each year. (An exception to this rule is for those that have a “Trial Right” which allows  them to change from an advantage plan back to a Medigap and drug plan.

There is also a Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through February 14. During this time, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can disenroll from their plan and return to Original Medicare coverage and buy a Medigap and PDP plan if they want to.

One more thing to note is that Medicare Advantage plans, with or without prescription drug coverage, vary depending on where you live. The name of this blog is Medicare plan choices Connecticut 2017.   In fact, the rules above apply to most states.

Medicare plan choices Connecticut 2017 – Click Here For 2017 MAPD Plan Comparison CT

Medicare Part D (PDP) Plans CT 2017

A prescription drug plan (PDP) is an option for those eligible that want to enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, which can lower the costs of prescription drugs for insured. A prescription drug plan (PDP) is a stand-alone plan, covering only prescription drugs. Enrollees who choose the option of prescription drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan would also have coverage for other medical expenses as part of that plan. Medicare Advantage drug plans and stand alone PDP plans are different but the drug coverage portion works in a similary manner.  Enrollees pay a co-pay for each prescription, a monthly premium (not with some advantge plans however) and an annual deductible.

Note: Please call or email our office for a full list of PDP plans available in CT

Medicare Plans Connecticut

Medicare Plans Connecticut is a broad term that can refer to a number of companies or plan types in Connecticut.  Insurance companies offer either Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD), Medicare Supplement plans (Also called Medigap)  or Medicare Part D Rx plans.  A summary of both plans and companies has been provided below.  Choosing the right plan means matching up the needs of the insured (current health, doctors, as well as Medications and volume of care) with the strengths of the given plan type.

Medicare Advantage plans-

Managed Medicare plans offered with (MAPD) and without (MA) drug coverage.  Medicare Advantage plans take the place of Original Medicare.  They are the primary insurance and have a network as a result.  There  in network only (HMO) and out of network (PPO) plans available. In Connecticut, most plans are HMO style plans.  Connecticare, United Healthcare, Aetna and Wellcare as well as Anthem BCBS offer plans in Connecticut.

There are two plans with a $0 monthly premium. Both require referrals to specialists. There are a number of plans in the $29 to $44 a month range. The higher end HMO and PPO plans have a premium from $99 to $128 a month. The positive points with MAPD plans are, they have a very low to no monthly premium.  These plans include Medicare part D coverage and they offer some benefits that Original Medicare does not.  Some of the negatives can be, the copay for medical services, provider networks as well as referrals for specialists.  Click the links for plan designs of some of the more popular plans in CT.

Connecticut does not have medical underwriting which is important to consider.  Medicare rules allow someone to change plans every January 1st during OEP.  Without checking health, a member can change from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage plan.  If someone develops a health condition, they could change to a supplement without any issues.

Medicare Plans Connecticut 

United Healthcare Medicare Complete Plan 1

UHC Medicare Complete Plan 2

United Healthcare Medicare Complete Plan 3

Aetna Medicare Plan HMO Connecticut

Anthem Mediblue Plus HMO

Anthem Mediblue Select HMO

Medicare Plans Connecticut can also be Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)– Medicare Supplement plans are offered by a number of companies in CT.  These plans are standardized. This means benefits are the same from company to company.  Common plans offered in CT are Plans F, High F, N, K, L and G.  AARP offered by United Healthcare tends to be the first choice in CT.  A number of companies including Humana, AARP, Anthem BCBS, Combined Life, United American and Cigna all offer a number of plan choices.

Click here for standardized Medicare supplement rates in CT

Medicare Part D plans (stand alone Rx plans)-  Medicare part D plans are offered by a number of companies in CT.  Some of the more popular choices are UHC branded Saver, UHC branded Preferred RX, Humana Walmart Rx, Silver Scripts, Express Scripts Rx.  There are too many plans to list them all.   You cannot purchase a stand alone Rx plan with a Medicare Advantage plan.  Clients can only purchase these plans along with a Medicare supplement.  You can also combine these plans with Medicare A and B.  If you buy a supplement plan, you do not have to use the same company for the Rx plan.  Clients can choose any company they feel is offering the best plan for them.  Note: The Humana Walmart Rx plan is  the current lowest cost (lowest monthly premium) plan in CT.

Need to sign up for Original Medicare A and B?  Click this link to sign up online through the Social Security Website.

States offer  programs to individuals in need of assistance.  In fact, you may qualify for assistance.  Click here to learn about programs offered and determine if you are eligible.

 If you have either additional questions or need a quote, Click here.

Medicare Supplement Rates Connecticut

Medicare Supplement Rates Connecticut are available at the bottom of this blog.  These Medicare Supplement plans are also called Medigap plans.  Connecticut is a standardized state for Medicare supplements.  Plans have identical benefits from one company to the next. The only difference is in price and value added features. Value added are things such as Silver Sneakers being available with a plan. A Medicare supplement plan is secondary coverage.  Original Medicare both A and B are the primary insurance with a supplement.  Providers bill Original Medicare first.  The portion not covered by Medicare is sent to the supplement.  The supplement covers some or all of the remainder depending on the the plan chosen. Plan F covers 100%, plan N covers most charges, plan L covers 75% and so on.  There are 9 supplement types in CT

How do you decide which one to take?

It depends on your situation.  People in very poor health may be better with a Plan F.  Someone in average health may look at plan N or plan L.  Supplements have some advantages: No network and ability to choose coverage level are two big ones.  Also, the ability to choose any Part D plan. There are also some negatives. The first is paying three premiums.

A part B premium of $121.80. The Supplement premium and the Rx premium.  Some people will make the decision to go with a Medicare Advantage plan instead. Connecticut does not allow companies to underwrite plans.  This simply means they can’t check your health.  This allows members to move from one supplement to another during the year.  Certain health conditions may cause an issue if you want to change plans.  They could also move either to an advantage during OEP or from an Advantage to a supplement.   Rates have been provided below.  In fact, the grid holds the rates for every company with a supplement in CT.

Click this link for CT rates 2016

Are you looking for Medicare Advantage Plan information instead?

If you need to sign up for Medicare A and B, Click for online enrollment with Social Security

Click here for a no obligation Medicare quote.

UHC Branded Plan L Medigap Connecticut

The term “Medigap” and “Medicare Supplement” are the same.  They are both just terms to describe Medicare plans that are secondary to Original Medicare.  These plans only cover medical expenses.  They do not include a Part D drug benefit.  That is why we are taking the time to inform our agents about the UHC Branded Plan L Medigap Connecticut.   In fact,  Medigap Plan L is offered by AARP through United Healthcare. United Healthcare currently has the lowest cost plan L in Connecticut.

All Medigap plans are subsidized in the state of Connecticut.  In fact, this means that if a company offers a Plan L, it must have the same benefits as every other company that offers the option of a Plan L.     CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAN L.  Please keep yourself up to date on all the Medicare supplement plans available to your clients.  This is the best way to give your clients the service they deserve, so they will not need to go elsewhere for information.  If you provide clients the coverage they need as well as the prices they can afford, your book of clients will grow.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other Questions.  You can reach us either by phone at 203-796-5403 or by email at admin@croweandassociates.com.

UHC Branded Plan F Medigap Connecticut

This post will explain some of the ways that UHC Branded Plan F Medigap Connecticut can benefit your clients.  The term “Medigap” and “Medicare Supplement” mean the same thing.  They are both names for a particular plan that is secondary to Original Medicare that a private insurance company offers. In fact,  Medigap plan F and Medicare Supplement plan F are one in the same.  It is important to note that Plan F covers 100% of medical expenses that  Medicare Part A and B do not cover.  Although, Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs.   You will need a separate stand alone Part D plan in order to obtain drug coverage.

AARP offered through United Healthcare currently has the lowest cost plan F supplement in Connecticut at a monthly rate of $220.50 a month.  This rate is lowered by 5% if a spouse also has a AARP supplement plan.  You can also lower your payment by an additional $2.00 a month if  you elect to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account.  Click the following link if you would like more information about Plan F.   INFORMATION ON PLAN F

 FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT COMPARISON INFORMATION CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.  You can either call our office at 203-796-5403 or email us at admin@croweandassociates.com.  We are here to help you feel secure with the health coverage that will best fit your medical needs as well as your personal budget.

A Medicare supplement plan (Also called Medigap) is an insurance policy that is designed to cover the benefits that Medicare A and B do not cover.  If you are not familiar with Medicare A and B benefits CLICK HERE  Doctors, hospitals and all other Medical providers, bill Medicare A and B (Original Medicare Card). Medicare covers their portion and the balance is sent to the Supplement plan to cover the amount specified by the plan you buy.  So is it worth it to buy a supplement?

Read more

Medicare Supplement plans (Also called Medigap) are insurance policies that provide coverage on a secondary basis to Original Medicare.  When a Medicare Supplement is purchased, it will pay for some or all of the  Medical expenses not covered by Original Medicare.   Connecticut is a unique Medicare Supplement state in a number of ways.

Read more

Medigap plans in Connecticut (Also called Medicare Supplement) confuses many people but it is actually very simple to understand once you understand the key points.   This post is intended to provide a general overview of “Medigap” to help consumers make an educated decision when choosing one.   We will start with the basics of the things you need to know about Medigap plans and then touch on the basics.

HOW A MEDIGAP PLAN WORKS:

The first thing to understand is how a Medigap plan works.    A medigap plan works as a secondary coverage to Medicare A and B (also called original Medicare).  Original Medicare parts A and B provide coverage for Medical Services.   In general, original Medicare coverage 80% of medical costs. The Medicare supplement plan covers what original Medicare does not.  As a result, medical providers will bill orginal Medicare and the cost share (patient responsibility) is then sent over to the Medigap company.

WHAT MEDIGAP COVERS:

Medigap plans will only provide coverage on benefits that original Medicare covers to some extent.  If Medicare does not provide any coverage for a procedure, the Medigap plan also will not provide coverage (There are some exceptions to this).  There are a number of different plan in CT with plans A – M offered.  Each lettered plan covers a different percentage of the costs that original Medicare does not cover.   Some plans cover everything that Medicare doesn’t such as Plan F.  Others only cover 75% such as plan L.

Supplements in the state of Connecticut are standardized which makes life much easier when choosing a plan.  This means that they plans can not vary in the benefits they provide.  For example, if you purchase a Plan F supplement, the coverage will be the same regardless of the company you choose.  The only difference will be in the monthly cost of the plan.  Some companies will add additional, value added benefits such as Silver Sneakers or other programs but the mandatory coverage must be the same for every plan.

Medicare Supplements do not cover drugs.  If you want drug coverage, you must purchase it separately. (Called a Medicare Part D plan or “PDP plan)

WHO CAN BUY A MEDIGAP PLAN:

Medigap plans are guaranteed issue in CT.  This means that you can enroll in any available plan regardless of your health or age.   The only requirement is that you are on Medicare A and B.  If you are willing to pay the monthly premium, you can have a plan.  For people age 65 and older, the price is the same for everyone regardless of how old you are.   (Example:  If the AARP plan N costs $152.00 a month for a 65 year old, it costs the same for an 85 year old)  People on Medicare under the age of 65 are also eligible for a supplement but they can have fewer choices if they are under the age of 50.

POPULAR PLANS AND COMPANIES:

Medigap comes down to plan type and price.  If one company offers a plan L Medigap for less than the other companies, you should go with the one offering it for the least.  Benefits are standardized so they can not be cutting out any benefits. They just have the best price.   Having said that, the more popular plans over the last 24 months are Plan F, Plan N , Plan L and High Deductible Plan F.  United AARP and Anthem BCBS currently have the lowest costs in CT which makes it easy to find the lowest cost company once you determine which supplement you want.

ABOUT MY AGENCY AND HOW I CAN HELP YOU:

My agency (Crowe and Associates) is independent and is based in Brookfield CT.  The agency is A rated with the BBB and I have been in this business for 14 years.  We are contracted to sell just about every Medigap plan in CT including, AARP , Anthem BCBS, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, Aflac,  etc….   The companies pay me commission directly and I charge my clients nothing.   I sit down with clients (in person, over the phone or by email) and help them determine which plan is going to work best for them.  I also let them know if a new company comes out with the same Medigap they have at a lower price.   I can help you understand Medigap and help you determine which plan is best for your specific situation.  Feel Free to call my office at 203-796-5403 or email me at Edward@Croweandassociates.com

Would you like to learn More? Register for our “How to choose a Medicare plan” Webinar by clicking this link

Medigap plans in Connecticut (Also called Medicare Supplement) confuses many people but it is actually very simple to understand once you understand the key points. This post is intended to provide a general overview of “Medigap” to help consumers make an educated decision when choosing one. We will start with the basics of the things you need to know about Medigap plans and then touch on the basics.

HOW A MEDIGAP PLAN WORKS:

The first thing to understand is how a Medigap plan works. A medigap plan works as a secondary coverage to Medicare A and B (also called original Medicare). Original Medicare parts A and B provide coverage for Medical Services. In general, original Medicare coverage 80% of medical costs. The Medicare supplement plan covers what original Medicare does not. As a result, medical providers will bill orginal Medicare and the cost share (patient responsibility) is then sent over to the Medigap company.

WHAT MEDIGAP COVERS:

Medigap plans will only provide coverage on benefits that original Medicare covers to some extent. If Medicare does not provide any coverage for a procedure, the Medigap plan also will not provide coverage (There are some exceptions to this). There are a number of different plan in CT with plans A – M offered. Each lettered plan covers a different percentage of the costs that original Medicare does not cover. Some plans cover everything that Medicare doesn’t such as Plan F. Others only cover 75% such as plan L.

Supplements in the state of Connecticut are standardized which makes life much easier when choosing a plan. This means that they plans can not vary in the benefits they provide. For example, if you purchase a Plan F supplement, the coverage will be the same regardless of the company you choose. The only difference will be in the monthly cost of the plan. Some companies will add additional, value added benefits such as Silver Sneakers or other programs but the mandatory coverage must be the same for every plan.

Medicare Supplements do not cover drugs. If you want drug coverage, you must purchase it separately. (Called a Medicare Part D plan or “PDP plan)

WHO CAN BUY A MEDIGAP PLAN:

Medigap plans are guaranteed issue in CT. This means that you can enroll in any available plan regardless of your health or age. The only requirement is that you are on Medicare A and B. If you are willing to pay the monthly premium, you can have a plan. For people age 65 and older, the price is the same for everyone regardless of how old you are. (Example: If the AARP plan N costs $152.00 a month for a 65 year old, it costs the same for an 85 year old) People on Medicare under the age of 65 are also eligible for a supplement but they can have fewer choices if they are under the age of 50.

POPULAR PLANS AND COMPANIES:

Medigap comes down to plan type and price. If one company offers a plan L Medigap for less than the other companies, you should go with the one offering it for the least. Benefits are standardized so they can not be cutting out any benefits. They just have the best price. Having said that, the more popular plans over the last 24 months are Plan F, Plan N , Plan L and High Deductible Plan F. United AARP and Anthem BCBS currently have the lowest costs in CT which makes it easy to find the lowest cost company once you determine which supplement you want.

ABOUT MY AGENCY AND HOW I CAN HELP YOU:

My agency (Crowe and Associates) is independent and is based in Brookfield CT. The agency is A rated with the BBB and I have been in this business for 14 years. We are contracted to sell just about every Medigap plan in CT including, AARP , Anthem BCBS, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, Aflac, etc…. The companies pay me commission directly and I charge my clients nothing. I sit down with clients (in person, over the phone or by email) and help them determine which plan is going to work best for them. I also let them know if a new company comes out with the same Medigap they have at a lower price. I can help you understand Medigap and help you determine which plan is best for your specific situation. Feel Free to call my office at 203-796-5403 or email me at Edward@Croweandassociates.com

Would you like to learn More? Register for our “How to choose a Medicare plan” Webinar by clicking this link