Don’t Miss Out! ⏰ Medicare Special Enrollment Periods Can Save You Money and Headaches

Hey friends,
Did you know there are times outside of the regular Medicare enrollment period when you can make changes to your coverage? These lifesavers are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), and they can be a game-changer if you’ve experienced certain life events.
Here are just a few reasons why SEPs are awesome:

• Lost your employer health insurance? You have an SEP to enroll in Medicare without penalty for up to 8 months after your coverage ends.
• Moved to a new area? Your SEP lets you switch Medicare Advantage Plans or Part D drug plans to find the best coverage for your new location. ️
• Medicare plans that have a 5-Star rating.
• Simply not happy with your current plan? SEPs give you the flexibility to shop around and find a plan that’s a better fit. ✨

So, how do you know if you qualify for an SEP?
The good news is, there are many reasons why you might!
Remember, SEPs are time-limited, so don’t wait! If you think you might qualify, reach out to me to find out.
Share this post with your friends and family who are on Medicare! Let’s help everyone make the most of their coverage.

bemedicareready.

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed by Medicare options? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Just leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.

• Share this post with your friends and family.
• Ask your friends if they know if they qualify for an SEP.
• 
  I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

UPMC for Life is offering its BEST PPO plans EVER starting at $0 per month with low costs for in- and out-of-network care! 2024 plan options also include a $0 copay for Tier 1 and Tier 2 prescriptions at preferred pharmacies and extra benefits like dental care, contacts or glasses, hearing aids, and FREE gym memberships.

Plus, you can choose a plan with the UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card! This card gives you additional dollars to spend however you like on over-the-counter (OTC) health care products and dental, vision, and hearing services. New for 2024! Now you can use your card for medical service costs, including doctor’s office copays!

Contact me at 814-242-3389(TTY:711) or robertjeffreys@atlanticbb.net. You can also visit www.painsuranceplan.com to learn more.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations, which offer 48 products in your area. Please contact medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local state health insurance program to get information on all of your options.

Out-of-network/Noncontracted providers are under no obligation to treat UPMC for Life members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.

Y0069_241400_M #bemedicareready

What is the difference between Medicare, PPO, and HMO plans?
When you are eligible for Medicare, you will have to choose between different types of plans. The two main types of Medicare plans are Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and can include HMO, PPO, and other types of plans.

Original Medicare
Original Medicare is a two-part plan: Part A and Part B. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive care, and some medical equipment.

Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and can include HMO, PPO, and other types of plans. Medicare Advantage plans typically offer more coverage than Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, dental care, and vision care.

HMO
An HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums than other types of Medicare plans, but they also have more restrictions on what providers you can see and what services are covered. With an HMO plan, you must choose a primary care physician (PCP) who will coordinate all of your care. If you need to see a specialist, you will need to get a referral from your PCP. HMO plans typically do not cover out-of-network care, except in emergency situations.

PPO
A PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. PPO plans have higher monthly premiums than HMO plans, but they also offer more flexibility. With a PPO plan, you can see any provider you choose, both in and out of network. You do not need to get a referral from your PCP to see a specialist. PPO plans typically cover out-of-network care, but you will pay more than you would for the same service from an in-network provider.
Which type of plan is right for you?
The best type of Medicare plan for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a plan with low monthly premiums and you do not mind seeing in-network providers, an HMO plan may be a good option for you. If you want the flexibility to see any provider you choose, a PPO plan may be a better option for you.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between Medicare, PPO, and HMO plans:
Feature Medicare PPO HMO
Monthly premiums Low Medium Low
Out-of-network coverage No (except in emergencies) Yes No (except in emergencies)
Provider referrals Required for specialists Not required Required for specialists
Choice of providers Limited to in-network providers Wide range of providers Limited to in-network providers

If you are still unsure which type of Medicare plan is right for you, call me. I can help you understand your options and choose the plan that is best for you.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.