The link below will connect you to local Medicare plans in your area. As of October 27 this is not yet updated with all the available plans.
For more details and assistance call me at 814-242-3389
http://medicareenroll.com/?purl=x4mnStwU
Category: Medicare
Medicare Annual Enrollment
Medicare Annual Enrollment starts October 15th. This is when you have an opportunity to make a change to your Medicare plan. There are lots of new changes this year and this is a great time to review and compare plans.
Starting on October 1, I am permitted to discuss these new plans and options available to you. As always there is no cost to the client for my services.
Now is a great time to make an appointment to sit down and go over what’s available to you.
814-242-3389
Medicare Part B premium rates for 2023
Medicare changes
Annual Notice of Changes(ANOC) When someone has a Medicare Advantage plan, these documents are sent out around this time of year to notify the member of what changes are taking place for their plan for the next year. However this document does not explain the differences between different plans. This is where a consultation comes into play. Always free, this is the best way to find out which plan would be best for you without you having to try and figure it out on your own. Starting October 1st, I am permitted by Medicare to start discussing what’s new. This is a great time to set an appointment to get all the details, so you are ready to make a change starting October 15th. 814-242-3389
***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.***
Medicare network changes
Medicare and network changes.
In general Medicare has a network of providers, hospitals, Home health etc. that you must use when needing care.
Sometimes there are changes in that network. That may cause you to not be able to see a certain doctor, use a certain lab or see some other provider.
If your current Medicare plan does not allow you to see a provider, use a home health company, etc because they are now out of that network, you may be able to make a change to a different plan where they are in network and you can continue to see them.
PACE/PACENET
PACE/PACENET. Have you ever heard of PACE or PACENET? The Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE and PACENET) programs offer comprehensive prescription coverage to seniors age 65 and older. This program helps reduce the costs of prescription drugs. This year a new law was signed that has increased the amount of money a person makes but still qualify for this program. For this year the amount is: Singles: up to $33,500 ● Married: up to $41,500 If you think you may be eligible or know somebody who you think may be eligible reach out to me and I can help you through this process.
5-Star Ratings
SEP. What does this stand for? Special election period.
More specifically this deals with Medicare.
A special election period is a period of time outside of the normal annual enrollment period where a person can make a change to their Medicare health plan.
A five-star SEP is a special election period that is awarded to certain Medicare advantage plans and Medicare drug plans that have received a “five star” or excellent rating from CMS.
This five star SEP runs from December 8 to November 30 and allows someone who has Medicare and lives in the plan’s coverage area to change from their current Medicare plan to the five star plan.
There are several Medicare plans in western Pennsylvania that currently have this five star rating.
If there is someone who is not happy with their current Medicare plan, they have a great opportunity to make a change.
Reach out to my office for more details.
bemedicareready
https://g.page/r/CXCtrPxbrL7zEAE
Dual eligible – Medicare and Medicaid eligibility
If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may have access to special Medicare plans. Many times people are not aware that they are able to get these plans. Just a few minute consultation will help me discover whether you were able to get one of these plans.
Medicaid eligibility
Medicaid
If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Medicaid—a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services. Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid. Contact me for help working through this process.
Medicare Savings Programs
Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, one of these 4 Medicare Savings Programs may be able to help you pay your premiums and other Medicare costs:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
- Qualifying Individual (QI) Program
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program
Extra Help
If you qualify for Medicaid or one of the Medicare Savings Programs above, you’ll also get Extra Help paying for your prescription drugs automatically. Extra Help is a program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.
Personally I have found many clients that are eligible for these programs but have not taken advantage of them due to not knowing about them. It’s a great feeling to help people get all that they are eligible for and pay less for their medical costs.
If you’d like to know what you may be eligible for or even see if there is a different Medicare plan that would be better for you, reach out to me and we can work through that together. #bemedicareready
Medicare Annual Enrollment
New Medicare Plan available
October 15th starts Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period. This is a great time to review your current plan to see if it still fits your needs. Often times, there are changes that are made to your plan such as changes to copays or coverage options.
Do you know what changes there are in your current plan? Did you know that one of the carriers in Western Pennsylvania added a new Medicare plan? This plan may be a good fit for you.
To find out more, contact me, Bob Jeffreys . I can come to you to review your current plan and help make sure your on the best Medicare plan for your current situation.
Bob Jeffreys
814-242-3389
robertjeffreys@atlanticbb.net
Medicare Annual Enrollment information
Medicare Annual Enrollment
Learn more about Medicare
Please pass along to those you know who have questions or concerns about signing up for Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plan
What is a Medicare Advantage plan? Also referred to as Medicare Part C this an alternative to original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are available through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
To be eligible for one of these plans, you must have:
- Original Medicare(Part A and B).
- Live in the service area of the plan that you are looking to purchase.
- Not have end-stage renal disease(with a few exceptions).
These plans must, by law, provide at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare(Part A and B). Most of these plans also have prescription drug coverage, though there a some that do not, which is why it is important to have a good understanding of the plan you are considering. These plans may also offer additional benefits such as vision , hearing or dental coverage. If you do want prescription drug coverage, you should not enroll in a separate Medicare Prescription Drug plan.
The costs of these plans will vary from plan to plan. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a plan such as:
- The monthly premium for each plan. Some may be as low as $0 a month.
- Each plan will have a different annual deductible amount.
- Each plan will have a different maximum out of pocket limit that you will need to consider.
- Do you need vision, dental or vision coverage?
- Are your prescription drugs covered under the plan? What about your doctors?
A Medicare Advantage Plan may be a good choice for you, but careful review of your budget and health needs will help guide you to the right choice. Please reach out to me, Bob Jeffreys, if you would like help in reviewing what options you have. As a licensed insurance agent, I can help provide information that will help you make an informed decision.