Monday, December 31, 2012

New Year's Resolutions for me


Happy New Year!
 
This year, as I take stock and think about my personal goals for 2013, I’m making some professional resolutions for myself, too. The most important one is to improve and expand my communications with you in 2013.
 
There's going to be many changes in health insurance and Medicare that will affect you. My resolution is to make sure you get all the facts as quickly as possible.

This year, I will be providing an email version of our newsletter to get information out in a more timely fashion. I often come across interesting updates that I would like to share, but there’s never enough space in our newsletter to fit it all in.The email newsletter will help fix  this.

I also will offer on-site workplace Medicare classes to assist those of you who will be transitioning to Medicare. Many businesses don't have the staff or the time to know all that's changing with Medicare today. That's where I can help out. These classes are good for employees and good for your business's bottom line. Just call me to ask how it works.

I will continue to regularly post items of interest and answer your questions on my website at www.mutskoinsurance.com, in my column in the Lake Community Newspapers and on my blog at www.theseniorisder.blogspot.com. You are always welcome to email me at lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

News about Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates and Medicare


Drugs no longer excluded from Medicare
Starting in January, 2013, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will cover benzodiazepines and barbiturates used in the treatment of epilepsy, cancer and chronic mental disorder.

For more information, visit www.medicare.gov for details.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Don't get caught short if you made changes during Medicare Open Enrollment?

So, do you feel pretty good about the changes you made during Medicare’s Open Enrollment
period? Perhaps you switched from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another. Or, you changed to
a plan that has better coverage for your prescriptions. Congratulations on making these changes.
But, there are still a few things to do before your work is done. Here are five steps you can take
now to smooth the transition to your new Plan.
 
1.  Cancel your supplement coverage 
Your Supplement is not automatically cancelled when you switch to an Advantage Plan. Did you cancel your Supplement coverage? Although some companies will cancel and make changes over the
phone, others require a written request so ask what your insurer requires.

2.  Cancel your automatic withdrawals.

Were your premiums being automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account?
Cancel your withdrawal with the insurance company and then follow up with your financial
institution to make sure the automatic withdrawal is cancelled.

3.  Tell your doctor

If you changed from one Advantage Plan to another, let your doctors know the first time you see them in the new year. If your doctore unknowingly files for reimbursement with the wrong insurance
company, it will cause confusion and delays in payment.

4.  Tell your pharmacy
 
Present your new insurance cards to your pharmacy before you need your next prescription. Don’t wait until you need a refill or have an emergency before you make this change.




5.  Check any new requirements.

Some medications require a pre-authorization from your physician. If you have needed this in the past, check your coverage and then contact your doctor before you need a prescription refill.

Taking these steps now will help you side-step any potential problems with your new health care plan. 



Friday, December 14, 2012

Attention Military Veterans

Attention Military Veterans

If you are a client of Mutsko Insurance Services and served in any branch of the Military, we would like to know. Occasionally we hear about special plans and programs specifically for Veterans and like to let people know about these.
 
Please call our office at 440-255-5700 or email me at lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com with this information. 
 



 
 

 
 


 


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Now representing Coventry Life & Health and Humana

I am pleased to announce that I am now authorized to represent two additional organizations, Humana and Coventry Insurance. Both are highly respected companies who offer health insurance
plans for individuals and families as well as Medicare Advantage plans.

Representing numerous trusted insurance companies enables me to better serve your needs by offering more choices. For a complete list of all the insurance companies I represent, please visit my website at www.mutskoinsurance.com and click on products and services.



 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Getting Started with Medicare Classes: Lorain, Lyndhurst, Cleveland Hts., Kenston

Schedule for upcoming 'Getting Started with Medicare' Classes

Are you or your spouse going on Medicare soon? If you're like most baby boomers, you probably have a lot of questions about this change. Get your questions answered by attending "Getting Started with Medicare."   It's a class designed to prepare you for your transition to Medicare.
 
I present these classes throughout Northeast Ohio all year long. I would be happy to do a special presentation for your club, church group or veterans organization. Just give me a call to arrange a date.

For a complete list of upcoming classes click here: www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars.
Here's where I'll be in December and January:

 
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Lorain County Community College
Elyria Campus
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
1005 N. Abbe Road
Elyria, OH 44035
440-366-4148
 
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
S.E.L.R.E.C.
Lyndhurst YMCA
7:00 – 8:30 pm
5000 Mayfield Road
Lyndhurst, OH 44124

 
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Libraries
Coventry Branch Library
6:30 – 8:30 pm
1925 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-3400
 
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Kenston Middle School
6:30 pm- 8:30 pm
17425 Snyder Rd.
Betty Patton Room 229
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
440-543-2552 - Call to register and for fee information
 
 These events are only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be shared.
 
Pre-registration is required for all classes.
Please call the specific location to register and for any additional details
 
 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Medicare and your flu shot

I just heard on the news today that doctors are seeing an early start to the influenza season in Northeast Ohio. This means that in a couple of weeks when we are enjoying holiday parties and family gatherings, we may be coming in contact with a lot of unwelcome flu germs.

Don't take chances. You still have time to protect yourself and your family by getting your flu shot now. Medicare Part B covers a shot once per flu season in the fall or winter. You pay nothing for the shot and Part B deductible doesn't apply if you have Medicare.

If you have any question about Medicare covering your flu shots immunizations, visit the government's official Medicare website at http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/flu-shots.html




Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Put this on your 'must-do' list for this week

Dear Friends and Clients,

If you do anything this week, please take a few minutes to look over your Medicare Plan for 2013.

Many plans have made significant changes that may affect your coverage and rates. Check with me now if you have questions about your coverage or other Medicare options so we can make appropriate changes before the Medicare Open Enrollment deadline on Friday, December 7, 2012.
Changes will not be accepted after the deadline, so it is important that you call me now if you have concerns.

We will be extending office hours as needed to accommodate your needs.

As an independent insurance broker, I am able to provide you with a number of different plans from the nation’s most respected insurance companies. I am affiliated with AARP, Anthem, Aetna, Medical Mutual and new this year, Humana and Coventry Insurance. I’ll help you find a plan
that includes your doctors, your medical facilities, one that you can afford and makes sense for you.
Want one more reason to call me? You’ll never pay a penny more for the services I provide to you.
Not taking the time to review your Medicare Plan can be costly. Don’t make this mistake. Working together, we will make sure you have the plan that works best for you in 2013. Call me at 216-255-5700 today to set up an appointment before Open Enrollment ends on December 7.

Changes in Medicare Part D for 2013

Medicare Part D - - - Prescription Drug Coverage.

Initial Coverage:
Medicare Part D coverage starts with the first prescription you fill. When a member’s 2013 total drug costs exceed $2,970 the member enters the coverage gap referred to as the “donut hole.”

Coverage Gap:
When you enter the Part D coverage gap in 2013, you will pay 47.5% of name brand medications and 79% of generic medications. Once your total drug costs exceed $4,750, you will go into the Catastrophic Coverage.

Catastrophic Coverage:
The catastrophic coverage period for 2013 begins once one exceeds $4,750 in true out-of-pocket costs and covers 95% of a member’s drug costs.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan monthly premiums will remain the same in 2013.
You will only pay an income related monthly adjustment amount in addition to your plan premium if your IRS reported income was more than $170,000 for joint filers or more than $85,000 for those filing individual returns.


                                     Income Guidelines

File Individual Return                                File Joint Return

$85,000 or less                                             $170,000 or less
You pay: Your plan premium

$85,001 - $107,000                                       $170,001 - $214,000
You pay: $11.60 + Your Plan Premium

$107,001- $160,000                                      $214,001 - $320,000
You pay: $29.90 + Your Plan Premium

$160,001 - $214,000                                     $320,001 - $428,000
You pay: $48.10 + Your Plan Premium

Above $214,000                                         Above $428,000
You pay: $66.40 + Your Plan Premium

Open Enrollment ends Friday, December 7, 2013. If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes to review your coverage information today. If you find your plan is not meeting your expectations, call me to set up an appointment to find a plan that offers better coverage. Call 440-255-5700.

All information provided here is taken from Medicare.gov, the official
U.S. Government website for Medicare information as of 11/16/2012. This information
is provided as a service only. For more information, please visit www.medicare.gov.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Medicare Part B Premiums for 2013

Medicare Part B helps to pay for physician’s services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services and durable medical equipment. Most people will pay the standard premium amount for Medicare Part B.

However, if your modified adjusted gross income as reported by your IRS
return is above a certain amount, you may pay more.

If your yearly income in 2011 was:

File Individual Return                 File Joint Return                      You pay
$85,000 or less                                $170,000 or less                        $ 104.90
$85,001 - 107,000                           $170,001 - 214,000                      146.90
$107,001- 160,000                          $214,001 - 320,000                      209.80
$160,001 - 214,000                         $320,001 - 428,000                      272.70
Above $214,000                             Above $428,000                           335.70

Medicare Open Enrollment ends Friday, December 7, 2013.  If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes to review your coverage information today. If you find your plan is not meeting your expectations, call me to set up an appointment to find a plan that offers better coverage. Call 440-255-5700.

All information provided here is taken from Medicare.gov, the official
U.S. Government website for Medicare information as of 11/16/2012. This information
is provided as a service only. For more information, please visit www.medicare.gov.

Monday, November 19, 2012

New Medicare rates for 2013

According to information posted on the Medicare.gov* website as of November 18, 2012, Medicare deductibles and copayments for 2013  will be as follow:


Part B Premium ...................................................$104.90

Part B deductible...................................................$147.00/annual

Part A deductible per benefit period ...................$1,184

Copayment for hospital stay

61 - 90 Days ............................................................$296/day

91- 150 Days & Beyond ..........................................$592/day

Skilled nursing copayment
 
21- 100 Days ..........................................................$148.00/day

Medicare Supplement plans will automatically be adjusted to cover these increased amounts. Your Medicare Advantage co-pays will not be affected.
 
I will post more information tomorrow concerning changes in Medicare for 2013.
 
* Medicare.gov is the official government site for Medicare

.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

What you don't know about Medicare can cost you.

If you find Medicare confusing, you're in good company. According to a 2011 survey by the National Council on Aging, more than 50% of people over the age of 60 have trouble understanding the basics of the Medicare Program. When you add in other aspects of the it - - - terms like Open Enrollment, Rx D Plans, Advantage Plans, Parts A, B, and C - - - it's a wonder anyone can make sense of it.

If you're struggling to figure out what kind of Medicare Plan is best for you, call me. Please take advantage of my experience.  I'm a Certified Senior Advisor and a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters. In addition, I am affiliated with many of the nation's most respected insurance companies including Anthem, AARP, United Health Care, Humana, Coventry and more. This means that I can compare plans to help you find the one that is best for you.

What you don't know about Medicare can be costly. Now is the time to go over your current plan before the open enrollment deadline on December 7.  You'll save time, money and hours of frustration when we sit down to talk.

Don't wait until the last days. Call me now to set up an appointment soon.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

6 reasons to call me before December 7

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7. Here's six reasons to call me TODAY.

1.  There's no charge. You'll never pay a penny extra for my service or for me to be your agent.

2.  I understand Medicare. I can explain what all the Medicare terms, like co-pays, Advantage Plans, Prescription D, open enrollment and lots of other confusing terms mean.

3.  I know what's covered - and what's not. Original Medicare will only cover up to 80% of your medical costs. I'll help you figure out if you need additional coverage and what kind you need.

4.  I do paperwork. I can assist you with forms and paperwork.

5.  Medicare doesn't happen automatically. You have to choose which parts or additional plans you want. To do this, you must understand the differences in coverage and costs.

6.  I'm right here in Mentor. When you have questions, we can sit down face to face to talk.

If you're not sure if your Medicare plan will be the right one for you in 2013, call me at 440-255-5700 for an appointment. Take advantage of my experience. 

But you're running out of time. Open Enrollment ends December 7.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Welvie: A new surgery support program from Medicare

What is Welvie?

Welvie is a new surgery support program from Medicare that is being evaluated in the State of Ohio.The program is being offered at no charge to a group of Medicare beneficiaries selected by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Welvie is an online program designed by surgeons to empower patients. It walks you through the entire surgery decision-making process - - - from diagnosis to recovery - - - in a unique step-by-step approach.

 Welvie helps you:

- Work with your physician so you understand your surgical and non-surgical treatment options

- Understand how to evaluate the risks and benefits of all your treatment options

- Prepare for and recover from a surgical procedure to help reduce the chance of complications and errors and ensure a better outcome

There's simply nothing like Welvie anywhere. It's intelligent, intuitive design encourages questions and other options. Welvie brings you in on the surgery decision with your doctor in a simple, organized and confidential way.

At this time, only those Ohioans pre-selected by the Department of Health and Human Services are eligible to register for Welvie. For more information, visit www.welvie.com or call toll-free 1-877-386-6556, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Schedule for upcoming 'Getting Started with Medicare' Classes

I will be presenting "Getting Started with Medicare," a class designed to answer your questions and prepare you for your transition to Medicare, at the following locations this week. I look forward to seeing you at one of these classes.

 These events are only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be shared. For the dates and times of additional classes, please visit my website at http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars.
 
Pre-registration is required for all classes.
Please call the specific location to register and for any additional details.


Monday, October 8, 2012
Ashtabula Public Library
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
335 W. 44th Street
Ashtabula, OH 44004
440-997-9341
 
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Chagrin Falls Community Education
Class Location: Chagrin Falls Middle School Library
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
342 E. Washington
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
440-274-5375
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Geneva Public Library
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
117 West Main Street
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-4521
Monday, October 15, 2012
Bristol Public Library
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
1855 Greenville Road
Bristolville, OH 44402
330-889-3651
 
Monday, October 15, 2012
Hudson Community Education & Recreation
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Hudson High School
2500 Hudson-Aurora Road Room A115
Hudson, OH 44236
330-653-1210
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
City of Shaker Heights Library
Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Building
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
3450 Lee Road
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
216-491-2578
 
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Lorain County Community College
Elyria Campus
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
1005 N. Abbe Road
Elyria, OH 44035
440-366-4148

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Important Dates for Medicare Beneficiaries

September 30: Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage arrive
October 15: Medicare Open Enrollment begins
December 7: Medicare Open Enrollment ends

If you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Prescription Plan, watch your mailbox this week for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan providers. You should receive it before Sept. 30, 2012.

Many people make the mistake of not taking time to review this important information. Don't be one of them. Your plan may be making changes for 2013 that affect your coverage, your premiums or the health care providers you currently see. You have the opportunity during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period beginning October 15 to switch to a plan that's a better fit for you. But, you must make the switch before the Open Enrollment Period ends on December 7.

You will probably see a lot of advertising for Medicare plans from during Open Enrollment. Don’t let these ads confuse you.There may be a plan that is not getting a lot of promotion that will be a better choice for you. I am affiliated with many of the nation's most respected insurance companies and can help you find the plan that's right for you. Call me at 440-255-5700 during Open Enrollment to discuss your concerns.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 7, 2012.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Schedule for this week's Getting Started with Medicare Classes

I will be presenting "Getting Started with Medicare," a class designed to answer your questions and prepare you for your transition to Medicare, at the following locations this week. I look forward to seeing you at one of these classes.

For the dates and times of additional classes, please visit my website at http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars

Pre-registration is required for all classes.  Please call the specific location to register and for any additional details.



Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Concord Community Education
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
7671 Auburn Road
Concord, OH 44077
440-639-4650

Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Shore Cultural Center
10:00 am – 11:30 am
291 E. 222 Street Room 152
Euclid, OH 44123
440-255-5700


Thursday, September 27, 2012
Lorain County Community College
Brunswick Campus
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
50 Pearl Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
440-366-4148

Thursday, September 27, 2012
Peninsula Library & Historical Society
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
6105 Riverview Road
Peninsula, OH 44264
330-657-2291
 
                                                                                                                                                        
These events are only for educational purposes and
no plan specific benefits or details will be shared.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Why Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans are provided through private insurance companies that have a contract with Medicare.

These plans often have a higher level of benefits than found in original Medicare with lower premiums and copays. For example, some plans offer coverage for dental, vision, routine foot care and gym membership. Plans may have a monthly premium, use co-pays for certain treatments and include an out-of-pocket annual maximum to protect a person from catastrophic illness. Medicare Advantage Plans are available with and without Part D prescription drug coverage.

Two important points to remember about Advantage Plans:

- Benefits in a Medicare Advantage Plan must be at least equal to or better than that of original Medicare.

-  Medicare no longer covers your health care costs. The Medicare Advantage Plan pays instead of Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans generally operate as an HMO, PPO or private fee-for-service plan.

Interested in learning more?  Call me at 440-255-5700. I am affiliated with many of the nation's most respected insurance companies, including Anthem, Aetna, and AARP so I can help you find the plan that includes your doctors, your medical facilities and fits your budget. For a complete list of companies, go to www.mutskoinsurance.com/products-services.

You never pay a penny more for my services. Not now. Not at any time throughout the year. 





Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Quick Facts on Medicare

Things you want to know about Medicare . . .

- Generally, a person can enroll in Medicare three months before and after their 65th birthday. You are known as a Medicare 'beneficiary.'

-  You can enroll in Medicare through the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213.

-  Medicare has enrollment periods. You must enroll when you are eligible; however, if you are working, you may delay enrollment in some situations.

-  You do not have to be currently receiving Social Security benefits to sign up for Medicare. They are separate benefits.

-  You may not need all parts of Medicare if you have insurance from your employer and plan to continue working.

- You will receive your Medicare card automatically if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits.


Have questions about Medicare and your options? 
Plan to attend one of my "Getting Started with Medicare" classes in your area. 
You will find a complete list of upcoming classes on my website at www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars. 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Schedule for this week's "Getting Started with Medicare" Classes

I will be presenting "Getting Started with Medicare," a class designed to answer your questions and prepare you for your transition to Medicare, at the following locations this week. I look forward to seeing you at one of these classes.

For the dates and times of additional classes, please visit my website at http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars

Please call the desired location to register.
                                                                                                                                                        
Monday, September 17, 2012
Willoughby Public Library
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
30 Public Square Willoughby, OH 44094
440-942-3200

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Libraries
Coventry Branch Library
6:30 – 8:30 pm
1925 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-3400

Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Polaris Career Center
Berea High School
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
165 East Bagley Road, Room 102
Berea, OH 44017
440-891-7600


Thursday, September 20, 2012
Lakeland Community College
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
7700 Clock Tower Drive
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-525-7116
 
These events are only for educational purposes and
no plan specific benefits or details will be shared.


Saturday, September 15, 2012

Are all Medicare Advantage Plans the same?

The short answer is no, they are not all the same.

Medicare Open Enrollment will begin October 15.  It's the annual period when you can enroll or switch your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan.  It's also the time when companies introduce any changes in coverage, premiums and co-pays for the coming year.

It pays for you to take a close look at the information you will soon be receiving in the mail about your coverage. You'll want to compare your plan's benefits and premiums to last year's. Also, double check to make sure the doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities you prefer are still included in your plan.

Here are a few other factors to consider:

What are the costs associated  with your coverage - Some Medicare Advantage plans offer premiums as low as $0. However, with recent legislation changing the compensation rate the plan is paid for MA services, these $0 premiums may become less widely available.

Whether the plan has drug coverage - Most, but not all, Medicare Advantage plans offer drug coverage. If you have existing creditable drug coverage, you may be interested in a plan without drug coverage.

What additional benefits are offered - Medicare Advantage plans will sometimes offer benefits beyond what is covered in Original Medicare.

If your plan doesn't look like it will meet your needs, call me when Open Enrollment begins. As an insurance broker specializing in senior products, I can show you a variety of plans from many of the nation’s most respected insurance companies and help you select the one that’s best for you

You'll never pay a penny extra for my services.
 
Call 440-255-5700 or toll free at 1-888-951-6201. 



 

 


Friday, September 7, 2012

Here's how to file an appeal if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Here is what Medicare.gov has to say about filing an appeal . . .

"You have the right to ask your plan to provide or pay for items or services you think should be covered, provided, or continued. This is called an "organization determination." You, your representative, or your doctor can ask your plan for an organization determination.

If you think your health could be seriously harmed by waiting the standard 14 days for a decision, ask your plan for a fast decision. The plan must give you its decision within 72 hours if it determines, or your doctor tells your plan, that your life or health may be seriously harmed waiting for a standard decision.

If the plan won't cover the items or services you asked for, the plan must tell you in writing why it won't give or pay for the items or services and how to appeal this decision. You'll get a notice explaining why your plan fully or partially denied your request and instructions on how to appeal your plan's decision. If you appeal the plan’s decision, you may want to ask for a copy of your file containing medical and other information about your case. Your plan may charge you for this copy.

What if you disagree with the organization determination?

If you disagree with the organization determination, then you can file an appeal. The appeals process has 5 levels. If you disagree with the decision made at any level of the process, you can generally go to the next level. At each level, you'll be given instructions in the decision letter on how to move to the next level of appeal."

For more information, visit www.Medicare.gov.

 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Turning 65? Going on Medicare soon? This class is for YOU.

If you're turning 65 soon, please plan to attend one of my "Getting Started with Medicare" classes at Lakeland Community College, your local library or community center.*  This 90 minute class helps to make the transition to Medicare a little easier. The class is informational only - - - not a sales pitch.  

In September, I will be doing presentations at the following locations throughout Northeast Ohio.  Please call directly to the library, college or community center to pre-register.


Thursday, September 13, 2012
Kenston Community Education
Kenston Middle School
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
17425 Snyder Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
440-543-2552
Monday, September 17, 2012
Willoughby Public Library
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm 30
Public Square Willoughby, OH 44094
440-942-3200

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Libraries
Coventry Branch Library
6:30 – 8:30 pm
1925 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-3400
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Polaris Career Center
Berea High School
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
165 East Bagley Road, Room 102
Berea, OH 44017
440-891-7600

Thursday, September 20, 2012
Lakeland Community College
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
7700 Clock Tower Drive
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-525-7116

 Monday, September 24, 2012
Hudson Community Education & Recreation
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Hudson High School
2500 Hudson-Aurora Road Room A115
Hudson, OH 44236
330-653-1210

Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Concord Community Education
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
7671 Auburn Road
Concord, OH 44077
440-639-4650

Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Shore Cultural Center
10:00 am – 11:30 am
291 E. 222 Street Room 152
Euclid, OH 44123
440-255-5700

Thursday, September 27, 2012
Lorain County Community College
Brunswick Campus
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
50 Pearl Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
440-366-4148

Thursday, September 27, 2012
Peninsula Library & Historical Society
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
6105 Riverview Road
Peninsula, OH 44264
330-657-2291

Monday, October 8, 2012
Ashtabula Public Library
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
335 W. 44th Street
Ashtabula, OH 44004
440-997-9341

For a complete lists of dates and times, visit www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars

If you would like for me to speak to your church or civic group, please contact me at 440-255-5700 to arrange a date. And, mention to me that you learned about this on my blog.

*These events are only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be shared. 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Second Opinions and Your Medicare

A second opinion is when a doctor other than your regular doctor gives his or her view about your health problem and how it should be treated. Getting a second opinion can help you make a more informed decision about your care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for a second opinion before surgery. When your doctor says you have a health problem that needs surgery, you have the right to the following:

- Know and understand your treatment choices
- Have another doctor look at those choices with you (second opinion).
- Participate in treatment decisions by making your wishes known.

Make sure the doctor giving the second opinion accepts Medicare. And don't wait for a second opinion if you need emergency surgery, as with acute appendicitis, blood clot or aneurysm or accidental injuries.

Medicare Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for a second opinion. If the second opinion doesn't agree with the first opinion, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approve amount for a third opinion. 

For details and more information on Medicare and getting a second opinion, visit www.Medicare.gov.

Information provided by CMS Bulletin, Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Transportation that's covered by Medicare

Medicare covers the following types of ambulance services:

1.  EMERGENCY GROUND (vehicle)

When is it provided? 
After you have had a sudden medical emergency, when your health is in serious danger, when every second counts to keep your health from getting worse, and when other transportation could endanger your health.  For example, severe pain, shock, bleeding or unconscious.

What conditions do I have to meet?
Coverage depends on the seriousness of your medical conditions and whether you could have been safely transported some other way.


2.  NON-EMERGENCY GROUND

When is it provided?
When you need transportation to diagnose or treat your health condition and transportation in any other vehicle would endanger your health.  For example, you are confined to your bed and you need to be transported to get dialysis treatments.

What conditions do I have to meet?
In some cases, you must have orders fro your doctor or other health care provider saying that ambulance transportation is necessary because of your medical conditions.


3.  EMERGENCY AIR (airplane or helicopter)

What is provided?
If your health condition requires immediate and rapid ambulance transportation that ground transportation can't provide.  Example:  life threatening car accident.

What conditions do I have to meet?
You must have a condition that requires immediate and rapid ambulance transportation that ground transportation can't provide.

Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare approved amount after you meet the yearly Part B deductible.  Other criteria may apply.  For more  detailed information visit www.medicare.gov to view the booklet, "Medicare Coverage of Ambulance Services."



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Medicare and Ambulance Services

If you need an ambulance, one of the last things you need to  be worrying about is the cost of this service.

That said, here is an explanation of Medicare coverage for ambulance transportation services. 
A bulletin put out by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services states:

"If you have Original Medicare, Medicare Part B will cover your ambulance services to the nearest appropriate medical facility that is able to give you the care you need if you meet certain conditions. In these situations, Medicare will cover your ambulance service to and from a hospital (including a critical access hospital) skilled nursing facility or dialysis facility.

What Does Medicare Pay?
For each type of covered ambulance transportation, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare approved amount after you meet the yearly Part B deductible. Medicare's payment may be different if you get services from a hospital-based ambulance company. 

What Do You Pay?
You pay 20 of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible. In most cases the ambulance company can't charge you more than 20%% of the Medicare-approved amount. What you pay may be different if you get services from a hospital-based company.  All ambulance companies must accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, what you pay and the rules for ambulance coverage may be different.

Tomorrow I'll tell you more about the Medicare coverage for the different types of transportation services including air transport, emergency transport and non-emergency transportation.






Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Are you using all your Medicare benefits?


Medicare now covers preventive services that are an important part of an overall healthy lifestyle. This means no more Medicare Part B deductible or co-payment for these screenings if certain coverage criteria apply and you get them from a doctor or other health care provider who accepts Medicare assignments.
Some of the services now covered by Medicare include:

  Bone mass measurement
  Prostate cancer screening (except digital rectal examinations)
Cervical cancer screening, including Pap smear tests and pelvic exams
Cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings
Colorectal cancer screening (except for barium enemas)
Diabetes screening
Flu shot, pneumonia shot, and the hepatitis B shot
For a complete list of preventive services, visit www.medicare.gov

If you are turning 65 soon, plan to attend one of my "Getting Started with Medicare" classes at your local library or community center. For a complete lists of dates and times, visit  www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars

If you are already 65 and want to stay up to date on important changes in Medicare, sign up to receive my newsletter by emailing me at lmutko@mutskoinsurance.com