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

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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.