tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87770624317541652142024-03-12T16:27:01.413-07:00The Senior InsiderUpdates and inside information for seniors, boomers and those with an interest in life at all ages and stages.Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-4155281775065032322016-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:002016-04-11T09:06:50.512-07:00 Can I have a Health Savings Account if I'm on Medicare?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 21pt;">An HSA (Health Savings Account) is a
practical way to save for medical expenses and reduce your taxable income. It’s
like an IRA for your health care costs. To be eligible for an HSA, you must
have a qualifying HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 21pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The 2016 annual HSA contribution limit for individuals with
HDHP coverage is $3,350 (no change from 2015), and the limit for individuals
with family HDHP coverage is $6,750 (a $100 increase from 2015). If you are 55
or older, you can make “catch-up” contributions, meaning you can deposit an
additional $1,000 per year. If your spouse is also 55 or older, he or she may
establish a separate HSA and make a “catch-up” contribution to that account.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You
have until the tax-filing deadline (generally April 15) of the following year
to make allowable contributions.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 21pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once you are on Medicare, you no
longer can contribute to an HSA, however you can use funds already in your account
to cover some Medicare costs, including deductibles, copays, vision and dental
care. Those on Medicare can also use HSA funds to reimburse themselves for
money that’s deducted from Social Security to pay Medicare Part B premiums. Although
HSA funds <b>cannot</b> be used for
Medicare Supplement insurance plan premiums, they can be used to pay Medicare
Part D premiums, Medicare Advantage plan premiums and a portion of
long-term-care insurance premiums. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 21pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unlike other Flexible Spending Accounts,
money you do not spend each year stays in your account providing you with a
tax-advantage. Your money goes in tax-free, grows tax-free and comes out
tax-free when you use it for qualified medical expenses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 21pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once an HSA reaches a certain
threshold, the funds can be invested in mutual funds. The earnings from these
funds are tax free as long as they are eventually used for qualified medical
expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 21pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you have a High Deductible Health
Plan (HDHP) and are interested in setting up an HSA, talk to your employer or
contact a local bank for details. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">For
answers to your other questions on Life, Health, Dental, Vision, Annuities or
Medicare Advantage Plans, please contact me at </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">440-255-5700 or email
me at </span><a href="mailto:Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">. I look forward to
serving you.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-48047413158342372872016-04-11T09:06:00.000-07:002016-04-11T09:06:27.883-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: 200.4pt;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; padding: 0in;">How do I pay for my Medicare premiums?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: 200.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: 200.4pt;">
<span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">If you are like most Medicare beneficiaries, you do
not pay a premium for Medicare Part A.
Medicare Part B premiums are deducted from your benefit payments if you
are on Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If you are not
receiving <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: 200.4pt;">
<span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board
benefits, you will be billed monthly and will be responsible for paying your
premiums using one of the following options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: 200.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 200.4pt;">
<span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">1. Pay by check or money order by m</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ailing
your Medicare premium payments to:</span><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Medicare
Premium Collection Center<br />
P.O. Box 790355<br />
St. Louis, MO 63179-0355<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Pay by credit or debit card</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> by
completing the bottom portion of the payment coupon on your Medicare bill and
mailing it to the Medicare Premium Collection Center address listed above. You’ll
need to provide the account information and expiration date as it appears on
your card. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">3. Set up online banking. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contact
your bank or go to their website to set up online bill payment services. You
will need to provide your bank with your Medicare account number, your monthly
premium, the biller name which will be CMS Medicare Insurance, and a remittance
address which will be the same address listed above for payment by check or
credit card.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. </span><span style="background: white; border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">Sign up for Medicare Easy-Pay, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a free
service that automatically deducts your premium payments from your savings or
checking account each month. You will need to complete an authorization
form available online at </span><a href="http://www.medicare.gov/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.Medicare.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. Mail the completed Authorization form to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Medicare Premium Collection Center<br />
PO Box 979098<br />
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 4; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5. If you are billed by
the Railroad Retirement Board, mail<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">your premium payments to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">RRB, Medicare Premium
Payments<br />
P.O. Box 979024<br />
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 4; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are a Civil
Service retiree and NOT entitled to Social Security, you may </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">have your
premiums deducted from your Civil Service annuity. To do this, send an email
to </span><a href="mailto:OPMMailbox@cms.hhs.gov" title="OPMMailbox@cms.hhs.gov"><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">OPMMailbox@cms.hhs.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please keep in mind that you risk losing your
Medicare benefits if you fail to pay. If your premium is late you will get a
Second Notice. If you don’t pay the premium by the due date for the Second
Notice, you'll get a Delinquent Notice. If you get a Delinquent Notice and you
don’t pay your premium by the 25th of the month, you’ll lose your Medicare
coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you have questions concerning premium payments call
Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. For all your insurance questions including
Life, Health, Vision, Hearing or Medicare Advantage Plans, contact me at
440-255-5700</span>Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-36905027365801497382016-02-26T09:50:00.000-08:002016-02-26T09:50:29.541-08:00Why do I need Medicare if I'm covered at work?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In most cases, once you become eligible for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="glossarylink">Medicare</span>,
most retiree policies from an employer or union will require you to sign up for
Medicare. In general, retiree insurance plans act as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="glossarylink">supplemental
insurance and</span> pay after Medicare, <span class="apple-converted-space">filling
in</span> some of the gaps in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="glossarylink">Original Medicare</span>’s coverage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How your specific retiree group health plan coverage will work
will depend on the terms of your plan. It’s
best to talk to your human resources staff or your health insurance plan
administrator to find out how Medicare and your plan coordinate. Here are a few
things for you to ask about:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">Find out if you are
required to sign up for Medicare Part A, Part B or both to get the full
benefits from your retiree coverage. Some retiree coverage might not pay your
medical costs during any period in which you were eligible for Medicare but
didn't sign up for it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">Ask what your plan
covers that’s not covered by Medicare. Does it cover deductibles or co-insurance?
Can you see any doctors you choose or are you restricted to a network of
doctors and health care providers? Does it cover extra days in the hospital?
Does it include coverage for vision, dental or prescription drug coverage?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">Don’t assume that your
coverage and costs as a retiree will be the same as an employee. Verify this. If
you have a spouse, check whether he or she will also be covered. Employers
aren't required to cover retirees, and they may provide different <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">benefits, </span>premiums, or even cancel coverage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333;">Find out if your retiree
plan provides ‘creditable coverage’ for <span class="glossarylink">prescription</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>drugs. If it is not creditable coverage
(as good as, or better than Medicare Part D) you will be charged a penalty
should you need to enroll in Medicare <span class="glossarylink">Part D</span>
(drug coverage) in the future.</span><span style="color: #4c4c4c;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Your decisions
about health care coverage are some of the most important choices you’ll make
in the retirement planning process. I invite you to learn more about Medicare
and the options you have. Please join me for my class, <b>Getting Started with Medicare, </b>presented at local colleges,
libraries and community centers.<b> </b>For
a complete list of upcoming dates and times for classes, you can <a href="http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/">click here </a>to visit my
website. </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.
I look forward to seeing you in class.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-24615684487924628622016-02-17T10:14:00.002-08:002016-02-17T10:14:39.672-08:00Does Medicare cover rehab after a heart attack?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While heart disease is the leading cause of death every year in the U.S. for men and women, it can often be prevented when people manage their choices and health conditions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have already had a heart attack, you and your physician should discuss a comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CR) that includes exercise, education, and counseling. This program is covered by Original Medicare Part B.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medicare Part B also covers Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) programs that, like regular Cardiac Rehabilitation programs, include exercise, education, and counseling. ICR programs are typically more rigorous than CR programs. These programs may be provided in a hospital outpatient setting (including a critical access hospital) or in a doctor's office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People with Medicare Part B are covered, but must be referred by their doctor and have had any of the following conditions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A heart attack in the last 12 months</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Coronary artery bypass surgery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Current stable angina pectoris </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A heart valve repair or replacement</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A coronary angioplasty or coronary stent </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A heart or heart-lung transplant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stable chronic heart failure</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) programs are also covered if your doctor orders it or if you have had any of the conditions listed above, with the exception of stable chronic heart failure, which applies only to CR programs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those with Original Medicare will be responsible to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if you get the services in a doctor's office. If you receive care in a hospital outpatient setting, you will be responsible to pay the hospital a copayment. The Part B deductible applies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. It’s important to ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have questions concerning insurance including Life, Health, Vision, Hearing or Medicare Advantage Plans, contact me at 440-255-5700 or Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com. I look forward to assisting you.</span>Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-9351564862272993852016-02-03T09:18:00.000-08:002016-02-03T09:18:16.072-08:00Do you really know how Medicare Supplements work?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">A Medicare Supplement plan, sometimes referred to as a Medigap plan, can be purchased at any time throughout the year. You must already have Medicare Parts A and B to purchase a Medicare Supplement. People who have a Medicare Advantage plan cannot purchase a Medicare Supplement.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Here’s how Medicare Supplements work:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Medicare Parts A and B provide basic medical coverage. But they only cover about 80% of your costs. They do not pay for everything. Medicare Supplement plans are insurance plans sold by private companies to help close this gap in coverage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Supplements pick up many of the out of pocket costs not covered by Medicare Parts A and B such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare supplements also give you the freedom to see any doctor of your choice who accepts Medicare patients rather than being locked into a specified network of doctors, hospitals and providers. Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like medical care when you travel outside the U.S. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">When you have a Medicare Supplement, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs and then your Medigap policy pays its share. Medicare Supplements do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private nursing. Plans sold today do not cover prescription drug coverage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Supplements are identified by letters A - N and each standardized Medicare supplement plan must offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference between Medicare supplement plans with the same letter sold by different insurance companies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">If you are considering purchasing a Medicare Supplement plan, the best time to do so is during your six month Medigap open enrollment period. This period automatically starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy at the same price a person in good health pays even if you have health problems. If you buy a Medicare Supplement policy outside this window, there is no guarantee that you'll be able to get coverage or that your rates won’t be higher if you do get covered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">If you have group health coverage through an employer or union because either you or your spouse is currently working, you may want to consider waiting until you enroll in Medicare Part B. When your employer coverage ends, you can enroll in Part B which means your Medigap open enrollment period will start when you're ready to take advantage of it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Please call me for more information on Medicare Supplements. We’ll review your options and I’ll help you find a plan that suits your needs. Contact me at 440-255-5700</span></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-43372735964197416302016-01-26T09:09:00.000-08:002016-01-26T09:09:19.967-08:00Extra Help with your Medicare Prescription CostsIf you're on Medicare and need help with your prescription costs, you may qualify for Medicare Extra Help. It's a program that provides assistance with monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to the Medicare Prescription Drug program. To qualify for Extra Help, a person must have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You must also be enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. <br />
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In 2016, those who qualify for Extra Help will pay no more than $2.95 for each generic prescription and $7.40 for each brand-name covered drug. Extra Help may also cover a portion of Medicare drug plan premiums and deductibles based on the beneficiary’s income level.<br />
The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year.<br />
<br />
In general, you qualify for Extra Help in 2016 if:<br />
• You are single and your income is less than $17,655.<br />
• You are married, living with your spouse, and have an income less than $23,895.<br />
• Your assets are below $13,640 for an individual or $27,250 for a married couple.<br />
<br />
Counted toward your assets are such things as money you have in a checking or savings account, stocks and bonds. NOT counted toward your assets are your home, furniture or other household and personal items, one car, any life insurance policies, a burial plot and up to $1500 in burial expenses in you have put that money aside.<br />
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Applying for Extra Help is easy. You can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application. You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office.<br />
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Even if you do not qualify, by completing the application for Extra Help you will start your application process for other Medicare Savings Programs. Medicare will send information to the State of Ohio who will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program unless you tell Medicare not to when you complete the application. If you prefer, you can contact your Medicaid Office or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) directly for more information.<br />
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If none of the above options work for you, I suggest you talk to your doctor to see if there are alternatives to brand name drugs or generic drugs that will work for you. Also consider contacting your drug’s manufacturer to find out if they offer help with the cost of your prescriptions.<br />
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-50782884668189977872016-01-26T09:05:00.000-08:002016-01-26T09:05:20.538-08:00Prescription Hope . . .1500 prescriptions at $25/month<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">There is hope for people who <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">are experiencing
hardship affording their medication or do not currently have coverage that
reimburses or pays for their prescription medications. </span>It’s a program
called Prescription Hope.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 11.25pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Prescription Hope is a national pharmacy program that
offers more than 1,500 FDA-approved prescription medications for the set
price of $25 per month per medication. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 11.25pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For
$25 per month per medication, Prescription Hope Advocates will order, manage,
track and refill your prescriptions. They maintain up-to-date records and renew
your medications every year, working with over 180 U.S.-based pharmaceutical
manufacturers and their pharmacy. There
are no other costs, fees, or charges associated with your medication or the
Prescription Hope program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Prescription
Hope can </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">obtain more than 1500 FDA-approved
brand-name medications from top U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies. To learn whether
your medication is one they are able to provide, go to their website at <a href="http://www.prescriptionhope.com/">www.prescriptionhope.com</a> and click on ‘medications’ where you will find an easy to search data base of
available medications.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
You can also call them at </span><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1-877-296-HOPE (4673). Applications to enroll are available online or
can be downloaded and printed from their website. </span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 11.25pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Prescription
Hope is not new. It’s been around for
more than a decade, helping people from all walks of life. Their operation is
located in Westerville, OH and has an A+ rating with The Better Business
Bureau. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 11.25pt 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To
learn more about Prescription Hope, call 1-877-296-HOPE (4673) or visit their
website at </span></strong><a href="http://www.prescriptionhope.com./">www.prescriptionhope.com.</a></span><strong style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-5613180249799577002016-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:002016-01-26T08:50:54.932-08:00Got Diabetes? Learn more about Medicare's Therapeutic Shoe Benefit<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9pt;">If you have foot
problems or foot deformities related to diabetes, there is a Medicare benefit
that may help you cover the cost of therapeutic shoes. The </span><b style="line-height: 16.9pt;">Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Benefit </b><span style="line-height: 16.9pt;">is available to anyone who has
Part B and meets certain requirements.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 16.9pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Your first step
is to talk to your primary diabetes doctor about whether or not you need
therapeutic shoes. If you doctor agrees, he or she will complete a form that
certifies this. In addition, your doctor will provide medical records that show
1) you are being treated for diabetes, and 2) that you meet Medicare’s requirements
for therapeutic shoes. This documentation needs to be completed each year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once you get a
prescription for your footwear, you will be fitted by a podiatrist or other
qualified individual, such as a pedorthist, orthotist or prosthetist in order
to qualify for this benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Your cost for
therapeutic shoes will be 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (after you
satisfy your deductible.)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1368"> </a><a href="https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/therapeutic-shoes-or-inserts.html#1368" title="<p>Part B covers certain doctors&#39; services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.</p>"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Medicare
Part B </span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">covers the furnishing
and fitting of either one pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts or one pair
of extra-depth shoes each calendar year. Medicare also covers 2 (two) additional
pairs of inserts each calendar year for custom-molded shoes and 3 (three) pairs of
inserts each calendar year for extra-depth shoes. Medicare will cover shoe
modifications instead of inserts.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Please be mindful that you must meet three of the following conditions in order to qualify for the Medicare
Therapeutic Shoe Benefit:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. You have diabetes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">2.</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> You have at least one of the following condition in one or both feet</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 16.9pt; text-indent: -31.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Partial or complete foot amputation
or deformed foot</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.5333px; text-indent: -42px;"> - </span><span style="line-height: 16.9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Past foot ulcer or calluses that
could lead to foot ulcers</span><span style="line-height: 22.5333px; text-indent: -24px;">- </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 22.5333px; text-indent: -42px;">- </span><span style="line-height: 16.9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Nerve damage because of diabetes
with signs of problems with calluses</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 22.5333px; text-indent: -42px;">- </span><span style="line-height: 16.9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Poor circulation</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. You are being treated under a
comprehensive diabetes care plan and need therapeutic shoes and/or inserts because
of diabetes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 16.9pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be sure to
check that your doctor and shoe supplier accept Medicare assignments. This
means that they will accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for
the shoes, inserts and fitting. Suppliers that do not accept Medicare assignment
may charge you more and you could end up paying a bigger portion of the costs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For answers to
more of your insurance questions, visit my website at </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or call me at 440-255-5700 to set up an appointment to
discuss your needs. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-50926010208842551282016-01-15T07:08:00.000-08:002016-01-15T07:08:26.189-08:00Got a new Health Insurance Plan this year?<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Here are five steps that can help smooth your transition to a new plan.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every year, many Americans like you take the opportunity
during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period to change insurance plans.
Regardless of whether you are changing a Medicare Supplement, an Advantage Plan
or a Part D Prescription Drug Plan, there are a few things you can do now to
avoid problems now that your new insurance has gone into effect in 2016. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. If you are
going from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage Plan, make sure you
have cancelled your supplement coverage. Your Supplement is not automatically
cancelled when you switch to an Advantage Plan. Although some companies will
cancel and make changes over the phone, others require a written request so
give your Supplement Plan insurer a call and ask what they require. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Cancel your automatic withdrawals for the old plan. I
recommend you cancel your withdrawal with the insurance company and then follow
up with a call to your financial institution to make sure the automatic
withdrawal is cancelled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 3. Tell your
doctor that you have different insurance. If your doctor unknowingly files for
reimbursement with the wrong insurance company, it will cause confusion and
delays in payment. Let your doctors know about your new plan the first time you
see them in the New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Check your Prescription Drug coverage to find out what
pharmacies are the <b><i>preferred</i></b> <b><i>pharmacies</i></b> of your new plan. If it’s
a different pharmacy than the one you’ve been using, arrange to transfer your
prescriptions now so they have your information on hand. You should also 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. Determine whether your new plan has different
requirements for prescriptions. Some plans may require a pre-authorization
before your prescription will be filled. Take steps <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">ahead of time to let your
physician know what’s required by your new plan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For
your other questions on Life, Health, Dental, Vision, Annuities or Medicare
Advantage Plans, please contact me at </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">440-255-5700 or email me. I look forward to serving you.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-54120680636072273602015-11-18T05:52:00.002-08:002015-11-18T05:52:50.356-08:00How do I get fast answers from my insurance company?<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I always tell
my customers to <b>CALL ME</b> with any
questions about their health insurance coverage. As an insurance professional, I
work with insurance companies every day so I know who to contact regardless of
how complicated an issue may be. It is my job as their agent to take care of
these matters for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you don’t
have an agent you can rely on for answers, here are a few tips to make the process
of calling your insurance company a little bit easier:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have
all pertinent information handy, including your insurance card, your Medicare
card (if you have original Medicare), billing statements from your hospital and/or
doctor and your Summary of Benefits. If you are discussing a specific procedure,
ask your physician for the diagnostic code he or she uses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Familiarize
yourself with the basics of your plan including your co-pays, cost of visits to
specialists, out-of-pocket maximum and annual deductible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Be
prepared to take notes. Write down the date of your call, the name of the person
you spoke with and what they told you. Ask if they can send their response via
e-mail so that you can save a copy for your records. Many issues will require
more than one phone call, so keeping records will prove helpful should you need
to check back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
the insurance company representative promises to get back to you by a certain
date, note this on your calendar and be prepared to follow up then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
the insurance company agrees to make an exception to their coverage rules, get
that agreement in writing. The alternative is to record your conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
you are calling on a parent’s behalf, be ready to put Mom on the line to let
the insurance company know it’s okay to talk with you. If possible, set up a
conference call including your parent on the call. If you will be handling your
parent’s insurance matters often, find out what forms are required in order for
you to represent them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
you’re discussing complicated medical issues, ask to speak to a nurse. Many
case managers at insurance companies are RNs who can be more familiar with
medical issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you take
these steps, I think you’ll find the process of getting answers from your
insurance company a lot less frustrating. And, if you prefer to have someone do
the leg work for you as I do every day for my customers, give me a call to
learn how you can become one of my customers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-88480446975316814512015-11-04T06:28:00.000-08:002015-11-04T06:28:02.062-08:00Beware of Sales Pitches during Open Enrollment<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before you make any changes, please read this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re over age 65, your mailbox is probably being swamped
right now with a variety of Medicare Advantage Plan offers. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you decide to do some shopping around:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip 1: Double check any
mail that promises to give you details on Medicare changes for 2015 to make
sure it is sent from Medicare and not a sales pitch from an insurance company. Mailings have been spotted that look like the
real deal, but are only meant to generate leads for insurance companies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip 2: Ask for details.
Know what coverage your current plan provides and do a side-by-side comparison
on co-insurance, co-pays, premiums, prescription costs, deductibles, doctors and hospitals in the provider network, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip 3: Be careful
sharing your personal information with anyone you do not know or with whom you do not have an
established relationship. Scammers are
always looking for an opportunity to tap into your personal information.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip 4: If I'm your agent, call me before you make any changes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to continue to provide you with all the personalized services you have come to expect from me. But, if you make changes in your Medicare Advantage Plan or other insurance through an 800 phone number or someone sitting at a table at your local pharmacy, you will lose me as your agent of record. That’s just the way the insurance companies </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to continue to be here for you when you need me. Please contact me and only me when you have a question or concern about your insurance.</span>Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-29470730864955501732015-11-02T05:42:00.001-08:002015-11-02T05:42:21.975-08:00What's the difference between a Medicare Advantage HMO and a PPO<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Which one is right for me?</b></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">The abbreviations used to describe the different types of Medicare Advantage Plans can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories you’ll come across.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Let’s begin with HMO, short for Health Maintenance Organization. Generally, HMO’s tend to be among </span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">the more affordable choices because they usually have zero or low premiums (the amount you pay an insurance company each month for coverage) and low deductible (the amount you have to pay first before your plan starts to foot the bill.)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Except for emergencies, HMO’s do not </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">cover care received outside their network. If you have a doctor that you want to keep seeing, it’s important to make sure that doctor is “in-network” for any HMO you’re considering. You may also have to choose a primary care physician (PCP) in the plan network who will provide general medical care and authorize referrals to in-network specialists. Before you choose an HMO, make sure the doctors, hospitals and other health care providers you prefer to see are in the HMO’s network.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">The second group is a PPO or Preferred Provider Organization. PPO's are a second type of managed care health plan. A PPO provides a large network of physicians, hospitals and other health care providers — usually larger than an HMO. Another important difference is that unlike an HMO, you can see providers outside the network for any service at any time, as long as they accept Medicare and you’re willing to pay more out-of-pocket. With some PPO's you may need to pay the non-network doctor directly, and then file a claim for partial reimbursement.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">An RPPO is a regional preferred provider organization. The "Regional" part of an RPPO simply means that the network of preferred providers is not limited to one state only but crosses state boundaries within a specified region.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">All Medicare Advantage Plans (including HMO, PPO and RPPO plans) offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), and they often include prescription drug coverage as well. Many also offer dental, vision and hearing care, wellness programs and other health care benefits not included with Original Medicare so be sure to check around to find a plan that provides you with the coverage you want and need.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">If you have questions or would like to see what Medicare Advantage Plan options are available to you, give me a call or email me. We will set up a time to do a review and go over your options</span></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-71547151674324371212015-10-28T11:53:00.000-07:002015-10-28T11:53:44.534-07:00Medicare Open Enrollment does not Apply to Medicare Supplements<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Medicare Supplement Plans, sometimes referred to as Medigap
Insurance, are not the same as Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. You are permitted
to purchase or make changes to your Medicare Supplement at any throughout the
year. The Open Enrollment Period does not apply to this type of insurance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">The best time to contact me concerning Medicare Supplements
will be after January 1 when information on new rates should be available.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-21918083727151927842015-10-26T10:19:00.000-07:002015-10-26T10:19:28.628-07:00Affordable Care Open Enrollment begins 11-1-15. <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>While there may be a lot of other things
competing for your attention at this time of the year, it’s a good idea to brush
up on your Affordable Care options for 2016. Open enrollment occurs this year between November 1 and January 31, 2016.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm often asked by some people why they need to buy health insurance.They reason that they are young and healthy so why not just go without insurance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider these
facts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All marketplace plans cover you for the kind of health care that
most young people and their families need most including </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">immunizations and preventive services,
mammograms, flu shots, childhood immunizations, cholesterol screenings and
more. These services are provided with no co-pay or coinsurance even if you
haven’t met your yearly<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">deductible.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They
also include ten essential health care benefits including doctor visits, mental
health services, emergency care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity
and newborn care.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Unless you have an exemption, you are
required by law to have health insurance for yourself and your family. Your
coverage may be <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">through your job, your
parent’s plan, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or
another source that provides<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>qualifying
coverage, but you must have coverage or an exemption.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fact:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The
fees for not having health insurance are going up. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you don’t have coverage
or an exemption in 2016, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts:
<b>2.5% of your yearly household income, or $695 per person ($347.50 per child
under 18.) </b></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ll pay the
fee with your federal income tax return you file for the year you don’t have
coverage. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you don’t pay the fees,
the IRS will hold back the amount of the fee from any future tax refunds.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A variety of plans will be available for individuals and families to fit
your needs and budget. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Financial help may be available to pay for part, or in some
cases, all your health insurance premiums, but you need to apply in order to
find out what this means for you. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To look at your options, visit </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">www.mutskoinsurance.com</span><a href="http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/">www.mutskoinsurance.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> after November 1 and click on <b>Get a Quote. </b>Complete </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">the online
application and we will be in touch within 24-48 hours to answer your questions
and complete your enrollment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For more information on Affordable
Care Plans and other insurance matters, please contact me Laura Mutsko at
Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC at 440-255-5700 or email </span><a href="mailto:Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></span></div>
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-11829998676416232692015-10-12T06:04:00.001-07:002015-10-12T06:05:43.231-07:00Get the Facts on Medicare and Avoid Costly Mistakes<div style="color: #222222;">
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #eeeeee;">T</b><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">urning 65 this year? This class is for YOU! </b></span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">To get the most from Medicare, plan now to attend <b>Getting Started with Medicare, </b>a 90 minute informational session that I offer through colleges, libraries and community programs. I</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">'ll cover all the basics, so you have a better understanding of your Medicare choices when it comes time to sign up. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="border: 0px; line-height: 25.7143px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preregistration is required.</strong> Please register by calling the phone number listed for the class you wish to attend. Some host sites may charge a small fee. These events are only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be discussed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, October 13, 2015</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Polaris Career Center – Berea High School</span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6:30 pm – 8:30 pm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Berea High School, 165 E. Bagley Rd, Berea OH 44017</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">440-891-7600</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, October 19, 2015</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mandel JCC</span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6:00 pm – 8:00 pm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26001 South Woodland Rd., Mandel Community Room, Beachwood OH 44122</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">216-831-0700</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Wednesday, October 21, 2015</u></b></span><br />
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S.E.L.R.E.C. – Brush High School</span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7:00 pm – 8:30 pm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brush High School, 4875 Glenlyn Rd., Room D105, Lyndhurst, OH 44124</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">216-382-4300</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, October 26, 2015</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andover Library</span></u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2:00 pm – 4:00 pm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">142 W. Main St., Andover, OH 44003</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">440-293-6792</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Wednesday, October 27, 2015</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Chagrin Falls Comm Ed</u></b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7:00 pm – 8:30 pm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">342 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">440-247-5375</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">For a complete list of other class dates and times, </span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars">click here</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"></a><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">or call Mutsko Insurance Services at</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><a href="tel:440-255-5700" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14402555700"><span style="color: #0066cc;">440-255-5700</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></span>Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-33041513547594982242015-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:002015-10-08T11:24:20.624-07:00PayClose Attention to Your Medicare Part D Coverage<div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Don’t make a costly mistake
and get locked into a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan that’s not right
for you. Take a look at the changes being made in your coverage and what it
will cost you in 2016. You have an opportunity now, during open enrollment to
change plans if you need to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 13.2pt;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Some plans are making
significant changes. Look at what tier your prescriptions will be in. What are
the costs of each tier? Have they
changed from last year? Also look at your deductible and co-pay. All of this
will determine whether your out-of-pocket costs are going up or going down next
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 13.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Call me if you would like to
look at other Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. We’ll sit down and do a
review and help you determine which plan is the best fit for your needs.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-65386166025735295072015-10-08T06:58:00.000-07:002015-10-08T06:58:00.344-07:00Do Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plans cover eye exams? What about glasses?<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Unfortunately, routine eye exams (sometimes called "eye refractions") that test for eyeglasses or contact lenses are normally not covered under Original Medicare. (Coverage is available through a number of Medicare Advantage Plans, but more about that later.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Most major vision care procedures are covered, including cataract surgery, treatment of eye diseases and medical emergencies. Original Medicare will also pay for exams to test for other problems like macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome and eye infections.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Original Medicare provides coverage for eyeglasses following cataract surgery and contact lenses if the lens were inserted during cataract surgery. Medicare will not pick up the extra cost if you choose a specialized lens that restores full range of vision in order to reduce your need for glasses after cataract surgery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma you will be covered for an annual exam. People at high risk include diabetics, those with a family history of glaucoma and older Hispanics and African-Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So are there other options?</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> There are a number of Medicare Advantage plans that include vision coverage as part of their plan. If you know you are going to want to visit your eye doctor every year, it’s a good idea to consider one of these plans instead of Original Medicare. In addition to covering a percentage of the cost of exams and eyeglasses, many of these plans include dental, hearing and prescription drugs coverage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Another option is to purchase a Medicare Supplement, sometimes referred to as Medigap Insurance. A Medicare Supplement will cover your out-of-pocket costs for <b><i>approved</i></b> Medicare vision procedures. Remember, Original Medicare does not consider routine eye exams and prescription glasses to be approved expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Military veterans who are visually impaired may be eligible for the VA’s vision health benefits. These range from primary care services to intermediate and advance clinical vision care. If you qualify for veterans benefits, check with your local VA Medical Center for more details.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If you would like to learn more about insurance plans that cover vision care, hearing or dental costs, please contact me at 440-255-5700.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Open enrollment begins October 15 and is a good time to take a look at your options for 2016 to find a plan that fits your needs.</span></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-28204260319314036882015-10-06T06:38:00.000-07:002015-10-06T06:38:00.145-07:00What are some affordable dental care options with Medicare?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you plan to stay with Original Medicare, your dental
options will be very limited. Original Medicare </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DOES NOT</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> pay for routine dental care, including the cost of exams,
teeth cleaning, tooth extractions, x-rays and dentures. This means that you can
expect to pay 100% of the costs for all these services if you want to keep your
healthy smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Original Medicare will only cover the cost of dental
procedures related to covered medical procedures. For example, Medicare will
cover extractions before cancer radiation therapy or jaw reconstruction after
an injury. Procedures such as these are covered because they are necessary to
treat a non-dental condition. They must be treated at the same time and by the
same doctor as the covered condition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are other
affordable options for dental coverage available to you.</b> </span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Mutsko Insurance
Services, LLC we offer a number of Medicare Advantage Plans that include coverage
for routine dental care as well as vision, hearing and prescriptions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coverage and costs will vary from plan to plan, and some plans
may charge additional for dental coverage. There are plans that cover a
percentage of your costs for cleanings, x-rays and exams while other are more
comprehensive and will cover major dental services like crowns, bridges, root
canals and denture, in addition to your routine care. It all depends on which
plan you choose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you sign up for any Medicare Advantage Plan, compare
the dental coverage and costs and the find out whether your dentist is in the
provider network. At Mutsko Insurance Services, we’ll do the work for you.
We’ll show you your coverage options and determine whether your dentist is in
the network. Our job is to help you find the plan that works best for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information on Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare
Supplements, dental, vision and other coverage options, please contact Mutsko
Insurance Services, 6966 Spinach Drive in Mentor, OH or call 440-255-5700 or email me to
make an appointment for a Medicare review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-59384025874855546912015-10-05T06:23:00.000-07:002015-10-05T06:46:53.460-07:00Questions that help you evaluate your Medicare Plan<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this window, you have the chance to evaluate your current coverage to make sure you're getting the most out of your plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start by asking . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does your current Medicare plan still fit your budget?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have access to the doctors, hospitals and other health care providers that are important to you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does your plan include routine dental, vision or hearing coverage?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you covered when you're traveling?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will your prescription coverage cost you this year? And, are your prescriptions covered?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have a fitness membership or other fitness benefit?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your plan falls short on any of these points, call me. We'll take a look at other options. 440-255-5700. </span><br />
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<br />Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-91156786597785324462015-09-29T07:41:00.000-07:002015-09-29T07:41:00.525-07:00No Health Insurance? Penalties are going up for 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">If you can afford health insurance but choose
not to buy it and you do not have an exemption, you will likely be assessed tax
penalties that will be collected with your federal tax return. </span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">According to Healthcare.gov, <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/fees-exemptions/fee-for-not-being-covered/">https://www.healthcare.gov/fees-exemptions/fee-for-not-being-covered/</a>, the fees for not having coverage in<b> 2016 </b>are increasing and will be </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">the <b>higher</b> of these two amounts:</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2.5% of your yearly household income</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">$695 per person ($347.50 per child under 18)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">Open enrollment for Affordable Care coverage begins on November 1 and closes January 31, 2016. During this period, it is important for you to review your health care plan and make any changes or sign up for coverage for the coming year. To begin shopping for your Affordable Care plan go to </span><a href="http://www.mutskoinsurance.com/" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">www.mutskoinsurance.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;"> and click on <b>Online Quotes</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Don’t put off enrolling in a plan. If you have questions or need help
finding the right coverage, call me at 440-255-5700 or email me today</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-11163272521254690402015-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:002015-09-26T05:00:02.834-07:00Don't get locked into a Medicare Advantage Plan that no longer works for you.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether this is your first Open Enrollment
season or you’ve been through a few, it pays to take time now to study your Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plan options. Remember, plans can change their coverage, benefits and costs. You don't want to find out too late that you're locked into a plan for all of 2016 that doesn't cover your doctors, your hospitals or your medications. You should receive updated information by October 1 on your plan.</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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time to go over their current Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan coverage and figure out if they need to make any changes. If you need assistance, call me at 440-255-5700 or email me and I'll look into your concerns and offer some options.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October
1 – 15 Evaluate your current Medicare plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October
15 Open Enrollment begins and you can make changes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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7 Open Enrollment ends. Last day to make
changes for 2016</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-42792990244793347722015-09-25T07:14:00.001-07:002015-09-25T07:14:51.803-07:00What Medicare doesn't cover, a Medicare Advantage Plan may<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need hearing aids? Think you're covered by Medicare?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have Original Medicare, you will not be covered for the cost of routine hearing exams, hearing aids or fittings for hearing aids. Medicare Part B only covers diagnostic and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider orders these test to see if you need medical treatment for balance issues, vertigo or a recent injury. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if your exam is covered by Medicare Part B, you will still be responsible for the Part B deductible and 20% of the Medicare approved amount for the doctor’s services. If your test is done in a hospital setting, you may also be responsible to pay hospital co-pay costs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement, you may have coverage for a percentage of hearing exams and hearing aids. Your first step should be to review your Insurance Plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage or contact your agent to find out what your plan includes. Be sure to ask if your plan requires that you go through specific approved suppliers or if the plan has other guidelines you will need to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk to your doctor or other health care provider to find out how much your test, hearing aids and other services will cost. The amount you’ll owe will depend on several things including how much your doctor charges, whether your doctor accepts assignments and where you get your test and hearing aid. Let your doctor know you’re concerned about costs in order to avoid being surprised with an unexpected big bill.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, during Medicare Open Enrollment, is a good time to look into a Medicare Advantage plan that offers coverage for hearing. I can show you a number of plans with this option.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other Options</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In some cases, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may offer financial assistance or reduced cost hearing aids for Veterans. Vets are eligible for hearing aids if their hearing loss is connected to their military service or linked to a medical condition treated at a VA hospital. Veterans can also get devices if their hearing loss is severe enough to interfere with activities of daily life. For details, contact your local Veterans Medical Center or visit http://www.cleveland.va.gov/.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hearing loss is not just inconvenient; it’s a serious health condition. Better hearing may lead to a better life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans that include coverage for hearing, dental and eye care, please contact me at 440-255-5700 or email me. I can show you a variety of plans that will provide the coverage you’re looking for.</span><br />
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-66572242697009662492015-09-22T04:00:00.000-07:002015-09-22T04:00:07.497-07:00Little known plan covers out-of-pocket costs.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’ve been confined to the hospital or had an accident that required medical treatment, you know health care costs can be astronomical. And, no matter how good your insurance plan is, there's going to be unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Everything from co-pays to hospital parking fees can add up quickly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s now a plan to fill these gaps. It’s an Indemnity Insurance Plan designed to help protect you and your savings. When major medical plans step in to cover your doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, this insurance plan pays you cash benefits to offset the cost of deductibles, co-pays, household expenses and out-of-pocket costs not covered by other insurance. The benefits are paid directly to you, unless you choose to assign them to a medical provider. Plans are available for virtually all age groups, including those over age 65.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not a Medicare Supplement policy. It's not a Major Medical policy. It is affordable coverage that pays you cash to use however you want whenever you’re sick, hurt or require nursing care.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t keep worrying about the ‘what ifs’ that go along with a health care emergency. Call me to learn more about Indemnity Insurance and how it can help you.</span><br />
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-69131524869624716192015-09-19T06:51:00.000-07:002015-09-19T06:51:00.244-07:00Divorced? Don't rule out Social Security from your ex-spouse<div>
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Regardless of whether you stayed in touch with your ex . . . even if you never want to speak with him or her again . . . you may be eligible to collect Social Security spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record. </div>
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The rules are fairly straightforward. If you were married for at least 10 years, you are age 62 or older and your former spouse is 62 or older (or otherwise entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits,) you have been divorced for at least two years and are now single, you could qualify. </div>
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It does not matter if your ex has remarried. Your tapping into his or her Social Security benefits will not affect his or her benefits or what his or her current family receives from Social Security. In fact, if you’re concerned your ex will find out you are receiving these benefits, don’t worry. Social Security is not permitted to share this information so your ex-spouse won’t even know it’s happening.</div>
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If you remarried, you generally cannot collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your subsequent marriage ended by death, divorce or annulment. The benefits you are entitled to receive based on your ex’s work record must be more than what you are entitled to receive based on your own record. </div>
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If you think you may be eligible, contact Social Security to make a determination. They will take into account many variables including your current work status, your ex’s work record and whether your ex is living or deceased when you apply. To contact Social Security, call 800-772-1213.</div>
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777062431754165214.post-52198626518364520962015-09-17T06:43:00.001-07:002015-09-17T06:43:22.361-07:00Why Life Insurance is Important for Women<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talk to a lot of women about their need to purchase individual life insurance. Many still have the outmoded idea that life insurance is important for men but not necessary for women. I also find that when they do have life insurance, they generally have policies with far less dollar coverage than men, relying primarily on life insurance provided by their employee benefit plan for coverage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most married women with children see the need for their husbands to have life insurance. They understand that insurance may not make their family rich, but it can provide a financial cushion to give their family time to adjust to the changes they’ll have to make if their husband died. These including possibly down-sizing their home, finding quality child care and other services to compensate for not having a marriage partner. Life insurance benefits can mean the difference between the transition being manageable or desperate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What many women don’t realize is that the same adjustments take place when a wife dies and leaves her husband and children alone. The fact is that if something was to happen to them, both parenting roles fall to their spouse. If he’s at work, how are things going to get accomplished at home? In addition to losing her contribution to their family income, their husband might have to change careers and take an income cut to spend more time with their kids. The bottom line is that when a mother dies, it is at least as expensive as when a father dies. And, a $50,000 policy from work won’t go a long way when a single parent faces years of raising children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women should also consider other life insurance benefits as well, including:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Insurance can provide a lump sum of money to help pay expenses and generate an income. Life insurance can’t replace a spouse, but it can help pay for your kids’ college education, a daughter’s wedding or help ensure your spouse’s retirement dreams are realized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insurance can be a lasting legacy. Life insurance can create a financial legacy for your kids, your spouse or even your favorite charity or alma mater.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life insurance is important for both men and women. It provides a measure of security for you and your family and isn’t that what you want? I can help you determine the best options for you and your family. Give me a call at 440-255-5700 or email me at to set up an appointment. I look forward to working with you.</span></div>
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Laura Mutskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427870809273710885noreply@blogger.com0