Changes in Medicare for 2013

Around this time every year, people begin asking me what changes they can expect to see in Medicare for the coming year. If you're familiar with Medicare, you already know that you can expect to see some adjustments in coverage and rates each year.

I wish I had advance notice on the changes and could tell you what to expect. Unfortunately, that's not the case. 

Changes in Medicare and Medicare Part D (prescription plans) are usually announced in October for the coming year. Once I receive this information I share it in my newsletter within days of the updates being released.

If you would like to receive my newsletter with these  timely updates please let me know. I'll add you to my mailing list to receive my quarterly newsletter. Just drop me an email with your name, address and email address. Please put "newsletter" in the subject line.

Need a speaker for your church or civic group?

Are you in charge of setting up programs for your church or civic group? Give me a call. It will be my pleasure to present "Getting Started With Medicare" for you and your group.

This informative class is geared toward those who are turning age 65 or going on Medicare for the first time. It gives soon-to-be-retirees the information they need to make well-informed decisions as they put together their retirement health care plans.

This is also a good chance for me to help sort through the information and misinformation that we are all hearing about Medicare and the health insurance changes that are going on today.

I regularly present this class at libraries, colleges and community groups. You can visit my website for times and places at www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars. This is not a sales pitch - - - just straight talk about "Getting Started With Medicare."

Call my office today at 440-255-5700 to arrange for me to speak to your group today.

Free "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit

Know your Medicare benefits.

If you are new to Medicare, your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit is now covered without cost sharing during your first 12 months of Part B coverage. This exam is a one-time review of your health as well as education and counseling about preventive services and other care.

If you’ve had Part B for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly wellness visit to develop or update a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors. 

Under the new healthcare law, the visit is now free to those with Original Medicare, and to most people with Medicare Advantage Plans, along with a number of preventive screenings and services (like mammograms and colonoscopies).

Facts about Prescription Drugs, Seniors and the Affordable Care Act

Fact:

Under the Affordable Care Act, if you are a Senior on Medicare and have high prescription drug costs that put you in the donut hole, you now get a 50% discount on covered brand-name drugs while you’re in the donut hole.

Between today and 2020, you’ll get continuous Medicare coverage for your prescription drugs.

The donut hole will be closed completely by 2020.

For more information on benefits for seniors under the Affordable Care Act, go to
www.healthcare.gov/law/features

Know Your Medicare Benefits

The Affordable Care Act provides many improvements in benefits for Seniors on Medicare, including free preventive services, free annual wellness visits and a 50% discount on prescription drugs for Medicare recipients in the coverage gap known as the "donut hole." 

In the coming days I will be sharing important FACTS about Medicare, preventive services and other benefits now available for Seniors on Medicare. I encourage you to learn more about your Medicare benefits. The benefits are there to help support your continued good health.


FACT: 
Under the health care law, your existing guaranteed Medicare-covered benefits won't be reduced or taken away.  Neither will your ability to choose your own doctor.

For more facts on what the Affordable Care Act will mean to Seniors and those on Medicare, go to: 

http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/08/srs-aff-care-act.pdf

Turning 65? You're in good company!

If you're turning age 65 this year, you're in good company. Around 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day. Celebrities with milestone age 65 birthdays this year include Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Iggy Pop, Dolly Parton, Donald Trump, Glenn Close, Stephen King, Diane Keaton and Rob Reiner, just to name a few! 

I'm not sure if they're thinking about Medicare, but you should be. It's a big piece of your retirement  plan. For all the facts on Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Prescription Plans and more, plan to attend my class, "Getting Started with Medicare."

You can find a complete list of classes listed by county at www.mutskoinsurance.com/seminars. 

Upcoming classes in August include:

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Lakeland Community College

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

7700 Clock Tower Drive

Kirtland, OH 44094

440-525-7116

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Andover Public Library

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

142 W. Main Street

Andover, OH 44003

440-293-6792

Hope to see you at one of my classes, soon.

 

    

Are you disappointed with your old Universal Life Insurance or other life policies?

Many life insurance policies written 20 or 30 years ago are not meeting projected expectations. For example, the Universal Life policies that were purchased during the 80’s when interest rates were sky high were intended to provide retirement income. They seemed like a great idea at the time, but unfortunately, many will fall short of their intended goals.

There are things you can do to improve the likely outcome. By making a few changes, we may be able to convert your old policies to meet your current needs, generate more income or provide additional protection for you and your family.

Call me at 440-255-5700 and let's take a look at your life insurance policies together. Let me show you what we can do to make the most of the life insurance you already have.