Archive for the ‘Medicare’ Category

Not sure what it means for you?

Some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.

The link below does a pretty good job explaining how it could impact those on medicare.  As always let us know what questions you have.

Full Article Here

Travis

Phone 816-254-6100

toll free 888-535-0999

Just got the first details this morning on one of my companies that will be offering the new plans M & N in the state of Missouri.  The new plans look to be pretty good new options, but like all insurance products there is not a one fits all so make sure you are comfortable with how it works and know what your responsibilities are before you go making a switch.

These new plans offer a different benefit structure than what was available before so make sure you understand the layout.  With that being said when compared to a Plan F, Plan M looks to be about 30% less on a monthly basis, and Plan N looks to be about 33% less than a Plan F.

See the chart below for easy comparison.

As a reminder, Please remember if you have a Medicare supplemental policy in force when these new plans become available your current benefits will not change.  Your plan is guaranteed renewalble as long as you pay your monthly premium.  If you have a question about the new plans or would like to explore your options, give us a call: 816-254-6100 or toll free at 1-888-535-0999.

This is your last chance to make a change on how you receive your Medicare benefits for the 2010 plan year. 

The open enrollment period runs from Janurary 1st to March 31st of each year and you are allowed to make ONE change in how you receive your medical coverage.  You have the following options:

• If you are enrolled in Original Medicare with a Part D prescription program you may change to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage
• If you are enrolled in a Medicare advantage plan with prescription coverage you may change to another Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage
• If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage you may return to Original Medicare as long as you pick up a Part D prescription plan.
• If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription coverage you may return to Original Medicare but you are not allowed to enroll in a prescription plan at this time.

If you are like everyone else what I just typed could be real confusing so please give us a call to help find what option is available to you.

816-254-6100 or toll free 1-888-535-0999

Travis

Effective Immediately

Fox’s contract with Medicare has been terminated by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). After a review of the plan it was determined it did not meet Medicare’s requirements.  All enrollees in a Fox plan will obtain their drugs through a plan administered by Humana.

Clients will have a SEP until May 1 during which they can make 1 election. If they do not make an election by May 1 they will remain in the Humana plan.

Call us with questions or assistance picking a new plan. 

Toll free 1-888-535-0999 or local 816-254-6100

Click here for the full CMS press release.

Medicare beneficiaries should remember:

• Medicare cannot call and ask for financial or personal information over the phone.
• Medicare numbers should be kept in a safe, secure place.
• Medicare will not notify beneficiaries of payments by phone. The beneficiary must be notified of the past due premiums via mail.

It has come to my attention that there are some Medicare beneficiaries around the country are receiving calls from scammers saying they are from Medicare for one reason or another.  Some are saying they have to pay a Pard D penalty and other things like that, while they have you on the phone.  Please remember anyone from Medicare will not ask you for financial or personal information over the phone.

If you question a phone call, hang up and call your local social security office or medicare directly at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)