Archive for October, 2009

All day yesterday I sat in on a certification class to be able to offer the local Humana HMO Medicare Advantage plan.  I was one of about 20 people in the class and I must say that  I need to RE-STRESS what I said in an earlier post a few months back.  Before I re-stress my point, I have to say that this in no way reflects anything on the Humana products, this post is entirely about the agents “selling” you products.  Humana’s products are just as good as all the others, if used in the right situation.

While in class I found myself surrounded by a bunch of people, which only 2 of the 20, would I consider half way ready to advise you on a solution for your situation.  Most only sold the Humana products, several only did this as a part time job because it is “Medicare Season” (sounds like they are hunting you like deer or something),  Several were independent agents but did not even offer supplements or said they did offer supplements and advantage programs but mostly talked people out of the supplements.

I must say I am concerned with the knowledge, or motivation of alot of agents selling medicare products that I have run into the past couple of years

Most of the halfway smart agents know there is a huge selling opportunity in the Medicare market, but that does not qualify them to assist you with picking a plan

So going back to my point with this post, you need to make sure you pick an agent that has all the options available and can walk you through the pros and cons of each plan so you can choose the one that is right for you.  Here is a link to my earlier post on how to pick an agent -> Here

Of course you can always call us for a second opinion- 816-254-6100 or toll free 1-888-262-0003

Happy Halloween!

Travis

Learn What You Need to Know about Medicare, and How to Pick the Perfect Supplement Plan!

Independence, MO – One of the biggest fears that many people have today is the fear of turning 65 and having to figure out their own benefits with no knowledge of how the Medicare system works or who to contact.  Most people end up just trusting what their sales agent tells them they need and find themselves with hundreds if not thousands of dollars in medical bills left for them.  Most of the public does not know what plans are available to them and get their information from a green sales agent or commercials on TV.  Did you know Medicare Benefits during the year 2010 have the most changes since 2006, which could affect anyone on Medicare!  A community informational workshop presented by Travis Gensler, local advisor who specalizes in Medicare Plans.

At this workshop, you will learn:

• How to sign up for your Medicare benefits and the eligibility requirements
• How to find out what is and is not covered by Medicare Part A & B
• What is a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan
• What is the Medicare Advantage program
• What is Part D and why do I need it
• The 5 questions you need to ask to pick the perfect advisor to work with
• The 10 questions you need to ask to pick the perfect plan
• How the current changes and healthcare debate will affect the future of Medicare

Workshops 10am – 12pm on the following dates:

Nov 10^th        Nov 17^th        Nov 24^th        Dec 1^st           Dec 8^th

Attendance for this workshop is free, but seating is limited. 

 You can reserve your spot by calling 816-228-8000. 

These classes will fill up quickly, so call right away!

Class Location: 201 W. Lexington Ave, Suite 301 (3^rd floor), Independence, MO 64050

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare Program. For educational purposes only, no company or plan specific information will be available.

Here are the 2010 Deductibles and Co-Pays for Original Medicare

• Part B Deductible – $155.00/calendar year
• Part A Coinsurance
  • Inpatient Hospital Stay days 1-60 – $1,100 (Part A Deductible, NOT per day)
  • Inpatient Hospital Stay days 61-90 – $275 PER DAY
  • Inpatient Hospital Stay days 91-150 – $550 PER DAY (These are 60 LIFETIME reserve days)
  • Skilled Nursing Facility days 1-20 – $0 copay
  • Skilled Nursing Facility days 21-100 – $137.50/day

Here are the Changes to Part B PREMIUM

• Part B Premium for those whose incomes are $85,000 or less ($170,000 or less for joint filers) AND who CURRENTLY (2009) have their Part B premium deducted from their Social Security Administration Checks – NO CHANGE – $96.40/month in 2010.  (Those qualifying for the Medicare Savings Program may have their Part B premium waived and would pay $0/month)
• Part B Premium for those whose incomes are $85,000 or less ($170,000 or less for joint filers) AND who DO NOT CURRENTLY (meaning 2009) have their Part B premium deducted from their Social Security Administration Checks – 15% increase – $110.50/month in 2010
  • Additional clarification – This means that those Medicare Beneficiaries who are NEW TO MEDICARE in 2010 will pay $110.50.  They may pay more due to higher income (see below) or they may have their premium waived if they qualify for the Medicare Savings Program.
• Part B Premium for those with Higher Incomes
  • $85,001 – $107,000 ($170,001-$214,000 for joint filers) – $154.70/month in 2010
  • $107,001 – $160,000 ($214,001-$320,000 for joint filers) – $221.00/month in 2010
  • $160,001 – $214,000 ($320,001-$428,000 for joint filers) – $287.30/month in 2010
  • Above $214,000 (Abover $428,000 for joint filers) – $353.60/month in 2010

Here are the Changes to the Part A PREMIUM (When applicable, most Medicare Beneficiaries do not pay a Part A premium)

• $0 – Those who have worked 40 or more quarters (self or spouse) of Medicare-covered employment
• $254.00/month – Those who have worked 30-39 quarters (self or spouse) of Medicare-covered employment
• $461.00/month – Those who have worked less than 30 quarters (self or spouse) of Medicare-covered employment and are not otherwise eligible for premium-free hospital insurance.

Gearing up for the upcoming Annual Election Period for those on Medicare Advantage or a PDP plan, things are starting to get a little crazy.  All of the recertification classes have been scheduled, online tests have been taken and I must say that I wish there was an easier way to get recertified.  Not only have I had to get recertified, but there are new companies releasing products in the areas that I am licensed, and getting approved by them is much more time consuming than recertification.

Being and independent agent is tough and time consuming on the backend, but the value of what I can bring to my clients is priceless.  If you are looking for a resource to help you understand your benefits, I suggest searching for an independent agent with access to multiple companies because they can truly be an advisor to you.  Suggesting a plan that fits your needs for the long run is much better than selling you the only thing they have in their bag.  Much better for you anyway.

Feel free to give us a call at anytime with any questions, we are more than happy to help!

Travis

1-888-535-0999 toll free