Vitamins and Supplements

More and more of my clients are asking about coverage for vitamins and dietary supplements because their doctors are recommending vitamins and nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D and calcium.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover vitamins and supplements. However some of the insurance plans do offer coverage for them.

If you have a Medigap and a Stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Some Medicare Prescription Drug Plans will cover certain vitamins and supplements. Every Medicare Prescription Drug Plan has its own list of covered drugs called a formulary. Check your plans formulary to see what is covered.

In general, Medicare Prescrption Drug Plans will not cover vitamin supplements.  But Part D plans that have “enhanced alternative coverage” included in their benefits may include coverage for some vitamins and supplements. Enhanced alternative coverage means the plan’s formulary contains additional items that go beyond the standard Medicare Part D coverage.

You should contact the agent who helped you find your plan to find out if it offers enhanced alternative coverage and what, if any, prescription vitamins and supplements are covered.

A plan’s formulary may change from year to year. Each year you will receive notice of plan changes and it’s a good idea to review those changes and talk to your agent if you have any questions or concerns.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about your Medicare coverage and options.  I am always happy to answer questions.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (MA-PD)

Sometimes referred to as a Part C plan, Medicare Advantage plans have your prescription drug coverage built into the plan.  These all-in-one plans also sometimes offer other the counter drug benefits as well as enhanced alternative coverage.  To access the over-the-counter (OTC) benefit you usually have a cataloge of covered items, such as vitains, aspirin, cough syrup, antacidis, bandages, cotton swaps and more expensive things like heating pads or incontience supplies.

Generally the plans that offer this type of coverage give you a set dollar amount ($200 per year, $50 per quarter or $25 or $40 per month) and you simply order each month from the catalog and they ship it to free of charge.

If you would like to know if your plan includes these benefits you can give me a call at (207) 370-0143 or reach out to me via email using the CONTACT button on the menu at the top of this webpage.

And if you have any questions about this topic or need help finding a better plan or making a change, I will be happy to help you.

And it won’t cost you anything!

I do not charge anyone the assistance that I provide. I am an independent agent so I don’t work for the insurance company. I work for you. Just like your car insurance agent – I help you search all the different compaies to find the best price and the best coverage. I help you fill out the application and then turn it into the insurance company and follow up on it for you. If there are any difficulties I help you thtough them. Working with me makes Medicare easy!

You can use the BOOK APPOINTMENT(link is external) button below to set up a time to speak with me on the phone or in person. I can also send you information ahead of time to get you started. 
 
Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore

 

 
Have a question that needs to be answered right away?
 
Just give me a call at your convenience.  
 
You can talk to me at (207) 370-0143
or call toll free 866-976-9038. 
Or send me an email using this form –> https://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/contact
 
 
 

Are you turning 65 and still working?  Read this.

 

Need to Change Plans?

If you need to change your Medicare Advantage plan or want to leave your Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan but are worried that you missed the December 7th deadline you can stop worrying right now!

You still have time to make a change!

Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) ended on December 7th – that’s true – but there are some other less commonly known Election Periods or Enrollment Periods during the year that can help you!

This is why I tell all my clients to call me if they need to make a change – no matter what time of year – because there are many opportunities within the Medicare rules and Congress changes these rules every year.

I joke with my clients that, “You don’t have to remember everything I tell you, just remember my phone number!”  That usually gets a laugh but it’s absolutely true.  

So, how do you keep up with the changes?

You don’t have to. That’s what your insurance agent does!

Each year in the fall Medicare will mail you a copy of the Medicare and You Handbook but some of the information is a year behind because they print it before all of next year’s changes are known.

As part of my job, I keep current on all the changes within the Medicare system and the changes that effect my clients and the Medicare insurance plans and prescription drug plans.  I am always reading and researching ways to help people compare and get the coverage they need and find the best plans and best prices. 

Starting January 1, 2019 you have a new opportunity to make one change.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and need to change to a different plan or if you want to leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare and get a Medigap plan with a new Part D prescription drug plan you can do this at the beginning of the year.

That’s right. You can still make the changes you need. But you must act quickly because each different plan has a different timeline on when the changes can be made.

The rules and deadlines are different depending on the type of plan you currently have so if you want to call me we can discuss your specific options. My number is (207) 370-0143.

If you want to read more on your own before we talk you can review these new rules on Medicare.gov.

If you would like to talk to me or schedule a meeting at your home of in my office come to my office, you can reach me at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT page of this site to send me an email message.

The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to meet with me or to discuss your options or to review the plans that are available. I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission – just like your car insurance agent. I get paid by the insurance companies to help you!

My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my expertiese and knowlege to people who need my help.

You can call me at 207-370-0143 or you can book an appointment online – it’s quick and easy!

 

FREE DENTAL DAY!

This event will take place on Friday, November 1 in 2019. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dentists Who Care for ME annual event is Friday, Nov 2!

Free services will be offered by dentists in Falmouth, Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Skowhegan, & Presque Isle.

What services are free?

The free care being offered Friday includes cleanings, fillings, extractions or referral to a specialist. People will be able to get one treatment each.

In addition to dentists, dental hygienists will also be on hand to help educate people, especially those who rarely see a dentist, about caring for their teeth.

When and Where?

Most of the participating offices will open at 8 a.m. Friday but their hours will vary. One location in Topsham is open on Thursday, Nov 1 only.

Services will be offered on a first come, first served basis so get there EARLY!

To see a complete list of the participating dental offices, go to Dentistswhocareforme.com

If you miss this event or if there is no dentist in your area participating, check to see if your current medicare plan offers any dental coverage. [READ MORE …]

If you would like to ask a question or schedule a meeting, you can call me directly at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT page of this site to send an email message.

The best part about working with me is that it does not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.  My services are free to you. I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan.  You pay nothing for my help!

And you will not pay any more than anyone else and you are under no obligation whatsoever to change your plan if you talk with me.

“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”

Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore

2019 Part D Changes

Here are the Part D changes for 2019 that you need to know!

If your plan has a deductible it may go up. The initial Part D deductible will increase by $10.00 to $415 for 2019.

What does this mean to you?

If your Medicare Part D Rx drug plan has a deductible, you may pay more out-of-pocket in 2019 before your insurance plan begins covering your medications. For example, if you are taking Xarelto which costs about $500 and your plan has a $47 copay then the first refill will cost $462 ($415+$47) and then will be $47 each month after that until you reach the Initial Coverage Limit and enter the “Donut Hole.”

Not all Part D Prescription Drug Plans have a deductible and many plans exclude lower-cost generic drugs from the deductible, giving you coverage for these Tier 1 or Tier 2 drugs before you need to pay your deductible.

Beginning January 1, 2019 your Initial Coverage Limit (ICL) will increase from $3,750 to $3,820.

This means that you will be able to buy slightly more medications before reaching the 2019 Donut Hole or Coverage Gap.  A good rule of thumb is that if the full retail cost of your medications is less than $320 per month, you will not enter the Donut Hole before the end of the year.

Good news! The Donut Hole discount will increase 10% in 2019!

The discount you get on brand-name drugs will increase from 65% to 75%. So, if you are using a brand-name medication such as Advair which has a retail cost of around $400, you will pay $100 for your medication or if you take Lantus which has around a $300 price tag, you will pay $75 while in the Donut Hole.

What is the end result?

In 2019 you will have to spend only about $25 more to get out of the Donut Hole than you did in 2018.  The Out of Pocket Threshold (or TrOOP) has increased from $5,000 to $5,100 which will trigger entry into the Catastrophic Coverage Phase where you will remain for the rest of the year.

While in the Catastrophic Coverage Phase you will pay either 5% of the total retail cost of the drug OR $8.50 for brand-names and $3.40 for generics, whichever is higher.

If you need a more in-depth explanation of how Part D works or want to review what plans have the lowest costs and will help you avoid the Donut Hole, give me a call. My number is 207-370-0143. I will be happy to help you.

Be sure to read your Annual Notice of Change Letter (ANOC) that should arrive in the mail each year at the beginning of October to see how your plan is increasing – this may help you determine how much you need to budget in 2019 to cover the costs of coverage. [READ MORE …]

If you would like to ask a question or schedule a meeting at your home or a nearby meeting place, you can call me directly at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT page of this site to send an email message.

The best part about working with me is that it does not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.  My services are free to you. I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan.  You pay nothing for my help!

And you will not pay any more than anyone else and you are under no obligation whatsoever to change your plan if you talk with me.

“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”

Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore

 

Find Local Help

Dealing with Health Insurance is complicated and the more you try to research on your own the more complicated it can get. 

You can quickly become overwhelmed with all the choices and information – and that usually results in choosing the wrong plan!

Working as a licensed health insurance agent in Maine and New Hampshire I make sure people understand all their choices and help them understand the different Parts of Medicare and the many different types of supplemental plans available.

I am respected among my peers and maintain a good reputation. I build meaningful relationships with people I meet and offer exceptional customer service.  

Explaining a policy and getting a genuine “thank you” from a client is the best reward. 

This is why I offer help at no cost.

Everyone needs help.  This decision is too important and much too complicated to make on your own.

I meet people every year during the Annual Open Enrollment Period in October and November that have chosen the wrong plan and I hear the same story over and over again.  They want my help making a better choice.

They will call me and say, “I just got so confused I gave up and called one of the phone numbers I got in the mail.” or “I didn’t know what to do so I took the same plan as my brother.”

Your brother or your friend may have a plan that works well for their needs, but it may not be good for you.  Everyone is different.

Doesn’t it make much more sense to review all your options?

…and to choose what is best for YOU?

 

When I first started working with Medicare Supplements and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, I never expected it would be as rewarding as it is.

I love helping people navigate through the Medicare maze, educating them every step of the way.  I learn something new and I am challenged every single day. 

But what I love most is being an Independent Agent 

As an independent insurance agent I am able to offer local help in Maine and New Hampshire to everyone and anyone who wants help. 

I can help you review ALL the plans available in your area – not just one or two!

I do not work for an insurance company so I have no reason to push you to select one plan over another.  I have contracts with all the top insurance companies that offer plans in Maine and New Hampshire so I get paid by the insurance company which means that it costs you NOTHING.  Your Medicare Supplement rates or costs are the same with or without my help and there are no hidden fees.

I am trained every year by Medicare and by each insurance company on the Medicare plans they offer so I have the most complete and up-to-date information.  Sometimes doing research online you may be reading very old materials only to find out later that those plans have changed or the costs are a lot higher.

I’m just like your car insurance agent or your real estate agent, I work for you!  I help you review each plan so you can choose which plan is best for you.

We work together to choose an insurance plan that covers ALL your doctors and medical services and I will help you look at the costs to find the cheapest Medicare Supplement to save the most money. 

 

I’m very good at what I do because I love my job and I love helping people.

I love being an insurance agent because I am able to build lasting relationships with my clients while empowering and educating them. It brings me great pride to tackle a challenge with a client while helping them understanding their coverage, giving them peace.

Some things in life are priceless, like having peace of mind. My favorite part of being an insurance agent is showing people solutions that will protect them so they don’t have to worry about the “what if’s” in life.

And I never stop working for you.

If my clients are having trouble reaching Member Services to get an answer to a question or resolve a problem, I can help. I work closely with each health insurance carrier and have dedicated customer service representatives to handle my requests.

As a licensed health insurance agent, I can assist you with any questions or issues you may have during the year or during Open Enrollment when plans change their rates and benefits.

“It really is a win-win situation for all my clients!”

If you don’t have an agent and would like one on your side then send me a message or give me a call.  I would love to be help!

You can reach me at (207) 370-0143 or by email using the form on my CONTACT page here.

Let’s chat soon, just give me a call or send me an email.  I am happy to help you!

 

Would you like my help?

If you would like help finding the right plan or just want to ask a few questions, you can call me directly at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT page of this site to send an email message.  The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.  I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan.  You will not pay anything to meet with me and you will pay the same price for your insurance that everyone pays whether they had my help or not.

“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”

Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore

Give-Back or Buy-Back Plans

We’ve all see the commercials on TV.

Every 1970’s TV star is telling you to call “The Medicare Helpline” to get $100 added to your Social Security.

Is “too good to be true” always too good to be true?

Personally, I think things are NEVER too good to be true.

Good is always good!

I think it all boils down to what you believe. If you believe that there is no such thing as a free lunch, then you may never enjoy the gift of a free lunch.

If you believe that a free lunch could actually be free with no strings attached, that’s what you’ll receive. after all, food is everywhere and people can be very generous.

I personally believe it is a matter of personal beliefs and comfort level.   When you say that something is “too good to be true”, what are you really saying?  You’re probably actually saying that you don’t believe it.

Next, ask yourself why don’t you believe it and you’ll probably discover that it’s because you don’t know enough about it to understand it. So you don’t trust it.

Education is the answer.

The unknown can causes a lot of anxiety.  Most people tend to stick with what they know, where they feel safe.

But risk takers are not people who go out and blindly jump on things.  They take the time to learn about new things and they usually end up with a better deal.  And everyone else comes around eventually.

10 years ago there were no Medicare plans under $50 per month.  Now there are many offering plans at $0 per month.  A lot of people thought these plans were “too good to be true” but they were the ones who missed out on saving that $50 per month and if they have not switched to a $0 per month Medicare Advantage plan they probably will this year!

$0 is not the best deal anymore.

There are some new plans entering the Medicare market in Maine and New Hampshire for 2020 referred to as “give-back” or “buy-back” plans … and that is exactly what they do!

These plans actually GIVE BACK a portion of your Part B premium!

Sound like a free lunch?  It might be!

Every day as I meet with folks and help them understand their Medicare options and at some point during every meeting someone asks, “What’s the catch?” which is often followed by “This is really too good to be true.”

Well it is all true!  This is Medicare!  And Medicare is great!

There are Medicare plans that cost $0 per month with no deductible – you’ve heard about them.  You may even be using one now.

These plans are not “free” because you still must pay your monthly Part B premium ($170.10 in 2020) so no one can say they are free.

How can you get lower than $0?

These Buy-Back or Give-back plans cost $0 per month but in addition to that they will also buy back a portion of the Medicare Part B premium that you pay each month.

Medicare does not allow me to give you specifics of any one plan on my website but I can speak in general terms about the plans out there.  So, generally speaking these Medicare Advantage plans will send a set dollar amount ($40-$60) per month directly to Social Security which will reduce your Part B premium.  That’s $300-$500 they are giving you each year.  Some states with a higher number of people on Medicare (like Florida) actually have plans that give back $8 to $100 each month!  That’s why on the commercials they say, “We’ll check your zip code to if you qualify!”

Is there a catch?

Of course, there’s always a catch.  You have to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

Yep, that’s the only catch!

If you want to learn more about these plans contact me.  I can explain this over the phone and mail you more information so you can see if they will work for you.  I will never pressure you to change plans or convince you to switch.  That choice is completely yours to make.

I also do not charge anything to meet with you so what have you got to lose?  Just give me a call or send me an email by clicking the CONTACT button on the menu at the top of the page.

“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”

Would you like my help?

If you would like help finding the right plan or just want to ask a few questions, you can call me directly at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT page of this site to send an email message.  The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.  I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan.  You will not pay anything to meet with me and you will pay the same price for your insurance that everyone pays whether they had my help or not.

How To Pay Your Medicare Bill

Do you receive a bill labeled Notice of Medicare Premium Payment Due?

If you did then keep reading to understand what this is and how you can pay it.

NOTE: If you receive benefits from Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Civil Service your Medicare Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your benefit each month.

But …what if you have postponed your Social Security?

If you are not collecting your Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or Civil Service benefits, but you have enrolled in Medicare Part B, or if you owe a Part D Income-Related Adjustment (IRMA) then you will receive a notice from Medicare called “Notice of Medicare Premium Payment Due”.

You can expect to receive this bill around the 10th of the month. 

Here is a sample of what the bill will look like:

You can download this official brochure here:  https://medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/11659-Understanding-CMS-500.pdf

 

How Can I Set up Payment for My Medicare Premiums?

By mail

Follow the instructions on your Medicare premium bill and mail your payment to the address listed on the form.

Pay Online, through your bank

  • Contact your bank, or go to your bank’s website, to set up automatic payments.  Here is the Payee information you’ll need:
  • Your Medicare Number (It’s the combination of letters and numbers on your red, white and blue Medicare card.
  • The payee name: CMS Medicare Insurance
  • The remittance address:  Medicare Premium Collection Center, P.O. Box 790355, St. Louis, MO 63179-0355

Pay By Credit or Debit Card

  • Refer to the bottom portion of your Medicare bill and complete the instructions for paying by credit or debit card.
  • You’ll need your credit or debit card handy so you can fill in the account number and other information.
  • Mail your payment to the address above.

Sign up for “Medicare Easy Pay”

This is a free electronic payment option that auotmatically deducts monthly Part B premium payments from your savings or checking account each month.

To sign up go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4727.)  They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have questions about your bill or the status of your coverage call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

If your bill comes from the Railroad Retirement Board

The payee’s mailing address is: Railroad Retirement Board, Medicare Premium Payments, P.O. Box 979024, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.

If you receive Civil Service retiree benefits

Contact the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via e-mail at OPMMailbox@cms.hhs.gov or Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Need Local Help? Have Medicare Questions?

I can help you!

Just give me a call at your convenience. My cell number is (207) 370-0143
or call toll free 866-976-9038.  Or send me an email using this online form;
 

The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.  I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan.  You will not pay any more than anyone else and you are under no obligation whatsoever to enroll in any plans if you talk with me.

“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”

Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore

 

Silver Sneakers or Reimbursement – Which is better?

Many Medicare plans offer benefits that help you stay healthy but each insurance company is different.

In Maine some Medicare supplement plans offer access to the Silver Sneakers program while others have chosen to be more flexible and offer gym membership reimbursements generally ranging from $100 to $300 or more per calendar year.

That’s right. They will pay you to go the gym!

The plans offering gym reimbursements are the most popular because they allow you to join the local gym that is nearby your home.

Tom Farrington owns Right Now Fitness in Westbrook, Maine and he says, “The most important thing about exercising is doing it!”

Tom says, “You have to show up and if you do then you’ve won. Even if all you do is walk 20 minutes on the treadmill or use a few weight machines, it is more than you would have done if you didn’t show up.”

Most of the membership at Right Now Fitness live local to Westbrook but Tom says that he also has members in nearby communities of Gorham, Standish, Buxton and Limington. He even has one member about 20 miles away in Saco. “One reason people choose our gym is because they work in Westbrook or because they drive by on the way to or from work.”

According to Tom, a big part of getting yourself to the gym is convenience, “If you have to travel out of your way to work out, you probably won’t do it.”

He’s right!

In comparing which fitness program is better, the final answer is … it depends.

If there are no gyms nearby that participate in Silver Sneakers then you should look at choosing a plan that offers cash reimbursements.

Another benefit to the plans that offer reimbursements is that some plans may also reimburse your costs of other wellness related services, such as excercise equipment for your home, the costs of working with a personal trainer, and even the costs of aerobic or yoga classes.

Wondering what your insurance plan offers?

If you are not sure if your Medicare plan offers one of these benefits you can contact the agent who helped you choose that plan or you can call me and I can help you and provide you will the forms you’ll need to fill out to get your money back.

If you are interested in finding out more about which plans offer these reimbursement or Silver Sneakers programs, you can use the contact page on this website to send me an email or I will be happy to help you over the phone. My number is 207-370-0173.

Best of all – it does not cost you anything!

I do not charge anyone for my help, whether you choose to work with me or not.  I get paid by the insurance companies that I am contracted with. I get paid for helping you and it does not cost you anything. You do not pay higher rates or any additional costs. You pay the same rate as everyone else whether I help you or not.

So, why not get some great advice and benefit from my experience?

You can use the BOOK APPOINTMENT(link is external) button below to set up a time to speak with me on the phone or in person. I can also send you information ahead of time to get you started. 
 
Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore
 
 
 
Have a question that needs to be answered right away?  Call me!
 
You can talk to me at (207) 370-0143
or call toll free 866-976-9038. 
Or send me an email using this form: https://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/contact
 
 
 

Are you turning 65 and still working?  Read this.

 

Moving to Maine?

Are you moving to Maine or another state, and enrolled in Medicare?

Moving can be a stressful time and you have a lot of things to change and update. You will want to make sure your Medicare and Social Security benefits continue smoothly so here is some important information that I hope will help make it easier.

First, what kind of Medicare plan do you have?

 

Lettered Plans (Plan G, Plan F, Plan N, etc…)

If you have a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, with a Medicare Supplement plan that is a “lettered plan” which works in combination with Original Medicare and you move to another state, you will most likely be able to keep the same supplement policy but you will have to change your Part D plan.

When to start shopping for a new plan.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan under Part C of Medicare, a change in residence, such as moving to another state, could qualify you for a Special Election Period (SEP). During this period of time, you are able to find a new plan that is offered in your new home.

If you permanently move somewhere that your current Medicare plan does not cover (outside the service area), you should call your insurance company immediately and begin looking for a new plan. The phone number for customer service is located on the back of your insurance card.

If you call your insurance company before you move and tell them you are moving, you will have one month before the month you move and three more months after you move to find a new plan but your insurance company may end your coverage at the end of the month that you move. So be sure to ask when your plan will end.

If you notify your plan after you move, you can switch plans the month you provided notice of the move and up to two months after that. Again, your insurance company may end your coverage at the end of the month, so it’s important to ask when it will end.

Medicare Advantage or Part C

If your current insurance plan is not offered in the new area, your plan is required by Medicare to dis-enroll you.  If you don’t enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan during your SEP, you’ll return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

If you miss this window and do not choose a new plan before it ends you may have to wait for the Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7) and your coverage will begin January 1st.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

The same rules for the Medicare Advantage plans above apply to your Part D plan. If you don’t enroll in a new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan during your enrollment window, you might find yourself without Medicare prescription drug coverage, and you could face a Medicare Part D late-enrollment penalty if you pick up this coverage later on.

You may be able to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, or to get your Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan – but if you don’t do it within a couple months of your move, you may miss your opportunity to change and would have to wait for the Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7). Again, if you enroll in a new plan during this period your coverage will not begin until January 1st.

What if you move to an address that’s still within your plan’s service area, but where new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan options are available to you?

This will also qualify you for a Special Election Period. You may use this SEP to enroll into the new plan that is offered in your new service area or do nothing and remain on your current plan.

When should I notify Social Security about my address change?

Make sure you notify Social Security of your change of address. The Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment. You can change your address by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) and speak to one of their representatives from Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. You can also visit the Social Security office nearest you and fill out a change of address form or visit them online at www.ssa.gov

How do I find a new plan?

You can use the Planfinder tool on the Medicare.gov website and put in your new zipcode and list out all your medications and the tool will give you a list of plans in that area that cover your drugs. This is just very basic information based strictly on the financial costs.

To find out the details on how the plans work and what doctors and hospitals accept the plan you will have to call each insurance company directly and ask the right questions.

Or …

You can call me and save yourself the time and headache. I will help you review all the plans available to you and I will explain each one and how it works. I have many clients who are using the different plans out there and I know from talking to them which plans have the best customer service and which are easiest to use. I can help you like I have helped all of them. Give me a call today. I will be happy to help you. My number is 207-370-0173.

Best of all – it does not cost you anything!

I do not charge anyone for my help, whether you enroll with me or not.  I get paid by the insurance company when I deliver your application so once we pick the right plan I will help you fill out the application and I will turn it into the insurance company for you. I get paid for helping you and it does not cost you anything. You do not pay higher rates or any additional costs. You pay the same rate as everyone else whether I help you or not. So, why not get some great advice and benefit from my experience?

You can use the BOOK APPOINTMENT(link is external) button below to set up a time to speak with me on the phone or in person. I can also send you information ahead of time to get you started. 
 
Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore
 
 
 
Have a question that needs to be answered right away?  Call me!
 
You can talk to me at (207) 370-0143
or call toll free 866-976-9038. 
Or send me an email using this form: https://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/contact
 
 
 

Are you turning 65 and still working?  Read this.

 

How To Cancel Your Obamacare plan

Hurray!

You are going to be 65 this year…

 

… and finally free from Obamacare!

 

If you are like most people you have been counting down the days to when you can leave the Obamacare system and enroll in Medicare.

When you are eligible for Medicare (which counts as qualifying health coverage) you are no longer eligible for a the advance payments of the premium tax credit and savings on out-of-pocket costs.

You should IMMEDIATELY end Marketplace coverage with premium tax credits or other cost savings when you become eligible for or are enrolled in Medicare

If you still want a Marketplace plan after you enroll in Medicare, you will have to pay full price for your share of the Marketplace plan without premium tax credits or other cost savings.

Note: Most Medicare insurance plans are less expensive than the plans on the Marketplace and almost all Medicare plans have no deductible!

When and how to end your Marketplace plan.

First you will want to enroll in Medicare (Both Parts A & B) about 3 months before your 65th birthday. You do this by contacting your nearest Social Security office or online at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/

You can read more in-depth about When & How to Enroll in Medicare on this page: http://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/blog/how-and-when-enroll-medicare

STEP 1 – Enroll in Medicare (Parts A and B)

After you are enrolled in Medicare and you have received your confirmation letter from Social Security you will want to choose a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan to replace your Obamacare plan.

Medicare is a complicated system and the insurance that works with Medicare is very different from the Marketplace plan that you have now. It is a good idea to meet with someone who can explain these plans and how they work.

You can compare Medicare supplement plans using the link below, but again, to really understand how these plans work and how those differences will effect you, it is a good idea to speak to a professional, licensed agent or broker in your state.

Click here to compare Medicare Plans: http://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/blog/compare-medicare-supplements

What if my spouse is under 65 and needs to stay on the Marketplace plan?

If both you and your spouse are on the same plan then the steps are basically the same with one additional step at the end.

STEP 2 – Enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement

Once you are enrolled in Medicare you can then enroll in one of the many insurance plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. There are a lot of plans to choose from and once that choice has been made you will receive confirmation of your enrollment from your new Medicare insurance plan.

Step 3 – Cancel over the phone!

Trust me, I’ve been helping people through this process for a long time and calling is the best and easiest way to take of this.

Contact the Marketplace Call Center

at 800-318-2596

The Marketplace lists about 40 steps to cancel your plan online and even more if you want to leave your spouse on the plan and at the end of those steps they ask that you call to complete the changes over the phone.

So, why go through the hassle and frustration of doing the work online if you have to call anyway. Just call the Marketplace and explain that you are enrolled in Medicare and need your Marketplace plan to end. They will complete the changes for you over the phone. If you insist on doing it yourself, you can find the official instructions here: https://www.healthcare.gov/reporting-changes/cancel-plan/

Step 4 – Protect yourself!

It is important that while you are on the phone with your Marketplace representative that you make a note of the date and time of the call, as well at the name of the representative and any application ID numbers or reference numbers that the rep gives to you.

This information will be crucial should the Marketplace fail to notify your insurance company of the changes and they try to bill you for the months that you were also covered by Medicare. If you can prove you called to cancel prior to starting your Medicare enrollment they will be able to complete the dis-enrollment retroactively.

But if you are unable to provide the date you called the Marketplace or if you did not call the Marketplace to cancel you may be responsible for the monthly premiums for the time up until they cancel your insurance.

According to the current rules in 2018 (these rules have changed every year) your coverage will end on the last day of the current month if you call the marketplace to cancel your insurance on or before the 15th of the month.

If you call after the 15th of the month before you start your Medicare insurance then your coverage will end on the last day of the next following month. This is why is so important to begin this process 3 months before your 65th birthday!

If you are getting close to the 15th and you are getting nervous, please call me and I can offer you some advice on how to proceed. (207-370-0143) When I meet with clients who are transitioning into the Medicare system I make sure to help them with each step along the way so important deadline are not missed.

“Don’t try to do this online unless you’re ending coverage for everyone on the plan. It is important to do this by phone so your spouse can stay on the plan.” -phone rep on healthcare.gov

If you have any questions about this or need help making a change, I will be happy to help you.

And it won’t cost you anything!

I do not charge anyone for my help, whether you enroll with me or not.  I get paid by the insurance company when I deliver your application so once we pick the right plan I will help you fill out the application and I will turn it into the insurance company for you. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

You can use the BOOK APPOINTMENT(link is external) button below to set up a time to speak with me on the phone or in person. I can also send you information ahead of time to get you started. 
 
Book an appointment with Maine Medicare Options using SetMore
 
 
 
Have a question that needs to be answered right away?
 
Just give me a call at your convenience.  
 
You can talk to me at (207) 370-0143
or call toll free 866-976-9038. 
Or send me an email using this form –> https://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/contact
 
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