“What’s the differences between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage?”

Questions like this are the reason I do what I do.  You need to know what your options are in Maine when you turn age 65 and enroll in Medicare – and there are a lot of options!

There are many differences between Medicare Supplement plans or Medigap as they are called in the Medicare literature.

One difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans is that Medicare Advantage contracts operate on a calendar year basis and can have changes from year to year just like the health insurance plan you had prior to Medicare.  Medicare Supplement policies are standardized and are the same year after year.

Feeling overwhelmed?  Get local help.  Click here.

Another difference is the cost. Medicare Advantage Plans generally have much lower monthly premiums (sometimes $0) And some Medicare Advantage plans pay you!  (Yes you read that right!)  Medigap plans can cost much more, often in the $200/month range.

With Medicare Advantage plans you are required to share in your medical costs by paying co-pays as you use the plans.  These plans operate very similar to the Medical insurance you may have had before you retired if you had an HMO or a PPO plan on the Healthcare marketplace (Obamacare) or with an employer.  Most Medigap plans have very small out of pocket costs while they cost much more up front.

This is why most people turning 65 or planning retirement choose to meet with someone like myself who has the knowledge and experience with the different plans and can help you decide which plan is best for you. Choosing between these two types of Medicare insurance plans is just the first step.

Once you’d decided on Medigap or Medicare Advantage then you must choose which Medigap plan or which Medicare Advantage plan best fits your needs.  You may also need to pick a separate Part D prescription drug plan if the plan you choose does not include drug coverage.

Also, the best plan for you may not always be the best plan for your spouse so you will have to do the same research for both of you.  I can explain everything you need to know so that you can make the best choice.  You can schedule a meeting quickly and easily using this button.

If you have a question that needs to be answered right away, just give me a call.  My number is (207) 370-0143 or call toll free 866-976-9038.

Want to know more?

If you would like help comparing your needs against the many Medicare plans out there or if you 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.”

Are you turning 65 and still working?  Read this.

Learn how your VA Benefits and Original Medicare work

VA Benefits and Medicare: What You Need to Know

As a Medicare-eligible Veteran, you have more options when it comes to healthcare. The transition to Medicare can be confusing, so this article will list a few points that all vets should know when they become Medicare eligible.  To confirm your options call the Veterans Administration directly at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

VA Benefits and Medicare

It is important to know that Veteran’s (VA) plans and Medicare do not supplement each other. In other words: VA plans only cover care at VA facilities, and Medicare only covers care at Medicare assigned doctors and hospitals.

Should You Enroll in Medicare Part A If You Have VA Benefits?

Yes. You can have both Medicare and Veterans (VA) benefits at the same time.  It is strongly recommended that all veterans enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage) when they turn 65 and generally there is no additional cost for Part A. This will allow you receive hospital coverage should you go to a non-VA facility.  According to the VA’s website “All Veterans are encourage you to enroll in Medicare health insurance.” Source: VA.gov

Should You Get Medicare Part B If You Have VA Benefits?

Yes, It is strongly recommended that all veterans enroll in Medicare Part B (Medical Coverage) as well as part A when they are eligible. (Click here to learn more about when to enroll.)

There is a monthly fee for Part B but it is worth it. If your VA Benefits are dropped at some point OR, and this is important, if your local VA facility does not cover all health services, you could pay 100% out of pocket for a serious illness.

The VA highly recommends that you enroll in Part B as well. Please contact Veterans Affairs directly (1-877-222-VETS (8387)) with questions about specific care at Togus or another local facility.

Should You Get a Medigap or Medicare Advantage If You Have VA Benefits?

If you would prefer to see a local doctor or go to a local hospital or healthcare facility for your care then you should consider a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan to supplement your Medicare coverage. Read more about these types of plans here.

Most people agree that veterans do not need a Medigap plan if they qualify for ChampVA. However, if you aren’t enrolled in ChampVA, a Medigap plan will fill in the gaps such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, as well as other benefits when seeking care outside of the VA, or outside of the U.S. and its territories.

Make sure to speak with one of our agents before enrolling in any supplemental plan to ensure that it is actually beneficial for you.

Here are two reasons why you may want to enroll in a private Medicare Supplement plan:

1. You do not live near a VA facility

2. You are enrolled in one of the VA lower priority groups, and could potentially lose your benefits

“There is no guarantee that in subsequent years Congress will appropriate sufficient funds for VA to provide care for all enrollment Priority Groups. This could happen if you are enrolled in one of the lower Priority Groups. This would leave you with no health care coverage.” Source: VA.gov

READ MORE ABOUT HOW VETS ARE WINNING WITH MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

VA Benefits and Medicare Part D

The choice of whether to enroll in Part D is up to you. In most cases, you don’t need a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, aka Medicare Part D, as VA plans may offer more coverage than Medicare’s Rx coverage.

Remember that any prescription prescribed by a non-VA doctor needs to be approved by your VA doctor for the VA to cover it.  This may take extra time and your VA doctor can say that prescription is unnecessary.  Many veterans use a Medicare Advantage plan as a back up because they don’t cost you any extra. [READ MORE]

What about the Part D Penalty?

Good news! Your VA drug coverage is considered creditable coverage so the Part D late enrollment penalty does not apply to you. If you choose not to enroll in Part D when you are first eligible you can still enroll later on in Part D without paying a penalty.

For further questions about Medigap, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D, please call (207) 370-0143 or schedule a phone call to discuss your options.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A PHONE CALL

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?

Are you turning 65 and still working?  Read this.