Medicare Supplement Plans, The Easy Way

So many of my clients have expressed their frustration and confusion when trying to sort through the masses of information around and about Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plans.

This article is not going to clear up all of that confusion. However you will find some very helpful information about accessing assistance in your quest for information and some hazards you will want to sidestep.

You do not have to "go it alone." There are many reputable insurance professionals that are ready and able to help you. How do you find a good one? Some questions you should ask to determine if you are dealing with one:

1)You will want to make sure that you are dealing with an independent agent or broker. This type of agent does not work for just one carrier. They are not limited to talking to you about just one company's options. The independent agent forms relationships with multiple carriers. This enables him/her to fit the solution to you rather than try to you into the limited options they have the ability to offer. There is the added worry that the agent will lose the connection with that one company and then no longer have the resources to provide service to you or your policy.

2)If your agent doesn't start out by finding out some key things about you and your lifestyle, he/she is just not doing a good job for you. Questions like: How much traveling to intend to do? How is your health? What is your budget? Are you comfortable with sharing some of the cost for your medical expenses or do you want total coverage? The answers to all of these questions are key if the agent is going to recommend the right plan for you.

3)Does the agent specialize in Medicare specifically? The world of insurance is extremely diverse. Look for an agent who specializes in Medicare. Someone who is up to date on the laws and the changes is going to be able to advise you. It is wise to avoid a "jack of all trades" when it comes to Medicare. There is a lot to know about any genre of insurance.You are better with someone focused on the segment that you are dealing with.

4)How long has the agent been in business? Each year thousands of people get into the insurance business. Each year the vast majority of those new agents leave the insurance business. Work with an agent who has established longevity in the industry and demonstrated a commitment to it. Avoid brand new agents. This will ensure that your agent will be there down the line for customer service.

5)Does the agent present the information in a way that is clear and understandable? This would seem almost too basic to mention, but it is key. A competent, caring agent should be able to clear up the confusion for you. If an agent does their job properly, you will feel confident that you understand your options and that you have made the right choice for your circumstances. Avoid agents that use "insurance speak" terms and phrases that only insurance people would know.

6)Ask yourself if it seems like the agent trying to help you or themselves. All insurance professionals are in business to make a living. It is the ethical insurance professionals who live by the fact that it is only by taking care of the customer, that you take care of yourself.

Help is available. Just take a deep breath, remember these points and you will find the right person to help you understand your Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plan options.

Let us help. Don't tackle medicare alone. For the latest information about Medicare or to compare medicare supplement plan options and rates in your area, call 888-347-5552 or visit http://www.medicarequote4u.com/.

Stephanie Coutavas is an Insurance Professional specializing in Senior Insurance Solutions and Medicare Insurance. Co-founder and Senior Broker at http://www.medicarequote4u.com/, Common Sense Insurance Solutions Group. Stephanie decided to specialize in Medicare because, "I saw the effects of the confusion and misinformation in the senior market. I really feel that with the proper,correct information, presented in an understandable way that our Seniors can position themselves for the future and achieve the peace of mind and security that they deserve at this exciting stage of life. We strive one client at a time to make sure that we address the individual and that they are better for having met us, regardless of whether they choose us as their broker."

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Medicare Supplement Plans: Purchase at the Annual Enrollment

Medicare Supplement Plans are the most excellent kind of insurances for health available to adults over the age of sixty five.

People who buy these supplemental quotes can visit almost any specialist, hospital, or doctor, and often pay very less or nothing at all for these kinds of purchases. The only difficulty with Medicare Supplement Plans is the agencies that offer this kind of Medicare supplemental quotes have under-writing guidelines, which might make it difficult to qualify if you have preexisting circumstances. Using definite issue guide-lines to buy one of these plans might make a big difference in the worth of care you get and you're other expenses for physician and hospital services.

The most frequently used assured issue period is the period of preliminary enrollment, which starts on the first-day of the month where you are both registered in Medicare (Part B) and over the age of sixty five. This time extends for 6 months and you may register in any plan with any agency during this specific time without responding to any of the health queries. A lot of seniors buy Medicare (Plan F) in the initial registration period, however over the past few years a lot of people have been influenced to buy Medicare Advantage Plans that offer lower coverage.

The second most liked assured issue period happens when adults choose to work after their sixty fifth year of age. During this period they are frequently covered by company plans that offer higher coverage to normal Medicare. Though, when they finally leave when they retire their company plan, they have a sixty three day assured issue period where they might register in the insurance plan of their selection. This assured issue period in addition includes people who have left, although are still covered on their earlier companies plan.

Medicare Supplements Plans approximately always offer higher exposure to Medicare-Advantage-Plans, which is why a lot of people are opting to register in normal Medicare and buy supplemental-insurance. A lot of seniors over the years have received correspondences informing them of their coverage with the current benefit plan will be finished at the end of the current year. These insured adults have a special assured issue time frame, where they might register in any kind of plan with any agency without giving explanations to any of the health questions. People who have physical conditions and issues should utilize this period to buy a Medicare Supplemental quote.

The Author is a professional writer, presently writing for Medicare supplements and Medicare supplement insurance.

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Senior Health - What You Should Know About Hospice

Talking about hospice care is probably at the top of the list of the things you never ever want to speak about or even think about. However if you have a senior health plan called Medicare it is imperative that you understand your benefits. The same holds true if you love and care for someone who has Medicare. After all, you have been paying the health insurance premiums for years and you should know and understand the benefits. It is also important to know and understand the benefits so you and your family may make informed choices and decisions.

Hospice provides comfort and support for the terminally ill and for the families that care for their loved ones. A lot of times what happens is that an elderly person will be told that they have six months or less to live. Someone will probably suggest that the family "make arrangements". What does "make arrangements" in this case actually mean? It means that there is help available for your loved one at a very difficult time. It's called hospice and your senior health plan will cover almost all of the costs. Hospice is generally given in the home but may also be received at an inpatient hospice facility. Some large hospitals may also have special "hospice" wings.

After a person has been given over to hospice a specially trained medical team will take over providing all medical care. Services may include drugs, physical care, counseling, equipment and supplies for the terminal illness and related condition(s). Hospice care is given in two ninety day periods of care followed by an unlimited number of sixty-day periods. At the start of each period of care, the hospice medical director or doctor must re-certify that you're terminally ill.

If your health improves or you go into remission you have the right to stop hospice care at any time. You may return to the same senior health plan you had before you chose hospice, such as treatment to cure the terminal illness. If you are eligible you may go back to hospice care at any time. For more information always consult a licensed insurance agent that specializes in senior health plans.

Do you want to find quotes on a high deductible health plan, senior health plan or an individual family plan? Click here: Health Insurance PremiumsView the original article here

Senior Health - Making Sure Seniors Are Protected

Senior health is far more volatile than most of us would like to admit. Whether you are a senior citizen yourself or you have one you want to take care of, finding proper protection in old age is vitally important to the protection of life in general. The easiest way to get protection is to find a health insurance plan that will accommodate all of the senior's needs and more. The information below will show you how to go about doing that so you can make sure your health or the health of someone you love is protected at all times.

One of the first things you need to think about as a senior is what you will likely need the senior health insurance for. Some policyholders need their plans to cover doctor's visits extensively, emergencies, and others need to get good deals on prescription drugs. Assess your needs so that you may be able to find a policy that is most fitting for them. Chances are you will opt for some kind of Medicare plan. When you do, you can look into supplemental insurance plans to cover those special needs. You should be able to setup an affordable insurance plan that works for you.

When you have an idea of the kind of plan you want to get, the next thing you need to do is generate some quotes online so you can see how much money you may have to pay. Then you can get the policy right there so that you are protected as soon as possible. You can change supplement plans or even insurance companies if you find a better deal out there. Just make sure you check everything before you sign up so that you know you are getting the coverage you need.

Senior health may be a little more fragile than the health of younger generations, but that does not make it harder to insure. There are plenty of insurance providers out there that are willing to work with seniors, even those on a fixed budget. You should never assume that you are out of options for your insurance plan because there is always a new one out there to take into consideration. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find a plan that is tailor fit to your needs. You can reap the benefits of your protection after that.

Hass Mohammed is VP of Sales & Marketing at Insurance Medics. Insurance Medics is a national online insurance agency offering a vast array of insurance products from many different insurers.

To find a Health insurance broker or for more information on Health Insurance Plans, visit http://www.healthinsurancemedics.com/

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Supplemental Benefits

Health insurance can be purchased on an individual basis, or through your employer. An insurance policy is, in fact, a contract. You agree to pay a premium, and the insurance company agrees to pay for certain medical losses. The one fact that most people don't realize is, the policy, as good as it is, may not be able to keep their finances from being challenged. Your policy may not pay enough.

A good way to keep up with medical expenses is with supplemental benefits. A supplement is something that fills in the gaps, and where the major health insurance leaves off, the supplemental benefits can take over.

People who have a vitamin deficiency take supplements, so why not supplement your health insurance and make sure you are completely covered. Supplemental benefits really do help financially, not to mention, relieve stress that comes with high medical expenses.

For major medical coverage most carriers pay between 70 to 90 percent of the allowed amount of the bill. This means the policy holder is responsible for the rest. Although it is true there is usually a limit each year on how much the member has to pay out of their own pocket, it can still be a staggering amount. A supplemental policy would really be beneficial in a situation like that.

Supplemental benefits come in different types of policies. Some of them pay medical services, and some of them send cash to you. This can be used to help with whatever expenses you need. If you were in the hospital and missed work, the money could be used as back wages, or for food.

Because supplemental benefits are varied, you should speak with an insurance representative who can help you choose the right one for you. An agent can save you hours of looking for the right policy, and an agent can recommend supplemental benefits that they know are reliable. Working with someone who knows every aspect of insurance and how it can help you is a great advantage.

Don't get caught holding a bag full of medical bills. Get supplemental benefits today and rest assured that you will have help when you need it.

Scott Swartzendruber has been helping businesses for 30 years with the proper communication and health care options for employees. To learn more on how Scott can help your company and held out all the health care changes visit http://www.healthcaresite.org/

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The Finer Points of Medicare Eligibility

Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that offers assistance with payment for hospital care (part A) and medical care (part B). Prescription drug coverage is also available through part D. Eligibility for medicare is based on disability or age.

The first criteria for Medicare eligibility is that the applicant needs to be a citizen of the US, and they must have worked at least ten years for a job that paid into the Medicare system. This information should be readily available on your paycheck.

Eligibility extends to your spouse, meaning that if you are married to somebody who has worked for more than ten years, the eligibility extends to you as well. Additionally, you must be aged either 65, or you must have been diagnosed with a permanent disability or kidney failure.

Again, the two requirements for eligibility are that you paid into the Medicare system for at least ten years as a US citizen, and you are over 65 or have been diagnosed with a disability.

Medicare part A is the hospital insurance portion of medicare. Most people can receive part A coverage when they reach age 65. This benefit is offered without any monthly premiums being necessary. The general guidelines state that anybody who is eligible for social security is eligible for medicare part A. Some government jobs also provide medicare coverage.

Individuals under the age of 65 who have been receiving social security benefits for disability longer than 24 months are also eligible. Individuals who are going for dialysis are also covered.

Those who are eligible for part A are also eligible for part B. This is insurance that is used to cover the costs of doctor care, outpatient care, and other medical care that is not related to hospital care. Unlike part A, however, part B is not free. There is a monthly premium necessary. As of 2011, the premiums cost $96.40. For every year that part B is available but you choose not to enroll, your premium can be raised by 10%.

As with part B, anybody who is eligible for part A is also eligible for part D. Part D is used to help an individual pay for prescription drugs. Like part B, you will have to pay a premium to sign up for this plan, but unlike part B, you the plan is only provided by private health insurance companies. In addition to these plans, there are medicare supplemental insurance plans that offer additional coverage.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. He recommends you check out MedicareMall.com, a medicare supplement insurance company offering medigap insurance.

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Supplemental Benefits - Why You May Need Them

Supplemental benefits are simply extra insurance benefits you can purchase that will fill the gap where your main insurance policy falls short. It doesn't matter how great an insurance policy you have because there will still be portions of the medical expenses that you will be responsible for. It can be very frustrating to pay premiums and then still be left holding the bag for high deductibles and co-insurance expenses. And, it would certainly be wonderful if all insurance policies paid 100%, but that is probably not going to happen. Finally people are getting the message that supplemental benefits can protect them from these medical expenses.

Today there are supplemental benefits plans, that don't cost an arm and a leg in premiums, that can help you with those left over medical bills. If you, are members of your family, receive medical care on a regular basis, or have a chronic illness, then a supplemental plan is something to think about. Supplemental plans come with different benefits, just as your health insurance plan does. You may want a plan that pays the medical providers direct, or you may opt for a plan that pays the lump sum cash directly to you. Many people prefer the cash-to-you policies because the cash can be used for lost wages, food, or whatever expenses you need.

Besides regular supplemental benefits, you can buy Cancer policies and Critical Care Insurance that covers diseases other than Cancer. On some supplemental policies, such as the Cancer policy, you need to have taken out the policy before you are diagnosed with the disease.

If your family has a history of Cancer, or any other debilitating disease, then maybe you should consider talking to a license insurance agent about setting up some Critical Care insurance now. Families that experience an illness of this nature are flooded with medical bills, and on top of fighting a dreaded disease, the stress can almost be too much. With a supplemental policy in place you can know that you will help in this time of need.

Sit down and take a good look at your health policy and you will see that there may be some areas where a good supplemental benefit plan could really be beneficial. Insurance is not always a bill that people like to pay, but when illness strikes, the relief you feel because you have insurance makes it all worth while.

Scott Swartzendruber has been helping businesses for 30 years with the proper communication and health care options for employees. To learn more on how Scott can help your company and held out all the health care changes visit http://www.healthcaresite.org/

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