Panel Gets Earful Of Advice On Taming The Federal Deficit

Among the messages to the super committee?members: caution. Meanwhile, Democratic governors expressed?fears about deep cuts in federal aid to their states,?especially regarding Medicaid and other entitlement programs. Hospital advocacy groups also carried a similar message about treading lightly in regard to trimming Medicaid funding.

The Associated Press: Lawmakers Advise Super Committee To Be Cautious
Congress flooded its super committee with a jumble of advice Thursday about taming the government’s out-of-control debt, with top agriculture lawmakers readying a bipartisan plan to pare food and farm aid while others urged an aggressive hunt for savings coupled with warnings against cutting cherished programs. Most of the suggestions came from Democrats on 16 Republican-run House committees who sent letters to the special debt-cutting panel. Generally, their advice was to create jobs, raise revenue and avoid damaging cuts to public works, health care and other programs they said are crucial to an economic recovery (Fram, 10/13).

USA Today: Congress Funnels Deficit-Cutting Ideas To Super Committee
When it set up a super committee to find $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction, Congress also asked other committees to weigh in with advice about what spending to cut. Today is the deadline for those recommendations. And much of the advice so far is about what not to cut (Korte, 10/14).

Politico: Dem Govs Lobby Super Committee
Fearing deep cuts in federal support to their states, several Democratic governors set up a series of meetings Thursday to lobby super committee members and White House officials. Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and Govs. Mark Dayton of Minnesota and Christine Gregoire of Washington met separately with the Senate Democratic super committee members and the House Democratic super committee members in the Capitol. Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, a close ally of President Barack Obama, was expected to join the calls by telephone. Later in the day, the governors had scheduled a meeting with White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley (Allen, 10/13).

The Washington Post: Dem Governors Huddle With Debt Super Committee Members
A quartet of Democratic governors is huddling Thursday with members of Congress’s debt-reduction super committee on Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers on the panel to focus on job creation and avoid making cuts or changes to entitlement programs that would result in a greater burden on the states. … In a letter to the super committee’s members, O’Malley, who last December was elected to head the DGA, backed the White House’s call for a debt-reduction package including both cuts and revenue increases. He also urged the panel’s members not to avoid changes to Medicaid that would increase the burden on state governments (Sonmez, 10/13).

National Journal: Democratic Governors Ask Committee Not To Pass Medicaid Costs To States
Two Democratic governors met privately on Thursday with Democratic members of the deficit-reduction super committee, urging against any effort to shift Medicaid-related costs and other expenses to the states. In attendance was Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, chairman of the Democratic Governors’ Association, and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick joined by telephone. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire was slated to join the meeting, which was organized by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who attended, but couldn’t make it. The governors’ main message to the Democratic members of the deficit panel was about Medicaid-related costs and who is responsible for them, but they also pressed job creation in general and aspects of Obama’s defeated jobs bill (House, 10/13).

Modern Healthcare: Deficit-Reduction Panel Urged to Spare Medicaid
Leading hospital advocacy groups urged the deficit-reduction super committee to omit Medicaid cuts from any final proposal for at least $1.2 trillion in savings over 10 years. Specifically criticized were proposals to switch the various state Medicaid federal medical assistance percentages into a single “blended rate” and another to limit states’ use of provider taxes. Both approaches would effectively shift more of the financial burden for the state-federal insurance program for low-income beneficiaries onto the states, according to the Oct. 12 letter to the panel from the hospital advocacy groups. Such existing proposals that have received budget savings estimates from federal scorekeeping entities are expected to receive the most serious consideration by the deficit panel, according to other members of Congress and outside observers (Daly, 10/13).

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Panel Gets Earful Of Advice On Taming The Federal Deficit

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The Medicare Advantage Program – How Can it Help Me?

If you are eligible for Medicare, you might want to look into Medicare Advantage programs as well. Formerly known as Medicare +Choice, Medicare Advantage is the private insurance option of Medicare. It offers participants the choice of using a private insurance plan instead of Medicare itself. Since Medicare’s for-fee services and restrictions can be significant, particularly in the case of prescriptions, providing people with this option allows many people to get better health insurance coverage with more benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. And, because the cost of these plans is determined by competition among providers, you can often find an inexpensive plan that covers your needs, becoming an excellent alternative to Medicare itself.

Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) allows you to sign up for a HMO or PPO plan…or Fee For Service (FFS) or a Medical Savings Account (MSA)…whatever fits your needs best. Or not. You are not forced to use a private insurer if you feel that Medicare’s coverage is adequate for your needs.

In the past, a Medicare Advantage plan also included the opportunity for much better prescription coverage. However, with the passage of the Medicare Part D prescription plan instituted in 2006, Medicare recipients now must sign up for a private prescription plan, even if they do not sign up for anything else but basic Medicare. However, should you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan, you will find that most companies offering such plans also offer Part D prescription plans. Indeed, you might find it advantageous to get both because the additional cost may be minimal. However, be aware that, while Medicare Advantage plans are standardized, Part D prescription plans are not. So do not sign up for a joint plan automatically. Make sure your prescription plan meets your needs. There are no restrictions on having one plan with one company and the other with another company.

If you do not have medical problems, do not go to the doctor for more than an annual checkup, or otherwise rarely use medical services, a Medicare Advantage plan may not be for you. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, a Medicare Advantage plan may save you significant money in the long run by reducing out-of-pocket costs and because, except for end-stage kidney disease, preexisting conditions do not prevent you from enrolling, although you may need to choose a special needs plan.

If you are interested in looking into Medicare Advantage plans in your area, you can start by going to http://www.medicare.gov/Choices/Advantage.asp

For more information on Medicare benefits and other Medicare application tips, you should visit http://www.medicare-benefits.com today!

Information on Medicare

At initial glimpse it may seem incredibly bewildering to figure out the differences among a number of Medicare plans and firms. There will in addition be differences in what is on offer in assorted counties in California. For you to make the appropriate decision then you must study as much info as you can on Medicare in California, only then will you be able to find the scheme that most suits your wishes. It is not the case that you must be over sixty five to meet the criteria for a Medicare plan, if you are under sixty five and regarded as permanently disabled then you are in addition qualified to go in for a scheme.

The coverage and costs vary with distinct sorts of schemes. Moreover reflect on that fees possibly will grow yearly, and advantages can be added or withdrawn. This is why it is important to keep in the know with the latest information on health insurance in California.

There are 4 aspects to Medicare and it is prudent to know the details of every one prior to enrolling.

Part A is referred to as hospital cover. It will insure the receiver for the bulk of in-patient hospital treatment, together with some forms of in patient home care and plus hospice treatment. To be entitled to this assistance devoid of footing a monthly fee, you will require to be holding 40 or more quarters of Social Security credits. If you possess less than this total, though more than thirty, then you can acquire Medicare Part A for a monthly fee of around $250.00. Individuals with lesser than thirty Social Security credits would have to pay $461.00 each month in 2010.

Medicare Part B includes health insurance relating to out patient costs. This contains doctor’s fees, laboratory tests, out patients hospital care, speech and physical therapy, ambulance transport, and certain medical equipment. This segment of the Medicare plan is optional. It is repeatedly the case that if you are still in employment then you may possibly by now have comparable schemes by way of a employer medical program so it may well not be considered necessary to sign up until you leave.

The rate of this premium is $110 in 2010, however in the order of 73 percent of Medicare holders will continue to pay the 2009 fee of ninety six dollars. This is for the reason that the individuals will not obtain a cost of living change in their 2010 Social Security benefits. Those who are new to Medicare will need to pay the complete 2010 amount as will persons who have a larger take-home pay.

It is important to realize that Medicare does not promise a wholly inclusive cover for all your medical connected circumstances. There will commonly be various reasonably substantial fees to pay beside deductibles and the expenditure of special services and objects. These include eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental care, as well as any form of long-term care be it in a private home or nursing home.

Medicare Part C is also referred to as Medicare Advantage. This is an choice to the original cost for service form of Medicare. The Medicare program will pay for Medicare Advantage plans and will pay private medical cover firms to provide health cover to the beneficiaries of the schemes. To be qualified for a Medicare Advantage plan, you should be signed-up for both Part A and Part B of the Medicare plan. By choosing to register yourself for Medicare Part C you will still be entitled to all the benefits that are included in the complete Medicare scheme.

You will be offered the Medicare benefits through a certain private plan. These may possibly additionally incorporate insurance for the expenditure for prescribed medications, this will be referred to as a MA-PD program. If this isn’t the case then the plan would be deemed MA-only. The majority of Medicare Advantage plans will have amplified advantages over the first set up.

If you are opting for such a scheme then you need to examine the costs with care as lots may be more pricey for certain aspects. And numerous Medicare Advantage plans insist that you to only visit doctors or visit hospitals that are associated with their system. There are 5 separate Medicare Advantage plans: Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medical Savings Accounts.

Part D of Medicare in California is what’s more referred to as the MMA (Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act). This is a form of prescribed drug coverage in which all Medicare receivers are qualified no importance what their fitness position or income. To be eligible for this kind of Medicare, the person should sign up for a medication plan and contribute to the premiums and deductibles.

Medicare in California

Can I Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Plan If I have Already Other Health Insurance Coverage?

If You Have Other Coverage with your employer, union, or Indian or Tribal Health Program benefits, you need to talk with the plan administrator about their rules before you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

In some cases, joining a Medicare Advantage Plan might cause you to lose your other health care coverage, or if you drop your employer or union coverage, you may not be able to get it back.

Make sure to carefully explore all your Medicare health insurance options and compare Medicare Advantage Plans to make sure you select the plan that best suits your needs and your budget.

Medicare Supplement Plans - How They Work

Medicare Supplement plans are plans that are designed to fill in the "gaps" in "original" Medicare. "Original" Medicare includes Medicare Part A (hospital inpatient) and Part B (outpatient/doctor). These plans are consistent across companies - all companies are required to provide the same standardized benefits. This makes it very easy to understand the plans and how they work. Here are the top three things that you must know when looking at Medicare Supplement plans:

Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) are Federally-standardized. The plans all provide equal coverage for "like" plans. What this means is that a Plan F with one company is the exact same as a Plan F with another company. Because of this, it is important to compare the plans on the basis of monthly premium and company rating or reputation. Price being equal, it is preferable to be with a company that has a long track record of involvement in the senior insurance marketplace and/or a high financial strength rating.
Medigap plans can be used at any doctor or hospital, nationwide, regardless of which company sells you the plan. Many types of insurance are network-based; however, this does not apply to Medicare Supplement plans. Even some types of Medicare plans - Medicare Advantage plans - are network-based in most cases. On the contrary, Medigap plans give you the flexibility of using the plan anywhere in the country that takes Medicare. This flexibility, particularly for someone that travels, is one of the many reasons that these plans have become increasingly popular as a way to supplement Medicare coverage.
Medigap plans all pay claims through the Medicare "crossover" system. There is no variation in how quickly or how efficiently one company pays claims versus another. While some companies may use the selling point of their timeliness in paying claims, this is not altogether accurate when it comes to this type of insurance. Because the plans are Federally-standardized and pay claims this "crossover" system, you can be assured that, regardless of the company, the claims are going to be paid in a timely manner and with minimal (usually no) involvement from the insured. Once you have a plan, you just need to present your plan identification card with your red, white and blue Medicare card when receiving services from a doctor or hospital.

Altogether, Medicare Supplement plans continue to be a viable option for those on Medicare, who wish to limit their exposure to out of pocket expenses. With only Medicare, you are subjected to paying approximately 20% of all medical costs. With a Medigap plan, however, you can greatly reduce or, with some plans, completely eliminate your out of pocket costs.

J. Garrett Ball is the owner of Secure Medicare Solutions, which administers http://medicare-supplement.us/. On the site, you can get information about Medicare Supplement plans and get Medigap quotes sent to you by email.

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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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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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The Benefits of Medicare Supplemental Insurance

It may appear a bit confusing when you see or hear two names mentioned, but Medicare supplemental insurance and Medigap insurance are the exact same thing. Both are actual insurance policies that help take care of the shortcomings of any co pays, deductibles or coinsurance gaps that original Medicare Plans A & B do not address. But when an annuitant of Medicare starts browsing for supplements they'll be happy to know that only those companies approved by the government can be providers. That's a good thing.

There are several key things to know about Medicare supplemental insurance before you start shopping for a policy.
#1) You must have Medicare Parts A & B.
#2) You will have to pay a monthly premium to the chosen insurance company for your policy.
#3) Your supplement or gap policy will only cover you, not your spouse. He or she will need to purchase their own.
#4) You will be required to purchase a supplement policy through a company approved in your state and on the government approval list.
#5) Typical supplement/gap policies will not cover drug benefits.
#6) You will be required to pay your Medicare Part B premium unless your state Medicaid pays it for you.

Because the insurance company approval list is a mile long, be wise in your selections and options. Various options have various costs. In other words, it is beneficial to shop around and keep an eye out for the best dollar rate for the coverage you choose. Your computer is the best way to find which company has the plan you need. You can talk to each company for valuable information or read the forms online. Additionally, you can deal directly with the chosen company and not through an agent.

On the other hand, if you are so inclined, try tossing your shopping list troubles to one agent and let him or her do the research. They may be able to find companies on the list you overlooked that could provide your medical needs for a lower cost. For additional help and to find answers to questions visit: this website. They also provide updates on 2011 policy changes.

Hannah has a background in journalism and writes about Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Medigap

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The Benefits Of Owning A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan

The annual changes in the benefit structure in some Medicare Advantage plans can wreck havoc on your health care budget. Many have found their out of pocket expenses climbing while their benefits go downhill. On the other hand. Medicare Supplement Plans assist you in meeting your health care costs. Your Supplement Plan will automatically adapt to the changes in Medicare deductible and co-insurance from year to year.

Choose Your Doctors and Hospitals

You have complete freedom of choice for your doctors and hospitals when you have original Medicare along with a Medigap Insurance Plan. You do not have to deal with provider networks or get a referral if you need to see a specialist. Your are free to go to any provider, any time.

Other health plans may have local networks. Providers can leave and join the network. This could prevent you from receiving care from the people you've grown to know and trust.

Coverage is Guaranteed Renewable

MA Plans may revise their contract with the government every year. Every year plans are discontinued totally. Displaced members now must go through the process of finding another plan. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are guaranteed renewable. The only way that you can loose your plan is if you fail to pay the premium.

Any Provider or Hospital that Accepts Medicare Will Accept Your Medicare Supplement

All providers and hospitals that accept Medicare will also accept your Medicare Supplement Plan. This is not true with MA plans. A provider may choose not to participate in an MA Plan and even participating providers may choose not to accept new patients. Make sure to consult with your providers when you are considering a health plan.

Totally Portable Coverage

Original Medicare covers you anywhere in the country. Your supplements cover you anywhere that Medicare does. In fact there are even some plans that will cover emergency medical expenses abroad. You can enjoy peace of mind while traveling and a change of venue does not require a change in insurance.

What About Guaranteed Issue?

There are circumstances that can afford you with guaranteed issue rights in regards to securing Medicare Supplement Coverage. This means that you can apply for any Medicare Supplement plan you wish and no health questions will be asked. You have this right when you are in your Open Enrollment Period, when you are first eligible for Medicare. There are other times as well,for instance, If you move out of your plan's coverage area or if the plan stops offering coverage in your area, if you are on a group retiree health plan and coverage is discontinued, and if you currently are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and it is your first time in an MA Plan and you choose to return to original Medicare. As long as you were in the MA Plan for less than a year. These are a few examples.

These are just a few of the advantages of choosing original Medicare along a Medicare Supplement Policy. Even if you have pre-existing health conditions, you may be able to qualify for a Medicare Supplement.

Get the info you need about any Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Visit our website medicarequote4u.com for your free quote and up to date information about Medicare that you'll want to know.

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Why Is One Medicare Supplement Plan More Than Another? - Part 1

With prices having the ability to vary by 100% between Medicare Supplement Companies the question is why? What factors are involved in determining the prices for standardized plans where the benefits have to by law be identical. Well here are some major factors.

In what region does a company decide to sell within?

Because every states regulations differ by so much you would imagine that it would be more expensive to sell in a certain state vs. another state. If a Company decides to sell in a state where regulations are very strict this could mean that higher rates will be passed onto consumers. In contrast if a Company decides to sell in a state where the regulations are lax than rates will dictate that.

Remember that just because a provider does not sell in a certain state does not mean that you would not have coverage in that state. You will have coverage at every provider in the country that accepts Medicare. This means that if you happen to be in a state that does not have very strict regulations you might find yourself getting a much better premium.

If a Company chooses to accept more Guaranteed Issue clients they risk having higher health claims dues to more of there clients not going through a formal underwriting process. So Supplement Companies that offer coverage to large Groups would have a detrimental effect on rates for there clients.

When a Medigap provider offers their Plans to a Retiring Group, covering all retirees, they increase their risk due to the fact that they are required to offer Guaranteed Issue status to a larger group of people. This will inevitably increase the prices for all policy owners within that Company because of the added cost of not underwriting as many customers as possible under that company's umbrella.

Learn more about Medicare Supplements. Stop by Andrew Coutavas's site where you can find out all about medigap plans and what it can do for you.

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What Does Medicare Supplement Plan F Cost?

Once people turn 65 and qualify for Medicare, they begin to consider Medicare supplement insurance plans or medigap plans, and the services these plans offers, and its cost. Medigap covers and pays for a portion of the total healthcare expenses that the actual Medicare plan doesn't. Like any other insurance plans and policies, deciding on which plan best suits your needs and situation can be difficult. There are several factors which have an effect on the supplement's monthly or yearly premium. Based on Weiss ratings, a reliable and independent strength ratings provider for banks and insurance companies, the most common medigap plan for 65 year old individuals and retirees which is Plan F, approximately costs $1,813.00 per year. For North Carolina Medicare plans, rates can be as low as $1,090 per year. That breaks down to about $90 per month. But you may ask what affects the rates for Plan F?

Medigap Insurance Policies: Ratings

Medigap insurance policies are rated in three different ways, issue-age rating, community rating and attained-age rating respectively.

Issue-age rating means that the Medigap cost is dependent on the age at the start insurance. The rate won't increase as the policy holder ages but it can possibly go up depending on factors like inflation and the economy. Community rating doesn't consider age but the insurance company still holds the right to make any adjustments on the cost due to claims over a period of time. Attained-age rating the cost of the policy is based on the age and start date of the senior.

Medigap Insurance Policies - Comparing Prices
Prices may vary depending on the insurance company selling the Medigap policy. When choosing the right policy there's two important things to consider. First is the coverage included in the quote comparison. The second important factor is rating structure; this is where monthly premiums are based. The medigap policy rate is better in non-smokers compared to smokers. It is also better for females and married individuals (due to partner discounts). In some instances, allowing bank drafts can offer additional savings.

Medigap Insurance Policies - Cost sharing with High Deductible Plan F
Some companies now offer the high deductible plan F. This cost sharing option makes a significant difference in the over-all insurance premium. These plans offer lower premium in exchange for the client taking more risk in potential out of pocket costs (high deductible). With high deductible plans, deductibles reset each year.

Medigap Insurance Policies - Medicare Open Enrollment Period When applying for a Medigap insurance policy for the first time, it should be done during the open-enrollment period which is the first 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. The open-enrollment period guarantees the enrollment regardless of medical condition and health status. During this period your premium will not be affected by any health issues.

About the Author

Still unsure if a Medicare Supplement Plan F is best for you and what type of rating works? To learn more about what type of Plan F would be best for you, Heather B Williams recommends visiting http://www.mymedigapconsultant.com/.

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Overview Of Medicare Supplemental Insurance

The health of an individual is almost like the primary source of everything that he or she has. When your body is not functioning properly and you are suffering from various debilitating conditions, chances are you will not be able to carry out your work properly which will greatly affect your daily living. Because of this, it is a big must for you to get a partner which will be able to help you secure your health conditions. And one of these is the Medicare supplemental insurance (aka Medigap insurance).

A Quick Glimpse

Medicare supplemental insurance (aka Medigap insurance) is a kind of private insurance for health which is designed as a supplement for Original Medicare. It is the one which is responsible for the payment of the costs of healthcare which is not being covered by Medicare such as the deductibles and copayments. Medigap plans are also going to cover some of the services which are not being covered by the Original Medicare insurance. In case that you have decided to enroll in Medicare while having the Medigap policy, Medicare will still be paying its share of the amount that they have approved for the costs of the healthcare that they cover. For the meantime, your policy is in Medigap will also be paying its share.

Every Medicare supplement insurance plan (aka Medigap insurance) is also expected to adhere to both Federal and State laws that are designed to protect the holders like you and it should be evidently identified as the "Medicare Supplement Insurance." Insurance companies are only allowed to sell a plan that is standardized and identified with letters A to N. Every standardized and regulated policy must offer similar basic benefits, regardless of the insurance company selling it. Service and cost is the sole difference between the policies being sold by various insurance companies.

Buying Medicare Supplemental Insurance (aka Medigap Insurance)

As a whole, whenever you buy your Medigap policy, there is a minimum of two components in the policy, Medicare Part A, which is Hospital Insurance and the Medicare Part B, which is the Medical Insurance. If you decide to buy a medigap plan, you have to directly pay Medicare Part B's monthly premium to Medicare. Also, you have to pay another insurance premium to the corresponding company of private insurance which provides the Medicare supplemental insurance (aka Medigap insurance).

To clear some issues, Medigap policy does not have anything to do with the coverage that you can claim from your employer for this is not Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage Plan and is not way connected to Medicaid. What is primarily does is to help you in closing the gaps with your deductibles in Medicare. There are also policies that are providing extra benefits not being within the bounds of Medicare like at home recovery, prescription drugs and routine checkups.

Getting your own Medicare supplemental insurance (aka Medigap insurance) is a good way of assuring that you will be able to properly look into your health for you to be assured that you will have no difficulties in the near future.

Learn more about medigap insurance and to find out how to get the lowest rates for the plan best suited for you take a look at http://www.mostmedicare.com/ and know your options. Check out mostmedicare's extended guide and obtain the plan befitting to your needs.

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Supplement Insurance for Medicare

In the American health care system, Medicare is a social insurance program that provides health insurance coverage to people over 65, and others who have a congenital physical disability. However, Medicare does not pay for all the costs associated with getting health services and supplies - there are copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs that are required to be paid by the patient or the insurance taker. Supplement insurance for Medicare is the type of insurance policy that pays for just such costs, the ones that are not covered by Medicare. Because they fill in the gaps between the cost of health care, and the total amount reimbursed by Medicare, supplemental health insurance is also called Medigap.

Benefits of Medicare Supplemental Insurance

There are many associated costs to using Medicare, including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs. Medicare will also not cover many different types of costs associated with a visit to a hospital - these include travel, lodging, counseling, home recovery, and outpatient services, among others. Supplemental insurance plans will pay for these costs and more. It should be noted that supplement insurance is just that - a supplement to your Medicare insurance policy. It cannot be taken just by itself. However, it is a very useful policy to have because the extra costs associated with Medicare itself can come to thousands of dollars.

More specifically, Medigap insurance complements the coverage provided by Medicare Parts A and B. This includes hospitalization costs and payment of co-insurance. Medigap plans also provide insurance coverage for foreign travel, something that is not part of Medicare. It also covers the deductibles for both Plan A and B Medicare. For reference, Medicare Plan A covers in-patient hospital services, and Medicare Plan B covers medical expenses, outpatient services, and laboratory services.

Types of Medicare Supplement Insurance

Though Medigap is provided by private insurers, Medigap plans have been standardized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is a federal body. There are 10 plans named from A to N, with plans E, H, I, and J having been discontinued after May 31, 2010.

Aside from Medigap, there are other supplemental insurance policies that add benefits for other illnesses and diseases, which may not be covered by a regular plan. For example, if your normal insurance plan does not cover for critical insurance, you can take supplement insurance that cover for it. Other such plans include plans that cover, hospital indemnity or hospital confinement insurance and accidental death policies.

Selecting the right Medigap insurance plan will be one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your money and health, so you are advised to do the right research before you make your decision.

To know more about Medicare supplement insurance, and how to get the best quotes, visit nationalmedicaresupplements.com The site also has a toll free number to help you with any queries regarding Medicare supplemental insurance.

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Thing To Remember If You Are Purchasing A Medicare Supplement Or Turning 65

After years of hard work you are finally eligible for Medicare. There is no shortage of information out there for you to decipher through. Make sure to review these points however.

Calls, emails, flyers. There is no shortage of information for you to look at or listen to but how do you make the best decision? Especially California Medicare plans can be a real maze with all of the plans to choose from like Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, and Medicare Supplement.

Remember that Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements can vary in price. They also can differ in benefits. It does remind you of the adage "Pay me now or pay me later". Medicare Supplements are more money per month but less money usually in the long run.

You probably have some friends that are in the same age bracket as you. Sometimes you might think to yourself that if a plan works for them it will work for you. This is not the case. Advice on these very important financial matters should come from someone that understands all the factors involved.

Talk to a professional, a Financial Advisor or Insurance Agent that has the ability to offer all of the companies in your state can provide great information that can aid you in a educated decision. There are some factors that your Financial Advisor and/or Insurance Agent should be asking you about. They are the following:

Are you going to be living in the same area for a prolonged period of time?

Do you travel in the U.S. on a yearly basis?

Do you travel outside of U.S. on a yearly basis?

What is the monthly premium amount that works for you?

Does freedom of choice when it comes to providers matter to you?

With all of this information your Financial Advisor or Insurance Agent will be able to lead you in the right direction.

Want to find out more about Medicare Supplement, then visit Andrew Coutavas's site on how to choose the best Medicare Plan for your needs.

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Medicare Supplement Plans In Nevada, Colorado, and Utah

When you compare these 3 states and the Medicare Supplement Plans they have to other states in the country you see a major trend. For the most part they are much less expensive when compared to other states that have large cities in them. As we know Colorado has Denver, Nevada has Reno and Las Vegas, and Utah has Salt Lake and some other medium size cities within. So why is there a big price difference between these states and others. We will talk about 2 reasons.

Typically the healthier the state the lower the rates. All of these states boast a very good health rating. When a Medicare Supplement Company has lower health claims they also have lower costs which they usually pass along to the consumer as lower rates for there plans. Actually these companies are able to look in years past to try to determine there future costs for claims, when they see that in years past claims costs have been comparably lower than other states they are able to keep prices lower because of that. These rocky mountain area states thus are benefiting from a healthy life style, All of these states have lots of outdoor activities which aide in preserving a great health rating.

Competition is also a large factor in rates, as you look across the country at rates you will notice an important trend. In states where there is only 1 or 2 companies that sell Medicare Supplement Plans we find that the rates are very high. In states like Nevada, Utah, and Colorado we find at least 5 companies that offer these types of plans. With that being said every company is vying for a position in the market. When you are dealing with a standardized plan having a position in the market has every thing to do with prices.

Standardized plans is of tremendous importance as to why competition is so important, think about it like this. If you went to a car dealership to purchase an automobile you would not pay $5000 more for the exact same car with the same options, that will get you to the same place. It just does not make sense. It is the same with Medicare Supplement Plans. Educated consumers know that these plans are essentially identical company to company which means that there is not much more to talk about than price.

Whether you are looking at Utah Medicare Supplement Plans, Nevada Medicare Supplement Plans or Colorado Medicare Supplement Plans, you are in a good position. Living where you live could save you thousands of dollars in your Medicare Career.

Looking to find the best deal on A MEDICARE PLAN, then visit http://www.medicarequote4u.com/ to find the best advice on a Medicare Plan for you.

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Your Medicare Supplement Plan - Have You Shopped Around Lately?

It's funny. Think about how often we "shop around" when we are about to buy a product. Whether it's buying groceries, electronics, stuff for the home, staples - you name it - we always want to pay as little as possible. We want to make sure we're getting the lowest price, so we "shop around." If you are that kind of person (most of us are), you have to ask yourself this question - have you "shopped around" your Medicare Supplement Plan recently? Are you getting the best bang for the buck on your Medicare insurance? If you shop around correctly, you potentially could save a lot of money on your Medigap plan

It is important to understand psychologically why you might not have "shopped around" your Medicare Supplement Plan. First, Medigap plans for many seniors tend to be quite confusing, and people might not want to wade into those waters again. Second, we might be lazy. Your current plan is working well, so why bother? Third, Medicare Supplement shopping around is not as fun as going shopping for clothes or that big screen TV. Fourth, many people are under the wrong assumption that you can only change Medicare Supplement Plans during "Open Enrollment." Not true! You may be able to switch from one Medicare Supplement Plan to another at any time during the year. There is no Enrollment Period that you have to wait for. It is important to understand and then overcome these objections to shopping your Medicare Insurance, since you might be losing hundreds of dollars a year with an expensive plan.

How might you save all that money on your Medicare Supplement Insurance? It is significantly easier than you think! The important fact is that that Medicare plans are standardized. For your chosen plan, there is no difference in coverage between company to company! For example, if you have Medicare Supplement Plan F from one company, all other company's Plan F is identical to your current Plan F. No difference whatsoever in the benefits. If a doctor/medical provider/hospital accepts Medicare, they will accept all Medicare Supplement carriers.

The only difference is the price each Medicare insurance company charges you. The price difference can be substantial. I recently did a telephone review of a husband and wife's Medicare Plan. After a ten minute analysis, we were able to save this couple over $1,000 year on their premium, while keeping the same exact coverage! Thus, keep your Medicare insurance company "honest." Have a professional shop around for you to get the lowest cost plan available. You too, might be able to save hundreds of dollars a year, while maintaining the identical high quality Medicare coverage.

Allen Heffler, CLU, ChFC is a licensed Insurance Agent located in Philadelphia, PA. He specializes in Medicare Plans and can be reached via telephone- (215) 658-1555, email- heff@comcast.net or website http://www.mymedicareadvisor.com/

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What You Don't Know About Medigap - Medicare Supplement Plans Can Cost You

As an Independent Broker who specializes in Senior Insurance and Medigap - Medicare Supplement Insurance, I see on a daily basis how important accurate information is. Making a sound decision is wholly dependent on acquiring knowledge about and understanding your options.

Many of my clients have told me that their search for information resulted in an avalanche of calls and emails from dozens of insurance agents leaving them frustrated and even more confused. This can become so overwhelming that they just give up, missing the opportunity to learn about an option that might better their situation and save them money.

Fact 1: There are marketing companies that will sell your information.

When you seek information online or fill in a form to win a prize you may be entering your personal information into a lead service. They will sell your information to numerous agents who contact with them to provide them with the names and contact information of people seeking information about Medigap- Medicare Supplement Plans. This is what starts the avalanche!

You can avoid this by always making sure that you are on a legitimate, licensed broker's website.There should be a toll free number for you to call and an email address for you contact them.

If you are required to give all of your personal information in order to receive a quote you may be in the wrong place.

Fact 2: Although the cost of your Medigap - Medicare Supplement Plan may vary from company to company, the benefits are exactly the same.

There are currently 10 standardized Medicare Supplement Plans. PLAN A, PLAN B, PLAN C, PLAN D, PLAN F, PLAN G, PLAN K, PLAN L, PLAN M and PLAN N. The benefits in each of these plans are approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). All insurance companies who offer Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans must comply with the approved benefits for the supplement plans that they offer.

Even though the benefits in each of the different plans are the same no matter which company is offering the plan, there are big differences in the prices of the plans from company to company.

Knowing this fact and taking the time to compare prices may save you 30% or more on your Medicare Supplement. A few minutes really can save you money.

Fact 3: You are NOT locked into your Medigap - Medicare Supplement Plan until Open Enrollment.

Medicare Supplement Plans are not subject to any annual enrollment periods. You are free to change plans any time of the year.

Knowing this fact frees you to compare your plan options and switch to a different plan or company at any time. If you find that you can get the same plan for a better price from a different company, you can switch and start saving immediately.

Fact 4: You ARE locked into your Part D Prescription Plan until open enrollment.

Part D Medicare Prescription Plans (PDP) are Medicare Approved plans offered by private insurance companies.

They vary in terms of monthly premium, deductible, and co-pays. Each plan has a unique formulary. A formulary is a list of drugs that the plan covers and where the specific drug fall on the plans co-pay tiers.

We did a comparison of 27 different plans available in Florida. We used a sample drug list which contained 5 drugs, 4 generic and 1 named brand. The estimated annual drug cost ranged from $734 for the least out-of-pocket plan, to $2623 for the highest.

Being in the wrong PDP can really impact your bottom line.

Write a reminder on your calendar for October next year and take the time to make sure that you are in the right plan for your specific drugs during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. This is the only time of the year that you can change your PDP.

I hope that these 4 important facts about Medigap - Medicare Supplement Plans will help you keep more of your money in your pocket.

Stephanie Coutavas is an Insurance Professional specializing in Senior Insurance Solutions and Medicare Insurance. Co- founder and Senior Broker at 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."

Whether you are receiving Medicare Benefits before age 65, helping a parent or loved one or just not sure if there might be a better value for your health care $$$, we can help. Call us at 1-888-347-5552 to speak with a licensed Medicare Supplement Specialist or visit us at
http://www.medicarequote4u.com/. We are your Medicare Supplement experts and we are standing by to help.

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Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage - Demystified

If you are like many folks, you have struggled to understand your Medicare benefits. Parts, plans, deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, Medicare supplement, PPO, HMO, POS, MAPD, language that seems to go in circles. You don't have to be a Medicare expert to understand your benefits and choices. The first step is to gain a clear understanding of some Medicare basics.

The Four Parts of Medicare.

Medicare consists of four parts. Each part is designated by a letter. A - D

Medicare Part A covers room and board and some other expenses in an inpatient situation. This can include a hospital, skilled nursing facility and hospice care. Medicare Part A has a deductible and co-insurances that you will be responsible for. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A.

Medicare Part B is the outpatient side of Medicare. This includes doctor visits, surgical services, physical therapy, speech therapy, durable medical equipment, home health care, outpatient testing and some drugs. Part B covers 80% of approved amounts for these expenses after you have met your annual deductible. Part B requires a monthly premium. Enrollment is optional. In most cases there is a late enrollment penalty that will be added to your premium if you delay enrollment in Part B unless you have other creditable coverage. There are limited enrollment periods every year when you are able to enroll in Part B.

Parts A & B are what is known as original Medicare. It was created in the 1965 with the first benefits paid in 1966 to help seniors with medical expenses. It is a government health plan. It covers most of your medical expenses. There are gaps in the coverage and most seniors cover all or some of the gaps with a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. Thus creating a situation where they can control and predict their medical expenses from month to month and year to year.

If you choose to stay with original Medicare you can use any doctor or hospital anywhere in the country as long as they accept Medicare.

Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. Since 1997 seniors have had the option to enroll in private Medicare Insurance. The Plan Provider is paid with your Part B premium and an additional amount from Medicare for each enrollee. These plans are required to cover at least what Part A & Part B cover. Some Medicare Advantage Plans include benefits not found in original Medicare like dental coverage, eye glasses and gym memberships. Some of the plans include prescription coverage. There are several types of Medicare Advantage Plans; HMO, PPO, PFFS, and POS. It is very important to remember that the coverage in a Medicare Advantage Plan is the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B. It is not the same as Part A and Part B with a supplement. All Advantage Plans will have out-of-pocket expenses in the form of co-pays for office visits, daily co-insurance for hospital stays etc. You are not permitted to add a supplement policy to your Advantage Plan to cover these costs. Regardless of the type of Advantage Plan that you choose, be aware that you will have to choose from providers who accept your specific plan or be ready to pay increased out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare Part D is Medicare's prescription coverage. These plans are made available by private companies. Medicare mandates and approves the plans that are offered. You will have a monthly premium for the Part D plan that you choose. You may choose to not enroll in a Part D plan but keep in mind that you will pay a late enrollment penalty when you do enroll. The fine will be based on the number of months from when you were eligible for Part D and the month you enrolled. Enrollment opportunities are limited to Medicare Enrollment Periods each year.

By taking a moment to understand what each Part of Medicare covers and knowing where you are exposed within the coverage of each you have provided yourself a solid position from which to plan a solution that works for your unique situation.

Stephanie Coutavas 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 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."

Whether you are receiving Medicare Benefits before age 65, helping a parent or loved one or just not sure if there might be a better value for your health care $$$, we can help. Call us at 1-888-347-5552 to speak with a licensed Medicare Supplement Specialist or visit us at http://www.medicarequote4u.com/. We are your Medicare Supplement Experts.

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Medicare and Medicare Advantage Update 2010

Q. What are the changes to Medicare in 2010?

A. Medicare is made up of three parts: Hospital Insurance (Part A), Medical Insurance (Part B), and Drug (RX) Insurance (Part D). Part A Deductible for 2010 is $1,100 for a hospital stay of 1 - 60 days, $275 per day for 61-90 days, and $550 day for 91-150 days of a hospital stay (lifetime reserve days). After 150 days, you pay all costs for the hospital. Part A also includes Skilled nursing facility and some home health care but not long term care. Skilled nursing facilities is subject to a $137.50 per day co-insurance for days 21-100. Part B covers Medicare eligible physician services, outpatient hospital services and certain home health services and durable medical equipment. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the $155 deductible.

Part D coverage is for both short and long-term prescription needs not given in the hospital, coverage for both brand name and generic drugs and can differ dramatically from one company to the other. Part D is not deducted from your Social Security check.

Q. Can you explain the difference between a Deductible, co-pay(ment) and out of pocket.

A. The deductible is the amount you must pay for health care before Medicare begins to pay. These amounts can change every year. A co-payment is a partial cost you will spend to see the doctor. These can be zero or more. These are out of pocket which are costs that you must pay on your own because they are not covered by Medicare.

Q. What are the differences in HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP and MSA plans?

A. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)- Just like the private sector, HMO is a group of doctors, hospitals and other care providers that agree to give health care to Medicare beneficiaries for a set amount of money from Medicare every month. You get your care from the provider in the plan.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)- Doctors, hospitals and providers that belong to the network and with most PPO plans, you can use doctors, hospitals and providers outside the network for an additional cost.

Private Fee for Service (PFFS)- These are sometimes referred to as regional PFFS since the doctor or hospital accepts payments from the insurance plan rather than Medicare. The Insurance plan decides how much it will pay and what you pay for the services you get. You may pay more or less for Medicare covered benefits.

Special Needs Plan (SNP) - A type of plan for people with chronic illnesses or conditions with special needs.

Medical Savings Plans (MSA) - A type of savings plan for those people who do not go to the doctor often but need a savings plan to pay some of the costs of the deductibles and co-payments.

Q. My Doctor takes Blue Cross but he does not take Medicare Advantage Blue Cross. What does that mean?

A. Medicare Advantage plans are a hybrid of coverage offered from an insurance company. When you are eligible for Medicare at age 65, you select Part C--Medical Insurance offered by a company. You still pay your premiums out of your social security check for Part B but the government pays the insurance company to administrate the benefits. These Medicare Advantage Plans appear to have many benefits and include Drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage plans are the best of both worlds but they have some drawbacks. If your doctor is not a Medicare Advantage plan doctor, you will pay additional costs to see him/her but with most plans you can see another doctor (usually not available with HMO plan). You will be subject to separate deductibles and separate co-payments and often need a referral for approval before you can get care from the specialist. If you do not get a referral, the plan may not pay for your care.

Q. Since Medicare Advantage provides all Medicare health care through that plan, what if I don't like it? I have heard Doctors payments will be cut and the company I sign up with may stop insuring them. What protection do I have?

A. Since Medicare is a government provided plan for those 65 and older, you have many options for coverage. Every November 15 through December 31 you can switch from one Medicare Option to another--you can enroll in any Medicare Advantage or Part D at this time. This is called the Annual Enrollment Period. (AEP) Your new coverage would begin on January 1. From January 1 to March 31 Medicare members can make ONE plan change to a like kind. For example, you can change to another MA plan. The member CANNOT change Part D coverage during this time unless they have it with the plan they are leaving. This is called Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During Special Enrollment Period (SEP), members must enroll within 63 days of a special event. This is if you move outside the service area, move into or out of a long term care facility, loose credible prescription drug coverage, return to the US from another country or get assistance from the state in which you live, loose coverage under an employer or union either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Q. What other benefits do I get with a Medicare Advantage Plan?

A. You may get extra benefits by selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan. These may include vision, hearing, dental and/or health and wellness program including membership to a specific gym. Because you do not need to buy a Medigap or Medicare Supplement policy, the premium are supplemented by the government and are less expensive than a traditional supplemental plan.

Q. I hear there are many gaps in the Part D (Drug) coverage and I take 5 prescriptions a day. How do I get most of my drugs covered?

A. Every insurance company that offers Part D coverage has a written list of drugs. These include generic and brand name drugs. (Check the web sites or ask your agent for a printed formulary drug book.) Your plan may have several tiers and your co-payment amount depends on which "TIER" your drug is listed. Not all brand names will be covered and these can be very expensive if you have a high copayment or it is not listed. Always ask your doctor whether the drugs prescribed are available as generic. Be sure to ask your doctor whether you can split a high-dose version of the prescribed drugs as

they are often the same price as low-dose version or go to http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/MPDPFIntro.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C7%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home&ViewType=Public&PDPYear=2010&MAPDYear=2010&MPDPF%5FMPPF%5FIntegrate=N to compare drug plans in California.

Q. I like what I see--a policy issued by a leading insurance company that does not cost me the same as a Medigap or Medicare Supplement. Why should I buy a Medicare Supplement instead of a Medicare Advantage Policy?

A. That is a good question. If you can afford the individual premiums for a Medicare Supplement with a separate part D, you should do that. You can choose you own doctor as long as that doctor takes Medicare patients. Today many plans are a hybrid and some cost ZERO monthly premium and include a RX plans are also a PPO so people have the freedom of a PPO. As Seniors age, options and benefits become very important and we are here to help you decide which plan is best for you. Be confident in your Medicare Choices.

For the past 30 years, Karen Adams has been an independent insurance agent working primarily in Southern California. She has help hundreds of clients find the right insurance program to meet their needs. Rapidly approaching age 65, she decided to become as knowledgeable as possible about Medicare solutions. "I have written articles about Medicare Supplements and have insured clients who have reached Medicare age. Most Medicare Supplements (MS) are about the same and as long as a doctor takes Medicare he/she must accept the supplement their patient uses (not an HMO plan). Therefore, the advantage from one company over another is how easy they make their payment process, how patient orientated the company is, how large their network of Doctors and the premium they charge for the plan," says Karen. "Then came highly government regulated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and the ball game changed. Now there is ZERO premiums with Drug coverage. What cost from $200 to $300 a month in premium in a supplement with a prescription drug card now appears to be free. What's that all about? Karen can help you untangle the web of MEDICARE insurance. Call her today or go to http://adamsinsuranceagency.com/ for your personalized quote.