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).

Original post:
Panel Gets Earful Of Advice On Taming The Federal Deficit

Tags: deficit, democratic, government, house, ideas, news, obama, panel, states, super-committee, usa, white

Supplement For Medicare

Health care reform has sparked heavy debate regarding the appropriate supplement for Medicare. It is widely known that seniors ages 65 and above are eligible for government medical aid (Medicare) to assist in healthcare cost. Medicare covers a portion of senior’s medical cost. Although government assistance is available, many seniors still lack ample funds to cover the holes in Medicare. Thus, seniors are left to decide whether to adopt a Medicare advantage plan or to simply adopt a supplement for Medicare.

Though this segment is dedicated to the appropriate supplement for Medicare it is prudent to explain differences in what Medicare advantage plans would provide as well. As stated above traditional Medicare covers certain medical needs for seniors. The government covers (by paying doctors and hospitals) certain senior medical needs based on a fee for service schedule. There are options for seniors to be covered by an advantage plan with 0 out of pocket monthly. It goes without saying that where one medical plan may be ideal for an individual; the same medical plan may fall short of covering another individual’s needs. Advantage plans are plans in which the government pays insurers a specific amount monthly for every Medicare member that they enroll (the plans cover hospitals and doctors as well). Individuals covered under advantage plans are able to choose HMO plans which require advantage recipients to choose from a network of health care providers as well as PPO plans which allow for in network providers as well as out of network providers. It should be noted that individuals going outside of the network would likely have to pay additional fees. All advantage plans offer the same benefits (regardless of the insurer). However, the benefit to the Medicare Advantage plans is that they cover things such as hearing, vision and dental care whereas traditional Medicare plans do not. Medicare Advantage has become increasingly popular due to the advantages provided over and above traditional Medicare. However, that is precisely the issue that critics raise. Advantage plans are said to “pay out” more than traditional Medicare plans. The congressional budget office has estimated that over 150 billion additional dollars has been spent in the last 10 years on advantage plans (that would not have been spent with standard Medicare). Ultimately, the additional expenditures mean more money spent by taxpayers. Which is why Medicare Advantage plans have been targeted by government and health care reform.

With Medicare Advantage plans being heavily scrutinized and funding likely to be cut at least to some extent, supplements are becoming more appealing. Where advantage plans offer 0 out of pocket, a supplement for Medicare would require some payment by the senior. Where advantage plans replace traditional Medicare, a supplement for Medicare is literally that…a supplement that covers certain holes left by traditional Medicare. Therefore, Medicare is considered the primary plan and a supplement for Medicare is considered secondary to the plan. Medigap plans are also offered through private insurers at specific cost. Medicare supplement plans are also considered medigap plans as they fill the gaps left by Medicare. Gaps such as Deductibles, Coinsurance and Co-pays can be filled with an appropriate supplement for Medicare. Any doctor that accepts Medicare should accept a supplement for Medicare. Medicare participants must be enrolled in Medicare part b in order to be eligible to buy a Medigap plan. Medicare part b covers things like doctor services, outpatient care, home health services as well as some preventative services. There are several Medigap plans available and participants typically need not go through underwriting if they will attain the age of 65 within the next 6 months(and two months following their 65th birthday). Open enrollment occurs from November 15th through December 31st and this is the time that changes may be made by existing supplement users. Medigap options vary and are labeled A through L. Each plan offers different options to fill the holes left by traditional Medicare plans. Core benefits include hospital coverage for specific periods during Medicare benefit period, approved hospital cost for co-payments during specific periods, skilled nursing coinsurance, doctor deductibles, foreign travel emergency coverage, at home recovery, drug benefit as well as preventative care. Benefits vary from plan to plan and may be viewed in the Medicare handbook. You may also view supplement for Medicare options by searching Medicare resources at the Texas low cost health insurance site.

http://www.texaslowcosthealthinsurance.com, Medicare resources

View the original article here

What Can Be Done About Climbing Medicare Premiums

It is inevitable that Medicare insurance premiums will increase along with inflation, but there are a few things we all can do to help keep costs down. Although it is true that a majority of doctors and health care providers abide by the rules and are trustworthy, there are also a few people that work the system each year for literally millions of dollars. The direct result has been a rise in health insurance costs, system wide.

Medicare is an insurance program that is provided through the United States Government. It extends medical coverage for those who are 65 and older and those that are disabled even when they’re under 65 years old under some conditions. An excess of one billion claims are processed every year, and without doubt it’s turned out to be the biggest provider of managed health care in the U.S.

The Medicare program has gotten more complex and involved every year, and the recent developments have added an influx of private health insurance providers into the mix. Medicare covers millions of members and manages more than a billion transactions every year. With this level of care comes shortcuts, mistakes and bureaucracy. As a result of this, Fraud and exploitation of Medicare have become system wide.

Quite often, errors in Medicare claims result from honest mistakes instead of Medicare fraud. There could very well be transcription errors or typographical errors. After all, Medicare insurance providers are human, and dealing with mistakes where there is so much paperwork and so many forms is pretty normal. In a situation like this, it’s important that you speak with someone at your doctor’s office and discuss any errors you have found.

But if you discover that your physician is actually charging your insurance for services that are customarily free, or if you find that your doctor’s office is sending out bills for a procedure that you don’t recognize, make sure to take a careful look at it. It may very well be a case of Medicare fraud, which happens to be is one of the main reasons for escalating Medicare costs.

Medicare Fraud Can Come In A Number Of Forms

* You may be charged for products and services that you never get.

* You may be charged for more services than you were actually provided.

* Over-billing or…

* Billing for medical equipment and supplies that were returned.

How To Deal With Medicare Fraud

Review all paperwork and forms you get from Medicare for anything that’s connected to health care. Essentially, the responsibility is yours to catch omissions, errors and even fraud if you suspect it might be happening. If you do so, you can do your part to keep medical insurance premiums at a minimum. We’re all in this together.

The escalating costs of Medicare have been the cause of a good deal of concern from the government, and they’re doing all they can to counter Medicare fraud. Because of that, providers of Medicare are dealing with only private health care providers who have shown integrity and trustworthiness. Those that try to cheat the system are being knocked out.

The fight has been carried out by Medicare service providers like doctors and hospitals, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare patients as well as law enforcement agencies and consumer protection agencies. You can also help by thoroughly looking at at your own bills.

The bulk of members of Medicaid facilities do pay close attention to the bills and statements to fight climbing Medicare premiums. To help their efforts you should review your bill for things such as an incorrect social security number, extra charges, services not provided but billed, etc. Those are just some of the things you can be aware of if you want to help counter Medicare fraud and increasing Medicare premiums.

Helpful Tips For Medicare Part d

Government prescription coverage explained

Visit our website for a simplified explaination or Medicare Part d

Medicare Insurance

Deficit Panel Moves Deliberations Behind Closed Doors

The 12-member ‘super committee’ held a private meeting Thursday and emerged with few details, though a co-chair acknowledged that their work won’t be easy. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, are signaling the different courses they want to see the panel follow.?Also, congressional Democrats are getting increasingly worried about what might become of Medicare and Medicaid.

ABC News: Deficit Super Committee Breakfast Club
For its third meeting, the 12-member, deficit-reduction committee gathered in the U.S. Capitol today for an early, closed-door breakfast over orange juice, coffee, pastries and bacon to talk about how it can achieve a plan for deficit reduction by Thanksgiving. After emerging from the meeting, the co-chairs of the debt committee were scant on details about what nitty-gritty was discussed. Rather, they seemed to use this morning’s breakfast as more of a getting-to-know-you meeting, even as all the members have called for quick work with a November deadline and the threat of the trigger options looming (Miller, 6/15).

The Associated Press/MSNBC: Super Committee Meets In Private To Talk Deficit Reduction
Members of Congress’ debt reduction super committee said Thursday that their assignment of finding ways to reduce government red ink won’t be simple. Emerging from a private breakfast meeting among the panel’s members, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, told reporters: “We know that it will not be fun. We know it will not be easy, it will not be popular with any current political constituency” (9/15).

Politico Pro: Dems Worry Over How, Not How Much In Cuts
Democrats say they are resigned to the fact that Medicare and Medicaid won’t go completely unscathed as part of Congress’s latest effort to cut federal spending. Their question is not how much, but simply how, the programs get squeezed. “I don’t think the number is important,” Rep. Bill Pascrell of New Jersey said, reacting to reports that President Barack?Obama will seek at least $340 billion in savings from the two programs. But where he gets the money and who it affects is very significant. The comments come just days before the president will take another swing at lopping trillions of dollars off the national deficit over the next decade. Details remain scarce, but administration officials this week said his proposal could include $340 billion in health care savings in 10 years (Dobias, 9/15).

CNN Money: Boehner: No Tax Hikes For Super Committee
House Speaker John Boehner drew a line in the sand on taxes on Thursday, saying that a special debt committee tasked with cutting at least $1.2 trillion from federal deficits shouldn’t consider tax hikes. “Tax increases, I think, are off the table,” Boehner said in a speech to the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. “It’s a very simple equation. Tax increases destroy jobs. And the Joint Committee is a jobs committee. Its mission is to reduce the deficit that is threatening job creation in our country.” The only things the 12-person super committee should tackle are spending cuts and entitlement reform, he said (Liberto, 9/15).

The Washington Post: Boehner Says No New Taxes For Debt Panel
House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday reaffirmed GOP opposition to any tax increases to solve the nation’s deficit problem, signaling a swift return to the trench warfare that characterized the debt and spending debate of early summer. Boehner said that the special committee seeking long-term debt reduction should achieve its mandated $1.5 trillion in savings entirely by cutting federal agency spending and shrinking entitlement programs (Kane and Helderman, 9/15).

The Wall Street Journal: Boehner Pushes Tax Overhaul
The Boehner speech came as the White House was preparing to present its own deficit-reduction recommendations next week to the super committee. The Wall Street Journal reported the president has decided against including proposals to slow the growth of Social Security spending. But many Democrats remain concerned that the package will revive proposals to pare entitlements such as Medicare and Medicaid and that the deficit debate will distract from Mr. Obama’s jobs proposal. “The president should continue to talk about jobs,” said Rep. George Miller (D., Calif.) (Hook, 9/16).

Politico: Obama To Shield Social Security In Deficit-Reduction
The shift away from Social Security will allow him to avoid a clash with his Democratic base over the popular retirement program at a time when he needs its support more than ever, both to push for his $447 billion jobs program and to buck up his lagging poll numbers. Medicare could be a different story, though, as the White House revisits some unpopular ideas from the talks with Boehner (Budoff Brown, 9/15).

Reuters/MSNBC: Obama To Exclude Social Security From Deficits Plan
President Barack Obama will not include reforms to the Social Security retirement program in his deficits proposals to Congress next week, the White House said Thursday. … Obama also expressed a willingness in the summer debt talks with House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, a Republican, to raise the eligibility age for Medicare health benefits to 67 from 65. But The Wall Street Journal said Thursday the White House was now looking at cuts to providers and increased premiums for wealthier recipients of Medicare, the health care program for the elderly (MacInnis, 9/15).

Politico: Obama Jobs Plan: Raise Taxes On Health Care
The White House wants another shot at requiring some Americans to pay more for their employer-backed health coverage, despite a previously tepid response from the very same lawmakers needed to advance the proposal (Dobias, 9/15).

Excerpt from:
Deficit Panel Moves Deliberations Behind Closed Doors

Tags: boehner, health, house, money, obama, package, president, security, social, street, summer, taxes, white, white-house, work

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 Frequently Asked Questions

Straight talk. Answers to 3 FAQ's about Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance. You don't need to be a Medicare expert or devote hours reading info and researching online to understand your Medicare and Medicare Supplement options.

Q: What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans?

A: There are several key differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans. Original Medicare is your government Medicare. Medicare Advantage is private Medicare that takes the place of your government Medicare. You will have similar out-of-pocket expenses with an MA plan as you would with Original Medicare alone.

It is important to understand that in general an MA plan is the same coverage as Original Medicare. You may get some extra benefits such as dental or eyeglasses, and some of the plans include drug coverage as well, but the base coverage will be the same as original Medicare.It is not the same as Medicare plus a Medigap or Supplement Plan. You can not get a supplement plan to cover your out-of-pocket expenses when you are enrolled in an MA plan.

Q: What are my potential out-of-pocket expenses with my Medicare coverage?

A: Medicare itself is great coverage but there are some gaps in the coverage that many beneficiaries fill with a Medicare Supplement policy.

Medicare Part A covers hospital room and board, short-term skilled nursing care and hospice care.

There is a deductible for Part A. Currently the deductible is $1132.00. This means that you will pay the first $1132.00 before Medicare benefits are paid. This is not an annual deductible. It is a benefit period deductible. A benefit period starts the day you are admitted to the hospital and ends 60 days after you are released. It is possible that you could encounter the Part A deductible more than once in a year. After the deductible is met Medicare covers 100% semi-private room and board for 60 days. From day 61-90 the is a daily co-insurance of $283 per day. After 90 days Medicare provides coverage for an additional 60 lifetime reserve days with you paying a daily co-pay of $566.

Skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay of at least 3 days is covered by Medicare at 100% for the first 20 days. Days 21-100 have a $141.50 co-pay per day.

Hospice is covered by Medicare with very limited co-pays.

The deductibles and co-insurances increase from year to year.

Your exposure on the A side of Medicare are your deductible, and the various co-insurances mentioned above.In addition, Medicare doesn't cover the first 3 pints of blood.

Medicare Part B covers medical expenses in or out of the hospital such as doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services and supplies.Diagnostic testing, speech and physical therapy, and durable medical equipment are Part B expenses.

There is a calendar year deductible for Part B. This year the deductible is $162.00. After you have met your deductible medicare covers 80% of approved amounts for covered services.

Your exposure on the B side of Medicare includes the deductible and 20% of approved amounts for covered services and any Part B excess charges. Part B excess charges are charges for covered services that exceed Medicare approved amounts.

Q: How can I limit my exposure and cover the gaps in my Medicare coverage.

A: You can supplement your Medicare coverage with a Medigap insurance policy.

There are 10 Medicare supplement policies that are approved by Medicare. All of the supplements have the same basic benefits.

Medicare supplement basic benefits for Medicare Part A cover all of your hospital co-insurances and will extend your covered days beyond Medicare coverage for and additional 365 days. The Part A deductible and skilled nursing co-insurance coverage are optional benefits.

Your supplement will automatically adjust to the changes in Medicare deductibles and co-pays from year to year.

Under Medicare Part B, Medicare Supplement basic benefits will cover your 20% co-insurance.

You can choose a supplement plan that includes optional benefits such as Part B deductible, Part B excess, and foreign travel emergency coverage.

Seek the guidance of a broker who specializes in Medicare to help you determine which of the 10 Medicare Supplement Plans best suits your needs.

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.

Supplement For Medicare

Health care reform has sparked heavy debate regarding the appropriate supplement for Medicare. It is widely known that seniors ages 65 and above are eligible for government medical aid (Medicare) to assist in healthcare cost. Medicare covers a portion of senior's medical cost. Although government assistance is available, many seniors still lack ample funds to cover the holes in Medicare. Thus, seniors are left to decide whether to adopt a Medicare advantage plan or to simply adopt a supplement for Medicare.

Though this segment is dedicated to the appropriate supplement for Medicare it is prudent to explain differences in what Medicare advantage plans would provide as well. As stated above traditional Medicare covers certain medical needs for seniors. The government covers (by paying doctors and hospitals) certain senior medical needs based on a fee for service schedule. There are options for seniors to be covered by an advantage plan with 0 out of pocket monthly. It goes without saying that where one medical plan may be ideal for an individual; the same medical plan may fall short of covering another individual's needs. Advantage plans are plans in which the government pays insurers a specific amount monthly for every Medicare member that they enroll (the plans cover hospitals and doctors as well). Individuals covered under advantage plans are able to choose HMO plans which require advantage recipients to choose from a network of health care providers as well as PPO plans which allow for in network providers as well as out of network providers. It should be noted that individuals going outside of the network would likely have to pay additional fees. All advantage plans offer the same benefits (regardless of the insurer). However, the benefit to the Medicare Advantage plans is that they cover things such as hearing, vision and dental care whereas traditional Medicare plans do not. Medicare Advantage has become increasingly popular due to the advantages provided over and above traditional Medicare. However, that is precisely the issue that critics raise. Advantage plans are said to "pay out" more than traditional Medicare plans. The congressional budget office has estimated that over 150 billion additional dollars has been spent in the last 10 years on advantage plans (that would not have been spent with standard Medicare). Ultimately, the additional expenditures mean more money spent by taxpayers. Which is why Medicare Advantage plans have been targeted by government and health care reform.

With Medicare Advantage plans being heavily scrutinized and funding likely to be cut at least to some extent, supplements are becoming more appealing. Where advantage plans offer 0 out of pocket, a supplement for Medicare would require some payment by the senior. Where advantage plans replace traditional Medicare, a supplement for Medicare is literally that...a supplement that covers certain holes left by traditional Medicare. Therefore, Medicare is considered the primary plan and a supplement for Medicare is considered secondary to the plan. Medigap plans are also offered through private insurers at specific cost. Medicare supplement plans are also considered medigap plans as they fill the gaps left by Medicare. Gaps such as Deductibles, Coinsurance and Co-pays can be filled with an appropriate supplement for Medicare. Any doctor that accepts Medicare should accept a supplement for Medicare. Medicare participants must be enrolled in Medicare part b in order to be eligible to buy a Medigap plan. Medicare part b covers things like doctor services, outpatient care, home health services as well as some preventative services. There are several Medigap plans available and participants typically need not go through underwriting if they will attain the age of 65 within the next 6 months(and two months following their 65th birthday). Open enrollment occurs from November 15th through December 31st and this is the time that changes may be made by existing supplement users. Medigap options vary and are labeled A through L. Each plan offers different options to fill the holes left by traditional Medicare plans. Core benefits include hospital coverage for specific periods during Medicare benefit period, approved hospital cost for co-payments during specific periods, skilled nursing coinsurance, doctor deductibles, foreign travel emergency coverage, at home recovery, drug benefit as well as preventative care. Benefits vary from plan to plan and may be viewed in the Medicare handbook. You may also view supplement for Medicare options by searching Medicare resources at the Texas low cost health insurance site.

http://www.texaslowcosthealthinsurance.com, Medicare resources

Best Medicare Options 2013

Attention Medicare recipients, are you searching for the best option for 2013? Well, then Medicare Supplemental Insurance is the ideal solution. But what has made Medicare supplemental insurance, an inevitable thing? Of course, I can give solid answers for your question. Lots of debates and discussions are going on about the new health care reform bill because it is found that this new healthcare bill has failed to meet the needs and expectations of senior citizens (65 years and above). Now you might have understood why people are in a hurry to enroll their names in Medical supplemental insurance plans. The proven success and good history of records it holds are the other reasons that make Medicare supplemental insurance simply the best.

For people who are hearing this idea for the first time, here are some basic facts for your better understanding. Medicare insurance is designed to cover about 80% of the hospital expenses like hospitalizations, consultations and diagnosis tests. It is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and also for people under 65 with some disabilities and suffering from the end stage renal disease called Lou Gehrig. The Medicare supplemental insurance can be called as an amended plan as it fills the gaps and cons of the basic Medicare insurance plans. There are 12 existing Medicare supplemental plans labeled from A to L, also termed as Medigap. Each package has distinct coverage and features although all must cover the basic and specific Medicare benefits.

As said before, plans are labeled A through L and offer different benefits, at varying prices, that fill particular gaps in regular Medicare coverage. Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans K and L are similar to Plans A through J but have lower monthly premiums for higher out of pocket costs. All these plans are standardized by Medicare, which shows the equality among all the insurance companies in offering the services. Medicare Supplement Plan F will remain as the preferable choice, but Medicare Supplement Plan N can also be a great option for people who like Medicare Advantage plans and are in good health. Plan N will likely be very popular in 2013 as thousands of people are expected to make a shift from the Medicare advantage program back to original Medicare.

Find a company that specializes in Medicare plans to help you with these questions like Medicare insurance Phoenix. A broker is usually the best bet since they can sort down information for all of the companies and you can compare all insurance from one source. It sure to save your time and beats the alternative of contacting each individual company one at a time.

Author Description :

Timothy Terkander covers the healthcare industry. Specializing in Medicare insurance Phoenix and Medicare supplemental insurance for Phoenix area residents.

Article Source: http://business.ezinemark.com/medicare-changes-for-2011-31861de4e3b.html

Supplement For Medicare

Health care reform has sparked heavy debate regarding the appropriate supplement for Medicare. It is widely known that seniors ages 65 and above are eligible for government medical aid (Medicare) to assist in healthcare cost. Medicare covers a portion of senior's medical cost. Although government assistance is available, many seniors still lack ample funds to cover the holes in Medicare. Thus, seniors are left to decide whether to adopt a Medicare advantage plan or to simply adopt a supplement for Medicare.

Though this segment is dedicated to the appropriate supplement for Medicare it is prudent to explain differences in what Medicare advantage plans would provide as well. As stated above traditional Medicare covers certain medical needs for seniors. The government covers (by paying doctors and hospitals) certain senior medical needs based on a fee for service schedule. There are options for seniors to be covered by an advantage plan with 0 out of pocket monthly. It goes without saying that where one medical plan may be ideal for an individual; the same medical plan may fall short of covering another individual's needs. Advantage plans are plans in which the government pays insurers a specific amount monthly for every Medicare member that they enroll (the plans cover hospitals and doctors as well). Individuals covered under advantage plans are able to choose HMO plans which require advantage recipients to choose from a network of health care providers as well as PPO plans which allow for in network providers as well as out of network providers. It should be noted that individuals going outside of the network would likely have to pay additional fees. All advantage plans offer the same benefits (regardless of the insurer). However, the benefit to the Medicare Advantage plans is that they cover things such as hearing, vision and dental care whereas traditional Medicare plans do not. Medicare Advantage has become increasingly popular due to the advantages provided over and above traditional Medicare. However, that is precisely the issue that critics raise. Advantage plans are said to "pay out" more than traditional Medicare plans. The congressional budget office has estimated that over 150 billion additional dollars has been spent in the last 10 years on advantage plans (that would not have been spent with standard Medicare). Ultimately, the additional expenditures mean more money spent by taxpayers. Which is why Medicare Advantage plans have been targeted by government and health care reform.

With Medicare Advantage plans being heavily scrutinized and funding likely to be cut at least to some extent, supplements are becoming more appealing. Where advantage plans offer 0 out of pocket, a supplement for Medicare would require some payment by the senior. Where advantage plans replace traditional Medicare, a supplement for Medicare is literally that...a supplement that covers certain holes left by traditional Medicare. Therefore, Medicare is considered the primary plan and a supplement for Medicare is considered secondary to the plan. Medigap plans are also offered through private insurers at specific cost. Medicare supplement plans are also considered medigap plans as they fill the gaps left by Medicare. Gaps such as Deductibles, Coinsurance and Co-pays can be filled with an appropriate supplement for Medicare. Any doctor that accepts Medicare should accept a supplement for Medicare. Medicare participants must be enrolled in Medicare part b in order to be eligible to buy a Medigap plan. Medicare part b covers things like doctor services, outpatient care, home health services as well as some preventative services. There are several Medigap plans available and participants typically need not go through underwriting if they will attain the age of 65 within the next 6 months(and two months following their 65th birthday). Open enrollment occurs from November 15th through December 31st and this is the time that changes may be made by existing supplement users. Medigap options vary and are labeled A through L. Each plan offers different options to fill the holes left by traditional Medicare plans. Core benefits include hospital coverage for specific periods during Medicare benefit period, approved hospital cost for co-payments during specific periods, skilled nursing coinsurance, doctor deductibles, foreign travel emergency coverage, at home recovery, drug benefit as well as preventative care. Benefits vary from plan to plan and may be viewed in the Medicare handbook. You may also view supplement for Medicare options by searching Medicare resources at the Texas low cost health insurance site.

http://www.texaslowcosthealthinsurance.com, Medicare resources

A Guide to Medicare Coverage

Signed into law by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 30, 1965, Medicare coverage began as a social insurance program for American citizens age 65 or older. Today Medicare also covers citizens who may not be 65 years old but demonstrate need. Those suffering with Lou Gehrig's Disease, in need of a kidney transplant or have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least 24 months are all examples of people who qualify for Medicare.

Originally, Medicare coverage applied only to Hospital Insurance (known as Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). Former President Harry S. Truman was the first recipient of an official Medicare card, which then rarely entitled the holder to prescription drug coverage. As of early 2006, more comprehensive drug coverage was provided.

Medicare Part A

Part A of Medicare is Hospital Insurance, which will cover hospital stays, nursing home or assisted-living home care for a period of time. To receive the benefits of Medicare Part A, there are four main criteria that must be met, the first of which addresses only hospital visits:

The hospital stay must be a minimum of three days and three midnights, not including the day you are discharged
A nursing-home stay is covered only if the problem is diagnosed during the hospital visit outlined above. For example, if a respiratory issue sent you to the hospital, Medicare would cover a nursing home stay to help rehabilitate your lungs.
If you don't need rehabilitation at a nursing home but have an ailment that requires constant medical assistance or supervision, the stay would be covered.
Those caring for you at the nursing home have to be skilled. Part A of Medicare does not cover long-term, unskilled or custodial care.
Regarding nursing-home stays, Medicare will only cover 100 days per ailment. The first 20 days are paid for by Medicare in full; the next 80 days require a copayment of $128 per day (as of 2008). Whenever you go 60 days without using Medicare to help pay for a nursing home stay, the 100-day clock is reset and you qualify for a new 100 day period.

Medicare Part B

Part B of Medicare deals with Medical Insurance. This section covers most outpatient services and medically necessary products that Part A leaves untouched. Everything from doctor's visits to immnuosuppressive drugs for organ-transplant recipients are covered by Part B, including limited ambulance transportation.

In addition to outpatient doctor's services and treatments like chemotherapy, Part B helps you to pay for durable medical equipment (DME). Examples of DME include mobility scooters, prosthetic limbs, canes and oxygen.

Medicare Part C

Part C of Medicare deals with Medicare Advantage plans. After the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 passed, Medicare recipients were given the choice to either keep their original Medicare plan (Parts A and B) or receive their benefits through a private health insurance plan. After the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act was enacted in 2003, those using private health insurance through Part C became known as Medicare Advantage (MA) recipients.

If you choose Medicare Advantage, Medicare will pay a set amount each month toward private health insurance. You're required to pay any additional premiums, and in many cases you'll have to pay a fixed copayment amount (usually around $10 or $20) each time you see a doctor. By law, the private insurance company you choose must offer a benefit package that is at least as good as the one provided by Medicare Parts A and B.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drug plans and went into effect at the beginning of 2006. If you use Medicare Part A or B, you are eligible for Part D. If you're using an MA Plan, you can adjust your benefits to take advantage of Part D, in which case the overall plan becomes an MA-PD.

To get Medicare Part D, you need to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or change your MA coverage to MA-PD. Costs and benefits vary between the different plans, and medications that you need may not be covered by all plans. Some drugs, such as cough suppressants, benzodiazepines and barbiturates, aren't covered at all.

To get the best Medicare Part D coverage at the best price, you should compile a list of your prescriptions and talk to your pharmacist, MA provider or a Medicare representative. You can get a head start by visiting http://formularyfinder.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectstate.asp, which provides a list of Medicare Part D options by state when you provide your prescriptions.

Costs

Each year that you work, 2.9% of your wages are taxed under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and applied to your future Medicaid coverage. This 2.9% is split between employers and employees. Those who are self-employed have to pay the full 2.9% on their own. There is no limit to the amount of your wages that must be paid to FICA tax.

Once you're eligible for Medicare, it works like private health insurance. Your care provider bills Medicare for expenses, and you make up any differences that aren't covered.

Medicare coverage is limited, and while it can provide some protection for routine expenses or a minor injury, such as a broken leg, it's not a solution for long-term care needs. For this reason, it's a good idea to look into supplemental coverage, known as Medigap, to cover additional costs. While the monthly premiums for Medigap insurance can be high, they're still far lower than the medical bills that pile up in the event of a catastrophic illness or if you need long-term care.

For more information on medicare, visit the career and money section of Life123.com.

Understanding Medicare

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a national, tax-supported health insurance program for people 65 and over and some persons with disabilities. If you or your spouse have worked full time for 10 or more years over a lifetime, you are probably eligible to receive Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) for free. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is available at a monthly rate set annually by Congress ($110.50 in 2010 for incomes $85000.00 or less for an individual). Some seniors are eligible to receive the medical insurance portion (Part B) free as well, depending on their income and asset levels. For more information, inquire about the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualifying Individual programs through your county social services office.

How Does Medicare Work?

Medicare is actually two separate types of insurance--hospital and medical. It is not intended to cover all your medical expenses. Hospital insurance (Part A of Medicare) covers medical treatment and surgical procedures performed in a hospital. It also covers hospice, home health, and limited skilled nursing care. Medical insurance (Part B of Medicare) covers part of the cost of doctor bills, outpatient care, medical equipment, and lab and diagnostic tests. With the Medicare modernization act of 2003, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare Part D (Prescription Coverage), also became available, through private insurance companies.

How Do I Get Medicare?

If you are receiving Social Security benefits prior to turning 65, you should automatically receive notification of your enrollment in Medicare shortly before your 65th birthday. Other individuals must apply by calling or visiting their Social Security office to receive Medicare. If you are not yet receiving Social Security or if you have not received a Medicare enrollment notice, you should contact the nearest Social Security office for information. Applications for Medicare can be made during a seven-month period beginning three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday. IT IS BEST TO APPLY DURING THE THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE MONTH OF YOUR 65TH BIRTHDAY. If an application is made during that time, coverage will begin on the first day of your birth month. Applying later will delay the start of your benefits. You can also apply for Medicare from January 1 through March 31 every year after your 65th birthday. Your coverage then starts July 1 of the year you signed up and you will pay a 10 percent surcharge on the Part B premium for each 12 months you were eligible but not enrolled.

What If I Am Still Working? If you continue to work after age 65 or your spouse is working and you are covered by an employer group health plan (EGHP), you may want to delay enrollment in Part B of Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare Part B will trigger your open enrollment for Medicare supplement insurance at a time when you do not need supplemental coverage. The penalty for late enrollment in Part B does not apply if you are covered by an EGHP because of your or your spouse's current employment. If you do work after age 65, you may apply for Medicare Part B at any time prior to retirement, but you must apply no later than eight months after your formal retirement in order to avoid paying a premium penalty. Even if your employer offers a retirement health plan, you will want to sign up for Medicare Part A and probably for Medicare Part B when you retire. Most retirement plans assume you are covered under Medicare and will not pay for services that Medicare would have covered. Veterans may be eligible for special medical programs. However, eligibility and benefits are very restrictive and are subject to change. The Department of Veterans Affairs advises veterans to apply for both Parts A and B of Medicare to ensure adequate medical coverage.

What About Costs Medicare Does Not Cover? Medicare pays for only a portion of hospital and medical bills. As with many private insurance plans, the government expects beneficiaries to pay a share of their bills. Medicare Parts A and B both have deductible and coinsurance requirements. The deductibles for 2010 are $1100.00 per Benefit Period, for Part A. The Part B deductible is $155.00 per year. Private insurance is available to cover all or some of these out-of-pocket costs. These insurance plans are called Medicare supplements (also called Med Sup or Medigap plans).

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplements are standardized by the Federal Government. They are lettered A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M & N. Each standardized Medigap policy must offer the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies. Plan A pays the Medicare hospital and physician coinsurance, the first three pints of blood, and 365 days of hospitalization beyond Medicare. Plans B through N provide these benefits and add further benefits such as coverage for Medicare deductibles, excess charges and limited preventive care, and foreign travel. ONLY ONE MED SUP PLAN IS NECESSARY. You should only buy one Med Sup plan. No one should try to sell you an additional Med Sup plan unless you decide you need to switch policies.

Open Enrollment in Medicare Supplement Insurance At age 65, all consumers - including those already receiving Medicare due to disability - have a six-month "open enrollment" period. For six months beginning when you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, companies must sell you any Medicare supplement plan they offer. After this limited open enrollment period, companies can pick and choose whom they will cover. Other Options If you have an individual or "bank group" insurance policy, becoming Medicare eligible does not require you to cancel it and purchase a Medicare supplement. Doing so may save premium costs but it is important to compare benefits before deciding what will work best. If you are eligible for employer retirement insurance, review the plan carefully to understand what benefits are available and how it works with Medicare. Be aware that employer plans are not standardized and are not subject to the requirements governing standardized Medicare supplement policies. Some Texas residents are eligible to enroll in approved Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are offered by private insurance companies. Each year Medicare Advantage companies decide where they will offer their plans, what benefits will be offered, and what the premiums will be. There are several Medicare Advantage plans available in several counties in East Texas. Depending on plan choice, a member may be responsible for paying co-payments for certain covered services.

Should I Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance?

In the past, families often stepped in to help when older family members were no longer able to care for themselves. Today, with older people living longer, families often living long distances apart and more women working outside the home, fewer families are able to provide this care. A wide range of long-term care services is now available--day care, respite care, home care, and nursing care. These services are expensive and often exceed a person's ability to pay. People often mistakenly assume that Medicare will cover their long-term care costs. MEDICARE ONLY COVERS LONG-TERM CARE UNDER VERY, VERY LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

Many Texas residents are eligible for Medicaid payment of their long-term care bills. Medicaid is a medical assistance program for people with limited income and assets. Eligibility is determined by the local county social services office. Private long-term care insurance is an option for people to consider, particularly if they have assets they wish to protect. You should not buy this type of insurance unless you can afford to pay the premiums every year. Remember, long-term care insurance premiums can and often do go up. Long-term care plans are not standardized like Med Sup plans. Therefore, it is very important to shop around and compare benefit options and cost.

David Hecker is a Licensed Insurance Agent based in Longview TX. He specializes in Medicare Products. He is licensed in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. He can be reached at (903) 918-9091. E-mail: dhecker@cablelynx.com or on the web at: http://www.tx-medicaresupplement.com To receive your "Free" e-mail newsletter about Medicare Supplements, send an e-mail request to: dhecker@tx-medicaresupplement.com Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

The Medicare System and Senior Citizens

Medicare benefits are, inevitably, something we must all become familiar with as we get closer to retirement age. However, what exactly is medicare? When did it begin? And what is its purpose? Here is a brief outline of the federal government's medicare program, including its history and the rationale for its existence.

Medicare came into existence in 1965. It was created as one of the component parts of then-President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" initiative. The principal purpose of medicare was to provide a system of healthcare for elderly U.S. citizens, i.e. individuals who were sixty-five years of age or older.

However, medicare benefits are not simply for the elderly. Medicare is also availabe to individuals who are younger than sixty-five and who are disabled.

Qualifying for medicaid benefits on the basis of disability status, of course, requires that a person file an application, or initial claim, for title II benefits with the social security administration. Title II benefits are mandated under title 2 of the social security act and title II benefits are commonly referred to as social security disability benefits, or SSD.

Individuals who are approved for social security disability benefits are eligible to receive medicare benefits two years after their date of entitlement has been established and, no doubt, this provides for a healthcare safety net for disabled citizens who must subsist on a relatively small monthly disability benefit.

Who is eligible for medicare? Fortunately, unlike supplemental security income and medicaid benefits, medicare is not considered a needs-based program. In other words, younger individuals who are disabled and individuals who are of retirement-age may be eligible without regard to their income.

Until recently, medicare benefit coverage was thought of primarily in terms of hospital insurance and medical insurance. Medicare part A covers hospital visits and nursing home stays, while medicare part B pays for outpatient care and services, including doctor's visits, xrays, and lab reports. However, the medicare program was recently restructured to include a prescription drug benefit. This is known as medicare part D.

Medicare part D went into effect on January 1st, 2006, as part of the Medicare, Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act. Medicare Part D is available to any individual who is eligible to receive medicare part A and medicare part B benefits. The intent of medicare part D is to guarantee prescription drug coverage for medicare beneficiaries. However, the federal government does not actually provide this coverage. Prescription drug coverage under medicare part D is provided by independent drug plans that are actually operated by private health insurers, though, legally, such plans are regulated by the federal government, i.e. the medicare program.

Are medicare benefits free? No, medicare part B requires the payment of a monthly premium which, for 2006, was $88.50. However, for those individuals who might have difficulty paying this premium, an assistance program is available to qualified individuals to pay part B premiums. This program is known as MQB, or medicaid for qualified (medicare) beneficiaries. Like other types of medicaid, this particular medicaid program is needs-based and serves no other purpose than to pay a medicare recipient's monthly medicare insurance premium.

The Medicare program may well be the most transformational program to arise as a result of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society initiative, and its effect, in many ways, may be as profound as the creation of the social security program under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Recent estimates hold that medicare accounts for more than a tenth of all federal spending and approximately one-third of healthcare spending.

The author of this article is Tim Moore, who, in addition to being a former food stamp caseworker, medicaid caseworker and AFDC caseworker, is a former disability claims examiner. He publishes a blog on the disability process which is titled the Social Security Disability and SSI blog

Medicare Open Enrollment is Coming So Get Ready!

Are You Ready For Medicare Open Enrollment?

When Medicare Open Enrollment rolls around, it is time to consider your health and prescription plans for next year. According to the US Center for Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare Open Enrollment is from November 15th to December 31 this year. Even if you are content with your current Medicare health and prescription benefits, you want to make sure that the plan will be very similar next year. Because plans do change, and the period after Medicare Open Enrollment is when those changes will show up.

How To Prepare For Medicare Open Enrollment

The Medicare websites gives some great tips to evaluate your current Medicare health and prescription plans, and they are pretty simple.

Gather Information About Your Health Needs. This includes your current prescription list, your medical providers, and any notices you have received from Medicare, Social Security, and any private health or prescription insurance companies about changes to your plan.
Compare plans in your local area for cost, coverage, and customer service. You can do research by using the Medicare website, contacting a local insurance agent who is a specialist on various Medicare Health and Prescription Plans, and also by asking people you know and trust about their experiences.
Decide if you would like to keep your current coverage or make a change.
If you decide to consult an insurance agent, look for a Medicare specialist who is appointed and certified with multiple area plans. If you find an agent who only represents one company they may be less motivated to give you a balanced view. Of course, you may end up purchasing from one company, but it would be best to do your shopping with a consultant who is not motivated to only push one plan.

Understand the differences between Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements. This subject still causes confusion. And no, there is no one right answer for everybody. Some people feel as if Medicare Advantage plans are only for seniors with moderate to low incomes, but some individuals with very high incomes are very satisfied with Medicare Advantage. On the other hand, some people, especially those who do not live where a doctor network is convenient, may be happier with a very flexible plan like some Medicare Supplements, even though they cost more. Of course, on still another hand, some Medicare Advantage plans will work with any doctor who accepts the plan, so they can be very flexible too!

I do not mean to be confusing here, but I do mean to illustrate that the variety of Medicare Health and Prescription plan choices makes choice complex. If you have questions, do not hesitate to consult Medicare or a private Medicare Specialist. An insurance agent who specializes in Medicare health plans should not charge you anything. They earn a living with commissions from the various companies when they do sell a plan. If you can find an agent who is appointed and certified with all, or most, of the local plans, they will not be motivated by that commission to select one plan over another. They should be motivated to find the best plan for you, and keep you as a valuable client!

Do you need to find a Medicare Health Plan?

It only takes a moment to Compare Medicare Health Plans. Our forms are simple and free, and they will show you the options in your local area.

http://www.noMedical.net

2010 changes for Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance as otherwise known, has seen some changes in 2010.

Medicare Supplement Insurance policies have standardized benefits that are easy to compare and range from Plan A to Plan N. However, insurers have no obligation to offer every one of the standardized plans. Before June 2010, Plan A had to be offered, if any other plan was offered. Since June 2010, Plans C or F must also be offered along with Plan A.

Each plan offers a different coverage combination. You must have Medicare Part A that covers hospital insurance and Part B that covers medical insurance to purchase a policy. Amongst them, Plan A offers the least amount benefits and costs less than the others. Also, plans E, H, I, and J are no longer sold; but, if you already have them, you can keep what you have.

A few plans have higher-deductible options. Effective June 1 2010, two new plans, M and N, became available. In addition, the benefits provided under A, B, C, D, F, and G have been altered. However, if you bought the plans before June 2010, you can keep the plan you enrolled in without change of benefits.

Starting with the policies effective by June 2010, Part A Hospice coinsurance for outpatient care is covered as a basic benefit. Plan K covers 50% percent, and Plan L covers 75% percent of the costs. Plans K, L, and N require out of pocket payments for part of the coinsurance and copayments for Part B. All other policies pay the full amount of the coinsurance or copayments.

The plans have certain benefits commonly offered. There are additional ones in certain plans. For instance some have a foreign emergency health benefit that matches Medicare provisions in the country.

Other examples of variation include the fact that certain plans pay the deductibles of Medicare Part A and B. Some provide for Part B excess doctor billings, which might be useful for some. Coverage of recovery at home charges is offered in some of the plans. Differing cost sharing may be also be required despite the offering of similar benefits.

Premiums may differ between plans offered by different companies even if the benefits are not different. Insurers cannot deny for a preexisting condition, if the plan is bought in the first half year of Medicare enrollment. Claim forms may need to be filed if your physician or medical care facility does not file.

Premiums may increase due to inflation adjustment and the methods used in calculation. There are three methods used in premium setting. Premiums rise as you grow older in the attained age method. The issue age premium rises with inflation adjustments only, as it does rise with age based on the age when plan was purchased. Those in the same area are charged according to the community rate method. The optimal choice would be to decide the benefit combination that is most suitable and then purchasing it from the company charging the lowest premium.

All You Need to Know Regarding Medicare Supplement Insurance

Before you buy Medicare supplement insurance there are a few facts you should be armed with in order to get the best choice possible. This type of insurance is very helpful to seniors but lack of understanding of how it is structured can cost you money in the long run. If armed with the facts, you should be able to choose a policy that suits you without adding unnecessary cost.

Policy premiums for this type of gap insurance will be in addition to whatever you are paying now for Medicare. You need to already have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B before you can get a gap policy. For this reason, supplemental insurance like this is called Medigap because it covers whatever is not covered by your Medicare Parts.

If you are married and your spouse needs coverage as well, you will have to get a policy for each of you. Some people mistakenly believe that they are purchasing a policy which will also cover their wife or husband, but these policies are intended for individuals.

Medigap policies are divided into Plans A-L, and each plan provides a different level of coverage. However, what each plan provides is standard across the board for all insurance companies. In other words, company number one's plan B will be the same as the plan B that company number two provides.

What may be different, however is the price. The insurance companies are allowed to charge whatever they want for any individual plan. For this reason, you should definitely get several quotes in order to assure you are getting the best price. Also, the companies do not have to sell all twelve plans, so if you are being steered towards one in particular you may want to check with another company to see if a different plan might suit you better.

Do not purchase Medigap insurance hoping that it will cover your prescription costs because it will not. Medicare now makes prescription coverage available to all users so if you do not have this coverage in place, you need to get it through Medicare, not gap insurance. The Medicare website has instructions on how to rectify this issue.

US law governs the selling practices of insurance policies, and there are restrictions in place regarding Medicare supplement insurance. One example is that it is illegal to sell any individual more than one gap insurance policy because only one is necessary and they are the same benefits no matter which company you buy from. Do not try to purchase more than one supplemental insurance policy for Medicare, because it is totally unnecessary.

View the original article here

Are You Looking For a Medicare Supplemental Comparison?

You should do a medicare supplemental comparison on a regular basis. This is the supplement insurance coverage that pays for your medical bills, the portion not covered by your Medicare plan. Do not go without this insurance plan. It will pay the twenty percent of your medical costs not paid for under Medicare.

You can find some plans that will even pay the Medicare Part A and Part B deductible. As you can already see, this supplemental insurance has to be part of your financial planning because if you do not have it, you could face an enormous out of pocket health care bill.

You need to compare plans if you do not have a plan in place, or if you do have a plan, but have not looked at the price of other plans available. If you are in good health, then great. However, make sure you have this plan to cover you for the unknown. You do not know what the future holds. Twenty percent might not seem like a lot to pay when it comes to medical coverage, but you could be ruined financially if you need major surgery or other expensive medical care.

Do not try to save money by not purchasing this plan. By law, each company has to offer standardized coverage, but each company is free to charge different rates. So you have to shop for the best premium price that fits your budget. No one has to tell you that health care cost is on the rise. This plan will protect you from rising health care cost.

It is much simpler to compare plans than it was a few years ago. It less confusing to compare your options and you do not have to listen to a sales pitch each time you ask for information. So there is no excuse for not comparing your choices.

You can find all the information you need to make your decision, on the internet. In the past, you would have to call each individual company. And you would have to listen to a sales pitch and sometimes you would be pressured into buying from that particular company.

You can now find all the information you need in order to make an educated decision in one place. You can even find online, an independent insurance broker who will help you choose the plan best priced for your budget

View the original article here

Are Supplemental Discounts For Everyone?

When it comes time to take out health insurance we always try to get the best coverage we can for our family. Then we search for the additional policies that cover the extra care we need for vision, pharmaceuticals and dental services. At what point do you think enough is enough? If we were to look at the dental piece and take the routine dental work performed you would easily pay twenty five dollars a month on a payment plan for the year and this would be for one person. If you were able to get a dental discount plan for the same price except it covered everyone in your household then that would be something to seriously consider.

Well there are companies, for example that offer these types of discounts services. They are not health insurance policies they are discount dental plans. They have a network of providers that have agreed to perform services at a contracted rate and this benefits you and your family in addition to the customers that have signed on to the discount dental plan. If you think about how it works it has the same principle of a store discount card.

Instead of swiping your card you provide your membership number. There is no paperwork to complete and the fees are paid monthly so you have no contracts. Dental services are one of the expenses that everyone dreads. You know you need them and the preventative services attempt to keep you from the more expensive procedures if you can catch things early and treat them. When you do need care you want to be able to get it and be able to afford the out of pocket expenses without going broke.

If you are able to have a policy and a supplemental discount plan you would get that additional savings that would allow you to get the services you need and not feel the stress of the full financial burden dental services can become if a lot of work is needed. We try to provide what we can for our own health and for our family the best way we know how to. Think about making the dental and the dental supplement or discount plan another option for you. The more you can protect yourselves and save the more comfortable you will feel when you know it time for your appointment to see the dentist.

View the original article here

A Quick Look at Supplemental Insurance

Acquiring insurance for you and your family members is away of keeping yourselves secure. Saving a little money in case of emergencies is also a good thing to do. This will make sure that everyone is well taken care of especially in terms of the one most important thing you all share in common - health. But aside from regular insurance or savings that your family can rely on, supplemental insurance will also go a very long way.

Supplemental insurance will shoulder expenses that a regular insurance will not. For example, when you get hospitalized and your bills exceed what your Medicare policy would cover, you can count on supplemental insurance to bridge that gap so you'll never have to dig into your own pockets. You will also have different options when obtaining supplemental insurance and each one will depend on the extent of coverage you want and can afford.

There is no question about the value of this type of insurance these days. Health care prices are not very low and they're not showing signs of being more affordable in the near future. Hence, to make sure that you have everyone treated as needed, you can rely on supplemental insurance so you don't have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses which are very likely when you only have your regular insurance to rely on.

There are various types of supplemental insurance policies, including including supplemental disability insurance, supplemental accident insurance, supplemental health insurance and supplemental life insurance. You can choose from any these programs and they will each have a specific purpose to serve. Supplemental insurance policies are also generally inexpensive and affordable to low-income earners. There are even certain criteria that allow some people to be totally exempt from paying any premiums or, at least, to enjoy discounted rates.

With not-so-reassuring economic prospects at this time, it is all the more necessary to seek security, especially in terms of health, as we would never really know when we might have to throw all our savings into a hospital bill. But with supplemental insurance, we simply feel safe and peaceful for its great benefit of protecting us from financial instability in the future. Sometimes, accidents will come to us and cause us financial immobility. Being hospitalized and getting into emergency situations is the last thing we want to happen to us or to any of our family members because not only do these threaten our lives. They can also be very financially unsettling.

View the original article here