Shopping For Medicare Supplements?

Jul 222011
 
Is Medicare supplement Plan F right for you?

  • No referrals
  • No crazy claims paperwork
  • No deductible
  • No co-pay
  • No excess charges
  • Foreign travel coverage
  • Guaranteed renewable

 

 Learn about Medicare supplement insuranceMedicare supplement quotes

AARP United Healthcare Mutual of Omaha Blue Cross New Era Fore Though Woodman Secure Horizon Sterling

What is Medicare?

Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Some people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too if they have certain disabilities.  The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.  Medicare is financed by a portion of the payroll taxes you and or your spouse and the employer paid while you and or your spouse worked. It is also financed in part by monthly premiums deducted from Social Security checks.  To learn more about what is Medicare you can click here to go to the Government Medicare website.

When Should I Apply for Medicare?

Many people turning 65 often wonder when they should apply for Medicare?  If you are already getting Social Security retirement, disability benefits, or railroad retirement you will be contacted a few months before you become eligible and should not have to apply for Medicare.  You will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning Part B down.

If you are not already getting retirement benefits you should contact Social Security about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65.  Click here to go to the Social Security online Retirement/Medicare application.

Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you will receive a red, white and blue Medicare card showing whether you have Part A, Part B or both. Keep your card in a safe place so you will have it when you need it. If your card is ever lost, stolen, or destroyed you can apply for a replacement card on the Social Security Internet web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicarecard or call Social Security’s toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Medicare Part A covers part of your medical bills once you have been admitted to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care.

  • Covers hospital room and board
  • Impatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long term care)
  • Home Health care
  • Hospice

You pay (2012): The per incident period (not per year) deductible for Medicare Part A of $1156, $289 per day for days 61-90 hospital room and board, $578 per day after 90 days (up to a maximum of 60 days over your lifetime), $144.50 per day for skilled nursing facility for days 21-100 and all cost thereafter.

Medicare Part B (Doctor Insurance)

Medicare Part B covers part of your medical bills for doctor services, some preventive services and various medical services and supplies that are not covered by Medicare Part A.  If you have Medicare Part B you will pay a premium each month out of your Social security benefits.

You pay (2012): The yearly deductible of $140, the costs for the first 3 units of blood, 20% for  durable medical equipment, 20% for doctor services to include doctor service while as a hospital patient,  40% outpatient mental health care, any excess charges (some doctors can charge up to 15% above what Medicare authorizes)

With Medicare It is important for you to understand that Medicare does not cover everything, and it does not pay the total cost for most services or supplies that are covered.

 

Medicare supplementMedicare Supplement Insurance

Why do I need a Medicare supplement?  Even though Medicare will cover a large portion of your Medical expenses there are many gaps left for you to pay.  These gaps can easily deplete a person’s financial resources when they are on a set budget.  A Medicare supplemental insurance policy can cover most or all of the Medicare cost and they are very affordable for most people.  A majority of people turning 65 can find insurance in the $95 to $150 price range that will cover all the deductibles and co-payments.  When turning 65 there is no underwriting and all Medicare supplement policies are guaranteed renewable.

Applying for Medicare supplement insurance

The process you go through when applying for Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance is relatively easy. You will want to get quotes from an independent agency like us.  We are not biased toward any particular insurance company.   This means we will simply pull quotes from the insurance companies available in your area so you can see who has the best deal. The applications are not very long, but some people do have trouble with them.  If you have problems your insurance agent will help you with the application.

Generally it takes at least two weeks for a Medicare supplement application to be processed and sometimes longer so don’t wait till the last minute.  If you are turning 65 then two – three months out from your 65th birth month is the optimal time to get this taken care of.

Medicare supplement plans

Medicare supplement insurance plans are offered by private insurance companies.  The federal government has standardized these plans.  This means all plans identified by the same letter provide the exact same coverage regardless of which insurance company you use.  Medicare supplement plans are lettered A through N and the plans E, H, I, and J are no longer used.  Nationwide three of the most popular plans are F, G, and N.

Medicare supplement plan F:  This is the most common and comprehensive plan.  It covers all the gaps left in both Medicare Part A and Part B.

Medicare supplement plan G:  This plan is almost the same as Medicare supplement plan F with the exception of not paying the yearly Medicare Part B deductible.  For many this plan is often the best choice if you don’t mind paying the yearly deductible as opposed to the higher monthly premiums for Medicare supplement plan F.

Medicare supplement plan N:  Unlike Medicare supplement plan F this plan has some cost-sharing ($20 doctor’s office co-pay and $50 emergency room co-pay in 2011) in exchange for lower monthly premiums.  It is designed as an alternative to Medicare Advantage plans, while still giving you the flexibility and stability of a Medicare supplement plan.  This plan also does not cover excess charges.

There are many insurance companies offering Medicare supplement plans and the prices can vary wildly from company to company.  Many people who do not utilize the services of an independent agent end up paying over 40-50% more a month for their insurance!  It is a shame because getting your Medicare supplement insurance through us cost you absolutely nothing.

Medicare supplement plans chartClick here to see the Medicare supplement plans chart

 

Medicare Supplement Quotes

 

You can request Medicare supplement quotes now by clicking here and filling out a simple form.  An agent will look up the rates based off of the information you provide and send the quotes to you by email.

 

You can get more and the most and up-to-date information by downloading Choosing a Medigap Policy the government guide to Medicare supplement insurance or by visiting the Government Medicare website.

Joel is an independent agent licensed to sell Medicare supplement insurance and term life insuranceHello! My name is Sergeant First Class (retired) Joel Moyer, an owner and independent agent for Centaur Medicare Solutions LLC. I served our country in the US Army for over twenty years, and I look forward to serving you.

Centaur Medicare Solutions is a Limited Liability Company specializing in Medicare Supplement Insurance and Term Life Insurance. We provide our customers with an independent agent dedicated to finding the best services for that customer.

Centaur Medicare Solutions prides itself on being an ethical agency obligated to recommend products that best meet your needs, goals and financial resources. Our desire is to act as an adviser, letting you take your time to make decisions about purchases and answer any questions that you may have. Selling the right product, to the right person, at the right time is our priority.  Thank you for visiting our website.

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance

Apr 202012
 

AARP Medicare supplementAARP has a strong history of taking care of seniors and has high brand recognition.  This is the reason most likely that you are even reading this web page.  Below is information published by AARP about AARP Medicare supplements.  If you are interested in purchasing a medicare supplement please request quotes to see if AARP offers the best deal in your area.

AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance® (also called “Medigap”) plans are health insurance plans designed to supplement Original Medicare. They help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover (like co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles).There are standardized Medicare supplement plans that are identified by letters – A through N (except in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, which have different plans and plan designations)*. All plans have specific benefits so individuals can compare them.

In some states, a prospect may be able to buy another type of Medicare supplement plan called Medicare Select®. AARP Medicare Select Plans C and F offer the same coverage as traditional AARP Medicare Supplement Plans C and F, but members are charged a lower monthly premium since they must use participating in-network hospitals for coverage of inpatient and outpatient hospital care, in most cases. In fact, depending on which state the prospect lives in, they could save as much as 8% to 36% on their premium* With AARP Medicare Select Plans, prospects keep the doctor they trust and they never need a referral to see a specialist, although they should make certain their physician has admitting privileges to a participating hospital. In a medical emergency, members do not have to use a network hospital.

NOTE: AARP Medicare Select Plans are available in certain areas in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MS, NC, OH, OK, OR, TN, TX, UT, and WA.

*Plan availability varies by state/zip.

Why should your client choose an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan?

  • Low stable annual rate increases averaging approximately 5.5% nationally over the last five years (National aggregate figure. Increases vary by plan, state and year)*.
  • Excellent claims service – 99.7% of claims are processed within 10 business days.*
  • Pharmacy savings, vision discounts, a 24-hour Nurse HealthLineSM and a SilverSneakers® membership (depending on state)(Note: Agents selling in KS and NY cannot discuss these services during pre-sale.)
  • Insured members cannot be singled out for a rate increase.
  • Nationwide coverage, including D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Competitive pricing.
  • The only Medicare supplement plans with the AARP name.

Medigap QuotesClick here to get your Medigap quotes from an independent insurance agent

 

MASA Assist travel insuranceWe also offers some excellent travel insurance called MASA Assist through Medical Air Services Association

Georgia Medigap

Apr 062012
 

Georgia MedigapGeorgia Medigap is the conventional name of medical insurance plans often called Georgia Medicare Supplement Insurance. Medicare has many “gaps” left which can leave some rather substantial out-of-pocket costs. Medigap is designed to supplement Medicare or put differently “fill in” Medicare gaps. Georgia Medigap is provided by private insurance firms but controlled by both state and federal law. Medigap supplemental policies are not an alternative to traditional Medicare like Medicare Advantage Plans, but instead work with Medicare.

Georgia Medigap plans are available in essentially ten flavors and are labeled with the letters A through N. The letters E,H,I, and J are no longer used. Medigap plan A is usually the least expensive of the plans but delivers the least level of coverage while Medigap plan F provides the best coverage. The most popular plan is Medigap plan F with Medigap plan G a near second. Medigap plan F covers 100% of the coinsurance, deductibles, copayments, and even the excess charges not covered by Medicare. Medigap plan G is identical to plan F apart from not covering the yearly deductible for Medicare Part B. Frequently the yearly savings on the Medigap plan G premium is greater than the cost of the Medicare Part B deductible so it is a plan clearly worth considering.

For most, the best time to obtain a Georgia Medigap plan is when you are turning 65. During the first six months from when you turn 65 or whenever you first purchase Medicare Part B the insurance companies are not able to turn you down and there is no medical underwriting. This is a significant benefit because there are numerous medical conditions that will normally prevent you from purchasing Medicare supplemental insurance.

When searching for a Georgia Medigap plan it is important to note that the plans are all standardized. This means every plan by the same letter provides the exact same coverage. So Medigap plans provided by AARP, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Woodmen of the World all provide identical coverage even though the companies all have premiums that can vary greatly in cost.

One of the great benefits of having a Georgia Medigap plan compared to say Medicare Advantage is that Medigap is guaranteed renewable and cannot be canceled as long as you continue to keep paying the premiums. Medigap changes are also usually phased in for first time purchasers and allow existing policyholders to retain their current policies.

MedigapWhen it is time to purchase a Georgia Medigap plan it is best to utilize the services provided by an independent agent. Independent insurance agents do not just sell insurance for one particular insurance company. They are able to pull quotes from all of the insurance companies in your area ensuring you get the most affordable price. Before you request insurance quotes on any website be sure to read the fine print. Many websites are there for the sole purpose of collecting your information to sell out to a lot of insurance agents or companies. This will provide you with a bunch of duplicate quotes and a lot of hassle. One good independent agent will get you the same information (possibly better), at the same price, and save you time and trouble.

Medigap QuotesClick here to get your Medigap quotes from an independent insurance agent

Medigap What It Is And How To Save

Mar 202012
 

MedigapMedigap is the conventional name for health insurance plans also called  Medicare Supplement Insurance. Medicare has lots of “gaps” left that are able to leave some rather substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap is designed to supplement Medicare or in other words “fill in” Medicare gaps.  Medigap is provided by private insurance companies but regulated by both state and federal law. Medigap supplemental insurance policies are not an alternative to original Medicare like Medicare Advantage Plans, Instead they work with Medicare.

There are basically ten Medigap plans labeled using the letters A through N.  The letters E,H,I, and J are not used. Medigap plan A is commonly the least costly of the plans but also provides the least amount of coverage while Medigap plan F has the most coverage. The most popular plan is Medigap plan F with Medigap plan G a near second. Medigap plan F covers 100% of the coinsurance, deductibles, copayments, as well as the excess charges that come with Medicare. Medigap plan G is the same as plan F except for not covering the yearly deductible for Medicare Part B. Quite often the annual savings on the Medigap plan G premium is more than the cost of the Medicare Part B deductible so it is a plan clearly worth looking into.

When shopping for a Medigap plan it is important to understand that all the plans are standardized. This means that every plan by the very same letter provides the exact same coverage. So Medigap plans provided by AARP, Gerber, New Era, and United all provide the very same coverage even though the companies charge different premiums.

The best time to purchase a Medigap plan is when you are turning 65. During the first six months from when you turn 65 or when you first purchase Medicare Part B the insurance companies are not able to turn you down and there is no medical underwriting. This is a huge benefit because there are many medical conditions that will normally stop you from purchasing Medicare supplemental insurance.

Among the great benefits of having a Medigap plan in comparison to say Medicare Advantage is that Medigap is guaranteed to be renewable and cannot be terminated as long as you continue to keep paying the premiums. Medigap changes are also phased in for first time purchasers and permit existing policyholders to keep their current plans.

Medigap PlansWhen it is time to purchase a Medigap plan it is best to take advantage of the services of an independent agent.  Independent agents do not just sell insurance for one particular insurance company. They can pull quotes from all the insurance companies in your community making sure you get the most affordable price. Before you request quotes on any internet site be certain to read the fine print. Many websites exist only to collect your information and the sell it out to a whole bunch of insurance agents and companies. This will get you a bunch of duplicate quotes and a lot of hassle. One good independent agent can get you the same information, at the same price, and save you time and trouble.

 

Medigap QuotesClick here to get your Medigap quotes from an independent insurance agent

Continental Life a Very Competitive Medicare Supplement

Mar 172012
 

Continental Life MedigapContinental Life has become a very competitive insurance provider in the Medicare Supplement World, especially in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and several other states.  If you are turning 65, Continental Life is definitely one of the companies whose rates you should check if they are servicing your area.  Here is why:

  • VERY competitive rates
  • Rate stability
  • Small company personality with BIG company capability
  • 12-month rate guarantee
  • Financial strength – rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best

Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood, Tennessee (CLI) is now an Aetna company which further enhances the company’s financial strength.  CLI has been offering Medicare Supplement and other senior insurance products since 1983 supported by friendly personalized customer service.  CLI provides plan options that are both affordable and will meet most clients’ needs.  All Medicare supplemental insurance plans provided by CLI are of course guaranteed renewable so clients not only get the protection that they need but that they can trust. With a Medicare supplement by Continental Life you control who cares for you and you are assured of being protected without the worries of reduced benefits or cancelled coverage.

 

Continental Life Medicare Supplement QuotesRequest Medicare supplement quotes to see if Continental Life is offering the best deal in your area.

CA. Health Advocates See Shifting California Medicare Supplement Cost

Mar 142012
 

California Health Advocates published an article stating that President Obama’s budget includes a projected savings of $2.5 billion by imposing a surcharge on Medicare beneficiaries who buy Medicare supplement insurance also called Medigap.  The Article says the average person would see their Medicare supplement annual premium rise by around $400.

California Health Advocates (CHA) state that they support containing Medicare cost and that this would “make beneficiaries pay more for their care as a way to reduce Medicare costs, but would do nothing to address the skyrocketing costs of health care services”.  California Health Advocates go on to say that they will oppose Medicare changes that result in higher out-of-pocket cost for an already vulnerable population and that half of all Medicare beneficiaries have annual incomes of $22,000 or less.

California Medicare supplementIt is clear that as the Baby Boomer generation hits the turning 65 age group that Medicare will be challenged to provide the same level of services that seniors have had in the past.  Prevalent in the discussion is allowing the government to means test treatments, raising copayments and raising deductibles.  Though cost sharing will most likely be a part of the solution it be would responsible for our Government to also work diligently on cleaning up the fraud, waste, and abuse the is prevalent in Medicare.  It is good to see that there are non-profit organizations like California Health Advocate that work  to keep an eye on our Government and to keep us informed.

Turning 65 and live in California?  When you turn 65 you have a six month open enrollment period during which the insurance companies cannot refuse to sell you California Medicare supplement insurance. This is the best time to protect yourself.  After your open enrollment period has past you will have to go through medical underwriting and can be turned down for insurance.

Click to read the full article President’s 2013 Budget Proposes Shifting More Medicare Costs to Beneficiaries

Medicare Supplement Quotes If you are shopping for California Medicare supplemental insurance please click here. One of our agents will pull Medicare supplement quotes for you and email them to you.

Cell Phones Star Trek and Medicare

Mar 142012
 

A recent article in the New York Times entitled Monitoring Your Health with Mobile Devices by Peter Wayner describes how the future in medical treatment will most likely involve your cell phone.

For those who are not aware of just how smart a smart phone has become consider that many are now more powerful than entire computers were just a few years ago.  With the ability to now connect medical devices to them it seems those long ago days when doctors made house call will soon come again.  The Doctors will just be visiting through your cell phone.

So what does this mean to Medicare and hopefully Medicare supplemental insurance?  Better treatment at a lower cost.  The article states that these devices will help give people real command over many diseases, provide people much needed information, and enable them to make smarter decisions in real time.  If these devices help to lower medical cost then that translates into Medicare being able to provide better services to seniors.

As the Baby Boomers are just starting to hit the Medicare Age, Medicare will need every edge to provide for them.  Peter Wayner’s article states that Johnson & Johnson has also spoken publicly about developing similar devices. The ultimate goal would be to replicate the full-body diagnostic “tricorder” from the TV show “Star Trek”.  That goal is being encouraged by a $10 million prize put up by Qualcomm, the smartphone chip maker, through the X-Prize Foundation.

We don’t have “tricorders” yet, but we do have Medicare supplement insurance.  If you are turning 65 be sure to protect yourself from the gaps left in Medicare.  It would be a shame to have your bank account “beamed-up” by some heavy hitting medical bills.  When you turn 65 you have a six month open enrollment period during which the insurance companies have to sell you a plan.  So don’t miss it!

When you get your quotes through us we will find the lowest priced Medicare supplemental insurance in your area.  The money you save may very well cover the cost of your next smart phone!

Click here to read the article Monitoring Your Health with Mobile Devices

Medicare Supplement Quotes If you are shopping for Medicare supplemental insurance please click here. One of our agents will pull Medicare supplement quotes for you and email them to you.

Medicare Supplement Plan F When Getting an F is Good!

Feb 282012
 

When someone turns 65 more than likely they will end up researching Medicare and Medicare supplement plans. Medicare is controlled through both the state and federal government and is available in three parts. Not everybody get all three. Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are available to help cover what Medicare leaves for you to pay out of your own pocket. When looking at Medicare supplement plans remember that when it comes to Medigap getting an F is good.

Medicare Part A is essentially hospital insurance that covers you when you find yourself admitted to a hospital for treatment. Part A does cover some other cost however the basic gist of it is that you need to be admitted to a hospital. Everyone that receives Medicare will receive Part A. There is a $1,156 deductable (2012) attached to Part A which means that the initial $1,156 on your bill belongs to you. If you’re unlucky enough to become admitted into a hospital a few months later you get to pay the $1,156 deductible all over again.

Medicare Part B is considered doctors insurance because it helps to cover your outpatient bills. Not everyone gets Part B. If you have Medicare Part B you will pay a monthly premium out of your Social Security check for $99.90 (2012). There will be a yearly deductible of $140 that you will have to pay first before Medicare pays any part of the bill. With Medicare Part B you will also pay 20% of all your doctor bills and then any excess charges. Under Medicare doctors may charge you an additional 15% on top of what Medicare pays this is called an excess charge.

Medicare Part D covers prescriptions. Part D can vary wildly by area, coverage, and medications covered. It is advisable to examine and purchase Part D right on the Medicare web-page. You will want to make certain that any prescriptions you’re currently taking are covered by the plan you chose. Even if you are not currently taking any prescriptions It is advisable to get at least some minimum coverage via Part D when you turn 65. Wal-Mart or a similar plan is often a good option.

Medicare supplement plan F

So when you are considering Medicare supplement plans one might ask how’s getting an F great? Medicare supplement plans provide basically ten different amounts of coverage. They utilize the letters A through N skipping E,H,I, and J. The Medicare supplement plan with the most coverage is plan F. Medicare supplement plan F is one of the most popular and it is also guaranteed issue when a person is turning 65. Guaranteed issue means that for most people the insurance company can’t turn you down for insurance, you are not required to take a physical, and there is almost no medical underwriting.

Medicare supplement plan FHere’s what Medicare supplement plan F covers: All of Medicare Part A hospital cost up to an additional year after your Medicare benefits are used up, all of Medicare Part B cost and co-payments, the first three pints of blood that Medicare does not cover, Part A hospice care both co-insurance and co-payments, skilled nursing facility co-insurance cost, Medicare Part B excess charges, and plan F also covers some foreign travel emergency cost. As you can see, when it comes to Medicare supplement plans, getting an F is good!

Click here to get quotes for Medicare supplement plan F, G, and N or other plans you may be interested in.

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