Making Change Less Stressful
Anyone you call to review your Medicare - whether it is me or someone else - is going to ask you for certain things. And there are good reasons to have that information ready.
No Need To Get Frustrated - Just Be Prepared.
Your Medicare Appointment will take about an hour. Don't expect it to be less.
For A Medicare Advantage Review
Expect to be asked for the following:
Your Medicare Card - A/B number and dates
Your current plan - card if you have it
If you have Medicaid - your case number
Your doctors - to ensure they are in network
Your medicines - to be made aware of copays
Your Pharmacy - to ensure it is preferred
Your Social Security number - if you don't have your Medicare/Medicaid numbers this is the only way an agent can access the necessary systems to get that information.
Be sure to read the "filling gaps" section to the right - it applies to Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Supplement Reviews
Be prepared to discuss your medicines, conditions, hospitalizations or anything significant in the last 2 years.
Guaranteed Issue Rights - if you have or are about to lose your plan because the carrier is closing up shop.
Many smaller carriers are closing up shop - they simply can't stay profitable in this economy. If that is happening to yours, you could have a guaranteed issue right to move to another company without underwriting.
Expect to have a short discussion about the math associated with these plans - sometimes they are very worthwhile. Other times, it may be time to move to Medicare Advantage.
Filling Gaps: Hospital Indemnity, Home Health Care and other Supplemental Plans
There are a couple of BIG gaps in Medicare Advantage if you don't have Medicaid.
One is the Skilled Nursing restriction for 20 days at $0 before they start charging you about $203-225 a day for up to 100 days. Ouch.
The other is your hospital inpatient copay - from $295 to $450 a day for x number of days, unless you have a Christus Medicare Advantage - that is a regional plan with a ZERO hospital copay. Be sure to call me about that if you're interested.
Hospital Indemnity Plans pay you directly - payments are triggered by medical events like those noted above and guaranteed issue is between 64 1/2 and 70 for the plan I prefer - low cost, great benefits, and if you're under 64 1/2, you can get a single $10K payment for one day in the hospital. Not kidding.
Home Health Care plans can provide great benefits for you to prevent your dependence on friends and family. Some folks don't have that luxury and really need a plan to back them up in times when they are alone. Something to consider if you are the independent type.