Category: Medicare Open Enrollment

Big changes are coming for Medicare next year, affecting your coverage and wallet. Medicare Supplement plans C and F will disappear. Part B premiums and deductibles will rise.  And for the first time since 2010, Medicare is changing the surcharges on high-income beneficiaries. Make sure you aware of all the changes ahead so you can…

It is more common for retired seniors to work. Almost 27% of people aged 65-74 are in the workforce, and the projected stats are rising. Some seek extra money, while others do it to pass the time. When you turn 65, you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you decide to go…

Medical underwriting is a process when a private insurance company reviews your medical history to determine whether they will provide you with coverage, how much to charge you, and whether to set a waiting period before coverage begins. If you have a lot of medical issues, you may have to pay more for coverage or…

Just when you think that you are aware of all the scams going around and feel educated and safe, another one is created. Unfortunately, scammers never stop trying to take your money and get your information. Just recently a new scam has surfaced with the promise of a free back, neck, or knee brace. While…

Every year from October 15 to December 7 is Medicare’s Annual  Enrollment. This is the time you can switch from Medicare to Medicare Advantage, and vice versa. You can also change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. [caption id="attachment_1973" align="alignleft" width="300"] Just because Medicare OEP is over, does not mean you do not have…

This past October, the CMS released the new rates for Medicare deductibles and copays for 2019. It is important to review the new rates to determine if it is affordable for you and your situation. If you can not afford the raised rates, then now would be the time to make some budget changes, or…

Medicare Supplement plans do not have annual enrollment periods, so it is important to know when to apply for one. The Medicare Supplement initial enrollment period is the time to sign up for a plan.  It is important to utilize this period if you need help paying Part B costs, or if you have pre-existing…

The end of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is right around the corner. From October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the ability to decide if they like what they have, or if they would like to switch. If you have what you want then great, but if you are not satisfied with it,…

Many Americans are turning 65 every day, and can be overwhelmed with the retirement costs to come, especially when unprepared. It is important to plan for retirement and costs for Medicare. Most people underestimate the expenses during retirement. It is important to research medical costs and plan accordingly. [caption id="attachment_1521" align="alignleft" width="300"] As you get…

Starting in April 2018, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services will be issuing new Medicare ID cards to Medicare beneficiaries. As stated on their website, www.cms.gov, the new cards issued will not have the beneficiary's social security number on them anymore to “prevent fraud, fight identity theft, and keep taxpayer dollars safe.” Instead, the…

Medicare Supplement plans are purchased to help relieve some of the burden that Medicare part A & B leave behind in the form of out of pocket expenses. Medicare covers only 80 percent of Part B costs and the 20 percent is left for the individual to pay. Even though it is only 20 percent,…

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. When you enroll in Medicare, it is important to understand how it works and whether or not you will need a Medicare Supplement plan to go with it. Once you pay your deductible, Medicare covers only 80% of your Part B…

The Federal Government has extended the time to sign up for Medicare, mainly the relief period, also known as the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), for people through September 30. Normally the annual open enrollment for Medicare is January 1st through March 31st. This time is when people who missed signing up for Medicare Part B…

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, has announced that beginning in 2019, there will be a continuous Medicare Open Enrollment Period which will now be January 1- March 31st. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to to make a one time change of plans. In 2011, the Affordable Care Act changed…

When enrolled in a Marketplace Insurance plan, it is important to make sure your household information is up to date every year. There may be benefits you are missing out on and possible consequences if you do not update. What Changes To Report         Changes to your income for the year, whether a raise or demotion…

The GOP tax bill that the Republicans have been working on, can lead to major cuts in Medicare funding and spending in 2018. The bill is estimated to cut $25 billion from Medicare starting 2018, and resulting in $400 billion over the next ten years. The Congressional Office has estimated a $1.5 trillion deficit to…

Medicare Supplement Insurance Does Not Have a Deadline Many senior citizens think that the Medicare Open Enrollment period is the only time they can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan. But, there is no deadline to purchase Medicare Supplemental Insurance. During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, everyone is busy picking a plan that is best for…

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced an extension of Medicare Open Enrollment for Americans affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. This special enrollment period will be extended for all Medicare beneficiaries to December 31st. The extension will give the families and individuals who were affected by the hurricanes the ability to enroll…