medicare supplement plan Archives - Page 3 of 6

Can Your Insurance Company Cancel Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

A Medicare Supplement Plan can save you hundreds of dollars each year. These plans are sold by private companies to help cover the healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. They offer great benefits and savings, and can be especially helpful for older adults who are on a fixed income. But here’s a question: can you lose your Medicare Supplement Plan? It is rare, but yes, your insurance company does have the right to cancel your Medicare Supplement Plan under certain circumstances.

Providing False Information

When you apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have to provide your personal information, and in some cases, your medical history to the insurance company. If you provide false information, your insurance company can cancel your Medicare Supplement Plan. For example, if you are a smoker and lie about your tobacco usage, the moment the company finds out that you lied, they can retroactively cancel your plan.

In order to avoid this, make sure you are as honest as you can be on your application, and if anything changes over the years, make sure to contact your insurance company and let them know. Being transparent with them means you will not risk losing your Medicare Supplement Plan.

Failure To Pay

Things happen and situations change. Maybe your income has been reduced for some reason, or maybe some unexpected expenses have come into your life. Either way, you might fall behind on your Medicare Supplement Plan payments. If this happens, you will receive notices of delinquent payment from your insurance company; if you still do not pay, they will cancel your plan due to nonpayment.

To avoid this situation, be sure to make your payments on time. If you do have some financial difficulties, notify your Medicare Supplement Plan insurance company. Many companies will work with customers who are dealing with financial hardship. You can discuss your options with them and you might be able to work something out to keep your plan.

The Insurance Company Goes Bankrupt

Insurance companies are businesses, and they can go bankrupt. If your insurance company goes bankrupt or becomes insolvent, your plan will be canceled. Fortunately, even if this happens, you will still have guaranteed-issue rights, which means you will have 63 days after coverage ends to apply for another Medicare Supplement Plan. If you apply for a plan after the 63 days, you will face medical underwriting, which means an insurance company can use your pre-existing conditions to either raise the price of your plan, or deny you coverage.

Can You Switch Plans?

If you want to switch Medicare Supplement Plans to get more coverage or lower monthly premiums, you can, but the best time to do so is during the 6-month Medicare Initial Enrollment Period open to you when you turn 65, or if you lose your plan due to your company going bankrupt. These are the only times you can get a plan with guaranteed-issue rights. Outside of these times, you can still switch plans or sign up for a new plan, but you will be subject to medical underwriting.

If you are looking to switch plans or are in the market for a new plan, EZ.Insure can help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we are able to easily compare plans in your area in minutes. We will help you find a Medicare Supplement Plan that meets your financial budget and medical needs, so you can start saving money. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with a licensed EZ agent, call 888-753-7207.

3 Diseases That Affect Older Women More Than Men

Although research shows that women live longer than men, that does not necessarily mean they are healthier. Both women and men are likely to develop chronic conditions as they age, and women tend to die of some of the same conditions as men, including heart disease. That being said, there are certain diseases and conditions that are more likely to affect women than men.

1. Arthritis

x-ray picture of a knee bone/joiny — *More than half of seniors have arthritis, and women experience the worst of it.*

As we age, our joints begin to degrade, causing our bones to rub against each other. This can cause inflammation in our joints, and lead to arthritis, particularly in the knees, elbows, ankles and fingers. More than half of all seniors over the age of 65 have arthritis, but this condition tends to affect women more than men. Not only are women more likely to get arthritis, but they are more likely to experience worse pain in their joints than men are, and are more vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a more debilitating form of arthritis.

There are multiple reasons why more women are affected by arthritis than men:

Joint stability– Because women’s bodies are built for childbirth, their tendons have the ability to move around more making them more elastic and more likely to sustain injuries.
Obesity– Studies show that obesity is more common in women than men, and extra weight puts a lot of strain on the joints.
Hormones– As estrogen levels decrease, the hormones that cushion the cartilage deteriorate as well, causing inflammation.

If you’re one of the many older women suffering from arthritis, it is best to stay as active as possible, so that you do not lose your range of motion, and can lose weight if you need to. You should also consider working out with weights to build muscle around your joints.

2. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and more susceptible to breakage, is the most common form of arthritis. Of the 10 million Americans who are diagnosed with osteoporosis, 80% of them are women. This is because women’s bones tend to be smaller and less dense than men’s bones, and because hormonal changes (as mentioned above) in older women’s bodies lead to bone loss.

In order to slow down osteoporosis and bone loss, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, get plenty of exercise (especially weighted workouts), and eat a healthy diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D.

3. Heart Disease

It often surprises people to find out that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. Approximately 70% of women aged 60-79 are diagnosed with heart disease, and 87% of women over 80 have some form of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can lead to strokes, which is the third leading cause of death in American women. The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 American women will have a stroke, and more than half will die from it.

It is possible to prevent heart disease, or at least treat it even after experiencing a heart attack or stroke. To prevent or control heart disease, it is important to keep an eye on your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. Stick to a healthy diet focused on vegetables and fruits, and avoid consuming too much sodium and unhealthy fat. Be sure to exercise, as well as reduce (or quit) smoking and drinking, because both increase blood pressure.

It is no secret that women live longer than men do, but unfortunately a longer life can also mean more health problems. Women are also genetically more prone to suffer from certain health conditions like arthritis, due to hormonal changes and the elasticity of their joints. Because there are so many health conditions that can affect women, it is important to make sure that you are properly insured. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, and Part B covers 80% of other medical expenses – the other 20% will come out of your pocket. If you have a degenerative disease such as arthritis or heart disease, it is important to seek consistent treatment; this can become costly, but a Medicare Supplement Plan will pay for these costs.

There are a variety of Medicare Supplement Plans that provide different levels of coverage at different price points. If you are interested in getting more information about Medicare Supplement Plans so that you can save money on your medical bills, EZ.Insure can help. We will connect you with an agent who will assess your needs, compare plans in minutes, and find ways to help save you hundreds of dollars. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

Are Glaucoma Screenings Covered By Medicare?

Glaucoma is the cause of approximately 10% of cases of total blindness in the U.S. It mainly affects people over the age of 65; in fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that about 75% of those who are legally blind because of glaucoma are older adults. What’s worse is that doctors believe that about half of all people with glaucoma have yet to be diagnosed. In order to help save your sight, it is important to get screened for this disorder. If you have Medicare Part B, then you need to know how glaucoma screenings are covered.

illustration of an eye with it partially open showing the nerves and inside — *Glaucoma mainly affects people over 65 years old, and can cause blindness.*

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye and can lead to partial vision loss or blindness. It is often hereditary. There are three different types of glaucoma:

Primary open-angle glaucoma- causes gradual vision loss, and typically has no other signs or symptoms.
Normal tension glaucoma- the nerve is damaged even if there is no high fluid pressure in the eye. Eyesight changes in the center of the person’s vision.
Angle-closure glaucoma– a rarer type that develops quickly when fluid cannot drain from the eye. Symptoms include nausea, eye pain, headache, and sudden loss of vision.

Vision loss can happen gradually, so you may not notice anything until the damage is already done. This is why it is important to get screened for glaucoma regularly.

The Test

Glaucoma screenings are fairly simple. The doctor will put drops in your eyes to dilate them and then will use instruments to conduct the following tests:

Tonometry: measures fluid pressure behind your eye.
Ophthalmoscopy: examines your optic nerve.
Perimetry: tests your peripheral vision.
Gonioscopy: inspects the angle where your iris and cornea meet.
Pachymetry: measures the thickness of your cornea.

Medicare Coverage & Costs

Medicare part B will cover one glaucoma screening test every 12 months if you’re considered high-risk. High-risk individuals are those who:

Are over the age of 60
Have diabetes
Have a family history of glaucoma
Are African American and age 50 or older
Are Hispanic American and age 65 or older

Once you have met your deductible, Medicare will pay for 80% of the screening, and you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the test. If the test is done in an outpatient setting, you might also be responsible for any facility charges. If you require surgery to treat the glaucoma, Medicare Part A will pay for it.

hundred dollar bill sticking out of a wallet. — *Medicare Supplement Plans will help pay for what Original Medicare does not cover, which puts more money back in your wallet.*

Medicare Supplement Plan

As with most medical services, Medicare only covers 80% of glaucoma screenings. The 20% that you have to pay out-of-pocket for services can start to add up, especially if you are living on a fixed income. Medicare Supplement Plans help cover the gaps in your Medicare coverage, including your 20% out-of-pocket payments. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, all with different coverage at different price points. This means that you will be sure to find one that suits your needs.

To easily compare Medicare Supplement Plans in minutes, and to find an affordable plan that helps you save hundreds of dollars, talk to an EZ agent. Our agent will do all the work for you, inform you of the differences between each plan, and help you figure out which one will best suit your financial and medical needs. There is no obligation, just free quotes. Start comparing quotes for free by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment: Know Your Rights During Medicare Open Enrollment

Shopping for Medicare can be an exciting time; it is when you can find a plan that offers the coverage you need and saves you money. But it can also be a hectic and frustrating time, when you could get scammed or hounded by ads, calls, and mail telling you which plan to enroll into or which insurance company to use. Remember, you have rights during Medicare Open Enrollment, and knowing them will protect you from some of the nuisances that tend to happen at this time.

Limitations on Contact

Did you know that Medicare agents cannot call you without your consent? They can only contact you if you fill out a form agreeing to be contacted. You cannot be contacted:

If you do not have a relationship with the company.
By email unless you have agreed to receive emails from the agent.
With flyers, door hangers or visits to your home unless an agent has a scheduled appointment with you.

Limitations on Sales

If you do agree to be contacted by an agent, they can then talk to you about Medicare options that can help save you money. However, they are limited in what they can discuss with you. They cannot try to sell you all different kinds of Medicare plans; they can only speak to you about what you are interested in. You will fill out a Scope of Appointment form prior to the meeting, and this form will set limits on what they can discuss. For example, if you check that you are only interested in Medicare Supplement Plan options, then that is the only thing they will speak to you about.

person holding a cellphone with an unknown caller on the screen — Scammers will try to call to steal your information during the Open *Enrollment*, which is why it is important to never give out your information over the phone.

Be aware that no agent ever has the right to threaten you with taking away your benefits if you do not sign up for a plan. They also cannot try to bribe you with gifts to try and get you to sign up for a plan.

Side note: Scammers might try to call you and act as a representative from Medicare in order to try and steal your Medicare ID number and other personal information. No Medicare representatives will ever call and ask you for that information over the phone; if they do need to connect with you, they will send you something in the mail. Unless you specifically filled out a form to be contacted by a Medicare agent, hang up – and never give out any information over the phone!

Use A Professional Licensed Agent

With EZ.Insure, you will never have to worry about your privacy being compromised or your rights being violated. Our licensed insurance agents are highly trained and pride themselves on providing help in a professional yet caring manner. In order to protect you, EZ.Insure uses state-of-the-art technology to keep your information secure when you fill out our form. We go a step further by providing you with one and only one agent to work with- you will never get bounced around from agent to agent.

We work hard in order to make sure you save money. We’ll compare all available plans in your area, so you can find a Medicare Supplement Plan that will help pay for what Original Medicare does not. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

Will You & Your Spouse Be On The Same Medicare Plan?

You and your spouse are probably used to doing a lot of things together. While you were working, healthcare was probably one of the things that you participated in jointly. If you had an individual or employer-based insurance plan, you and your spouse were probably on one plan, which helped you to save money. So now that the time has come to enroll in Medicare, you might be wondering whether you can save money by being on the same Medicare plan. Because Medicare works differently from private insurance, the short answer is no. Medicare plans are issued on an individual basis, so you and your spouse cannot be on one plan.

How Medicare Works

medicare enrollment form with a pen laying on it — *You can delay Medicare Part B if you are working, and then enroll later without a penalty.*

Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, and others have to sign up for it manually. In most cases, this depends on whether you’re already receiving your Social Security benefits. If you are 65 and collecting Social Security, then you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare Part A. If you decide to hold off on collecting Social Security, then you will have to manually enroll in Medicare Part A when you turn 65.

Because Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, it is optional; this means you will have to sign up for it yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after you turn 65). If you do not enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, then you will face a late penalty for every year you push off Part B enrollment. If you are still working at 65, then you can opt out of Medicare Part B enrollment without facing a penalty fee, as long as your employer has 20 or more employees.

Both Medicare Parts A and B are plans for one individual person, offered by the government and paid for by the taxes you contributed while you were working. Even if your spouse is already enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare yourself, your plans will not be connected. As mentioned above, Medicare does not work in the same way as a private health insurance plan, which would allow you to join your spouse’s plan and receive the same benefits. Everyone enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B receives the same benefits; the differences in coverage comes when you choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans

money bills rolled up in a rubber band — *Medicare Supplement Plans will help you save on medical expenses based on your individual needs.*

Medicare Parts A and B are individually issued by the government; Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement Plans are private plans but are also connected to one individual beneficiary. Unlike Original Medicare, though, the coverage they offer differs from plan to plan and person to person. Each Medicare Supplement Plan will have different access to healthcare providers and different networks. What works for one person might not work for another. Because Medicare Part B only covers 80% of costs, many Medicare beneficiaries choose to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Supplement Plans are only sold on an individual basis, so you and your spouse will need to purchase separate plans, and may be offered different coverage depending on your needs. If you get a Medicare Supplement Plan through the same company, though, you might be able to take advantage of household discounts. Some companies will offer a discount if one or more members in your household have a plan from the same company.

When Choosing A Plan

Even if you could enroll in your spouse’s Medicare plan, doing so would not provide any extra benefits for you. All Original Medicare plans offer the same benefits, and the beauty of Medicare Supplement Plans is that there are 10 to choose from, so you can get benefits tailored to your needs. But in order to get maximum coverage and to save money, you will have to compare plans and research your options to determine which plan will best fit your financial and medical situation. For example, when looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you should talk to your doctors to make sure that they accept Medicare assignment and that they are in each plan’s network.

When you are ready to enroll in Medicare, contact an EZ Medicare agent. We want to make sure you can continue seeing your doctors, getting your medications, and being treated for any conditions. We also want to make sure that you can save money while doing so! We will research all possible options in your area and provide you with quotes so you can make an informed decision for your healthcare needs. All of our services are free, and there is no obligation to sign up. We want to help you get covered! To compare plans in minutes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Did you know that senior citizens over the age of 65 make up 14% of all chiropractic patients in the US? As people age, they can experience a loss of mobility due to bone and joint deterioration. This can lead to aches and pains that are felt throughout the body, especially the lower back. Some seniors experience frequent falls, which can be deadly. Approximately 9,500 deaths of older Americans each year are due to falls, and more than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or older. One of the treatments recommended by doctors for all of these issues is to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic visits might be recommended by your doctor, but are they covered under Medicare?

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a treatment system that is meant to help align your muscles and bones. Chiropractors will manipulate your spine by adjusting you with their hands. They do this in order to assess, diagnose, and treat health issues affecting the nerves, muscles, bones and joints, as well as to improve spinal motion.

Medicare Coverage

The only chiropractic service covered by Medicare is manual manipulation of the spine (spinal adjustment), if it is considered medically necessary. It is usually considered medically necessary if you have been diagnosed with a condition known as spinal subluxation, meaning that the bones in your spine are separated or have shifted out of position.

skeleton of the spine — *Medicare will only cover visits for the manipulation of the spine.*

Spinal adjustments are covered under Medicare Part B. With Medicare Part B, you can go to the chiropractor as many times as you need, as long as your visits are considered medically necessary. Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved rate for a spinal adjustment to treat subluxation. You will pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket, after you have met your Medicare Part B deductible.

It’s important to know that Medicare does not usually cover other services or tests that are ordered by a chiropractor. This includes x-rays, massage therapy, and acupuncture. The exceptions to this rule are acupuncture for lower back pain, and x-rays that have been ordered by your physician (not your chiropractor) to diagnose spinal subluxation.

Save More With A Medicare Supplement Plan

Chiropractic care can be beneficial, and sometimes even necessary to help ease your pain and save you from a bad fall that could lead to a broken hip or worse. But extra medical expenses can be difficult to fit into your budget when you’re living on a fixed income, even if it is just the 20% Medicare coinsurance. A Medicare Supplement Plan is a great way to save money on costs that Original Medicare does not cover. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and each will help you pay your 20% out-of-pocket costs; some even offer coverage for more services than Original Medicare.

If you are interested in learning more about these plans, an EZ agent can assist you. Our licensed agents will explain each plan’s coverage and costs, and will help you determine which is the best one to suit your specific needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-753-7207.