Georgia Medicare Plans

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How Much Do Insurance Agents Charge?

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How much do insurance agents charge? Can I get a lower premium by going direct to the carrier? Do insurance agents charge a consulting fee AND get a commission? How much do agents earn when a policy is sold? Where can I get a quote without a sales pitch from an agent?

Comparing prices and coverage can be confusing. A good insurance agent can help.

Do Insurance Agents Charge for a Quote?

Some insurance agents will charge a fee but most don’t.

In Georgia, agents are prohibited from charging a fee AND collecting a commission or service fee. I have never charged anyone a fee and never will.

All I ask is an opportunity to EARN a right to your business. If an insurance agent charge for quote, walk away

Finding the Best Price

Smart shoppers will compare pricing before buying almost anything, and this includes insurance. That’s fine as long as you understand the coverage you have and what you need. Unfortunately too many folks assume all plans are the same and look for the lowest price.

Big mistake.

Some Medicare supplement carriers are new to the business. In 2021 there are a number of carriers with fewer than 3 years in the Medicare business.

Most of those will probably abandon the state in a couple of years. Folks who bought a plan from them should change to another carrier if they can.

But some won’t be healthy enough to purchase a a new policy. This is one of the dangers in buying a plan based on price without knowing the history of the carrier.

Setting the Clock on Your VCR

If you knew how many people could not program their VCR and the display was always flashing the time as 12:00 you would realize how frustrating it can be to shop for insurance.

insurance agent charge
How much do insurance agents charge?

Comparing Medicare options is simple, right?

All Medicare supplement G plans are the same, so just look for the one with the lowest premium. Right?

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost Less Than a Supplement Plan?

Some Medicare Advantage plans don’t charge a premium and have all this free stuff like dental and vision. That is obviously a better deal than paying for a supplement plan. Right?

What is Medicare? Is Medicare better than group health insurance? When should I enroll in Medicare? Is Medicare FREE?

Which medicare plan is BEST? Is Medicare Advantage better than Medicare supplement? Am I required to have a Medicare drug plan? Does Medicare cover pre-existing medical conditions? Is there a late enrollment penalty? Can I enroll in Medicare anytime?

Do I need a cancer insurance policy? Do I need hospital insurance? Does Medicare cover dental care? Can I leave a Medicare Advantage plan at any time?

How does Medicare Advantage work? Medicare Advantage vs Medicare supplement, which is better?

How much are Medicare supplement plans in 2021?

Compare Medicare supplement rates and plans at GA Medigap Rates
https://www.gamedigaprates.com/

Do I Need a Medicare Insurance Agent or Can I Do It Myself?

Medicare is government sponsored health insurance for over 60 million people. Most beneficiaries are retired, age 65 and older.

How do you find answers to your Medicare questions WITHOUT getting a SALES PITCH?

Everyone wants to talk. No one wants to listen and answer . . . until you BUY SOMETHING.

Something you don’t want, don’t need and can’t afford.

Medicare explained using words you can understand. A Medicare 101 course if you will. Bob Vineyard is a knowledgeable Medicare insurance agent who is also enrolled in Medicare. Bob is a Medicare expert who will take the time to listen to your questions and give answers to your questions.

Give me 10 minutes by phone. Ask ANY question. How does Medicare work?

I can tell you.

What’s the difference in Medigap and Medicare supplement? Is plan G good?

Like Kleenex and tissue, Medigap and Medicare supplement are two ways of saying the same thing.

How easy was that?

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, this may be your only chance to purchase a Medicare supplement plan in Georgia. Full report with Medicare supplement rates for ALL Georgia Medigap carriers. Anthem GA Medigap rates include Silver Sneakers

You don’t have to receive Social Security to enroll in Medicare insurance. CMS is the agency that oversees Medicare.

How to enroll in Medicare? You may sign up for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and 3 months following your 65th birthday. You may enroll online (highly recommended), by mail or by visiting a Social Security office.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

Do I Need Other Insurance or is a Medigap Plan Enough?

Health care is expensive. Finding good healthcare and affordable health insurance for retirees on a fixed income isn’t always easy.

How does Medicare work? Is Medicare Advantage right for me or is Medigap better? Can I change my plan at any time?

Medicare videos offer a way to learn about Medicare at your own pace.

What is Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D? Do I need all of these plans?

What is GoodRx? If I have a GoodRx card do I need a Medicare prescription drug plan too?

Should I have a cancer insurance plan and a plan to pay me while I am in the hospital? Does Medicare cover dental care? Do I need a dental insurance plan? How much do they cost?

When Medicare Supplement Rate Increases are Outrageous

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How often do Medicare supplement rates increase? What is average premium increase? Where can I find supplement plan rate histories? Do plan F Medigap rates increase more than other plans? Why are my rates so high?

Shop Georgia Medigap rates. Follow the link below to compare rates.

https://www.gamedigaprates.com/

All good questions but here is something you should know.

Tracking rate increase histories doesn’t matter. This video explains why.

Medicare Supplement Rate Increase History

Why Medicare Supplement Rate Increase Histories Don’t Matter

Don’t worry about previous rates. The history of a particular plan or carrier does not allow you to predict future rate increases.

  • Renewal rates are market driven
  • Renewal rates also reflect loss ratios
  • Loss ratios impact renewal rates but are tempered by market share
  • Medigap carriers rarely stay in a particular market longer than 3 or 4 years
Medicare supplement rate increase history
Medigap Rate Sticker Shock

Medicare supplement rate increases are market driven

During the last few years most Medigap carriers did not care about offering competitive plan F rates. This is especially true for “household” name brands. Carriers that market direct to consumers know folks will buy their product without shopping rates. Popular brands include Anthem Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna and AARP/United Healthcare.

Name recognition, size and financial strength may be a consideration for most products. But this criteria does not extend to Medigap plans.

All Medicare supplement carriers pay claims on a timely basis. Most are paid in 3 to 5 days once the claim is received from Medicare.

When you pay more for your Medigap plan you don’t get more, you simply paid too much.

Some carriers that are new to the market are aggressively pricing their G plan. Don’t get sucked into a low entry rate. Ask #GAMedicareExpert Bob Vineyard for advice. Never any charge.

Loss ratios drive renewal Medicare supplement rate increases

Some carriers will intentionally underprice their plans to attract market share. These plans and rates may be very competitive for a year or two before the renewal increases are double digit.

Don’t get lured into a low price offered by a carrier that has only been in the Georgia Medicare market a few years.

Low rates and loose underwriting will generate high loss ratios. What follows are huge rate increases and the possibility the carrier will withdraw completely from the market.

When that happens Medicare supplement rate increases change by double digits.

Medigap carriers come and go

As of May 2019 there are almost 50 carriers writing Medicare supplement plans in Georgia. Over the last 4 years or so we have seen at least 20 carriers leave the market and be replaced with lower priced plans. Often the departing carrier is owned by a large, brand name carrier. The parent company introduces another subsidiary with lower rates than the retired carrier.

Don’t get sucked into buying a plan from a carrier that is owned by a household name. That subsidiary will probably leave Georgia within 3 to 4 years. Future rate increases are almost always significantly higher than companies that are still writing new business.

Ask a Medicare expert for advice

Bob Vineyard has over 45 years in the health insurance industry and is also on Medicare. You have questions? We have answers.

Here is my offer.

Give me 10 to 15 minutes by phone to answer your questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with my approach or believe you can get better help and advice elsewhere, move on. We part as friends.

This isn’t personal, it’s just business.

But if you like what I have to offer and would like my help navigating the Medicare maze, let’s do business. Never any pressure. It is always at your pace.

This is what I call an offer you can’t refuse.

#MedicareSupplementRateIncreaseHistory #MedigapRateIncreaseHistory #GAMedicarePlans

Do I Need Medicare Supplement?

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Do I need a Medicare supplement plan?

If I have Medicare, do I need a supplement insurance plan? Is supplemental coverage a waste of money? How is an Advantage plan different from Medigap insurance?

Do I need a Medicare supplement plan?

Where can I find Medigap Rates Without a Sales Pitch?

Isn’t Medicare Enough? How much does a Medicare supplement plan cost? Where can I see Medigap rates?

Do I need a Medicare insurance agent?

Is an Advantage Plan Better?

Do you like your doctor? Would you like to keep your doctor? Will your doctor accept all Medicare plans?

What if I don’t want an HMO? Is a PPO plan better? Do I need a referral? Does Medicare require pre-authorization?

Budget Medical Bills with a Supplement Plan

Would you have trouble paying a big medical bill? Could you pay $7,000 for medical care if you needed it? Is $1500 more affordable? Do you have a line of credit or savings account?

Medigap insurance plans limit your out of pocket while preserving your right to use any doctor that accepts Medicare patients.

Could you borrow money from family or friends if needed to pay health care expenses?

With most Medicare Supplement insurance plans you can use any doctor, health professional or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare patients.

There are no networks or referrals. No worry about surprise billing with most Medigap plans.

How to Find the BEST Medigap Plans in Georgia

You have a problem.

How do you find answers to your Medicare questions WITHOUT getting a SALES PITCH?

Everyone wants to talk. No one wants to listen and answer . . . until you BUY SOMETHING.

Something you don’t want, don’t need and can’t afford.

Medicare explained using words you can understand. A Medicare 101 course if you will.

Give me 10 minutes by phone. Ask ANY question.

How does Medicare work?

I can tell you.

What’s the difference in Medigap and Medicare supplement?

Like Kleenex and tissue, Medigap and Medicare supplement are two ways of saying the same thing.

How easy was that?

GA Medicare expert Bob Vineyard can help. Never any selling. We shop for you, then let you select the plans that fit YOUR needs and budget.

If you want to allow me to be your agent I will be most happy to assist and offer continued service. Anytime you have questions just call or email.

You have entered the No Selling Zone.

Call (404)252.5859 or email [email protected] Watch our Medicare videos on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/c/GeorgiaMedicarePlans

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, this may be your only chance to purchase a Medicare supplement plan in Georgia. Full report with Medicare supplement rates for ALL Georgia Medigap carriers. Anthem GA Medigap rates include Silver Sneakers

You don’t have to receive Social Security to enroll in Medicare insurance. CMS is the agency that oversees Medicare.

How to enroll in Medicare? You may sign up for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and 3 months following your 65th birthday. You may enroll online (highly recommended), by mail or by visiting a Social Security office. SSA
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

Medicare is health insurance designed primarily for folks age 65 and older. Those who are younger than 65 may qualify if they are disabled or have end stage kidney disease.

Medicare has 4 parts.

Your red, white and blue card is broadly accepted by doctors and hospitals alike. No networks! Referrals never required. No prior authorization.

Medicare has Four Parts

Part A covers hospital inpatient charges and has a per admission deductible

Part B Medicare is for outpatient health care treatment. Doctor visits, labs, X-rays, MRI, CT scan (CAT scan), ambulance, ER, outpatient clinics, etc. Essentially any Medicare approved health care received outside the hospital setting. Treatment considered medically necessary under Medicare guidelines. Medicare Part B has a calendar year deductible. Once satisfied, Medicare pays 80% of the approved charge, you are responsible for the remaining 20%.

When you have original Medicare, YOUR DOCTOR AND YOU decide on the care you need. You don’t need approval by an insurance carrier before can receive testing or treatment.

Most seniors worry about hospital stays, but your major expenses will more than likely fall under Medicare Part B outpatient expenses. Original Medicare stand alone has no cap on your out of pocket expenses.

You pay until you run out of money, get well or die.

Why is Medicare Part D Confusing?

Seniors often buy the wrong drug plan and spend too much on their prescription plan. Seniors on Medicare spend an average of $263 per month on prescription medications.

Lower your medication bill by only using your drug card when necessary. The right drug plan will save a lot on brand names but you will almost always pay MORE for generics.

Consider paying cash or using GoodRx instead for maximum savings. Also look for drug plans that have a deductible.
https://youtu.be/LaA9NnFeBXI

Medicare Advantage is Like a Store Credit Card

How are Medicare Advantage plans like a store credit card?

Your Friends May Offer the Worst Advice

Your friends that are on Medicare are probably still confused about what they have and how it works. I know this because I talk to people every day that were told something about Medicare that is 100% wrong and will prove very costly down the road.

They are probably very good at many things, but Medicare experts they are not.

Ask your friends who THEY talked to in making their decision. If they were pleased, ask for a recommendation. Then you talk with that person and decide if they are giving solid advice or simply pushing a product.

Sadly, most agents talk too much and never listen to your needs.

If they bought a $0 premium Advantage plan (along with a bunch of junk to fill the gaps), or Medigap plan F they will learn to regret that choice later down the road.

Things You Probably Don’t Know

When you turn 65 you have ONLY ONE Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). During that time you can purchase ANY PLAN from ANY CARRIER without answering health questions. Your initial enrollment for Medigap begins the month when you turn 65 AND go on Medicare Part B. It ends 6 months later.

During your IEP you can freely change Medigap plans within the same carrier or move from one carrier to another without penalty. Most people we talk to will end up paying a lot more for their coverage than was necessary. It is not too late to change. Don’t let pride stop you from making a better financial decision. (More on this later)

When Can I Enroll or Change Plans?

You have 60 days from the time you turned 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B to pick a Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. If you wait, your next opportunity will be during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and you will pay a LIFETIME late enrollment penalty.

If you bought an Advantage plan and then learned that was the wrong decision you can still purchase a suitable Medigap during your IEP. This happens with some frequency so no need to feel embarrassed.

Many of the newer Advantage plans are “front end loaded” so you pay most of the costs of your care without the benefit of a copay. The networks are also more restrictive than you may have been accustomed to with traditional health insurance.

Get instant GA Medigap quotes, then request our FREE Medicare Supplement rate report that shows ALL the Medicare supplement rates.

Discovering What You Bought

Medigap “gotcha’s”

Medigap is simple, but not as simple as some might think. Sure, the plans are standardized. All plans with the same letter (plan F for example) are identical in every way except the price you pay.

But the simplicity stops there.

Financial ratings don’t matter. “A” rated carriers like AFLAC and Omaha have sucker punched retirees in the past. Offer a low going in rate then substantial increases in later years. Sometimes they stop writing new business with that carrier name.

Then what happens?

Picking the Right Medigap Carrier

Look for LONG TERM STABILITY in the Medicare supplement market. If a carrier doesn’t have at least 5 years in the Medigap market operating under the SAME NAME, you probably want to cross them off your list.

The carrier names are interchangeable and every 3 – 4 years an old carrier will be swapped for a newer one that has rates 20 – 30% below the “old” carrier. The new, lower rates are only for NEW APPLICANTS.

Some carriers have “hot” rates in Georgia right now. But none of them have more than 2 years in the Medigap business an at least one has already had a 9% rate increase.

Which Carrier Did I Pick for My Own Coverage?

My choice

You don’t have to do what I do but consider this. I have more experience in the health insurance business than anyone you have talked to so far. There are some paths I won’t take because I know the pitfalls. Maybe you should do the same.

I enrolled in Medicare in September 2015. How many agents have you talked to so far that are also on Medicare?

My guess is none.

I didn’t buy a plan from any carrier with less than 5 years in the Medigap business.

I didn’t buy Medicare supplement plan F.

I didn’t buy a Medicare Advantage plan. Even if I did, I certainly would NOT buy a hospital indemnity plan, a cancer plan, a heart attack plan, etc to fill the gaps. An agent that pushes those policies is all about making as much money as possible off you.

It’s Your Plan and Your Money

Choose wisely.

Ultimately, whatever choice you make should fit your needs and budget. I don’t expect everyone to make the same decisions I make, nor would I pressure anyone to buy something just because I am doing it. But I do believe my clients deserve to know the choices I will make and why I am making them.

There are more than 250 different Medigap plans and rates in Georgia. You probably looked at half a dozen or less. What did you miss by not seeing ALL the rates?

There are only TWO or THREE Medicare supplement carriers with competitive rates that have 5 or more years in the Medigap business. If you didn’t buy from them you probably are, or will eventually be, paying too much.

When you pay more you don’t get more. You simply paid too much.

Let me know how I can help. Call (404) 252-5859 to speak with Bob Vineyard. 

#GeorgiaMedicareSupplementRates #GAMedicareExpert #GAMedicareAgent

How to Find the BEST Medicare Plan?

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How do you find the BEST Medicare plan in Georgia? The one that is right for you AND your budget? GA Medicare expert Bob Vineyard explains.I did not say look for the lowest PREMIUM. I said BEST plan. Something that fits and is just right for you. Fits you like a glove . . .

find the medicare plan that is right for you
The One That is Right For You

Which is a better FIT for you? Original Medicare and a supplement plan, or an Advantage plan? Don’t let ANYONE try and SELL you something you don’t need, don’t want and can’t afford.

BEST Medicare Plans in Georgia

Where do you find the BEST GA Medicare plans?

Lucky you. We have a video that explains what you need to look for, what you need to avoid, and how to escape the pushy insurance agent.

Find the BEST Medicare Plan – An Offer You Can’t Refuse

Original Medicare and a supplement plan, or an Advantage plan? Don’t let ANYONE try and SELL you something you don’t need, don’t want and can’t afford.

How to Find the BEST Georgia Medicare Plan

GA Medicare expert Bob Vineyard reviews Georgia Medicare plans, news and options. Review our videos. Bob will help you find the RIGHT plan that fits YOUR needs and budget. The best Medicare plan in Georgia. Call (404)252.5859 or email.

There is nothing wrong with buying a Medicare plan online as long as you are prepared for a LOT of phone calls from agents wanting to sell you something you don’t need, don’t want and can’t afford.

Turning 65?

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, this may be your only chance to purchase a GA Medicare supplement plan. Full report with Medicare supplement rates for ALL Georgia Medigap carriers. Anthem GA Medigap rates include Silver Sneakers

You don’t have to receive Social Security to enroll in Medicare insurance. CMS is the agency that oversees Medicare.

How to Enroll in Medicare?

You may sign up for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and 3 months following your 65th birthday. You may enroll online (highly recommended), by mail or by visiting a Social Security office.

Original Medicare Explained

Original Medicare has 4 parts. Your red, white and blue card is broadly accepted by doctors and hospitals alike. No networks!

Medicare Part A covers hospital inpatient charges and has a per admission deductible

Medicare Part B is for outpatient health care treatment. Doctor visits, labs, X-rays, MRI, CT scan (CAT scan), ambulance, ER, outpatient clinics, etc. Essentially any Medicare approved health care received outside the hospital setting. Treatment considered medically necessary under Medicare guidelines. Medicare Part B has a calendar year deductible. Once satisfied, Medicare pays 80% of the approved charge, you are responsible for the remaining 20%.

Most seniors worry about hospital stays, but your major expenses will more than likely fall under Medicare Part B outpatient expenses. Original Medicare stand alone has no cap on your out of pocket expenses.

You pay until you run out of money, get well or die.

Medicare Part C is now referred to as Medicare Advantage. More on that later.

Medicare Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs. Some Advantage plans have drug coverage built into the plan.

Medicare is Confusing

Seniors will almost always buy the wrong drug plan and will spend too much every year. Average spending on prescription medication is $1 for every $6 spent on health care. If you spend $60 per month on doctor bills you can expect to spend another $10 on medicine.

Lower your medication bill by only using your drug card when necessary. The right drug plan will save a lot on brand names but you will almost always pay MORE for generics.

Consider paying cash or using GoodRx instead for maximum savings. Also look for drug plans that have a deductible.
https://youtu.be/LaA9NnFeBXI

Do All Doctors Take Medicare Advantage Plans?

Did you know that some doctors and hospitals do not accept ANY Medicare Advantage plans? What happens if your claim is DENIED? Maybe you don’t have the best Medicare plan after all.

Medigap and Advantage plans cover the same things, but what you pay out of pocket for your care, and where you receive your care, is very different.

Original Medicare does not have networks. You can use any doctor or hospital anywhere in the US. Another plus is the ABN form which is only used with Original Medicare.

Advantage plans are managed care plans. Some are PPO, some are HMO. In 2018 about half the plans are HMO with the balance being PPO. How are Medicare Advantage plans like a store credit card?