Georgia Medicare Plans

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Medicare Options – Who Works For You?

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Medicare options in Georgia – Who works for you? Who answers your questions? Explains original Medicare vs Advantage plan? Does not charge an upfront fee? Which advisor is not paid until YOU are satisfied?

Who works for YOU, not for an insurance carrier? Are you searching for PERSONAL service from an EXPERIENCED Georgia Medicare agent?

Medicare options - who works for you

Is the person you hired knowledgeable? Are they interested in helping you find what you need and want? Do they care what your budget will allow?

Or are you merely a “mark”? Just someone more interested in finding a way to transfer wealth . . . from your pocket into theirs?

Who works for YOU?

Who will explain about Medicare A, B, C, D and all the other letters? Who did you hire?

Medicare Options and Advice – Who Did You Hire?

Who takes the time to listen to your questions and provide answers you can understand? Who did you hire to help you navigate the Medicare maze?

Who works for you?

Are you one of those DIY folks? The kind of person who wants to do things by yourself?

Who Does Most of the Talking?

Are you encouraged to ask question or are you just listening to a sales pitch?

Do you get answers to things that are important to you or is the advisor simply pushing a product?

Does your advice coach seem genuinely interested in YOUR needs or are they more concerned about how much money they will earn when you finally buy something?

How Much Does Medicare Advice Cost?

Should you PAY someone to give you Medicare advice? If so, how much is that information worth to you?

Do you pay up front and hope the information is useful or pay later?

Which Medicare plan is right for you? Do you look for the lowest premium or is it more important for you to keep your doctor(s)?

Can you have a low premium AND unfettered access to care anywhere in the country?

When is the BEST Time to Enroll in Medicare?

How do I avoid a late enrollment penalty? Can I be denied coverage if I don’t enroll on time?

The number one mistake by folks who are new to Medicare is . . . not knowing WHEN to apply for coverage.

Should I sign up for Medicare before turning 65? Does it matter WHEN I enroll in Medicare?

When will my Medicare coverage become effective?

You have Medicare questions, I have answers. Give me 10 minutes on the phone. Ask any question. After 10 minutes if you don’t feel my information is helpful we hang up and part as friends.

It’s not personal, it’s just business.

That is my Offer You Can’t Refuse.

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?

Why Is Medicare Part D Confusing?

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Can I opt out of Medicare Part D? Do I need a Medicare drug plan if I don’t take prescription drugs? Can I change Medicare Part D at any time?

Most people sign up for Medicare Part D prescription-drug coverage when they are first eligible for Medicare at age 65.Your initial enrollment period starts three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and the three months after your 65th birthday.

If you miss your eligibility period you will pay a late enrollment penalty in addition to your regular premium. The penalty is payable for life.

How Does Medicare Part D Work?

Medicare Part D is confusing. Almost no one understands how it works. The few that do know can’t explain it. 800-MEDICARE can’t help, neither can your friends. Most agents have no clue and neither do volunteer counselors.

GA Medicare plan expert Bob Vineyard looks at the most confusing part, Medicare drug plans.

And the folks in Congress who designed the Medicare Part D program don’t understand it and they will never use the plan. Most carrier service reps who answer the phone MIGHT be able to explain their plan but they won’t have a clue about their competitors.

Am I Required to Buy a Medicare Drug Plan?

Why is Part D so difficult? Consider this.

The program was designed by folks in Congress who know nothing about health insurance and they turned it over to insurance carriers to manage. If you believe they DO know what they are doing just witness how they messed up Obamacare. And don’t overlook the misnomer for the law . . . the AFFORDABLE Care Act.

WHO thinks Obamacare is AFFORDABLE? How many got to keep their plan no matter how much they liked it? Which of you were able to keep their doctor?

So why do you think they got Medicare drug plans right?

Trust me when I say almost no one understands Part D.

Will I get a lower prescription price if I pay cash?

Medicare Part D

Medicare prescription drug insurance plans have moving parts. Some have a deductible, others do not. All have copay’s. Some copay’s are a flat dollar amount, others are a percent of the retail price. All plans have the donut hole. All plans have preferred pharmacy’s and drug formulary’s.

Some drug plans have a mail order option, others do not. Some mail order refills will save you money, others will not and some will even cost you MORE than filling at a pharmacy. The preferred pharmacy you use this year may not be favored next year.

Will you pay less for your medications if you pay cash or use a discount like GoodRx vs running everything through your drug plan? Are you better off running ALL your drugs through the Medicare Plan Finder or only checking prices on some of your med’s? Why will I pay a higher copay by using my drug plan vs a discount card?

Can I use a discount drug card like GoodRx?

Why should I buy a drug plan if I don’t need it? What is the penalty for not having a drug plan? Is it the same every month? How long will I have to pay the penalty? Can I pay the penalty from my HSA?

Can I save money by ordering from Canada? Why is it less expensive to pay cash, use a discount card or order from Canada?

Can I enroll in a drug plan at any time? Can I switch drug plans whenever I want? Do I need to review my prescription plan every year or can I just let it renew?

How do I find the BEST Medicare drug plan?

How much are agents paid to help with Part D? Are agents required to show me ALL the drug plans in my area? Why do agents only sell one or two plans? How many drug plans are offered in Georgia?

What is wrong with picking the plan with the lowest premium? Aren’t all drug plans the same? Why do I have to buy my drug plan from an insurance carrier? Many of the policies are from carriers I have never heard of. Why shouldn’t I just buy from the same company that sold me the Medicare supplement plan? Don’t I get a discount for buying Part D and Medigap from the same carrier? Is there a reason why I shouldn’t enroll in the same drug plan as my spouse?

My best friend says her plan is the best. What is wrong with buying the same plan she has? Can I use my PDP with any drug store? Can I continue to fill my prescriptions at the same pharmacy I have always used?

Medicare Adds Telehealth Consults

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Telehealth doctor phone consults covered by Medicare. Concern over the COVID-19 “pandemic” prompted Medicare to respond by allowing doctor “visits” by telephone.

Medicare covers telehealth and telemedicine services

What is Telehealth / Telemedicine?

Medicare telemedicine services include office visits, psychotherapy and other consultations. Real time two-way communication (video and audio) allows patient and doctor to have “FaceTime”.

With telemedicine you can receive medical advice anytime, anywhere, without leaving your home.

What if your doctor is unavailable when you have a medical crisis? The ability to use telehealth services is beneficial.

Telemedicine is Not New

Doctor/patient phone consults are not new. In home visits, especially in rural areas, are virtually impossible.

Telehealth services have existed since the 1950’s with the use of landlines. As phone technology improved cellular “smartphones” and computer tablets like iPads have expanded the ability to communicate.

New technology allow the doctor and patient to talk and see each other at the same time. This “Star Trek” approach to health care allows us to go where no one has gone before.

Insurance is not necessary to access services like GoodRx Care but it is nice to know that your red, white and blue Medicare card works for you.

Is Telehealth a Viable Business Model?

Telehealth is a two edged sword.

On one hand patients have access to REAL doctors who offer “FaceTime” type consults. Patients and doctors exchange information about overall health, aches, pains and concerns.

Consuling a real doctor with a medical degree is better than asking Dr. Google about symptoms.

Beyond the question of quality of care physicians will have to ask if this is a viable business model? Will telemedicine provide sufficient revenue to allow practices to survive?

Close to half of doctors are now using telehealth to treat patients as the COVID-19 pandemic changes practice patterns and how physicians deliver care.

That’s up from 18% of physicians using telemedicine two years ago, based on The Physicians Foundation’s “2018 Survey of America’s Physicians.” – Fierce Healthcare

So the good news is, more doctors are offering remote access consults. But the bad news?

Some medical practices are seeing a 60% dropoff in patient visits and a 55% reduction in revenue. Medical support staff is being laid off or having a reduction in hours.

Telemedicine is a short term solution to health care with a long term impact that is not workable.

A substantial minority of physicians (32%) said they plan to change practice settings, leave patient care roles, temporarily shut their practices or retire in response to COVID-19, the Merritt Hawkins survey found.

My Own Telemedicine Visit

A few weeks ago my family practitioner called to let me know they have temporarily suspended in office visits. My overall health is good. No chronic conditions but my doctor prefers to have 6 month follow up visits which include routine lab work.

They wanted to know if I would be willing to have a virtual office visit in place of the customary one.

I thought about it for a moment. No need to get dressed, no mask, no hand sanitizer routine. I won’t have to strip and put on a hospital gown. Won’t have to weigh in.

What’s the downside?

Let’s go for it.

The overall visit took about 20 minutes. My doctor was more chatty than normal. Even greeted me with “Hi Bob” like we were old friends.

She had questions for me, primarily about alcohol consumption during COVID-19 “lock in”. Also asked about what I was eating and how was my weight?

Normally I only drink on weekends, having a glass of wine or two with supper. Now I find myself having wine closer to 5 nights per week vs the usual two.

Is that a bad thing?

No, not really. Just don’t let it get away from you was her response. Same with your weight.

Because I had read about doctors losing money on virtual visits I wondered about the bill.

A month later I had my answer.

Normally these visits run around $450 (gross charges) including lab. After Medicare repricing the total comes in around $150 or so.

My televisit was $210 repriced to $86.

Saves me money but how about the medical practice? How long can they survive with 40% less revenue?

I suppose time will tell.

Does Medicare Cover COVID Testing and Treatment in 2020?

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Does Medicare cover COVID testing? What are COVID-19 symptoms? Is Coronavirus treatment in and out of the hospital included in Medicare? How much will I have to pay for care?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Testing and Treatment?

Coronavirus testing is included in your Medicare Part B coverage. Your cost for testing should be $0 when the test is conducted by a lab, pharmacy, doctor or hospital.

Your test should be ordered by your doctor to diagnose or rule out the COVID infection.

You, as an individual, may choose to have the screening for personal reasons. This would not be considered medically necessary and would not be covered by Medicare.

What are COVID symptoms that indicate I may be infected?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Will Medicare Cover My Coronavirus Treatment in or out of the Hospital?

Seriously ill patients may need inpatient and/or outpatient services. Medicare covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays, some home health visits, and hospice care under Part A. Beneficiaries who need medical care following a hospitalization have coverage in a skilled nursing facility.

FAQ from Kaiser Foundation

You will find a wealth of information from the Washington Post. These reports are available at no charge. You do not need to register to view the articles.

Am I considered “high risk” for Contracting the Chinese Virus?

Older adults and those with compromised immune systems tend to be more susceptible to contracting the disease.

Medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, and asthma can tax your immune system putting you in a higher risk category than the rest of the population.

Additional information about COVID-19 from these resources
https://www.coronavirus.gov/
https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus

CORONAVIRUS Facts to Ease Your Fears

The CDC estimates the overall fatality rate is .26%.

Ninety-four percent of COVID-19 deaths involve, on average, 2.6 additional conditions or causes of death.

Those outside of nursing homes, the infection fatality rate is estimated to be just 0.13 percent.

About one-third of Covid-19 deaths occur in nursing homes, or other long-term care facilities.

For more information visit Flatten The Fear

What do I Need to Know about the Vaccine?

Coronavirus vaccines MAY prevent you from contracting the disease. As with any medication or vaccination, there may be side effects.

You may have pain or swelling where you received the shot.

You could also experience fever, chills, tiredness or headache.

Tests indicate the vaccine may be 90 to 95% effective in preventing the virus.

It is not yet known if the vaccine will prevent you from getting sick or it merely prevents you from having symptoms of the disease. “Full” protection may require a second dose.

Questions still remain about the vaccinations. Among those include:

What COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and how do they work?

Can the vaccine give you COVID-19?

Are there some people who should NOT get the vaccination?

If I have tested positive for the illness should I still get the vaccine?

Do I still need to wear a mask or practice social distancing after getting the shot?

Should I still use hand sanitizer and wash my hands after being in public?

Do I need to avoid contact with others if I have a fever or feel sick?

Medicare telehealth video

Coronavirus and Medicare Advantage plans.

Shop and compare Georgia Medicare plans and supplement rates. Bob Vineyard, GA Medicare insurance agent. Anthem Blue Cross Medigap rates available on request. Quoted on the phone and a report sent by email.

#CoronavirusAndMedicareCoverage #DoesMedicarePayForCOVID19TestingAndTreatment #GeorgiaMedicarePlans

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