Georgia Medicare Plans

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When Can I Change My Medicare Plan in 2020?

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when can I change my medicare plan

Georgia seniors ask, “When can I change my Medicare plan?”. Which Medicare supplement plan is best? How do I find the best rate for Medicare supplement plan F? Instant free quotes. Compare Medigap costs in 60 seconds. PLUS get access to our FREE report showing ALL rates and plans based on your age and zip.

Can I change my Medicare plan?

The short answer is, you are eligible to buy a new plan or change your Medicare supplement plan at any time. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, there are no annual enrollment periods.

Is the best time to buy or change my Medicare plan is when I initially sign up for Medicare? Or can I swap plans at any time?

You also have guaranteed issue rights to buy a Medicare supplement plan.

Before asking “Can I change my Medigap plan?” you should compare Medigap costs.

Shop and compare Medigap costs

Ignore the hype. All Medicare supplement plans with the same letter are identical in every way except premium. Click the image below to shop and compare Medigap costs. Instant free quote.

shop and compare medigap costs

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

Which Medicare supplement plan is best?

Medicare supplement plans have standardized benefit structures. Once you pick a plan design that fits your needs, the only other consideration is can you find a plan to fit your budget?

How do I find the best rate for Medigap plan F?

The easiest way is to shop and compare online, but you probably will not see the best rates. Many Medigap carriers do not allow their rates to be published online.

How do you know plan F is best for you?

Did you know that almost 70% of Georgia seniors buy Medicare supplement plan F simply because that was the only plan that was explained?

If you wanted to buy a car, and the salesman only showed you 4 wheel drive SUV’s, would you be satisfied?

Most of my clients NEVER buy Medigap plan F. Do you know why?

Bob Vineyard and Georgia Medicare plans have access to rates from some of the lowest cost plans in Georgia. Ask for a personalized Medicare supplement quote.

Can I Drop my Medicare Advantage Plan Anytime?

To switch to a new Medicare Advantage Plan, simply join the plan you choose during one of the enrollment periods. You’ll be disenrolled automatically from your old plan when your new plan’s coverage begins.

Unless you have other drug coverage, you should carefully consider Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. Remember, you may only be able to switch at certain times of the year.

When are the Medicare Enrollment Periods?

January 1 to March 31 – General enrollment for Medicare Part B, for people who didn’t sign up when they were first eligible (this is also the general enrollment period for people who have to pay premiums for Medicare Part A and didn’t sign up when first eligible).

January 1 to March 31 – Medicare Advantage open enrollment period: People who already have Medicare Advantage can switch to Original Medicare (plus a Part D prescription drug plan) or to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

October 15 to December 7 – Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Part D.

Don’t disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan until you know for certain you can qualify for a Medigap plan.

Final notes

If you have Medigap plan F, you definitely should consider a change in your Medicare plan.

When you bought your Medigap plan, did you buy from Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha or United Healthcare (AARP)? If so, you probably are paying too much.

Maybe you bought a Medicare Advantage plan. The low premium seemed like a good idea at the time. The REAL cost of an Advantage plan is how much you pay when you receive medical care.

Advantage plans are great until you use them.

Can I change my Medigap plan?

You decide.

#CanIChangeMyMedicarePlan

#GAMedigapRates

#GeorgiaMedicareSupplementPlans

Do All Doctors Take Medicare

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Do all doctors take Medicare? The answer may surprise you. Which Medicare plans are widely accepted by Georgia doctors? Can my doctor refuse to take my Medicare plan? What happens then? How do I find physicians that take Medicare?

Do all Georgia Doctors take Medicare?

The short answer is no. A better answer is, most doctors DO accept Medicare patients. But some Georgia medical practices are not currently taking new Medicare patients or may have a waiting list for new patients.

This is especially true if you have a Medicare ADVANTAGE plan.

Do all doctors take Medicare

Finding a Medicare Doctor

Your challenge is even more diverse when you break it down by:

  • Doctors that take Medicare patients
  • Physicians that accept Medicare assignment
  • Doctors that do not participate in Medicare
  • Medical practices that participate in Medicare but not Medicare Advantage

The good news is, most doctors participate in Medicare and do treat Medicare patients. About 96% of physicians that do take Medicare also accept assignment of benefits. Doctors that may opt out of Medicare are usually in the mental health field and some chiropractic doctors.

Most Accept Original Medicare Patients

In Georgia about half the physicians accept Medicare Advantage patients and most of them will only participate in a few plans but not all. The number dwindles down further when you have an Advantage HMO plan.

Doctors can refuse to accept your Medicare Advantage plan if they are not in network. If that happens they are still required to file with original Medicare and then wait on Medicare to pay you. In these situations they are allowed to bill excess charges.

When you have an Advantage plan make sure you understand the rules and how your liability is determined.

Can My Doctor Refuse to Treat Medicare Patients

Medicare participation

Finding physicians that participate in Medicare is relatively easy. If you Google “doctors that take Medicare” you will find an array of choices including other search engines and referral services. My advice is to go direct to the source, Medicare.gov.

The Medicare physician finder is a useful tool for finding doctors, hospitals, DME suppliers and other medical facilities in your area that participate in original Medicare.

When you just use Google you will find doctors that

  • advertise locally on Google
  • are registered with referral services
  • are listed on Medicare plan sites
  • may be reviewed by Yelp or Angies List

While some of those sites may be useful the Medicare physician finder tool has been the most helpful for my clients.

Is Medicare Supplement Expensive?

Medicare supplement plans can be quite affordable and do not require network participation.

We NEVER Sell Your Information

https://www.gamedigaprates.com/

 

New to Georgia

Jean moved from California to Georgia a few months before turning 65. She had Kaiser in California but her plan offered only limited coverage in Georgia where she was considered a “visitor”. Jean had some medical conditions that required a specialist and she wanted freedom of choice when it comes to finding a doctor.

This meant saying no to Medicare Advantage plans with their limited doctor choice, high out of pocket and yearly changes in benefits.

Jean is living on a fixed income and needs a way to budget for her care. Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan was exactly what she needed.

No Selling Please

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.

When Jean contact me she was living with local relatives and didn’t want a bunch of insurance sales people coming to see her. At Georgia Medicare Plans we believe in personal consultation in the privacy of your home. We know that many people do not feel comfortable having strangers in their home and several do not want to travel to see us. I employ a client centered focus and believe in respecting your “space”. That is why all of our clients receive information and advice by phone and email. There is never any pressure to make a decision and you move forward based on your time frame once you are comfortable you understand the Medicare system and can afford the coverage you want.

Find a Medicare Plan Accepted by GA Doctors

I spent several hours on the phone discussing her needs and looking at options. Then I emailed Jean information based on the benefits she needed and plans that fit her budget. I also provided her with details on Medicare Extra Help, a service that can reduce her out of pocket expenses for medication.

After reviewing all her options Jean selected Medicare supplement plan N from a carrier with a long history in covering Medicare clients. While most agents that talked with Jean pushed Medigap plan F she knew that plan was not going to fit her budget.

Blue Cross wanted $176 for plan F and United Health Care (AARP) even more at $180. Plan F with Continental (Aetna) had the lowest premium at $141. But that was still too much.

We talked about the differences in plan F, G and N and how each plan was more affordable due to cost sharing. Plan N coverer her Medicare Part A expenses at 100% but does require her to pay the Part B annual deductible + a $20 copay for doctor visits.

Jean’s premium for plan N was $86 from New Era insurance company. Even with the cost sharing she still cut her premium in half vs. most of the plan F plans.

Finding a Medicare physician

As mentioned above, the Medicare physician finder is the most reliable tool in your arsenal for finding doctors in your area. Once you find some doctors that fit your needs, make some phone calls.

Here is what you need to know.

  • Does the doctor participate in Medicare?
  • Are they taking new patients?
  • If you have an Advantage plan, are they CURRENTLY participating in that plans network?
  • Do they accept Medicare assignment?
  • Does the doctor require up front payment for Medicare patients?

Most doctors DO participate in Medicare and most take assignment. A medical practice that accepts Medicare assignment means

  • you never have to pay up front for Medicare covered services
  • you never have to file claim forms with Medicare
  • Medicare and your supplement plan will pay your doctor direct, not you
  • your doctor can never bill you for excess charges

Doctors that take Medicare is easy. But finding an affordable Medigap plan that meets your needs and budget can be difficult. In some parts of Georgia you may only have half a dozen Advantage plan choices and many of them may not include your doctor or hospital in their network.

However there are more than 170 Medicare supplement plans statewide. Finding a plan with our help is as simple as getting a personalized Medigap quote in the privacy of your home, picking up the phone or sending us an email.

Let us know how we can help.

#DoAllDoctorsTakeMedicare  #GeorgiaMedicareDoctors  #GAMedigapQuotes

Medicare Supplement – Just Bought – Now What?

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Let’s say you turned 65, enrolled in Medicare and just bought a Medicare supplement plan. Did you make the right decision? What are some of the traps and mistakes?

Please take 3 minutes to read this then decide if you need to reconsider your decision. It might just save you a lot of time, money and grief.

You are turning 65 and about to go on Medicare. Here are some things you need to know about your journey.

When can I change my Medicare Plan?

About That Medicare Supplement Plan You Just Bought

You are not alone.

Roughly 80% of retirees about to turn 65 have never bought health insurance before.

My 40 years in the health insurance business was not enough to prepare me for understanding the Medicare system. It took me about a month of research and talking to Medicare specialists before the light bulb turned on.

If it was that difficult for me I can imagine how confusing it is for you and everyone else.

Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage?

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

Why Do I Need a Medicare Supplement?

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Do I really need a Medicare supplement plan? You and 25 million others ask the same question. The answer is, you don’t NEED a Medigap plan but you will probably want one.

GA Medicare expert Bob Vineyard explains.

Original Medicare – Good and Bad

Original Medicare Part A, the hospital inpatient portion, does not charge a premium to most people. Other than the per admission deductible ($1364 in 2019) you will not have out of pocket expenses for most hospital stays. This applies if your hospital admission does not exceed 60 days and Medicare approves all hospital billed charges.

Welcome to Medicare – What’s Covered?

Charges by a surgeon or other non-staff member usually fall under Medicare Part B. The same is true for ER charges and expenses incurred when admitted for observation.

Medicare Part B is for outpatient health care charges. You are not required to enroll in Part B but you probably want to. Large claims exceeding $40,000 often have over half the total incurred on an outpatient basis.

Hospital Admission – In or Out?

Medicare Part B requires a premium payment. In 2019 the premium for most people is $135 per month. Part B has a yearly deductible ($185 in 2019). Above the deductible Medicare pays 80% of approved charges, you are responsible for the 20% balance.

There is no cap on your out of pocket expenses for Parts A or B.

A Medicare supplement plan will greatly reduce your out of pocket expenses for Parts A and B charges. Most buy a supplement plan for two reasons.

First, they are able to keep their doctor. No, this is not a campaign pledge. You really CAN keep your doctor(s). Also you are free to use any doctor or hospital in the U.S., penalty free.

Second, a Medigap plan allows you to budget future health care expenses. No worrying about unexpected large medical bills.

Why Do I Need a Medicare Supplement? 1
Do We Need a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Late Enrollment Penalties

The best time to enroll in Medicare is when you are first eligible. Medicare does grant a “free pass” in SOME situations when you enroll late. Make sure you understand the rules.

If you don’t qualify for no premium Part A you will incur late penalties if you fail to enroll on a timely basis.

Likewise, Medicare Part B has late penalties which can be waived in some situations. If you are charged a Part B late penalty you will pay it for life.

There are no late enrollment penalties for failure to enroll in a Medigap plan but there can be consequences. If you miss your initial enrollment or special enrollment period you will have to qualify medically for coverage. The decision is pass/fail. Either you qualify or you don’t.

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Unless you have enjoyed “free” insurance up until now, you will probably find that original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan are real bargains.

No provider networks. Never any non-par penalties or hidden provider charges.

You have questions. We have answers. Never any charge.

All I ask is that you allow me 10 minutes on the phone to answer your questions. If you like what you hear and believe I can help, then great.

If not, you walk away and we part as friends.

I call it an offer you can’t refuse.

#GAMedicareExpert #GAMedigapRates #GeorgiaMedicareSupplementPlans

Georgia Medicare Gives Thanks

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Georgia Medicare Looks at 2018

As Dickens said, “This is the best of times and the worst of times.” Like all years, there are times when things are good and times when things are not so good. From a business perspective I would give this year a 9 on a scale of 10. Georgia Medicare expert reflects on 2018.

Georgia Medicare expert
Turning 65 Medicare Options

The Good News

Georgia Medicare supplement clients continue to bless me with referrals. My business grows mostly by word of mouth. When my advice is useful clients remember and pass my name along to their friends.

Like that old shampoo commercial where Heather Locklear told two friends about Faberge, and they told two friends, and so on.

Good new spreads like wildfire, and it is appreciated. With more than 500 GA Medicare clients, new referrals come in almost every month.

Thank you for being generous and sharing my name with your friends.

Georgia Medicare YouTube Channel

After years of planning and hoping it would happen, I finally implemented my Georgia Medicare YouTube channel in early summer. With the help of Christy Sanchez this labor of love is now a reality.

The videos are not fancy or technically complicated. It’s just me talking to the camera the same way I speak to you on the phone. Feel free to like, share and comment on any of the videos.

Of course you can also ask questions.

Say Hello to New Medigap Carriers

I currently count almost 60 insurance carriers offering Medicare supplement plans in Georgia. Many are brand new to the Medigap business. Others are new to Georgia.

At least 6 carriers are new to the Georgia Medicare market. Each one has cut rates to the bone in an attempt to gain market share.

It’s a race to see who can offer the lowest Medigap rate.

For at least a year.

New carriers include Lumico, Western United (late 2017), Everest (late 2016), American Continental, Prosperity (gotta love that name), Mass Mutual, Unified and Pan American. I might have missed a few but that’s a mouthful.

I generally don’t recommend a carrier until they have been here at least 3 years. In the past carriers (like AFLAC) have either disappeared from the market or blew up their rates on renewal in the first 3 years.

I don’t need that kind of drama in my life and neither do you.

Say Hello to a New Name for an Old Friend

One shining star is Anthem Blue Cross. BCBSGA has been co-branded with parent Anthem for a few years now. As of July 2018 the Anthem name is on all new Medicare plans in Georgia.

Of course you can call them direct or use an agent like myself. When you go direct you are a “house account”. You will never know who will answer the phone or anything about them. 

Last week they could have been asking if you wanted fries with your meal.

When you call me you will never hear “Press 1 for English”. You get me or voice mail. Leave a message and I will call you back.

No extra charge for my 40+ years experience.

You can enroll in an Anthem Medigap plan using my link . . . if you have an hour or so to kill. 

https://brokerportal.anthem.com/ac/BobVineyardAnthemGA

Or call me direct. I can take your information in about 10 minutes.

You choose.

The Bad News

A few carriers like Equitable, Manhattan and Aetna Health and Life stopped writing new Medigap business in Georgia. If you have a plan with them you can keep it as long as you pay your premiums.

I hope to move as many as possible away from these carriers in hopes of seeing fewer and smaller rate increases at renewal.

Thank You!

Thank you for all your support, for passing my name along and especially the kind words for my Georgia Medicare YouTube Channel.

I look foward to helping as many people as possible to navigate the Georgia  Medicare maze.