Georgia Medicare Supplement Rates Archives

Free and Low Cost Prescription Drugs

Bob Vineyard · November 23, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Medicare resource for free and low cost prescription drugs. Are you 65 or older and can’t afford your medications? Paying too much for generics? Medicare’s annual election period, commonly referred to as open enrollment, is the only time of year when anyone can change their Medicare Part D plan.

Many seniors mistakenly believe Medicare open enrollment allows them to change their Medicare supplement plan without answering health questions. The truth is, you can drop your existing Medigap plan and purchase a new one any time of year, as long as you can pass medical underwriting.

The cost of prescription medications has steadily risen since 2006 when Medicare Part D was created. Some generic drugs that were once considered affordable are now out of reach. Many of these medications now reach $200 or more.

Help is on the way.

How to Find Low Cost or Free Prescription Drugs

Finding low cost or free medications can be challenging if you don’t know where to look.

For many, an even bigger challenge is finding a Medicare prescription drug plan that is right for you. Fortunately there are many articles and sites on the internet providing a treasure trove of information, if you only knew where to look.

One such site is VeryWell, a health and information site owned by the folks at About.com. Earlier this year they published an article titled Stores that Offer Free and Low Cost Prescription Drugs.

We found the page while searching for one of our Medicare clients that was having trouble paying for her medications. She has Part D, but that was not enough. VeryWell’s article listed national and regional chain stores where you can save a lot of money on prescription drugs. Here is a partial list.

Costco
Kroger
Publix
Walmart
Sam’s

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s allow anyone to purchase prescription drugs even if they are not members. The hope is visitors will see other things where they can save money and will purchase a membership.

Costco also has a branded Visa card with an annual cash back reward for purchases at Costco including gasoline. The card can be used anywhere so your annual “dividend” can multiply with almost every purchase.

Rising Medicare Supplement Rates

Many retirees on a fixed income are also finding their Medigap premiums rising to the point where budgets are squeezed. Georgia Medicare plans offers a free, no obligation way to shop and compare Georgia Medigap rates in the comfort of your home.

Using our search engine you can compare about 30 popular plans, compare benefits and rates side by side.

We also offer a more comprehensive research report showing over 200 Georgia Medicare supplement plans and rates.

Your information is never sold. There is never any charge for the report. We do hope to earn your business and believe many will appreciate our no pressure approach.

Even More Ways to Find Low Cost Drugs

For over 20 years we have shown our clients how to save money on prescription drugs. Many drug discount plans are worthless and often you will pay a higher price than you normally would by just paying cash.

GoodRx is an exception to the rule.

Last year I needed to refill a prescription for Clobetasol to tame the itch of eczema. A tube normally lasts about 18 months and it normally is less than $20.

However I was shocked to learn the price with my Part D drug plan was going to be $92.

I left the store without taking my prescription with me. By using the GoodRx drug finder I was able to purchase the cream at a competing pharmacy for only $27!

Another resource is Blue Sky Drugs, a reputable Canadian pharmacy. Current pricing for Clobetasol is even lower than GoodRx.

How to Find Inexpensive Prescription Medications

Many people who live in rural areas may only have a few places where they can fill their presciptions. The folks at NeedyMeds offer a wealth of information when searching for free and low cost prescription drugs. They also have PAP’s (patient assistant programs) for many of the newer, high priced brand names.

The NeedyMeds $4 Prescription Drug Finder lists savings plans in alphabetical order by pharmacy name.

Some places, such as Publix grocery stores, offer FREE prescription medications.

Below is a partial list of free and low cost prescription drug resources. Grocery chains

Publix
Kroger
Winn Dixie

Many national drug stores have their own promotional plans for saving money on generic drugs.

CVS / Target
Rite Aid
Walgreens

Another resource for locating low cost prescription drugs in the US and Canada is Pharmacy Checker. Enter the name of your medication in the box and start the search.

If you need or want to save money on your medications (who doesn’t?) there are plenty of ways to lower your costs.

Our FREE annual review during Medicare open enrollment saves our clients hundreds or even thousands of dollars vs. their current drug plan. Two of our Medicare supplement clients will save over $4,000 next year by switching Part D plans and pharmacy’s.

We can’t guarantee you will save that much but many times the drug plan savings alone is enough to cover the cost of your Medicare supplement premium.

Need to save money on prescription drugs? Ask us. We can help.

#FreeLowCostPrescriptionDrugs #MedicareSupplementRates #MedicarePartD #MedicareOpenEnrollment

Georgia Medicare Gives Thanks

Bob Vineyard · December 10, 2018 · Leave a Comment

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.

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.

Answers to Common Medicare Questions

boB Vineyard · June 23, 2018 · Leave a Comment

I have answers to your most common Medicare questions. Here are just a few examples of questions asked by people just like you who are turning 65.

How do I know which Medicare plan is right for me?
When should I enroll in Medicare?
Should I have the same plan as my spouse?
How much does Medicare cost?
Does Medicare cover (fill in the blank)?

Many of your questions can be answered by copying this into your Google search bar – site:http://www.georgia-medicareplans.com:

Why is Medicare Confusing?

Parts, plans, gaps, deductibles, copay’s, coinsurance . . .

It doesn’t take much before your head is swimming. Where do you go for answers . . . but without the sales pitch?

Answers to Common Medicare Questions

Below are links that correspond to the questions shown above.

https://www.georgia-medicareplans.com/ufaqs/find-right-medicare-plan/
https://www.georgia-medicareplans.com/enroll-in-medicare-at-age-65/
https://www.georgia-medicareplans.com/medicare-traps-and-mistakes/
https://www.georgia-medicareplans.com/ufaqs/how-much-do-medicare-premiums-cost/
https://www.georgia-medicareplans.com/does-medicare-cover-my-cancer-treatment/

You have Medicare Questions.

I have answers.

Give me a call. I would love to help. (404) 252-5859

Turning 65 Medicare Options

Bob Vineyard · July 6, 2017 ·

Are you turning 65? Do you know ALL your Medicare options? When and how should I enroll in Medicare? Do I need Medicare if I am still covered by an employers group health insurance plan? Is there a penalty if I don’t sign up for Medicare? Can I get Medicare if I don’t enroll in Social Security? Can I change my plan at any time? When can I sign up for Part D? What are the most common complaints about Medicare? What are the best Medicare supplement plans in Georgia? Which carriers usually have the highest rate increases?

How much easier would it be if you could see ALL Georgia Medicare rates in one report? Know your Medicare options before buying a plan.

Turning 65 – What are my Medicare options?

About 8,000 of us turn age 65 every day. Every one will face decisions about Medicare options. Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare? Do I need to sign up? How do I enroll in Medicare A and B? Do I need both parts? Is there a penalty for delaying my Medicare enrollment?

Most of your answers can be found in the Medicare and You booklet. Other answers will come from Choosing a Medigap Policy. You can also go online to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except federal holidays).

But who wants to spend hours reading government documents, searching a massive website or waiting on hold for the next representative?

Good news! We know you have better things to do than learn about your Medicare options. Don’t waste time doing the research. We have done that for you.

At Georgia Medicare Plans you can find answers, get GA Medigap quotes, view rates and benefits, compare plans side by side and much more.

You can also talk to us by phone or email. Straight forward answers from someone who not only has more than 40 years in the health insurance business, but like you, is also enrolled in Medicare.

How Can I Sign Up For Medicare?

Enrolling in Medicare is simple and easy. There are several ways to start your Medicare journey.

Sign up online
Enroll in Medicare at a Social Security office
Call Social Security @ 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM
If you worked for a railroad, call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772

Many will find the online application to be simple and painless. If you are reading this then you probably have a computer. It took me about 15 minutes to enroll in Medicare when I turned 65.

You can apply by mail but I would advise against that approach. Too many potential problems. If you already have Part A and are applying for Medicare Part B, the only way it can be done is with paper applications. If at all possible, visit a local SS office and apply in person.

Pick the one that works for you.

When Do I Enroll in Medicare?

You should sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65. Enroll in Medicare even if you are not ready to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. You can opt out of receiving Social Security once you are in the online application. Then you can apply online for retirement benefits later.

Medicare Part A is offered to most people at no charge. You or your spouse paid into Medicare by way of payroll taxes so now they tell you there is no premium.

Isn’t that special?

You may qualify for premium-free Part A if you meet one of the following.

You paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters
Received SSDI for 24 months
You have ESRD
Qualify as an eligible spouse if they meet the criteria

Even though you paid Medicare taxes for several years Part B is not premium-free. In 2017 your standard Part B premium is $134 per month. Higher income people may pay more under IRMAA tax rules.

You should enroll in Medicare Part A even if you are not ready to enroll in Part B. Coverage can start as early as the first day of the month you turn 65.

What is Medicare Part B and Why Do I Need It?

The short answer is, you may not need to enroll in Part B when you sign up for Part A. But be careful. Delaying Part B without following the Medicare rules could result in a late enrollment penalty. If you may also be forced to enroll in B during the General Enrollment Period.

Those covered by an employer group health insurance plan you may not need to sign up for Medicare Part B. You may be able to keep your group plan until you or your spouse retire. Special forms and rules apply if you delay Part B past your 65th birthday. Opting for COBRA after 65 can create a delay in the start of Part B. You could also be subject to a late enrollment penalty. Watch out for the COBRA trap.

Your Medicare Part B deductible for calendar year 2017 is $183. When the deductible is satisfied, Medicare covers 80% of approved charges. You are responsible for the remaining 20% balance.

Unlike other health insurance you have had in the past, there is no out of pocket cap for your Part B expenses. You pay until you are well, you die or when you run out of money.

Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) pay some or all of your Medicare Part B charges.

You may be concerned about large hospital inpatient bills but over half of all medical bills are charged as an outpatient. Items like doctor visits, labs, X-ray’s, MRI, CT scan, ambulance, ER and more fall under Part B.

Chemotherapy often runs $2500 or more per treatment. Renal dialysis is $3,000 per session. Insulin for an infusion pump is $500 per bottle. Unless you have a Medigap policy you could pay hundreds of dollars each time you incur these charges.

You may never need expensive cancer treatment, kidney dialysis or insulin. But if you do, how will you pay for it?

Learn your Medicare options BEFORE making a final decision.

Medicare Options Part D

The most confusing choices for most people is how to pick a Part D drug plan. In some parts of Georgia there may be more than 30 plans available.

Which one is right for you?

Prescription drug plans (PDP) have formulary’s, preferred pharmacy’s, copay’s, doughnut holes, catastrophic coverage and more. More often than not seniors will pick a plan with the lowest premium. Don’t ever buy on premium alone unless you are not taking any medication.

Often the plan with the lowest monthly premium has the highest drug costs. Pick the wrong plan and you can’t change until the next open enrollment period.

At Georgia Medicare Plans you will be able to learn all of your Medicare options, ask questions and get detailed answers. We take the confusion out of Part D.

Georgia Medicare Supplement Choices

Bob Vineyard is not just an independent broker for Medicare supplement plans, he is also enrolled in Medicare. Which plan and carrier did I pick?

This is not about me, it’s about you. For many people, the most important decision they will make is choosing the right Medigap plan that fits their needs and budget.

Best GA Medigap Plans with Lowest Rates

If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, you want the same thing everyone else does. The best Medicare supplement plan with the lowest price.

Medigap plans are designed by Medicare to be identical in every way. Except price. All F plans are exactly the same. This is true for G, N and the other 7 letters. Every carrier pays their portion of Medicare approved claims, usually in 3 to 5 business days.

Any doctor that participates in Medicare will also accept your supplement plan, regardless of the issuing carrier.

If you are looking for the lowest Medicare supplement rates, that is easy too. As long as you know where to look. Most people don’t.

Seniors who are online shoppers will typically visit half a dozen sites or more. They will fill out a request form and immediately their phone rings off the hook. Once burned they will still complete forms but enter bogus contact information.

At best they may see 15 or 20 plans and rates. That’s not enough. After seeing the same carriers on multiple sites they give up, believing they have seen it all.

Truth is there are over 170 different Medicare supplement plans available in Georgia. There is only one way to gain that information. Ask us for a detailed report like this one. We are happy to share. No sales pitch. No obligation to buy.

Don’t want plan F? No problem. Tell me which plan or plans you want and you can have those reports too. I also run these reports for my clients on each renewal.

But there is a catch.

This is only for clients. Everyone else will have to shop every year and only see the same 15 to 20 plans.

Clients of Georgia Medicare Plans can call or email any time they have questions. Any time. And they always know if their renewal is fair or not.

So far this year 28 clients have been relocated to another Medigap plan and are saving anywhere from $18 to $53 per month vs. their renewal.

You won’t get that when you buy direct from AARP, Blue Cross or through any other agent. If you have talked with other agents, not a single one has offered you a Medigap report like the one linked to above.

You can buy your plan anywhere, but you can only get your Medicare options report here.

Take care.

Bob Vineyard, CLU

https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaMedicarePlans/

#GeorgiaMedicarePlans #GAMedigapRates #MedicareSupplementRates #Turning65 #MedicarePartD #EnrollMedicare

Best Georgia Medigap Plans

boB Vineyard · April 10, 2016 ·

Looking for the best Georgia Medigap plans? Don’t follow the sheep!

The best Medigap plan is the one that meets your needs and budget
All Medigap plans assigned the same letter are identical in every way. Medicare says it. Look it up. Page 81, Medicare and You 2017 under the heading Medigap Policies Are Standardized
Every way except the premium you pay.
Over half the seniors that have a Medigap plan choose plan F. . . but maybe they could have made a better choice
Almost 3 out of 4 Georgia seniors buy their coverage from Blue Cross, AARP (United Healthcare) or the “Mutual” company.
Did they get the best Georgia Medigap plans?
No, they simply followed the crowd.
My mother used to say “If Greg jumped off a cliff would you want to also?”.
Just because your friends bought plan F from a “big name” carrier doesn’t mean it is the right choice for you.

Four things you need to know about Medigap plans

Medicare supplement plan F is the most expensive Medigap plan available in Georgia.
Plans offered by the top 3 Medigap carriers in Georgia are some of the most expensive plans.
The more you pay for your plan the more money the carrier and the agent make
When you pay more you don’t get more, you simply paid too much.

How do you shop for the best Georgia Medigap plan?

It depends.

Do you want rates fast or faster?

The quickest way is to run you own rates online.

But you can always call if you want. We want to help.

#BestGeorgiaMedigapPlans #BlueCrossMedicareSupplementPlans #GAMedigapRates