Medicare Supplement Plan F Archives | Georgia Medicare Plans

Medicare Supplement Plan G 2020

Bob Vineyard · May 7, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Medicare supplement plan G delivers great value. Seniors in Georgia on a fixed income will save money when they choose Medigap plan G. Medigap plan G has all the benefits of Medicare supplement plan F except for one thing.

When you choose Medigap plan G you pay your Medicare Part B deductible, $198 for 2020. After your Part B deductible is satisfied, plan G is identical to the much pricier plan F. Almost always the premium savings when you choose Medigap plan G is enough to more than offset self insuring the deductible.

Medicare Supplement Plan G 2020

Here is what Medicare supplement plan G covers.

Part A hospital co-insurance costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
Pays for your first 3 pints of blood if you need a transfusion
Hospice care, Medicare Part A coinsurance
Part B co-payment or co-insurance coverage
First three pints of blood used in an approved medical procedure
Part A hospice care co-insurance or co-payment
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care co-insurance
Medigap plan G pays your Medicare Part A deductible
Medigap plan G does not pay your Medicare Part B deductible
Medicare supplement plan G pays your Medicare Part B ‘excess charges’
Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits)
Medicare supplement plan G pays your Medicare preventive care Part B co-insurance

Plan G Offers Comprehensive Coverage and Value

The comprehensive nature of Medicare supplement plan G means you may never have any out of pocket costs for hospital or doctors office expenses, other than your Medicare Part B deductible.

Instant online Medigap quotes from Georgia Medicare Plans. Compare Medicare supplement plan rates from BCBSGA, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, Gerber, AARP and more.

Best rates for Medicare supplement plan G available with a personalized quote, showing lowest rates from major carriers that do not allow us to illustrate their premiums online.

Shop and compare GA Medigap quotes now.

Most Georgia Seniors Trust the G Plan

Almost 90% of our clients are pleased with our recommendation for Medicare supplement plan G.

So what is wrong with Medicare supplement plan F? Nothing, if you don’t mind paying to much. Ask us for a personalized quote on Medigap plan G.

Medigap policies are standardized

Every Medigap policy must follow federal and state laws designed to protect you, and it must be clearly identified as “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” Insurance companies can sell you only a “standardized” policy identified in most states by letters.

All policies offer the same basic benefits but some offer additional benefits, so you can choose which one meets your needs.

In Georgia there are currently 3 insurance carriers that include a Silver Sneakers gym membership at no additional charge.

Medigap Plan F Not Offered

As of January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to new people with Medicare aren’t allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Because of this, Plans C and F are not available to people new to Medicare starting on January 1, 2020. If you already have either of these 2 plans (or the high deductible version of Plan F) or are covered by one of these plans before January 1, 2020, you’ll be able to keep your plan.

If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, but not yet enrolled, you may be able to buy plan C or F.

However, the Medicare supplement plan G is still a better value.

High Deductible G Plan

Some folks are willing to trade premium savings for taking on a little more risk.

If you are willing to come out of pocket $2340 in 2020 PLUS the $198 Part B deductible your premium savings could be $60 per month or even more.

Ask us for competitive quotes on Medigap plans based on your age, gender and zip code.

#MedicareSupplementPlanG #MedigapPlanG

Medicare Supplement Plan F 2020

Bob Vineyard · May 4, 2020 · Leave a Comment

What does Medicare supplement plan F cover?

Does Medigap plan F cover catastrophic illness?

How much does it cost?

Is Medicare supplement plan F the best?

Signing up for Medicare can be intimidating. Kind of like your first date.

You talk with friends. Maybe you have been through the process with a parent or other relative.

Too much information can overwhelm you. Not enough will leave you wondering if you made the right choice.The first time I went through the Medicare information I was totally confused. The terminology was all new, the explanations in the Medicare and You Handbook helped, some, but not enough.

Fortunately I had a mentor. A (slightly) older gentleman who was very patient. He took the time to listen to my questions, then offer answers in ways anyone can understand.

Allow me to explain how my training will help you.

Ed’s Story

Ed called me in a panic. It was early in January and he had just come home from a doctor visit.

Ed knew me because I had helped his wife a few years earlier when she was trying to make a decision about health insurance. Which plan was better for her needs?

This was one of those “thank you ” jobs like my grandfather did all the time. A well known mechanic in a small town, he probably fixed as many cars in exchange for a thank you as he did charging for his time.

Ed had been on Medicare for a few years, but in an attempt to save money (or so he thought) he enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

The first time he visited his regular doctor he was told that they did not accept that plan so Ed would have to find another doctor for his next visit. Ed’s doctor agreed to see him that time and didn’t bill him, but now Ed was in a fix.

Ed had COPD and emphysema. He had several doctors but his primary doc was not in the network for the Advantage plan.

Ed needed to make a change to a plan that allowed him to see any doctor.

Fortunately for Ed, I knew of a provision in the Medicare laws that would allow him to return to original Medicare AND purchase a Medicare supplement plan F and there would be no medical underwriting. Ed would have full coverage, less out of pocket for medical expenses and would be able to see any doctor he wanted anywhere in the United States.

I took his application by phone and it was processed in a few days. In a little over a week Ed was back in the original Medicare system and with his new Medicare supplement plan F he was free to see his regular doctor.

He also saved a lot of money because his plan F paid 100% of all Medicare approved charges. Other than his monthly premium, Ed never paid a dime for medical care including several hospital stays over the next two years.

Ed passed away earlier this year. Before leaving this earth he told his wife to let me know when he passed and to call me if she ever had any questions.

So, how much does Medicare supplement plan F 2020 cost?

Click the image below to shop and compare rates.

Medicare supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive of all the Medigap plans.

It is also the most expensive . . . and one favored by most agents, especially the lazy and greedy ones.

What Does Plan F Cover?

Medicare supplement plan F is very easy to explain, which is one reason it is often the only plan pitched by lazy agents.

Quite simply, plan F covers 100% of all approved Medicare Part A and Part B expenses, including any excess charges.

Medigap plan F covers 100% of deductibles, copay’s and coinsurance for Medicare approved charges.

Pretty simple, huh?

The lazy agent sale.

Not much to explain. You don’t need pie charts or fancy brochures. Medicare supplement plan F can be explained in 60 seconds or less.

Anything approved and paid by Medicare is covered by your Medicare supplement plan F with no out of pocket expenses to you.

Do you want to check prices on Medigap plans?

Click the image below to view up to 40 plans in 60 seconds or less.

Does Medigap Plan F Cover Catastrophic Illness?

Yes, and catastrophic accidents as well.

You don’t need a supplement to Medicare supplement plan F. If a lazy agent tries to sell you a hospital plan or a cancer plan in addition to plan F they are really looking out for their wallet and not yours.

There are some situations where you may WANT a cancer plan, especially if your family has a history of cancer.

Between Medicare and your Medicare supplement plan F 100% of your approved Medicare Part A and Part B charges are covered.

How much does Medicare Supplement Plan F Cost?

Plan F has the highest premium of any of the 11 approved Medigap plans.

If you want Medigap plan F be prepared to pay a higher than is necessary premium, especially if you buy from Blue Cross, Humana, Mutual of Omaha or United (AARP). All of those carriers charge more because of name recognition. Blue and Mutual are among the highest at almost any age.

All Medicare supplement plan F policies are identical in every way.

Every way except price.

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

Did you check plan F rates using the link above?

If not, do so right now.

I will wait.

Is Medigap Plan F the Best Plan for Me?

Only you can answer that.

My job is to explain the way Medicare works, including how your Medigap plan coordinates with Medicare to limit your out of pocket costs while allowing you to use any doctor, lab or hospital anywhere in the U.S.

No claim forms.

No provider networks.

Easy peasy.

The best Medigap plan for you is one that meets your needs and budget. If that describes plan F, then that is the best plan for you.

Finding the Right Medicare Supplement Plan

Almost everyone I talk to NEEDS advice in picking a plan that is right, but too many don’t want advice. They remind me of the Anacin commercial from years ago.

“Mother please! I would rather do it myself.”

She didn’t have just a headache. She had an Anacin headache complete with the lightning and hammer.

Georgia Medicare Plans has over 200 clients and everyone of them saved money, some as much as $1700 per year. Most of them do not buy plan F because we take the time to educate them on the value that is found in other options.

So did you get your Medicare supplement plan F quote?

Did you provide a valid email address and phone number? If not you are missing the best part.

Most carriers do not allow their rates to be published online. The best online rate can usually be beat by $30 per month or more, and if you only look at plan F you will pay more than is needed.

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

There is never a reason to pay too much.

You will never know how much you can save until you shop and compare.

Do it now.

Compare Medicare supplement insurance rates

OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

We will show you several ways to LOWER YOUR COST on Medicare supplement insurance
We will provide you with a personalized spreadsheet for the plan of your choice
Your spreadsheet will show the best rates for available plans in your area

What we need from you.

Valid contact information including phone and email
Just 5 minutes by phone to verify your information and make sure we understand your needs
That’s it. No pressure. No in home visit.

Looking for more information? Visit our main site.

A little about Bob Vineyard and Georgia Medicare Plans Bob Vineyard grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and his insurance career has taken him to Chattanooga, Birmingham and Atlanta. He married his college sweetheart in 1975. They have lived in the Sandy Springs area of Atlanta since 1978.

Bob and Rachel have two children, Robert who is an I.T. security consultant with Emory University and Christine who is currently teaching art in Washington, DC

Rachel works in the school system taking care of the special education needs of foster children who have been abused. Most of these children would no doubt have a much more difficult time in life if not for the care and concern given by Rachel and others who have a gift for dealing with these special cases.

Bob started with an employee benefits consulting firm in 1975 and followed that by opening and growing sales offices for several carriers over the next 29 years. He has worked with very large corporate clients, several professional associations and acted as an independent intermediary and consultant for self funded medical plans.

In 2004 he decided to focus on educating and assisting individuals and small businesses in ways to maximize their total health care dollars. By incorporating techniques learned in dealing with employer groups he can show most clients how to cut premiums 30 – 50% without sacrificing benefits. His bare bones health insurance approach to risk management has gained him notoriety.

Are you ready to talk?

I am listening.

When Can I Change My Medicare Plan in 2020?

Bob Vineyard · February 24, 2020 ·

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.

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

Medicare Supplement or Advantage Age 65

Bob Vineyard · February 12, 2020 ·

You turn 65 and have to make a decision. Which is better? Medicare supplement or Advantage plans? Your initial enrollment in Medicare at age 65 can be frustrating and overwhelming. Did you get your FREE Medicare supplement quote yet?

Medicare supplement or Advantage? Which one costs less?
Are $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans a good deal?
Since I want to keep my own doctors, is Medicare supplement plan F right for me?
I am healthy and don’t see a doctor very often. It seems the $0 premium plans are good for me.
My spouse is always in the doctors office. Will they have to make a copay for every visit?

Can we talk? How will you pick the right plan that meets YOUR needs and YOUR budget for age 65 and beyond? Give me a call anytime.

Medicare Supplement or Advantage. Which plan costs less?

As long as you are healthy, the $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan is great. But you might want to set aside an extra $300 per month or more in a “rainy day” fund. When your health changes the Medicare Advantage plans are like a leaky bathtub that loses water faster than it comes in.

Medicare supplement or Advantage - Which is better?

What if you are not be able to come up with enough money to pay all your bills because you were sold an Advantage plan? Is this really what you want in your golden years?

Advantage plans are great for healthy people who never go to the doctor or hospital.

If you are living on a fixed income and need to budget your monthly expenses, a Medigap plan is usually the better choice. Your Medicare supplement plan F means you will never have to worry about paying for hospital or doctor bills.

$0 Premium Advantage Plan Seems Like a Good Deal

Yes it does seem like a good deal, and that is often the way it is sold by agents looking for an “easy” sale. When choosing Medicare supplement or Advantage, most agents will push the Advantage plans, especially the ones with $0 premium.

Do you know why?

An agent will earn 2x as much when you buy an Advantage plan vs. what they are paid to offer a Medigap plan.

And that $0 premium is so easy to pitch to someone on a fixed income . . .

What is better than free?

Medicare supplement or Advantage? Which is better for you and which is better for the agents bank account?

If you are struggling to pay your bills now what will happen when you need to see a doctor or have some tests and the Advantage plan requires you to come up with $500 or more to get the care you need?

A Medicare supplement plan makes it easy to stick to your budget without worrying about surprises.

Do You Like Your Doctors? Who Doesn’t?

If so, you probably want a Medicare supplement plan F or even G.

Almost every doctor, hospital, lab and clinic in the U.S. accepts Medicare patients. When you have a Medicare Advantage plan the insurance carrier tells you which doctors you can see.

Less than half the doctors in Georgia participate in ANY Medicare Advantage plan and the ones that do won’t participate in all plans. Your chances of finding a doctor that participates in your Advantage plan could be very slim.

Even if your doctors currently are “in network” for your Advantage plan they may drop out at any time. When that happens you find a new doctor.

If you don’t want to continually hunt for new doctors, then the answer to Medicare supplement or Advantage becomes an easy one.

Advantage Plans are Great if You Never Get Sick

But when your health changes, you will wish you had a Medicare supplement plan and by then it is probably too late to switch.

Advantage plans are “pay me later” plans. You pay little or nothing on a monthly basis but when you need to use your plan you pay and pay and pay. Oh sure, they have an out of pocket limit that in some cases is capped at $6700 (in 2018), but that is only for IN NETWORK expenses.

When you go out of network, and that is very easy to do, the out of pocket limit becomes meaningless.

Medicare supplement plans don’t have any networks so you pay the same regardless of the doctor, clinic or hospital you use. No penalties for seeing the wrong doctor or being admitted to the wrong hospital.

Medigap plans are great when you are on a shoestring budget.

So which is best for you? Medicare supplement or Advantage?

At Georgia Medicare Plans we explain all your options, including Medicare supplement or Advantage plans, and let you decide which one is best for your needs and your budget. We encourage you to get a free Medigap quote and review up to 40 different plans from a number of carriers. Click the banner above to shop and compare Medicare supplement plan costs.

#MedicareSupplementOrMedicareAdvantageAge65

Can You Afford Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Bob Vineyard · September 9, 2015 ·

Can you afford Medicare supplement insurance? Can you afford to NOT have it? How much does it cost? (Less than you think). Which plan is best? How do I find the lowest rate? Should I buy Medigap plan F like all my friends or something different?

Shop and compare GA Medigap plans. Instant rate quote. No hassle. Your information is never sold.

Medicare open enrollment is just around the corner. Others are just now turning 65 and will soon be navigating the Medicare maze.

You can get rates anywhere, but what most people want is information and solid advice without the hype and pressure. You get the benefit of my 40 years experience at no extra cost.

Post summary.

How much does Medicare pay for serious illness?
Is Medicare Advantage, with the lower premiums, better?
$0 premium or $0 copay and $0 deductible?
Finding the plan with the best rates and overall value
Why avoid Medigap plan F?

Can you afford Medicare supplement insurance?

Here are the facts. You decide.

Original Medicare covers about 80% of your medical costs and none of your prescription drug costs. Your remaining 20% share (after Medicare pays their portion) can run into the hundreds in an average year and thousands in a bad year. The 20% you pay is not capped. Your treatment continues until you run out of money.

Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums. Advantage plans have moving parts, doctor and hospital networks (most are HMO’s), deductibles, coinsurance and copay’s. The plan you buy this year probably won’t be offered next year and you will have to switch plans …… and possibly doctors as well.

Next year you will start this process over again, and then again the year after that. At least the Advantage plans have a cap on your out of pocket costs. Most of them limit your share to $6700 for the year. Then next year you start all over again.

If you are turning 65 and live in Georgia, you can buy our most popular Medicare supplement insurance plan for around $100 per month. About $3 per day.

The one I bought is $104 per month. Beyond the monthly premium my out of pocket cost is limited to the Part B deductible ($147 in 2015) and after that a $20 doctor visit copay.

If I had to go to the hospital my out of pocket cost would be $0.

Sure, I would rather have a $0 premium plan. Who wouldn’t? But I would also rather have to come up with $147 and an occasional $20 than dig into my savings to fork over $6700.

But that is just me.

You may feel differently.

Which Medicare supplement plan is best?

That’s simple.

The best plan is the one that fits your needs and budget.

If you are in good health, and don’t care which doctor you use, those $0 premium Advantage plans might be just the ticket. But when your health changes you won’t like them very much. And by then you won’t qualify for a Medicare supplement plan.

If you are turning 65, this may be your one and only chance to buy a Medicare supplement plan.

So is the Medigap plan a better option?

If you can afford $100 per month and find it easier to budget for a fixed premium vs. several hundred or thousand for out of pocket medical expenses, then the Medicare supplement might be what the doctor ordered.

Choose wisely.

Whatever you decide today might have to last you the rest of your life.

How do I find the lowest Medigap rate?

That part is easy. Just ask.

Sure, you can go online and shop. Plenty of places to compare rates, including my site. But you will only see a dozen or so plans, even on my site.

And some of the rate comparison sites are just a come on. They take your information and sell it to a bunch of agents who will call and pester you until you stop answering the phone or buy.

That won’t happen here.

I never sell your information. You will get one call from me and that’s it. After that it is up to you if you want more information or not.

Including the lowest rates in your area.

There are over 170 Medigap plans in Georgia but you will never see more than a dozen or so. The rest are available offline. Heck one of my competitors only shows you plan F from 4 different carriers. What good is that?

Most people want more than just a rate. They want information. They want to know that the decision they make will be the right one, just in case they have to keep their plan for the rest of their life.

But go ahead and shop now. It won’t hurt and your phone won’t ring off the hook. Because I will only call you once.

When we talk I will ask a few questions and give you a straight answer to your questions. If you just want the lowest rate I will give you that by phone and follow up with an email.

But if you want to really learn how Medicare works, I will give you all the time you need to feel comfortable with whatever decision you make.

It really is that simple.

Should I buy Medicare supplement plan F?

Probably not.

Your friends that bought plan F didn’t talk to me. If they talked to an agent at all they probably don’t even know plans other than F existed.

And the probably paid too much for that plan.

If they bought from AARP (United Healthcare), Blue Cross or Mutual of Omaha I can almost guarantee they overpaid.

You see, all the Medigap plans with the same letter are identical in every way …….. except the price.

So it doesn’t matter if they pay United Healthcare $166 per month, or Blue Cross $191 monthly or Colonial Penn $277 per month, they get the same coverage.

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

That’s me on the right. My daughter took that picture at the Chop House. We went to a Braves game a few years ago and she wanted a picture.

Current plan F rates are expected to increase at least $20 per month in 2016, and probably even more.

By 2020 when plan F is discontinued anyone with plan F can keep it but the premiums will rise at a faster clip than now.

Which sounds better to you?

Buying Medicare supplement plan F that is being yanked off the market in a few years or saving $800 per year (and more) by enrolling in a plan you can keep as long as you live?

Shop and compare now. When I call, give me 10 minutes to educate you and then decide if my advice is worthwhile or not.

#MedicareSupplementInsurance #MedicareSupplementPlanF #MedicareOpenEnrollment #MedigapRates