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How a Medicare Advantage Plan is Not What it Seems

Bob Vineyard · February 28, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Did you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan and then discover it is not a Medicare supplement? If so, you may be able to disenroll and change plans. You may be granted an SEP to change plans IF you . . .

Were led to believe you were enrolling in a SUPPLEMENT plan and instead were SOLD an Advantage plan

Were told your doctors were in NETWORK but in fact they are not . . . or the benefits described don’t match your plan. Unfortunately, you may not discover the plan you bought is not the same as the plan you have until you actually USE the plan.

How much does a Medicare Advantage plan really cost?

Most folks love their Advantage plan as long as they are healthy . . . but when they get sick or injured they finally realize just how EXPENSIVE this plan without a premium really is.

Medicare Advantage plan
Medicare Advantage Not as it Seems

A Medicare Advantage Plan is for Healthy People

Is there a disadvantage to a Medicare Advantage plan?

My relative loved his low premium Medicare Advantage plan for years . . . until he was diagnosed with cancer. At that point he realized his choice of a Medicare plan was about to become very expensive and he could incur hundreds and thousands of dollars in copays.

He wanted to drop his managed care PPO plan and change to original Medicare and a supplement plan.

Unfortunately, his diagnosis meant he would have to wait at least 5 years before he could be CONSIDERED for a Medigap plan. By then it was too late and the cancer claimed his life and several thousand dollars in OOP (out of pocket) costs.

His widow was left with thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills. Not only did his Social Security benefit end, but because he died on the last day of the month, SSA reclaimed the last deposit in his checking account.

Medicare Advantage Scam

Kay Tillow writes for Daily Kos about the “Medicare Advantage scam” and beyond. She explains that these for-profit health plans that deliver Medicare benefits are using stars like Joe Namath to mislead people into signing up for coverage that very well might not meet their needs if they get sick or need a lot of costly care. Medicare Advantage plans, in fact, could keep them from accessing critical care.

What Namath does not tell you is that if you choose the wrong Medicare Advantage plan, you might face inappropriate denials of care, along with other administrative and financial barriers to care. Indeed, new research finds that the wrong choice of Medicare Advantage plan might literally kill you. That’s what Yale economics professor Jason Abaluck found when analyzing data about these corporate health plans. But, the plans won’t let you have access to their mortality data, and Congress is not requiring them to give you access.

These plans can cover a broad list of health services at low out of pocket cost . . . until you get sick. When your health changes for the worse you most likely will not qualify for a Medigap plan which means you are stuck . . . until your health improves, you run out of money or you die.

Learn About Medicare Plan Options

Medicare 2022 information. Our videos help you to understand about Medicare options. You have questions, I have answers. Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage vs Medicare supplement. Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B. Which Medicare plan is BEST? How to change Medicare plans? Medicare supplements plan G information and rates. Which Medicare options are best? What is original Medicare? What are Medicare basics? Turning 65 Medicare? Medicare explained.

Medicare Topics on Video

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#TrickedIntoBuyingMedicarePlan #ConfusedAboutHowMedicareWorks #YourMedicarePlanTooExpensive

Georgia Medicare Plans. An offer you can’t refuse

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Medicare Monthly Payment – Medigap Plans in Georgia

Bob Vineyard · February 18, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Medicare monthly payment, Medigap premiums, free rate report based on your age, zip and county! How much are Medicare premiums? What is the monthly cost for Medicare? Find Medigap plans and rates for select carriers on our website. Your information is never sold! Avoid those harassing phone calls. Side by side comparison without a pushy salesman breathing down your neck.

How much is my monthly payment for select Medigap plans? https://www.gamedigaprates.com/

Compare Medicare Monthly Payment and Premiums

What if you could compare Medicare Supplement rates from top Medicare Supplement insurance companies, all at your convenience, in your home, without an agent coming to your home or harassing you to buy?

Medicare Monthly Payment

Can I pay Medicare premiums online by credit card or debit card? What is Medicare Easy Pay? Why does Medicare bill be for 3 months? Can I pay monthly Medicare Premiums?

Medicare Part B and D premiums can be deducted from your monthly Social Security benefit.

Medicare premiums are due by the 25th of the month . . . your are billed in advance. Your February premium is billed in early February and due by the 25th, your March premium is billed in early March and due by March 25th and so forth.

Medicare monthly payment

Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?

Medicare supplement vs Medicare Advantage? Which one is a better fit based on your needs and budget?

How much is Medicare Part B? Do I have to pay Part B premiums in addition to Medicare Advantage premiums?

Would you rather pay a little more each month and have unfettered access to doctors and hospitals PLUS have a much lower OOP (out of pocket) cost for health care? Or maybe you can’t afford a monthly premium but have the ability to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars when you need care? Is a no premium Advantage plan right for you?

Are you facing big medical bills once you go on Medicare? Don’t be nearsighted like Mr. Magoo . . . look at the BIG picture . . . how much will you pay for HEALTH CARE?

I take the time to walk you through your options . . . how much you can expect to pay each month in premiums . . . what you will pay for health care . . . and then let you decide. Never any pressure to buy.

Medicare Information on Video

Medicare information. Our videos help you to understand about Medicare options. You have questions, I have answers. Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage vs Medicare supplement. Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B. Which Medicare plan is BEST? How to change Medicare plans? Medicare supplements plan G information and rates. Which Medicare options are best? What is original Medicare? What are Medicare basics? Turning 65 Medicare? Help understanding Medicare. Medicare explained.

Medicare information for Georgia seniors. Our videos help you to understand about Medicare options. You have questions, I have answers. Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage vs Medicare supplement. Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B. Which Medicare plan is BEST? How to change Medicare plans? Medicare supplements plan G information and rates. Which Medicare options are best? What is original Medicare? What are Medicare basics? Turning 65 Medicare? Help understanding Medicare. Medicare explained.

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#MedicareMonthlyPayment #GeorgiaMedicarePlans Georgia

Medicare Plans. An offer you can’t refuse.

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Should I Buy or Rent a Medicare Plan?

boB Vineyard · January 18, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Are you BUYING or RENTING your Medicare plan? When you BUY a Medicare plan you can keep it as long as you want. But when you RENT a plan, specifically a MEDICARE ADVANTAGE plan, you only have it until the end of the calendar year.

Buy or Rent Your Medicare Plan

Which is better? Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage?

Even if your Advantage plan is offered for the following year, it may not look like what you have now. Doctors you see now may not be in network next year. That clinic where you are being treated for cancer might not be on the approved list for next year. For sure, the deductible you have satisfied in part or completely, will start all over again in January.

Next years copay’s and OOP (out of pocket) may be higher, in some cases perhaps $500 or more.

And Don’t Overlook the Drug Plan.

Most Medicare Advantage plans have a drug plan baked into the policy. You don’t get to pick the level of coverage you need. Instead you are given an “off the rack” drug plan that may or may not fit your needs. Your drug copay for next year may be higher, or in some cases, the medication that is covered this year may not be next year.

Pharmacy networks change as well.

The pharmacy you use now may not participate in your plan for next year. If so, you will either want to change pharmacy’s or pay more for your meds.

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
concerned older couple worries about Medicare options

Are You an Owner or a Renter?

So do you want to OWN your Medicare plan or would you prefer to RENT it from year to year and hope you don’t get evicted?

Providers can join or leave a plan’s provider network anytime during the year. Your plan can also change the providers in the network anytime during the year. If this happens, you may need to choose a new provider.

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/things-to-know-about-medicare-advantage-plans

Don’t All Doctors Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do all doctors take Medicare Advantage plan? What are some of the pitfalls of Advantage plans?

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/010816/pitfalls-medicare-advantage-plans.asp

How Well Do You Understand the Plan You Rented?

Fully 1 out of 4 Medicare beneficiaries do not understand their coverage 29% of U.S. adults aged 65 or older do not fully understand their Medicare Advantage plans, and 23% do not fully understand their Medicare Supplement plans.

Doctors are the most (29%), and telemarketers the least (0%) trusted sources of information on Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.

A Quarter of Medicare Enrollees Don’t Understand Plans Well: Survey

Medicare Videos Help You Learn

Medicare information. Our videos help you to understand about Medicare options. You have questions, I have answers. Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage vs Medicare supplement. Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B. Which Medicare plan is BEST? How to change Medicare plans? Medicare supplements plan G information and rates. Which Medicare options are best? What is original Medicare? What are Medicare basics? Turning 65 Medicare? Help understanding Medicare. Medicare explained.

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You have Medicare questions? I have answers. Give me a call. Invest 10 minutes to learn about Medicare. If you need more time, I will stay on the line as long as you need me.

Georgia Medicare Plans. An offer you can’t refuse. independent medicare agent

Medicare Supplement Plans, Georgia Medicare Plans Georgia Medicare Supplement Plans, medicare advantage, medicare part c, medicare supplement rates

How Much Do Insurance Agents Charge?

Bob Vineyard · April 15, 2021 · Leave a Comment

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?

Medicare Supplement Plans, Georgia Medigap Rates how much do insurance agents charge, medicare supplement rates, medigap quotes, medigap rates, where can I see Medicare supplement rates without a sales pitch

Do I Need Medicare Supplement?

boB Vineyard · March 11, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Do I need a Medicare supplement plan?

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

Do I need a Medicare supplement plan?

Where can I find Medigap Rates Without a Sales Pitch?

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

Do I need a Medicare insurance agent?

Is an Advantage Plan Better?

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

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

Budget Medical Bills with a Supplement Plan

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

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

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

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

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

How to Find the BEST Medigap Plans in Georgia

You have a problem.

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

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

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

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

Give me 10 minutes by phone. Ask ANY question.

How does Medicare work?

I can tell you.

What’s the difference in Medigap and Medicare supplement?

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

How easy was that?

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

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

You have entered the No Selling Zone.

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

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

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

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

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

Medicare has 4 parts.

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

Medicare has Four Parts

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

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

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

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

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

Why is Medicare Part D Confusing?

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

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

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

Medicare Advantage is Like a Store Credit Card

How are Medicare Advantage plans like a store credit card?