Medicare Supplement Rates Archives | Georgia Medicare Plans

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?

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?

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.

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?

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

My Medicare rates are high! Do Medigap rates increase as I get older? Can I change my plan during Open Enrollment? Where can I find Medicare supplement rate increase history?

The plan was competitive when I bought it but now it is almost double. I don’t know how much longer I can afford it.

There is a good explanation for high Medigap renewal rates. You probably don’t want to hear it, and you probably don’t care why.

But you would like some relief.

Help is on the way. As long as you are healthy . . .

Why are my Medicare Rates so High?

Where Can I Find Medicare Rate History?

What you want is not easy to find. Even when you do find it you will discover the rate information is useless.

Most likely, your Medicare rates are high because your carrier left the market. It is rare for a Medigap carrier to stay in the same market for more than 3 or 4 years.

Once they leave a new carrier comes in to replace them. The new carrier has lower rates. The departing carrier is now free to raise renewal rates with impunity.

Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Plans

Since 2010 Omaha has introduced 4 Medigap carriers to Georgia and retired three of them. Each time a carrier is shelved the rates start to climb.

In that same time frame Aetna has also had at least 4 subsidiaries leave the market. They introduced a 5th new carrier earlier in 2019.

If your Medicare rates are high it is most likely because the issuing carrier is no longer writing new business in your state.

Maybe You Picked the Wrong Plan

Medicare supplement plan F has been heavily marketed as the “go to” plan for many years. Carriers and agents love the high premiums because it means more money for them.

If your Medicare rates are high you should have bought the G plan. But it is not too late to switch.

Unless you are unhealthy.

Then you are screwed.

Renewal Rates Higher Than Current Rates

When you get your renewal and start to look around you might discover that your Medicare rates are higher than new business rates from the same carrier.

I see that quite often but especially for carriers with closed blocks of business.

OLD business is charged a higher rate which subsidizes lower rates for new policyholders.

I call this the cable TV syndrome.

Last year you signed on as a new customer. You got 150 channels for $39 per month.

This month you get your renewal bill and now you are expected to pay $109 for those same channels.

But your cable company is still offering 150 channels for $39.

What gives???

So you call your cable company to complain. You are told the $39 rate is only for NEW CUSTOMERS.

Medicare insurance carries pull the same tricks.

How Do I Find Affordable Medigap Rates?

Great question.

There are no easy answers. Here are a few tips.

Look for carriers that have been active in GA for 5 or more years
Don’t buy from someone that has been here less than 2 years
Don’t chase the low rate
Ask friends and relatives for an AGENT referral

Bob Vineyard is a GA Medicare expert with more than 45 years experience. Bob is also on Medicare.

Are your Medicare rates high?

Here is my offer. Give me 10 minutes on the phone. Call and ask ANY Medicare questions. If you don’t like my answer we part as friends. After all, it isn’t personal, just business.

But if you do like what you hear we move forward on your timetable. Allow me an opportunity to EARN your business.

I call this an “offer you can’t refuse”.

Full Medicare supplement rate reports for any plan. Just ask.

How easy is that?