Turning 65 Archives | Georgia Medicare Plans

Medicare Supplement – Just Bought – Now What?

Bob Vineyard · December 3, 2019 ·

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.

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

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

I Enrolled in Medicare at Age 65

Bob Vineyard · April 13, 2016 ·

Last year (2015) I enrolled in Medicare at age 65. But this is not about me, this is about you. Now that you are ready to retire you are told you can’t get the Medicare supplement plan you want.

What’s up with that?

The lady at the Social Security office told you to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B on your 65th birthday which was 8 months ago. You will retire in two months and want Medicare supplement plan G. But you are told only way to can get plan G is to answer health questions.

You thought Obamacare required insurance companies to take anyone, regardless of their health. Well, you are wrong.

I can understand your confusion. Let’s take a look at how and when to sign up for Medicare when you are approaching age 65.

Enroll in Medicare at Age 65

You should sign up for Medicare Part A 60 – 90 days before you turn 65. For most people, there is no premium for Part A as long as you (or your spouse).

You paid into the Medicare system all your working life. Now it is ………… “free”.

You may not need Medicare Part B if you are covered by an employer group health insurance plan. In many cases your group plan is the primary payer while Medicare is secondary.

But if you work for a small employer, less than 20 employees, Medicare may be primary and your group plan a (very expensive) secondary payer. In that case you should go ahead and enroll in Part B.

Don’t just assume you need part B. Make sure before enrolling or delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B.

Shop and compare GA Medigap quotes. Instant rates. Side by side comparisons.

Your information is never sold.

Medicare Open Enrollment

For those who want the assurance of original Medicare and the ability to continue to use your current doctor(s), you need to understand your Medicare open enrollment rights.

According to Medicare, the best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period. You can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems. This period automatically starts the month you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). After this enrollment period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy unless you can satisfy medical underwriting requirements.

Medigap insurance companies are generally allowed to use medical underwriting to decide if the want to accept your application. However, if you apply during your Medigap open enrollment period, you can buy any Medigap policy the company sells, even if you have health problems, for the same price as people with good health.

There is no annual open enrollment for Medicare supplement insurance. You can swap plans at any time, but you must answer health questions.

Your only chance to buy a Medigap plan may be when you enroll in Medicare Part B.

If you have group health coverage through an employer or union because either you or your spouse is currently working, you may want to delay enrolling in Part B. Employer plans often provide coverage similar to Medigap, so you don’t need a Medigap policy.

If you delayed Medicare Part B, when your employer coverage ends, you’ll have a chance to enroll in Part B without a late enrollment penalty. Your Medigap open enrollment period will start when you need it. If you enrolled in Part B while you still had the employer coverage, your Medigap open enrollment period would start (and possibly end) unless you bought a Medigap policy before you needed it.

COBRA and Medicare do not play well together. Medicare does not consider COBRA to be creditable coverage. When COBRA ends you are not entitled to an SEP (Special Enrollment Period). You will have to wait until the next GEP (General Enrollment Period) and pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty.

If you apply for Medigap coverage after your open enrollment period, there’s no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a Medigap policy if you don’t meet the medical underwriting requirements.

Don’t miss your chance to get the best Medigap rate or run the risk of being denied. Enroll in Medicare at age 65. Understand your Medicare Part B options.

Shop and compare GA Medigap rates.

#EnrollMedicareAge65 #MedigapOpenEnrollment #MedigapPlanG

Get Medicare When Turning 65

Bob Vineyard · April 11, 2016 ·

Do I automatically get Medicare when turning 65? How do I enroll in Medicare? When should I sign up for Medicare? Do I need Medicare if I am covered by a group health insurance plan? How much does Medicare cost?

Medicare is not automatic at age 65
Enroll in Medicare in 10 minutes or less
Sign up for Medicare Part A at least 90 days in advance of your 65th birthday
You may not need Part B if covered by employer group health plan
Medicare supplement plans (Medigap) is priced according to your age, gender, tobacco use and zip code

Shop and compare GA Medigap plans. With more than 170 different Medicare supplement plans in Georgia, how do you find the one that is right for you?

Compare plans side by side plus receive a FREE report showing all Medigap plans and rates in your area. Valid email address required.

How Do I Get Medicare at Age 65?

Most people assume Medicare is automatic when they turn 65. If you are receiving Social Security benefits you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. Everyone else will have to apply.

Many people will receive Medicare Part A at no charge. If you (or your spouse) have at least 40 quarters of substantial wages in the Social Security system by the time you reach age 65 you have prepaid your Part A premiums.

If you refuse Part A you may be denied a Social Security benefit. Deferred enrollment in Medicare Part A is possible if covered by a group health plan. Otherwise late enrollment penalties may apply.

Medicare Part B is optional and carries a monthly premium.

You do not have to be employed in order to get Medicare at age 65. Some who have never worked in the Social Security system can still qualify based on the earnings record of their spouse. The same applies to widows and divorcees of a working spouse.

How Do I Get Medicare?

Signing up for Medicare is easy. I signed up in May, 2015 ahead of my September, 2015 65th birthday. You can do the same by following this link to Social Security and selecting the appropriate option.

You can track the status of your application at MySSA.gov.

Track your earnings record, review estimated Social Security benefit amount, see when your next benefit will be deposited and more.

Once you enroll in Medicare you will receive your welcome letter about a week later followed by your Medicare card in another few weeks.

Covered by a Group Health Insurance Plan?

If you are covered under a group health plan as an active employee or spouse of an active employee you may only need Medicare Part A. If you or your spouse work for a large employer (defined as 20 or more employees) your group plan may be primary and Medicare a secondary payer. In that case you may only need Medicare Part B.

Most plan participants with a smaller employer will find that Medicare is the primary payer. In that case you need Part B. Your group health plan will be a secondary payer.

In that situation it may be to your advantage to drop the group health plan and pick up a Medicare supplement plan and Part D drug plan. Ask us for details and pricing.

You can also generate your own quote using this link.

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Georgia Medigap plans are priced according to your age, gender, tobacco use and zip code. Many plans are priced under $100 per month and offer much richer benefits than you have experienced with your current health insurance plan.

Medicare supplement plans are standardized (all plans with same letter are identical) making it relatively easy to compare plans and rates. More than 40 different F plan rates and 30 different G plans may seem confusing.

Buying on low initial price alone may come back to haunt you later. Some carriers have a history of showcasing a low initial buy-in rate only to raise rates substantially later. One well known mutual carrier has raised rates 11 times since 2012.

Let us help you find the plan that best suits your needs and budget.

Shop and compare. Free comprehensive Medigap report provided with valid email.

#GetMedicareAge65 #Turning65 #HowMuchDoesMedicareCost #GeorgiaMedicareSupplementRates #WhenEnrollMedicare