Author: Dave Miller
Looking for a unique and genuine insurance experience? We’re here to help! We know that dealing with insurance isn’t always fun but we provide our customers with a smooth first-class experience and we are committed to helping your individual needs. We think you will like the people at Consumers Direct Insurance Services and you’ll quickly realize we are here to help. Putting the customer first is of paramount importance to us. We are committed to maximizing the consumer experience and setting a standard of integrity and energy in every detail of the commitment.
Caring and Consistent Team
We strive to be a calming, trusted advisor in this confusing world of insurance. Our team consists of highly knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed individuals. We are committed to understanding your individual needs and it is our goal to keep you satisfied and retain you as our client. Our team of Agents and Customer Service Advocates receive continual education, and training and are kept up to date with the ever-changing health insurance.
When you become our client:
We are the liaison between you and the insurance company.
One number for all your customer service needs.
Our Customer Service Advocates work with your best interest in mind.
Personal service- Our expertise is based on well-trained staff that can tailor a comprehensive experience to your specific needs.
Insurance is explained to you in an easy-to-understand manner.
Assistance, education, and follow-through in every situation.
Bilingual – Spanish assistance is available.
Whether you have a question about your benefits, plan changes, or any customer service issues, our team is here to handle your inquiries in a caring, professional and timely fashion. We go above and beyond the usual insurance agency.
MUC42-2017-BCBS
Author: Dave Miller
Like most seniors, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Medicare – you may even know that it’s a federally funded health insurance program. But if you’re not enrolled, you may not understand in detail the different parts of the program and how they work together to provide health insurance coverage. If you’re approaching the age of 65 and interested in learning more about Medicare Part A and Part B, here’s some information to get you started.
What Is Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Medicare coverage is divided into several parts, which are differentiated by alphabet letters. Medicare Part A is one of the basics, providing hospitalization coverage, including hospital stay, skilled nursing facility care, home health care (skilled nursing, physical therapy), and hospice care. For most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free, meaning there is no charge for coverage as long as you meet a few basic eligibility requirements. Generally, as long as you are a permanent resident of the United States and you or a spouse paid Social Security taxes while employed, enrollment is automatic. While Medicare Part A is free, there are deductibles and co-insurance that you are responsible for paying.
What Is Medicare Part B – Medical Expenses
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary expenses to treat or prevent a disease or condition. Other fees that occur outside of room and board while in the hospital- those related to diagnostic testing, preventative care, and the supplies needed to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Fees for visiting the doctor are also included in Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of approved charges. Part B is not premium-free. The standard Part B premium in 2024 is $174.70 (or higher depending on your income). However, most people who get Social Security benefits pay less than this amount.
References:
www.medicare.gov
MUC26-2017-SSI/CDIS
Author: Dave Miller
Medicare Advantage (MA or Part C), is a popular alternative to traditional Medicare. Since 2010, enrollment increased by 71 percent, with as many as one in every three eligible seniors today choosing a Medicare Advantage plan over Original Medicare. Understanding this option is a critical step in managing health care into retirement. Here are some things to consider, along with a few pros and cons of Medicare Part C.
The Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare is fairly basic. Coverage includes hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). While Part A is free for most people, Part B carries a monthly premium. Prescription drug benefits (Part D) are not part of Original Medicare but can be added for an additional monthly premium.
Seniors enrolled in Original Medicare can visit any doctor or hospital they choose, as long as the provider accepts Medicare. While a good percentage of costs are covered, seniors are responsible for out-of-pocket expenses, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Many people add Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) to help shoulder some of these costs.
By contrast, Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies as an alternative way to receiving Original Medicare. With an MA plan, you receive Part A and Part B benefits, as well as additional benefits not covered by traditional Medicare. Most MA plans include coverage for prescription drugs, as well as dental, vision and in some cases, even hearing.
Unlike Original Medicare, with Medicare Advantage, you are limited to doctors and hospitals that are part of a specified network. Networks can be large, or narrow depending on where you live and a referral may be needed to see a specialist. Seniors are saving money—and with access to extra benefits not provided by Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one plan.
Is Medicare Advantage a Good Deal?
With comprehensive benefits and low premiums, Medicare Advantage sounds like a great deal. After all, putting together a similar plan using traditional Medicare would mean adding a prescription drug premium and maybe even Medigap to shoulder out-of-pocket costs. However, it’s important to look at your needs carefully to decide if Medicare Advantage makes sense for you.
Things to Consider
Network Availability Medicare Advantage may be a good option if the network includes providers you already use. Look carefully at which doctors are in the plan’s network, and whether or not you need a referral to see a specialist.
Out-of-pocket Expenses For those in good health who will don’t expect to visit the doctor’s office or hospital regularly, Medicare Advantage can be a great asset, offering additional benefits at a low cost. If, on the other hand, you will be visiting the doctor frequently and expect to have many copays, traditional Medicare supplemented with a Medigap plan can help with expenses.
The Bottom Line
Medicare Advantage is a great option for seniors looking for comprehensive care at an affordable price. As long as you can work within the network model, and won’t be needing a lot of specialized care, an MA plan may be a good deal.
References:
Medicare Advantage Stats: http://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/medicare-advantage-2017-spotlight-enrollment-market-update/
MUC56-2017-BCBS
Author: Dave Miller
9 to 12 months before you turn 65
Confirm that you are eligible to receive Medicare benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Review your current health insurance policy to find out what happens with that coverage when you turn 65.
Research options for coverage to help protect yourself from costs not included in Medicare coverage.
4 to 8 months before you turn 65
Become familiar with Medicare and its various parts: A, B, C, and D.
Ask your doctor if they accept Medicare or participate in other Medicare plans.
Sign-up for coverage to help protect yourself from costs not included in Medicare coverage.
1 to 3 months before you turn 65
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B – if you do not receive your automatic enrollment information in the mail, contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Sign up for Social Security if you have decided to take early Social Security benefits (Note: it usually takes three months after you sign up before you begin receiving benefits).
If your spouse and/or dependent are covered under your employer’s plan, make arrangements for him or her to have coverage after you have Medicare.
Happy 65th Birthday!
If you have not received your Medicare card in the mail, call the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213.
Make sure your physician’s office has a copy of your Medicare Card and any supplement plan you may have signed up for.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov
MUC25-2016-BCBS
Author: Dave Miller
The annual Enrollment Period (AEP), is the one time of year when you can make changes to an existing Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan. Basically, you have a few choices. You can join a new Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), switch between MA plans, or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan to return to your Original Medicare. With many options, the Annual Enrollment Period can be confusing. Here are five frequently asked questions, with answers to help you easily navigate this important time of year.
1: When is Annual Enrollment?
A: Annual Enrollment begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th.
These dates are important to remember. If you make changes at any time during Annual Enrollment, they will take effect on January 1st. Remember, in most cases, Annual Enrollment is the only time you can move to a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Be sure to do research ahead of time and be ready to switch if that’s what you decide to do.
2: I’ve read my Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), and my costs are going up. What can I do?
A: Annual Enrollment is your time to make changes to your Medicare plan.
As a member of a Medicare plan, you should receive an Annual Notice of Change in the mail by the last day of September. This important document includes any changes in costs and benefits that will impact your current plan in the upcoming year. If, after reviewing your ANOC, you no longer want to continue with the plan you have, now is the time to change. During Annual Enrollment, you may make the following changes:
Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Switch from one Prescription Drug Plan to another Prescription Drug Plan.
Drop Medicare Prescription Drug coverage completely.
Don’t forget, Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage. If you leave a current Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription coverage and return to Original Medicare, you will need to join a standalone Part D plan. If you do not enroll in a standalone Part D plan, a Part D penalty may apply.
3: Annual Enrollment ended, but I do not like the new Medicare Advantage Plan I joined. What can I do?
A: After Annual Enrollment ends, there is an Open Enrollment Period from January 1st to March 31st.
The Open Enrollment Period was created for people who are dissatisfied with their Medicare Advantage Plan after the Annual Enrollment Period ends. This is another time, in addition, to Annual Enrollment when you can disenroll. During this period, you can switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare plus a Part D Plan or switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another. Any changes take effect the month after it is submitted.
4: Is Annual Enrollment the same as Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace?
A: No. Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is not Open Enrollment for Medicare.
The federal health exchanges were created to provide insurance options for underinsured or uninsured Americans in need of health insurance coverage. As a member of Medicare, Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is for you to change your Medicare plan only.
5: If I want to make changes to my Medicare plan, what do I need to do?
A: Joining, switching, or dropping a Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan during Annual Enrolment is easy.
To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, simply enroll in the plan and your old coverage will be discontinued automatically.
To switch between MA plans, simply join the new plan and you will be disenrolled from the old plan automatically when your new coverage starts.
To switch from an MA plan back to Original Medicare, contact your current plan.
To join a Prescription Drug Plan, enroll in the plan you choose and coverage will begin on January 1st.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan.html#collapse-3190
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans/when-to-join-medicare-advantage-plan.html
MUC63-2017-BCBS
