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Archive for November, 2011

Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Offer More Security than Advantage Plans

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

If you’re 65 or about to turn 65, you’re eligible for Texas Medicare. That’s great news and Medicare helps to pay for a significant amount of your health care costs. However, it doesn’t pay for it all. You know that to get the coverage you need, you’ll have to purchase additional insurance to supplement your Original Medicare coverage.

Basically, there are two options for supplementing Original Medicare. You can purchase Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap insurance) or you can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan. While there are benefits and disadvantages to both, if security is a main concern, a Texas Medicare Supplement insurance plan offers more security than advantage plans.

Security You Can Depend on

What does it mean to be secure? For most people, security means safety and reassurance that they’re covered in the event that they need protection. Security with health care coverage is no different. Basically, we want security in knowing that if we need medical care, it’s available and we can afford it. Texas Medicare Supplement insurance offers security with health care.

Standardized Plans

In Texas, there are ten Medigap plans available, identified by the letters A through N.  While each letter offers a different combination of benefits, all plans are standardized meaning that a plan F sold by a company in Dallas must offer the same benefits as a plan F from a company in Tyler. This is true whether you live in Midland, Dallas or anywhere else. A Medigap policy of a certain letter is the same anywhere in the state. Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is an alternative to Medigap insurance, but the coverage is not standardized. In fact, after providing Parts A and B, every Medicare Advantage plan is different.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Many people don’t like the idea of assuming any out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance costs.  Medicare Supplement insurance can pay 100% of the costs in exchange for a monthly premium. Basically, that’s no deductibles, no coinsurance and no copayments. On the other hand, with a Medicare Advantage plan, you will pay your Medicare Part B premium and also your monthly premium for your Medicare Advantage plan, plus any other out-of-pocket expenses including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

Guaranteed Renewable

All Medigap plans are guaranteed renewable. Basically, that means that as long as you pay your premium on time, an insurance company cannot cancel or refuse to renew your policy regardless of your health. The same cannot be said for Medicare Advantage as specific plans and benefits may change from year to year. Plus, if for some reason your Advantage plan discontinues, you will have to find another plan or return to Original Medicare.

Health Care Provider Choices

With a Medigap policy, you have access to a large network of health care providers and hospitals. In fact, you can see any doctor you wish and you never need a referral to see a specialist. With Medicare Advantage, your health care choices are restricted. You must live in a plan area and in many cases, your choice of doctors and hospitals is limited.

Both Medicare Supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage are offered through private insurance companies to provide additional coverage to Original Medicare. However, with standardized coverage, renewability and a large network of health care providers, Medicare Supplement insurance offers more security than a Medicare Advantage plan. Remember, while insurance providers must offer the same standardized plans, they vary considerably in terms of cost, dependability and reliability. Choose only credible companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, a company who has been providing Medicare Supplement insurance to Texans just like you for decades.

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Is it Cheaper to Have an Advantage Plan Instead of a Medicare Supplement in Texas?

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

In Texas, if you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for Medicare and that helps considerably. However, Medicare doesn’t pay for all of your medical expenses and more than likely you’re going to have supplement your coverage with additional insurance. You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan which provides all of your Medicare Parts A and B and sometimes prescription drug coverage or you can supplement Original Medicare with Medicare Supplement Insurance.

You may have heard a few things about both options and now you’re wondering if it’s cheaper to have an Advantage plan instead of a Medicare Supplement? Typically, the answer is no, but choosing between the two requires looking at a variety of different factors. Nevertheless, if you’re like most Texans, cost is a main concern. Learn more about Medicare Supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage and make the right choice.

What you’re Really Paying For

Medicare

With Medicare, Part A is free for most people, but most pay a premium for Part B. In addition, there are other out-of pocket expenses including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. In some cases, there are even excess charges if your provider charges more than the approved Medicare amount for a particular service. Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs and if you want that coverage, you must purchase it separately through a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Medicare Advantage

If you choose to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, you are opting to get your Medicare benefits through your Advantage plan rather than through Medicare directly. All Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same coverage provided by Part A and B and most offer prescription drug coverage. However, it’s not required that they provide anything more than the basic coverage and benefits vary considerably. More than likely you’re going to have a premium and you are still responsible for any deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

If you choose to purchase a Medicare supplement plan, you will have a monthly premium in addition to your Part B Premium, but you can avoid most or all out-of-pocket expenses. In Texas, there are ten Medigap plans to choose from, each with different combinations of benefits. Plan F completely eliminates all of your deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. So while you may be paying more monthly, you won’t owe a cent whenever you receive treatment.

There are other factors to consider. It’s important to compare benefits when comparing premium rates between the two options.  For instance, the premium for Medicare Advantage may be lower than for a Medigap plan, but when prescription drug coverage is added, the premium rate may increase considerably. In addition, with Medicare Advantage, it’s likely that your premium will rise over time. Medigap plans have locked premiums, meaning that they will not increase. Finally, because Medigap plans are guaranteed renewable, you don’t have to worry that your plan will be canceled, even if your health deteriorates. The same is not true with a Medicare Advantage plan. In fact, if your plan discontinues, you will be faced with finding a new plan in your coverage area, or going back to Original Medicare. 

The bottom Line? Many Texans just like you are choosing Medicare Supplement insurance simply because they aren’t willing to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for health care. Depending on how frequently you need to see a doctor or how often you might owe a copay, Texas Medicare supplement insurance is a good choice. Also, most seniors are not comfortable choosing doctors and providers from a network that may or may not have or continue to have their trusted care giver. Consider your options and always choose a reputable, credible provider like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for your insurance. Get Medicare Supplement insurance and get peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered completely. 

For a more detailed comparison of Medicare Advantage plans VS. Medicare Supplement in Texas visit our website.

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How do I Get a Medicare Supplement Quote in Texas?

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap insurance, is simply additional insurance that you can rely on for helping you pay for some or all of the out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare doesn’t pay for. In many cases, these costs can become quite expensive and Medicare Supplement makes it possible for you to see your doctor without owing a copay every time you visit. With ten different plans available, each with different benefits and rates, how do you get a Medicare Supplement quote in Texas that’s right for you? Learn how to find a Medicare Supplement quote in Texas and make an informed decision when you decide to purchase. 

Medicare Alone May Not Be Enough

If you’re like most Texans, you’re interested in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan because you understand Medicare alone may not be enough. While it helps significantly, Medicare only covers up to 80 percent of your health care costs, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. The right Medicare Supplement insurance plan can give you peace of mind in knowing that you’re covered and you can get the medical attention you need when you need it without having to worry about extra expenses.

Decide Which Plan Works Best For You

There are ten Medicare Supplement plans available, each with different combinations of coverage. Before getting a Medicare Supplement quote in Texas and comparing prices, you should have a clear idea as to the type of coverage you want. In other words, while all Medicare Supplement plans pay your Part A deductible and Part B coinsurance, some pay for foreign emergency care and even excess charges. In Texas, Plan F is the most popular because it completely eliminates all out-of-pocket expenses. That means you never have to pay deductible, copay or coinsurance for Medicare approved services.

Choose Reputable, Reliable Providers

Most people in Texas don’t know that all the Medicare Supplement plans available in the state are standardized. This means that regardless of who sells it, a Plan F from one company must provide the exact same benefits as a Plan F from another company. While this is great news for comparison shopping, it makes it even more important to stay with trusted names that you know will provide credible, dependable coverage. While all insurance companies must offer the same coverage, they are not the same in terms of reliability and dependability. Choose well-known, established companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or United Health Care who have earned the respect and trust of Texans through years of dependable coverage.

Consider Using Online Resources

The most convenient way to get a Medicare Supplement quote in Texas is to use the online resources that are available. Perfect for comparing rates and coverage, the internet provides a great resource. However, be careful when looking for Medicare Supplement insurance online. Remember, there is a lot of information online and much of t is designed to confuse you. Protect yourself by choosing an agent or a company that is licensed, trusted and recommended by someone you know or trust. Online can save you a lot of time and energy as long as you are a smart shopper and protect yourself. Remember, in Texas, you can return a policy for any reason within 30 days and receive a full refund.

Finding a dependable Medicare Supplement quote in Texas is easy as long as you decide which plan and coverage you need ahead of time, choose reputable providers that you know and trust and protect yourself when accessing information online. If you follow these tips, you should be able to get a Medicare Supplement quote in Texas easily.

For more information or to use our free tool to get a quote visit our Texas Medicare supplement website.

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Will my Doctor Take Medicare Supplement Insurance in Texas?

Sunday, November 13th, 2011

Now that you’re 65, you’re eligible for Medicare in Texas. That’s helpful, but you’re really interested in learning more about Medicare Supplement insurance. You know that it can help pay for health care expenses that Medicare doesn’t but you’re a little unclear as to how it will work for you. While it sounds like a great health care strategy, you’re not sure if your current doctor will take Medicare Supplement. Take the time to learn about your health care options and make an informed decision when and if you decide that Medicare Supplement insurance in Texas is the right choice for you.

Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance: What You Need to Know

In Texas, Medicare supplement insurance is available to help pay for health care expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t pay like deductibles, copay even coinsurance. While you may already know that you want Medicare Supplement insurance, there are a few things you may not know.

Keeping Your Doctor

Doctors are not required to work with Medicare. While most do, some may not. Basically, when a doctor agrees to work with Medicare, they have agreed to accept what is called an “assignment”. This means that they are required to take all Medicare Supplement insurance offered and will limit their fee to the Medicare-approved amount for a service or supply, although you must still pay any deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments due.

Doctors who have not accepted assignment may still accept Medicare, but can charge more than the Medicare-approved amount for the same services. If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, you are responsible for the excess charges and will most likely end up paying more money out-of-pocket.

Plan F and Plan G as a Solution

Luckily, there is a solution. Medicare Supplement insurance Plan F and Plan G give you the freedom to see any health care provider you choose, even if he or she does not accept Medicare assignment.  If there is an excess charge, Plan F and Plan G cover it completely. In Texas, Plan F is the most popular because not only does it cover the excess charges, but also, it completely eliminates all deductibles, copays and even coinsurance. For Texans, Plan F is by far the plan that creates the greatest peace of mind.

How to Find out if Your Doctor Accepts Medicare

Medicare maintains a directory of providers and suppliers that work with Medicare. The directory lists physicians and other providers who accept assignment on Medicare claims. For a list of providers who accept assignment in your area, call Medicare or visit their website.

1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) 
 

Remember, the more you know about Medicare Supplement insurance, the better off you will be when it comes time to purchasing. Find out if your doctor accepts Medicare and select coverage that will protect you in the event you are required to pay more. Choose dependable providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and rest assured that your Medicare Supplement insurance in Texas is serving you well.

For more information on Medicare Supplement Insurance in Texas or to obtain an instant quote from the top companies visit our Texas Medicare Insurance website.

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2012 Medicare Deductibles and Premium Amounts

Monday, November 7th, 2011

I got notice of this last week but with the annual enrollment period I have been tied up in the office assisting seniors. The government released the 2012 deductible and premium changes for folks on Medicare, here you go:

Part A Deductible: $1,156
Part B Deductible: $140

The Part A deductible is an increase of $24 from 2011 numbers. Not bad.. but here is the strange one, the Part B deductible went DOWN from 2011 by $22. Don’t know why?

Medicare premiums for 2012 changed as well. The standard Part B premium will be $99.90 a month, a $15.50 decrease over 2011 premium of $115.40. However, most Medicare beneficiaries were held harmless in 2011 and paid $96.40 per month. The 2012 premium represents a $3.50 increase for those folks.

Like always, higher income beneficiaries will pay more based on the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).

Overall I’m happy with the numbers and happy to see that seniors didn’t get hammered with both increased Part B premiums and higher deductibles.

For additional information on Texas Medicare Supplement plans visit our website.

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Baby Boomers are Now Finding the Lowest Rates Online for Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

Between 1945 and 1964, there were seventy-six million American children born. We are the baby boomers, the fiery, free spirited ones that do as we please simply because we can. While we may have traded in our tie-dyes for handkerchiefs, we haven’t lost that spirit, that perseverance that pushes us to lead the world in ideas and innovation.

Now as we enter our golden years, we still have that spark, that innate ability to get things done quickly, efficiently and with the least amount of stress.

Finding and securing dependable Health insurance is no different. Many of us are 65 and are enrolled or about to be eligible for Medicare. And while Texas Medicare covers a significant portion of our health care, it doesn’t cover it all. We know that to get the health coverage that we expect, we need Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Finding Medicare Supplement Insuranc 

Years ago, if you were interested in learning about your health insurance options, you called several agencies by phone and scheduled appointments to meet with agents. You were faced with spending valuable time and energy at your kitchen table discussing your options. In other cases, you traveled to and from independent insurance agencies, meeting with a variety of different sales agents. Luckily, finding and securing dependable, reliable Texas Medicare Supplement insurance is no longer a difficult task.

Get Accurate, Reliable Quotes from Major Carriers with the Click of a Button

These days, almost anything can be accomplished easier, faster and with less aggravation online. For many of us, this was a tough transition, but now that we’ve embraced change, we wouldn’t want it any other way. In fact, finding the lowest rates online for Texas Medicare Supplement insurance is a perfect example of how the internet has made life a little easier.

It’s so easy to get accurate, reliable quotes for Texas Medigap insurance online. In fact, websites run by independent agents provide quotes from major carriers instantly with the click of a button. There’s no risk because all insurance providers, even those online selling Texas Medicare Supplement insurance are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. There’s no risk and it’s super simple. Apply online from the convenience of your own home and spend your time doing the things you love, not searching through insurance brochures.

If you are looking for the lowest rates online for Texas Medigap insurance, don’t waste your time. Consider using the internet to find accurate, reliable quotes from providers you know and trust like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Gerber Life and Humana. After all, we baby boomers need to stick together. Let’s get the health care choices we deserve. 

For more information on finding the lowest rates online for Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance visit our Texas Medigap Insurance website.

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Texas Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan: In’s and Out’s

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

In Texas, there are only two ways to get Medicare drug coverage- through a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or through a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, or Part D, are offered to everyone with Medicare and sold through private insurance companies. Basically, Part D is prescription drug coverage that is added to your Original Medicare. Understanding these plans can be a bit tricky and many Texans just like you are confused as to eligibility, enrollment, costs and coverage. Take the time to learn a few in’s and out’s of Texas Medicare Part D and make the right decisions concerning your health care coverage.

Eligibility and Enrollment

To be eligible for a Medicare Part D drug plan, you must live in the area that your network serves and you must be enrolled in Original Medicare. The best time to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan is when you are first eligible. You can join anytime during the 7 month period of time beginning three months before the month you turn 65 and ending three months after you turn 65. If you choose not to enroll in Part D when you are first eligible and decide to enroll later, you will most likely be charged a late enrollment penalty.

“Open enrollment” is different from your 7 month eligibility period. It is the specific timeframe when everyone else can join, switch or drop a Medicare Drug Plan. For 2011, the open enrollment period is October 15 through December 7. During this time only, anyone can make changes to their Medicare drug plan. The end date of December 7 ensures that any changes made will take effect by January 1st. It’s important to remember that the open enrollment period is not the same as when you are first eligible.

If you are disabled, you can join a Medicare drug plan starting three months before your 25th month of disability and ending three months after your 25th month of disability. However, if you currently receive extra help, you may join, switch or drop a Medicare drug plan anytime. There are also special enrollment periods that take into consideration if you live in a nursing home, move out of the coverage area or lose other credible prescription drug coverage.

Costs and Coverage

With any Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, you can expect to pay a monthly premium as well as other out-of- pocket expenses including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. In some cases, if you enrolled late, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty. However, the actual cost for a drug plan varies and is based on several factors including the plan you choose, whether or not you use a pharmacy in the plan’s network, the specific drugs you use and if your plan covers them.

While prices vary considerably between insurers, coverage does as well and each plan has a list of the specific drugs that they cover. This list is called a formulary and it is why it is so important to make certain that your provider covers the drugs that you need.

Cost is a definitely a factor to consider when comparing drug plans between insurance companies. However, it’s not the only factor as dependability and reliability are important as well. When choosing your insurance provider, choose trustworthy companies that have earned a reputation with Texans for providing credible, dependable Part D coverage for decades.

For more information on Texas Medicare Part D prescription drug plans visit our Texas Medicare Supplement website.

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