MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE IN CHARLOTTE, MINT HILL & MATTHEWS, NC
Turning 65 soon or going on Medicare for the first time?
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It is a confusing time for most people. Here are some of the questions you may have:
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I am covered under a company group policy. Do I need to do anything?
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I am under 65 and going on Social Security disability. Do I have to buy a supplement?
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My spouse is under 65, what do I do?
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I am moving from another state, what do I have to do with my supplemental coverage?
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What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?
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Someone told me I have to sign up for Medicare drug coverage and I do not take any medication. Is this true?
Going on Medicare evokes daunting questions and concerns. Please feel free to call our office or email with your questions. We have a free Medicare buyer’s guide published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. It can answer many of your questions in the privacy of your home or office. Please email bhkantor@aol.com with your request. We will gladly email it to you. We will only call with your permission.
COVERING THE GAPS IN MEDICARE COVERAGE
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Bruce has been in the insurance business since 1970 and an independent insurance broker since 1975. He represents multiple companies and will find the best product at the best price for his clients. His loyalty is toward his clients not the companies. Here are some reasons to allow Bruce to assist you with your Medicare Supplement Insurance.
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All Medicare supplements are identical that is all Plan F are the same regardless of company. The prices will vary tremendously from company to company. Bruce can run all the available plans in all the letter plans.
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He does not make unsolicited phone calls. If you do not wish to receive a phone call, materials can be mailed or emailed to you.
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If one is enrolling after the initial open enrollment period, medical questions may have to be answered. Physical exams are not required for Medicare supplemental plans.
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​Medicare supplemental plans are state specific. The same plan will have different premiums in different states and perhaps zip codes.
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During the initial open enrollment period one can apply three months before his/her 65th birthday. The benefits will not be active until the first of the month of the 65th birthday. Premiums will not be payable until the policy goes into force.
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Many people are confused by their new Medicare plan. Bruce has the patience to explain coverage and gaps without intimidation. Being a senior citizen himself helps provide empathy. When possible, he can visit with his prospects in your home or his office. Do you want your children present when you make a buying decision, it is welcomed.
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In additional to Medicare supplemental coverage, Bruce can provide Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as well as final expense life insurance at reasonable premiums.
Medicare is a health insurance plan for seniors over age 65 and for those who qualify for Social Security Disability. Medicare is funded by payroll taxes as well as premiums paid by the beneficiaries. There are four parts to Medicare:
Medicare Part A: Hospitalization. One is automatically enrolled at age 65
Medicare Part B: Physician's charges. One must enroll on or before the 65th birthday. Coverage will go into effect on the first of the month of the 65th birthday.
Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage-Medicare is replaced by coverage through a private insurance carrier.​
Medicare Part D: Medicare Drug plan.​
Medicare has deductibles, co insurance and limitations. Most people choose to purchase Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance, sold by private companies. The coverage will help pay most of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.​
Some Medigap policies also offer coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as medical care when you travel outside the U.S. If you have Original Medicare and you buy a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs. Then your Medigap policy pays its share. A Medicare beneficiary should be careful to learn if a new physician accepts Medicare payments.​
Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. There are several companies who write this coverage. You give up your Medicare coverage and are covered under the MA plan. The premiums are very inexpensive and sometimes there is no premium. How can a plan be free and have value? Medicare pays the MA company an amount per month per insured that they would normally pay for an average Medicare insured. If the insurance company can provide care for less money than the premiums and the Medicare capitation, they make a profit. If not they experience a loss. Medicare comes out because they have a fixed cost per person.​
Medicare Advantage, Part C, is a relatively new concept. A Medicare beneficiary moves from Medicare to a plan of coverage to a private insurance company. For a low monthly cost, this company will provide care for low co-payments. The premium can be as low as nothing. The company makes money as Medicare sends a monthly capitation to the company equal to what they pay for an average beneficiary in the area where he/she lives.The insured needs to use a doctor who takes Medicare Advantage and not all doctors do. It is important before considering Medicare Advantage that you check with your doctor to see what plans they accept. The patient is taking an out of pocket risk of as high as $2000 per year. To reach this amount usually require hospitalization.Not all agents and brokers sell Medicare Advantage plans. If you are covered under an Advantage plan, you are not allowed to purchase a Medicare supplement.
Medicare Plan D - Medicare Drug plan. This is a newer benefit on the market. There are many plans selling this coverage. I chose not to sell it because it is easier to go to www.Medicare,gov. There is a section that is called the Drug Finder. You simply enter the medication you take and it will tell you the best plan for you. Some people ask their pharmacist to recommend the best plan for you.​
Kantor and Associates can assist in getting the right Medicare Supplemental Coverage for your individual situation. Reach out today - we serve clients in Charlotte, Matthews & Mint Hill, NC and the surrounding areas.
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