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Medicare Open Enrollment 2024

Medicare Open Enrollment is happening NOW

During this time, you can make changes to your prescription drug plan, enroll in a prescription drug plan, change your Medicare Advantage Plan, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

 

What is NEW for 2024

*Part B premium will increase from $164.90 to $174.70.

*Part B deductible will increase from $226 to $240.

*There is now a Medicare Advantage plan being offered for $202 per month with $0 out of pocket expenses. 

*Part D deductible will increase from $505 to $545.

*The initial figure needed to enter the donut hole has increased from $4,600 to $5,030.  As a reminder, Medicare is keeping a running total of the full cost of your drugs.  When you reach this figure, your coverage level (i.e. co-pays) change.

*Part D TROOP will increase from $7,400 to $8,000. This is the amount you are responsible for before exiting the donut hole and entering catastrophic coverage. 

*Part D catastrophic coverage will no longer require you to pay a copay or coinsurance for your drugs.  This means you will now be covered at 100%!

 

REMINDERS

Medicare Supplemental plan premiums increase each year as you age.

 

You can change your Medicare Supplemental plan at ANY time; however many carriers will medically underwrite before accepting a new policy.  This means the policy can be denied or you can be charged a higher rate due to your medical history.

 

The Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplemental plans allows you to change your Medicare Supplement plan within 45 days of your birthday without being medically underwritten.  You must enroll in a plan of equal or lessor value.

Medicare Advantage plans are guaranteed-issue.

 

What you need to know about the Basics of MEDICARE

 

Part A is provided by Social Security and covers HOSPITALIZATION.  The deductible is $1,632 and most people do not pay a monthly premium.

Part B is also provided by Social Security and covers DOCTOR VISITS at 80%.  In 2024 the Part B premium will be $174.10/month.  Most people have the premium deducted from their Social Security.  The deductible for Part B is $240.  As a side note, Part B premium is based on income.  If your income is greater than $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for those that file a joint return, you will pay a higher premium. 

 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN???  If you only have original Medicare, you will pay 100% of your doctor visits and hospital visits until you reach your deductible.  Once you meet the deductible (i.e. $240 per year for doctor visits and $1,632 for each hospitalization outside of 60 days). Medicare will start paying 80% of the bill for doctors’ visits and 100% of the hospitalization for the first 60 days. 

It is important to note that not all doctors accept Medicare.  You will need to confirm with your doctor that they accept Medicare before making your appointment.

 

WHAT ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS???  For those that are Medicare eligible, you are REQUIRED to purchase a prescription drug plan if you do not have credible coverage.  Prescription drug plans are provided by private insurers (i.e. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare/AARP, etc.), NOT Social Security. 

 

Many people think prescription drugs are included in Part A and Part B…they are NOT.  If you choose not to purchase a plan, you will be penalized 1% of the average premium for each month that you do not have coverage.  Although this figure sounds low, it does add up over time.  The penalty is NEVER removed.  Once you are assessed a penalty, it will be added to your monthly premium (i.e. $30/month premium + $20 penalty = $50 monthly premium). 

 

Prescription Drug plans are subject to an enrollment period.  The enrollment period is NOW.  If you qualify for a special election period (i.e. aging in to Medicare or losing credible coverage) you will be eligible for enrollment based on the date of your eligibility.

 

Prescription Drug plans have a monthly premium, co-pays are charged based on which Tier your drug falls in to, and some plans charge a deductible.  It is important to review your drug list before switching carriers.

 

Why did my rate increase, I have not filed ANY claims!!

Auto and homeowners’ insurance rates are on the rise and sadly, EVERY carrier is taking increases at this time.  I’ve provided an explanation for the increases below.

RISING CAR COSTS

Cars are becoming more expensive to repair, in part because replacement parts are becoming difficult to find due to supply shortages.  The lack of availability for used and new cars has also increased the typical market value for many cars, which means insurance companies are paying out higher amounts for claims across the board.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Severe storms and hurricanes cause a rise in car insurance claims from cars that are flooded, damaged, or destroyed.

RISING CONSTRUCTION COSTS

With the rise in construction costs, many carriers have increased your dwelling coverage to offset the increase, resulting in a higher premium to the homeowner. 

And of course, the number one reason, inflation.

 

 How can I save money or soften the blow???

 COMPARE AUTO AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE QUOTES

Make sure you are matching coverage’s to your existing policy!  You do not want to find out at the time of a claim that you lost coverage for a lower rate.

COMBINE YOUR HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE

When reviewing rates, always review the total package (i.e. home and auto).  Often, carriers will have a better rate on one product opposed to the other.  I suggest reviewing the total package to determine the best scenario. Carriers will also provide 15-25% discount per product line (i.e. 15% discount on the auto and 25% on the home) for combining.

ADJUST YOUR COVERAGE

Consider a higher deductible.  Most people now have a $500 deductible on the auto and $1,000 deductible on the home.  Ask to have your home’s replacement cost recalculated.  Each year carriers increase the dwelling coverage to protect against inflation.  This year the increases to the dwelling coverage have been significant. 

LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS

Almost all auto insurance companies will provide a discount for allowing the carrier to track your driving habits.  Now you can download an app on your phone.  The app will track things like hard stopping, accelerating too quickly, and speeding. 

Consider switching to usage-based coverage.  Many auto carriers now offer plans based on the miles driven. 

Many carriers offer discounts for paying in full, some as high as 18%!  Carriers also provide discounts for multiple vehicles and multiple policies.  If your policies are split among multiple carriers, it may be time to look at combining them all with one.

 

Your Guide to Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2023

November 1 – January 15th

During this time, individual policy holders can enroll in a health plan or make changes to their existing plan.  If you obtain health insurance from your employer, you are likely to have a different Open Enrollment period. 

What to Expect in 2023

  • Open Enrollment has been extended to January 15th!  Please note, changes made AFTER December 15th will take effect February 1st.

 

  • CARRIER CHANGES:
    • Aetna is offering plans this year
    • Bright Health will NOT offer plans in 2023
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield continues to be the only carrier offering a PPO network
    • Cigna will no longer offer the Northwestern network for those located in Cook County
    • We continue to struggle with network issues with Ambetter and United Healthcare.  Their provider finders are not accurate.  If you are considering one of these plans it is best to contact your doctor’s office to confirm they are accepting the plan.

 

  •  ALL carriers will now offer virtual visits.  While Blue Cross Blue Shield only offers this service with their PPO network, Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna, Oscar, and United Healthcare will offer the same service on all of their plans. Policy holders can call or chat online with a nurse practitioner to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication.

 

  • Out of pocket maximum will increase to $9,100 per person.  You can offset this by purchasing an accident or critical illness rider.  The rider starts at $25 per month and provides coverage to you in the event of an accident or diagnosis of a critical illness (heart attack, cancer, or stroke). 

 

  • Group plans are still an option for small employers. Blue Cross Blue Shield continues to offer relaxed guidelines during this time to allow for a 1-person group. The employer must have at least 2 full time employees that are not husband and wife.  The employees can be 1099’d.

 

  • Carriers are offering Visa gift cards for participating in their rewards program.  Some are offering up to $500!  Rewards are given for signing up for an account online, obtaining an annual physical, signing up for text message reminders, selecting a primary care physician, etc.

 

  • Cigna is offering plans tailored to those with asthma, COPD, and diabetes.  This means lower drug costs, $0 cost for labs, pulmonary rehab, and supplies (including certain brands of insulin pumps)

 

  • NO penalty continues! This means you will not receive a penalty for not having coverage or for obtaining a plan that does meet the minimum standards of the Affordable Care Act.

 

Your Guide to Medicare Open Enrollment 2023

Medicare Open Enrollment is happening NOW

During this time, you can make changes to your prescription drug plan, enroll in a prescription drug plan, change your Medicare Advantage Plan, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

What is New for 2023

*Part B premium will be reduced from $170.10 to $164.90.

*Part B deductible will be reduced from $233 to $226.

*There is now a Plan G Plus plan which includes dental and vision benefits along with your medical benefits.

*Many carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans have decreased the maximum out of pocket.

*Many carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans have increased dental benefits.

*There is now a Medicare Advantage plan being offered for $187 per month with $0 out of pocket expenses.

*Part D deductible will increase from $485 to $505.

*The initial figure needed to enter the donut hole has increased from $4,430 to $4,600.  As a reminder, Medicare is keeping a running total of the full cost of your drugs.  When you reach this figure, your coverage level (i.e. co-pays) change.

*Part D TROOP will increase from $7,050 to $7,400. This is the amount you are responsible for before exiting the donut hole and entering catastrophic coverage.

Reminders

Medicare Supplemental plan premiums increase each year as you age.

You can change your Medicare Supplemental plan at ANY time; however many carriers will medically underwrite before accepting a new policy.  This means the policy can be denied or you can be charged a higher rate due to your medical history.

What you need to know about the Basics of MEDICARE

Part A is provided by Social Security and covers HOSPITALIZATION.  The deductible is $1,600 and most people do not pay a monthly premium.

Part B is also provided by Social Security and covers DOCTOR VISITS at 80%.  In 2023 the Part B premium will be $164.90/month.  Most people have the premium deducted from their Social Security.  The deductible for Part B is $226.  As a side note, Part B premium is based on income.  If your income is greater than $85,000 for an individual or $170,000 for those that file a joint return, you will pay a higher premium. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN???  If you only have original Medicare, you will pay 100% of your doctor visits and hospital visits until you reach your deductible.  Once you meet the deductible (i.e. $226 per year for doctor visits and $1,600 for each hospitalization outside of 60 days). Medicare will start paying 80% of the bill for doctors’ visits and 100% of the hospitalization for the first 60 days. 

It is important to note that not all doctors accept Medicare.  You will need to confirm with your doctor that they accept Medicare before making your appointment.

WHAT ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS???  For those that are Medicare eligible, you are REQUIRED to purchase a prescription drug plan if you do not have credible coverage.  Prescription drug plans are provided by private insurers (i.e. BCBS, Humana, United Healthcare/AARP, etc.), NOT Social Security. 

Many people think prescription drugs are included in Part A and Part B…they are NOT.  If you choose not to purchase a plan, you will be penalized 1% of the average premium for each month that you do not have coverage.  Although this figure sounds low, it does add up over time.  The penalty is NEVER removed.  Once you are assessed a penalty it will be added to your monthly premium (i.e. $30/month premium + $20 penalty = $50 monthly premium). 

Prescription Drug plans are subject to an enrollment period.  The enrollment period is NOW.  If you qualify for a special election period (i.e. aging in to Medicare or losing credible coverage) you will be eligible for enrollment based on the date of your eligibility.

Prescription Drug plans have a monthly premium, co-pays are charged based on which Tier your drug falls in to, and some plans charge a deductible.  It is important to review your drug list before switching carriers.

How to Buy a Life Insurance Policy

  • Know the reason why you are looking to purchasing a life insurance policy.  Are you looking to pay off debt when your significant other passes away?  Do you need income to replace the primary wage earner?  Are you looking for a policy to cover final expenses (aka burial costs) only?  Knowing the reason for the policy will help determine the direction to take next.
  • How much coverage you need?  The answer to this question will depend on the answer to the 1st question.  If you are looking to pay off debt, you’ll need to know how much debt you currently have.  If you are looking to cover final expenses, you’ll need to have an idea of the type of burial you want (cremation or in-ground). 
  • Educate yourself on the different types of policies available (term life, whole life, universal life).  Each provides coverage for a separate need.  Term life provides coverage for paying off debt, whole life provides coverage for final expenses/burial costs, and universal life provides a combination of the two.  It is important that you understand how each policy works, especially Universal Life.
  •  Obtain a quote.  Many financial advisors and insurance agents offer life insurance policies.  I suggest obtaining a quote from a company with a strong financial background and good customer service.  You want to be able to talk to someone that has knowledge in the products they are offering and is there when you need them.
  • Fill out the application.  Provide honest answers, without being too honest.  Remember, the carrier only needs to know the health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with, not the conditions you think you may have.
  • Prepare for the phone interview.  Once an application has been submitted, the carrier will reach out to ask you additional questions.  This is to verify the information on the application is correct and to obtain additional information that may not have been asked originally.  Have a list of your doctors available along with medications and dosages.
  • Schedule a life insurance medical exam.  The carrier will contact you to schedule an exam based on your schedule and at your preferred location (work or home).  The medical exam typically consists of height, weight, mouth swab (to check tobacco use), urine sample, and blood.  *NOTE: Not all plans will require a medical exam. *
  • Wait for approval.  The whole process takes about 1-2 weeks depending on your medical history.  If the carrier needs additional information from your doctor, it can take longer.

While the process may seem overwhelming to some, working with a good agent that can answer your questions and provide updates along the way is important.  If you are unsure on how to begin, don’t over think it, something is better than nothing! 

Questions
Questions

Feel free to email or call me with any questions or comments about my services or if you have any insurance related inquires.

Contact
Contact

Phone: 708.444.0050
Email: kelly@kellyburkeinsurance.com

Availability
Availability

Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Evening and weekends
available upon request