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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.

 

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.

Tips to Reducing your Medicare/Health Insurance Premium

REMINDER: Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th and Health Insurance Open Enrollment ends January 15th.

 

TIPS to Reducing your Medicare Premium…

*Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan.  If you are already in one, you may want to consider another carrier.  Be sure to pick a plan with a low maximum out of pocket and confirm that your doctors accept the plan before switching.

*Consider switching the type of Supplemental Plan you are in currently (i.e. Plan N is less expensive than a Plan G).  I will caution, that changing your plan may require you to pay for services that you have not paid for in the past. 

*Consider switching carriers for your Supplemental Plan.  Plan coverages are the same regardless of who the carrier is.   Please note, you may be medically underwritten which means the new carrier can charge a higher rate or deny you based on your medical history.

*Review your drug lists with other carriers.  Medicare.gov is a great source for reviewing rates with other carriers.  Simply plug in your drug information, select your pharmacy, and review the different plans available (based on the drugs you have been prescribed).

*Consider switching pharmacies.  First, make sure your pharmacy is still in the Preferred Network with your prescription drug plan.  Second, find out what the different pharmacies charge for your drugs.  You may see a difference that can save you some time in reaching the donut hole.

 

TIPS to Reducing your Health Insurance Premium…

*Be prepared to discuss your household, estimated adjusted gross income for 2022.  This will be used to determine if you qualify for assistance.   Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the threshold has increased.  Some families making $250,000 per year can qualify for assistance!

*Those without pre-existing conditions should consider a short-term medical plan.  These plans do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, maternity, and limited wellness visits. However, these plans are a fraction of the cost of plans offered through the Marketplace and they have a PPO network.

*If you are going to opt to self-insure, protect yourself with an accident or critical illness plan.  The plan works separate from health insurance and pays you in the event of an accident (slip, fall, and break an ankle) as well as a diagnosis of a critical illness (cancer, heart attack, or stroke).  The purpose is to use the funds to pay towards the unexpected treatment.

Consider splitting your household.  If one of you need to be on a plan that covers pre-existing conditions the other can look into the short term medical plan.  You can also split plans through the Marketplace. 

 

 

Medicare Open Enrollment October 15th-December 7th

Medicare Open Enrollment is happening NOW

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

If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, you are not obligated to make changes at this time.  You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement at any time.  Please note, if you are interested in making a change outside of your initial enrollment period, Medicare Supplement plans are subject to underwriting.  This means you can be charged a higher rate or denied due to past medical history.

 

TIPS to Reducing your Premium…

*Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan.  If you are already in one, you may want to consider another carrier.  Be sure to pick a plan with a maximum out of pocket and confirm that your doctors accept the plan before switching.  This will protect you in the event of a “bad” year.  

*Consider switching the type of Supplemental Plan you are in currently (i.e. Plan G is often less expensive than a Plan F).  I will caution, that changing your plan may require you to pay for services that you have not paid for in the past.  For example, a Plan N will charge the Part B deductible and $20 co-pay for doctors’ visits. 

*Review your drug lists with other carriers.  Medicare.gov is a great source for reviewing rates with other carriers.  Simply plug in your drug information, select your pharmacy, and review the different plans available (based on the drugs you are taking).

*Consider switching pharmacies.  First, watch to make sure your pharmacy is still in the Preferred Network with your prescription drug plan.  Second, find out what different pharmacies charge for your drugs.  You may see a difference that can save you some time in reaching the donut hole. 

 

What you need to know about the Basics of MEDICARE

Part A is provided by Social Security and covers HOSPITALIZATION.  The deductible is $1,484 and most people do not pay a monthly premium.

Part B is also provided by Social Security and covers DOCTOR VISITS at 80%.  In 2021 the Part B premium increased to $148.50/month.  Most people have the premium deducted from their Social Security.  The deductible for Part B is $203  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.  

*These figures have not been updated for 2022 yet and may be subject to change.*

 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN???  If you have only 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. $203 for doctor visits) Medicare will start paying 80% of the bill.  You are still responsible for the remaining 20%.

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.

 

HOW TO FILL THE GAPS???  Many people purchase a Medicare Supplement plan to fill the gaps.  The most common plan today is Plan G.  These plans cover the Part A deductible and the Part B co-insurance (20%).  Medicare Supplements are provided by private insurers (i.e. BCBS, United Healthcare/AARP, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, etc.) and charge a monthly premium.  The premium will vary by age, carrier, and zip code.

 

Another option is a Medicare Advantage Plan.  These plans have a lower monthly premium, include prescription drugs, and are subject to the enrollment period noted above.  Medicare Advantage Plans are set up as “pay as you go”.  Meaning the monthly premium is less than a supplement/prescription drug plan, however you pay a co-pay for each of your services (i.e. $5 co-pay to see the primary care physician, $10 co-pay to see a specialist, etc.).  These plans are offered by private insurers (i.e. Blue Cross Blue Shield, Human, United Healthcare/AARP, etc.)

 

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 for each month that you do not have coverage.  Once a drug plan is selected, the penalty will be added to the premium.  Please note, the penalty is NEVER removed.  

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. 

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE???  People that are 65 or older or those that have been disabled and collecting social security disability for 24 months. 

 

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

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Evening and weekends
available upon request