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 We are approaching the time of year, when everyone who is Medicare eligible, receives volumes of mail from private insurance companies. All of this senseless waste of paper suggests that you change your plan. If you are like most people, the more you read, the more confused and aggravated you become. Unless you're a student of the highly nuanced and ever changing world of Medicare, you probably have a lot of questions. At Ucentris Insured Solutions, we have a dedicated team that stays on top of all the Medicare changes that affect our community. We offer many of the plans you may be familiar with, so you won't feel pressured to purchase a particular plan. In other words, we offer Multiple Choices from a Single Source. We can answer your questions, and help you to make an informed decision. Following, are some of the most common questions that are on people's minds.
What's the difference between a Medicare Supplement policy and a Medicare Advantage plan? A Medicare Supplement Policy supplements the fee-for-service claims that have been paid by Medicare. An important aspect of this policy to understand is, it only “supplements” the deductibles and coinsurance associated with Original Medicare Parts A & B. So, if Medicare does not approve and pay a claim, the supplement won't either.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, are provided through private insurance companies. In addition to being contracted with and approved by Medicare, they are also required to offer you at least all of the same benefits provided by Medicare Parts A & B. There is a great deal of competition between the plans that are offered, which consequently allows you to find plans with greatly enhanced benefits.
Why does one plan cost so much and another cost nothing at all? Medicare Supplement plans are entirely dependent on the premium that you pay to manage, and administer the claims presented on your behalf. Premiums for a comprehensive Medicare Supplement policy can be in the neighborhood of $150 to $200, or more, per month.
A Medicare Advantage plan is funded all, or in part, through the Medicare Part B premium that you pay; combined with additional money Medicare receives from the Department of Health and Human Services. This additional money is different for everyone, and is determined by the tax base in the area where you live. This money traditionally would be used by Medicare to pay fee-for-service claims presented on your behalf. However, in the case of a Medicare Advantage plan, the Part B premium that you pay is added to the additional money. The full sum is then paid directly to the Medicare Advantage plan that you have joined. Essentially, Medicare is paying your premium in the private health plan that you have chosen, so there may be no (or a low) additional monthly premium for you to pay.
How are my prescriptions going to be paid? Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, or Part D, is made up of plans that are provided by private insurance companies. If you have a Medicare Supplement policy, or certain types of Medicare Advantage plans, you may need to have a “stand alone” Rx drug plan. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that include Prescription Drug Coverage. Either way, the basic plan is the same. They have four levels of coverage: Deductible, Initial Coverage Level, Coverage Gap (Donut Hole), and Catastrophic Coverage. Different plans may cover the same drug, but with different benefit levels and quantity limits.
How do I make sure I have the best coverage for me, without paying more than I should? It is clear that there are an abundance of options available, but this is only beneficial if you're able to determine your unique needs. You should then compare those needs against benefits contained within multiple and varied plans. In order to achieve the best selection of an optimal plan, it is becoming necessary to seek out the services of a licensed and certified agent who specializes in Medicare. While a representative from a specific company may be licensed to sell you a particular plan, they most likely only understand and believe in that one product.
At Ucentris we have licensed representatives who specialize in Medicare, and are certified to represent a variety of companies and plans. This allows you to relate your needs and circumstances to someone who knows what types of plans are available in your area, and can professionally recommend appropriate coverage. One of the most important things for you to research is which plan your doctor accepts. A plan will do you no good if your doctor does not accept it, and they are not required to accept every plan.
In addition, by securing a plan through an agent or broker, you can count on them to resolve any issues or circumstances that may arise. Enrolling directly with a plan means that you alone will be responsible to communicate with the companies' customer service department, and all of the answering system queues that go with it.
By viewing our website www. ucentris. com, you will see how our commitment to the Medicare population resonates in the community. Our passion drives our knowledge, and we are passionate about providing a service that helps you fulfill your unique needs. Allow us to help you make sense of the challenging world of Medicare.
You can reach Lance Ghiroso, CSA at 1-800-228-5798 or 425-918-4800. Ucentris Insured Solutions is located in Mountlake Terrace, WA
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