Category: Supplemental

Fast and Easy 2018 Part D Breakdown

Is Medicare Part D confusing? Want a fast and easy 2018 Part D breakdown … Well look no further, we can help.

2018 Medicare Part D Breakdown

All Part D Medicare drug plans work the same as far as their coverage levels, they just offer different copayments and/or deductibles.

Deductible

If your plan has a deductible, you pay the total cost of your drugs until you reach your deductible set by your plan … then you move on to the initial coverage level.

Initial Coverage Level – $3,750

During the initial coverage level you pay your copay amounts set by your plan until your total drug cost reaches $3,750. The total drug costs is the amount “you and the insurance company” pay. Then you move to the coverage gap level, or “donut hole”

Coverage Gap Level / “Donut Hole” – $5,000

During the coverage gap level, you pay either a higher copay amount, or discounts until you pay a total in out of pocket expenses of 5,000. Out of pocket expenses is just the amount “you” pay. Then you move to the catastrophic coverage level.

Catastophic Coverage Level – Unlimited

The catastrophic coverage level is where you will pay generally the least copay amount until the end of the year at which time the plan will renew.

This fast and easy 2018 Part D breakdown is not company specific. If you need a specific quote for your Medicare 2018 drug plan click here.

Only some drugs are covered under part B of Medicare, but most drugs are not. You want to make sure that you get a separate drug plan when you become “eligible” for Medicare Part D, in order to avoid the future penalty.

2016 Changes to Medicare

The 2016 Changes to Medicare were found throughout the parts of Medicare.  Since most people do not pay a Part A premium, that change is kind of irrelevant.  There were some changes to what you pay under Part A deductible and coinsurance but none as noteworthy as the Part B changes.  The Part B deductible and Part B premium both changed in 2016.  View the chart below to see the exact differences.

2016-changes-to-medicare

Please note … The standard Part B premium amount if you enroll after 2016 is $121.80 (or higher depending on your income).  However, most people who get Social Security benefits will continue to pay the same Part B premium amount as they paid in 2015. This is because there wasn’t a cost-of-living increase for 2016 Social Security benefits.

You’ll pay a different Part B premium amount if:

You enroll in Part B for the first time in 2016.
You don’t get Social Security benefits.
You’re directly billed for your Part B premiums.
You have Medicare and Medicaid, and Medicaid pays your premiums. (Your state will pay the standard premium amount of $121.80.)
Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount.

How will the 2016 Changes to Medicare effect me?

The 2016 changes to Medicare may effect each person differently.  If you only have Original Medicare, then your overall out-of-pocket costs will be greater.  If you have a Plan F, you may see your actual supplement premium increased.  If you have a Plan C, G, or any other plan that didn’t pay the Part B deductible …  your premium may not have increased as much, but you will notice when you go to the doctor you will pay a little more the first of the year over what you paid last year.   If you have Part C, or a Medicare Advantage Plan, then you may see changes when the plan renews for next year.  Regardless of the specifics, the 2016 changes to Medicare will have some effect on everyone who is on Medicare currently or who will be enrolling.

Need more information?

If you would like to shop for Medicare Supplemental Plans or need help with Medicare give us a call, we will be happy to help 877-740-8683 or locally 936-756-6199.

June is National Safety Month-Do you have Accident Coverage?

The National Safety Council says the annual cost of injuries in the US is $753 billion. This includes medical costs, lost wages, and damages. Each year 1 in 8 people will receive medical care due to a non-fatal injury, and accidents are the cause of 33% of all ER visits. Workers comp does a good job of covering accidents at work, but 70% of accidents occur outside the workplace. While most people have Health Insurance, we have found that one of the biggest gaps in both Group and Individual policies, even with the new Health Care Reform, is the ER deductible and co-pay. You can obtain an affordable Accident Policy that helps with these costs for as little as 50 cents a day. Give us a call at 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , for a free quote today.

Breast Cancer … are you Screening for it?

breast_cancer

  • Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer.
  • Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.
  • Breast cancer occurs more often in white women than in black women. However, black women are more likely than white women to die from the disease.
  • Breast cancer occurs in men also, but the number of cases is small.

Read more about breast cancer at www.cancer.gov/

Click here to learn more about plans to help protect your income should you develop cancer.

Cash or Get Well Card for Cancer?

While most people are aware of the increasing risk of developing Cancer, 1 in 2 odds for men, and 1 in 3 for women, many times they are not aware of the devastating costs associated with this disease. In 2010 alone the total cost of Cancer was over $268 billion. Much of the costs associated with Cancer are indirect. Those costs include things like loss of income, travel, and other charges that will never be paid by even the best Health Insurance. With most Americans living paycheck to paycheck, they really aren’t prepared to deal with an extra out of pocket expense. The facts show that people with Cancer are more than 2 1/2 times more likely to go bankrupt than those without Cancer. There are many new and innovative plan designs that help pay cash to an individual when they are diagnosed with Cancer or another Critical Illness. Many of the plans include benefits for Cancer screening, which can lead to early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and better outcomes. While having a benefit that puts money back in your pocket doesn’t make the diagnosis or treatment easier, it is one less thing to worry about, during one of the most stressful times a family can go through. Like I asked one of our customers the other day: If you get diagnosed with Cancer, would you rather we send you a Get Well card, or a check for $20,000? The answer is pretty obvious, and you can purchase a policy like that for around $1 per day. Give us a call at 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , for a free personalized quote today.

I have Medicare, do I need to go to healthcare.gov?

All of our customers on Medicare Part A & B (or C) and possibly D are asking … “How is all this Obamacare gonna affect me?”

Well, no need to worry, you don’t need to do anything to your Medicare plan because it isn’t part of the healthcare.gov site.  If you have Medicare, you are basically already covered.

No matter how you get Medicare, whether through Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement, or through a Medicare Advantage plan, (like an HMO or PPO) you don’t have to make any changes.

If you want to shop around for a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan, you will not be able to shop rates on the Marketplace (healthcare.gov) … just give us a call and we can help you with that part or go to www.eMedigap411.com

If you only have Medicare Part B, most people do not know this, but you are not considered to have minimum essential coverage.  That means you would be subject to the penalty that people who don’t have coverage may have to pay.

If you only have Medicare Part A, you are considered covered, and of course if you have Part A and Part B you are covered.

One thing has changed and that is Medicare has expanded benefits for preventive care and drug coverage.   They now have free preventive benefits, cancer screenings, and annual wellness visits.  You can also save money while in the “donut hole” with discounts on brand-name prescriptions.  (No the donut hole is not a place to eat!  It is when your total drug costs reach a certain point while you are covered under a Medicare Part D Prescription drug plan.

If you are new to Medicare, here are some things to remember:
– Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7)
– To learn more about your Medicare options visit www.eMedigap411.com

If you have any family and friends who don’t have health insurance, or if they want to see what their subsidy amount might be, tell them to call us or visit www.healthreformenrollmentcenter.com

What is a Supplemental Critical Illness Policy?

Supplemental Critical Illness policy
Supplemental Critical Illness policy

Day-to-day life is complicated enough all on its own. So when you’re faced with the extra stress of a critical illness, the last thing you need to add on is financial worry.  Supplemental insurance helps protect you and … your family’s finances and future.

Critical Illness Insurance not only provides benefits to help with associated expenses, but it can also give you freedom to choose a better doctor, or get the best treatment available if your major medical plan doesn’t provide enough.  Do you …

KNOW THE RISKS

  • Men have nearly a 1-in-2 lifetime risk of developing cancer. 1
  • Women have a 1-in-3 lifetime risk.1
  • This year an estimated 770,000 Americans will have a new heart attack. 2
  • On average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. 3

KNOW THE COSTS

  • The total overall cost of cancer in 2007 was $219.2 billion. 4
  • The estimated direct and indirect 2008 cost of coronary heart disease is $156.4 billion. 5
  • The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke for 2008 is $65.5 billion. 6

$219.2 BILLION

        40 %                                                                       60 %

      DIRECT                                                                 INDIRECT
MEDICAL                                                        OUT-OF-POCKET
COST                                                                       COST

    $89 Billion                                                                            $130.2 Billion

    DOCTOR &                                                             (HIS) LOSS OF INCOME
HOSPITAL BILLS                                                       (HER) LOSS OF INCOME
HOUSE PAYMENTS
CAR PAYMENTS
FOOD
GAS
ELECTRIC BILLS
TELEPHONE BILLS
OTHER LIVING EXPENSES
Not to mention …
TREATMENT COSTS
TRAVEL EXPENSES
MOTEL BILLS
COST OF EATING OUT

How would you pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated
with a critical illness?

If you are like many people, you have few options:

Spend your savings.
Sell your assets.
Buy supplemental insurance to protect your family, finances and future.


We believe you need more “CASH” for personal expenses rather than more INSURANCE for doctors and hospitals.

Your benefits are paid DIRECTLY to YOU ! ! !

Critical Illness Insurance includes these important assurances:

  • Your benefits are paid in addition to any other insurance you carry.
  • You cannot be singled out for a rate increase. Your rates can be increased only if they are increased for all plans of this kind in your state.
  • Your benefits are never reduced.
  • Your policy is guaranteed renewable for life as long as your premiums are paid when due – only you can cancel.

Click here for a quote on Critical Illness Protection 

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Supplemental Insurance?

A: Supplemental insurance is extra or additional insurance that helps you pay for out-of-pocket costs that your major medical insurance doesn’t cover. Things such as loss of income, co-pays and co-insurance, travel and lodging, etc. The benefits are paid in cash directly to you so you can use the money however you choose to pay for those unexpected expenses due to illness or injury.

Q: Do I really need supplemental insurance?

Unexpected accidents and illnesses happen. When they do, it can leave you and your family vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses that major medical insurance does not cover. Supplemental insurance benefits give you piece of mind and reduce the worry about how you will pay for those unexpected expenses. With less worry, you can focus on getting well rather than how you will get the money to pay your light bill.

Q: What happens when I am diagnosed with a critical illness?

A: Filing a claim is easy. You will simply visit our web site to download your claim forms, or call us at 1-877-740-8683 to have them mailed to you.

Q: How can I get supplemental insurance?

A: We make it easy as 1-2-3. 1. Just call us toll-free at 1-877-740-8683. 2. We take the application over the phone in less than 10 minutes. 3. You get your policy in the mail in 1-2 weeks. It’s that easy! Our knowledgable representatives will work with you to identify your protection needs, so you have the coverage you need to help meet those needs.

Q: How do I qualify; do I have to complete a physical?

A: Most people do not have a problem qualifying for critical illness insurance, some cases you can even qualify if you cannot get major medical. There are a few health questions, and no physical is required. Generally, as long as you can answer “No” to the health questions, the coverage is issued and can become effective within 15 days from the date of the application.

Q: What services are covered?

A: Most plans pay cash for things such as:

Lump Sum benefits upon initial diagnosis.
Admission to a hospital
Family lodging for a member of the immediate family
Others

Q: What is generally not covered on a critical illness plan?

A: Most plans will not pay benefits for the following:

Loss diagnosed or caused by another disease or sickness withing the waiting period (waiting periods vary by state)
Loss due to participating in an illegal act or working at an illegal job
Loss due to being intoxicated or under the influence of any illegal drugs or narcotics, prescribed or not
Loss due to self-inflicted injury, or while attempting to commit suicide
Loss due to war, participation in sporting events.

Exclusions and limitations vary by policies by state, so always refer to your policy or outline for applicable exclusions and limitations.

View other supplemental coverages:

Accident
Heart Disease / Heart Attack / Stroke
Cancer
Hospital Indemnity

 

Facts provided by:
1 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2008, 2008, p.1.
2 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2008 Update (At-a-Glance Version), p.12.
3 Ibid, p.15.
4 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2008, 2008, p.3.
5 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2008 Update (At-a-Glance Version), p.14.
6 Ibid, p.17.

The above facts represent the U.S. population, are for information only and do not imply coverage under the policy or endorsement of the company or the policy by the people and organizations above.

What is a Supplemental Accident Policy?

MILLIONS of people have accidents every year.

Rate of Nonfatal, Medically Consulted Fall Injury Episodes, by Age Group
Graphic source: MMWR Quickstats, 02/03/2012
In 2010, the overall rate of nonfatal fall injury episodes for which a health-care professional was contacted was 43 per 1,000 population. Persons aged ≥75 years had the highest rate (115).
Will you or your family be affected?

Accidents and disabilities can create serious financial worries. A supplemental accident plan can help protect you and your loved ones from those concerns by providing additional assurance that major medical plans can’t.

In addition to the routine expenses that medical insurance covers, there are additional costs that you must pay yourself – not to mention the possibility of lost wages.

Protect your most valuable asset . . . your income!

With a supplemental accident plan, you get these assurances:

  • Your benefits are paid directly to you or to whomever you choose, unless otherwise required.
  • Your benefits have no lifetime maximum limits, and are renewable as long as premiums are paid.*
  • Your benefits are paid regardless of any other insurance you carry.
  • Your rates cannot be increased unless all rates of that kind are raised in your state.

*Some disability benefits/rider may only be guaranteed renewable to the age of 70

Did You Know?

Worker’s compensation only covers injuries that occur on the job.

Major medical plans may cover only routine medical expenses for accidents or disability, leaving uncovered costs such as copays, transportation, physical therapy, emergency room and a host of other expenses for you to pay out of your own pocket.

Loss of income due to a disability can strip you of your wealth-and the lifestyle to which you’re accustomed.

An accident plan is a great supplement to a high-deductible health plan.

According to the National Safety Council

  • 66% of all accidents occur off-the-job.
  • More than 23.8 million injuries required medical attention in 2003.
  • In 2004, over 82% of all costs due to accidental injuries were non-medical costs and expenses.

How would YOU pay for unexpected costs?

  • Spend your savings
  • Sell off assets
  • Preserve your resources with supplemental accident insurance.
Resources:
National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2005-2006 Edition, p2, p23
The above facts represent the U.S. population, are for information only and do not imply coverage under the policy or endorsement of the company or the policy by the cited sources

Click here for a quote on Supplemental Accident Insurance


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Supplemental Insurance?

A: Supplemental insurance is extra or additional insurance that helps you pay for out-of-pocket costs that your major medical insurance doesn’t cover. Things such as loss of income, co-pays and co-insurance, travel and lodging, etc. The benefits are paid in cash directly to you so you can use the money however you choose to pay for those unexpected expenses due to illness or injury.

Q: Do I really need supplemental insurance?

Unexpected accidents and illnesses happen. When they do, it can leave you and your family vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses that major medical insurance does not cover. Supplemental insurance benefits give you piece of mind and reduce the worry about how you will pay for those unexpected expenses. With less worry, you can focus on getting well rather than how you will get the money to pay your light bill.

Q: I am on Medicare, retired, or don’t have any income; can I still get accident insurance?

Of course!  Falls and broken hips are major concerns with people on Medicare.  As you can see by the chart above, our chances of a fall increase dramatically the older we get.  Eventhough you may have a plan that pays for the hospital and doctor bills, you may need extra money for someone to come help take care of you during that time. Supplemental insurance benefits give you piece of mind and reduce the worry about how you will pay for those unexpected expenses. With less worry, you can focus on getting well.  You don’t have to be employed to purchase an accident plan, however it will not pay in addition to Medicaid

Q: What happens when I have an accident?

A: Filing a claim is easy. You will simply visit our web site to download your claim forms, or call us at 1-877-740-8683 to have them mailed to you.

Q: How can I get supplemental insurance?

A: We make it easy as 1-2-3. 1. Just call us toll-free at 1-877-740-8683. 2. We take the application over the phone in less than 10 minutes. 3. You get your policy in the mail in 1-2 weeks. It’s that easy! Our knowledgable representatives will work with you to identify your protection needs, so you have the coverage you need to help meet those needs.

Q: How do I qualify; do I have to complete a physical?

A: Almost anyone can qualify for an accident policy even if they cannot get major medical. There are very few health questions, and no physical is required. Generally, as long as you can answer “No” to the health questions, the coverage is issued and can become effective within 15 days from the date of the application.

Q: What services are covered?

A: Most plans pay cash for things such as:

Admission to a hospital
Dislocations, fractures, eye injuries, broken teeth, paralysis, burns, lacerations, concussions, and others
Emergency transportation in an ambulance
Family lodging for a member of the immediate family
Emergency treatment in a hospital emergency room or even a physician’s office
Confinement in an intensive care unit
Physical therapy
Othes

Q: What is generally not covered on an accident plan?

A: Most plans will not pay benefits for the following:

Operating, learning to operate, serving as a crew member of or jumping or falling from any aircraft. Aircraft includes those which are not motor-driven.
Engaging in hang gliding, bungee jumping, parachuting, sailgliding, parakiting, or hot-air ballooning.
Participating or attempting to participate in an illegal activity.
Intentionally causing a self-inflicted injury.
Having any sickness, illness or bodily infirmity.
Committing or trying to commit suicide, whether sane or insane.
Dental care or treatment due to accidental injury to natural teeth.
War or any act of war (whether declared or undeclared) or participating in a riot or felony.
Alcoholism or drug addiction.
Injury originating prior to the effective date of the policy.
Injury to a covered person while practicing or being a part of organized or competitive football or rodeo, sky diving, or scuba diving.

Exclusions and limitations vary by policies by state, so always refer to your policy or outline for applicable exclusions and limitations.

View other supplemental coverages:

Critical Illness
Heart Disease / Heart Attack / Stroke
Cancer
Hospital Indemnity