During the first quarter of the new year I often receive this question: “Dan, I went to refill my prescription and was quoted almost double what I paid in December.” Here’s why. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1 and benefit levels start again at the first of four phases. […]
This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) was a busy time and we are grateful for the scores of individuals and couples who permitted our team of agent advisors to help with their 2021 Part C Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription drug plan selection. (The December 7 deadline did not […]
“Not only is Dan quite knowledgeable on this subject, he is welcoming and explains Medicare in an understandable manner.” ~ Lori R. (November 14, 2020) This past summer New Hampshire Magazine interviewed Dan as part of its September 17 “Understanding Medicare” article. New Hampshire resident Lori R. is approaching Medicare eligibility and wanted to learn […]
Unlike some common vaccines, like those for the flu, hepatitis B and pneumonia, shingles shots are not covered under Original Medicare Parts A or B. Medicare coverage for the two commercially available shingles vaccines, Shingrix and Zostavax, is provided only if you are enrolled in a stand-alone Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage […]
On January 1, 2020, Medicare beneficiaries in New York’s Central, Upstate and Capital Regions will have even more providers to choose from when they select a 2020 Aetna Medicare Advantage plan. On that day, Bassett Healthcare Network and its more than 400 affiliated physicians and other advanced practice clinicians will be part of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage preferred […]
This spring I received calls for help from several veterans who were paying a monthly premium to be enrolled in a MAPD, a Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Plan. These veterans are not eligible for CHAMP or TRICARE, are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and pay the Part B premium. Since these veterans […]
Individuals enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B may apply for the Medicare Savings Program. If eligible you will receive help paying the Medicare Part B premium, currently $135.50. In some instances, (QMB) the program will pay your Part A and Part B deductible and co-insurance amounts. (And possibly a percentage of your Part C […]
If you, a loved one, friend or neighbor has experienced “sticker shock” with your Medicare Part D prescription drug co-payment, the following case study may interest you. Earlier this week, I received this message from an Albany New York County couple: “We were talking with our neighbor Kathy about the sudden and unaffordable cost of […]
A client called this morning and asked this question: “Dan, I went to refill my prescription and was quoted almost double what I paid in 2018.“ Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans reset each year on January 1. What that means is the prescription drug benefit levels start over at what is called the Deductible […]
Plan F, you would pay the 20% share until your total deductible and co-payments reach the limit, $2,340 in 2020. What is the Medigap High F Plan? This plan provides the same benefits as standard Plan F after a $2,340 (2020) deductible has been met. The standard Plan F is a Medigap policy that pays […]