Tag: Medicare supplement

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Medicare Medicare A & B Medicare supplement Part C Medicare Advantage Part D Prescription Drug

About the 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment

Annual Enrollment Period

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, from October 15th through December 7th, is when Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in or change their Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to take effect January 1.

Some Important Tips to Consider if you are now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan:
  • You can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan offered in your county. [We offer several]
  • Even if you decide to stay with your current Medicare Advantage plan, make sure your doctors and preferred hospitals are still in your network, especially if your plan is a HMO. 
  • You can leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare and purchase a Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) policy. For New York State residents, acceptance is guaranteed and the continuous coverage transfer means no pre-existing condition limitations apply.
Some Important Tips to Consider if you HAVE ORIGINAL MEDICARE AND a Medicare SUPPLEMENT Plan:
  • The Annual Enrollment Period applies to your Part D drug plan only.
  • New York State residents can change their Medicare Supplement plan at any time of the year and without medical underwriting. An example could be changing from one company to another or changing from one plan (Plan F, Plan G, Plan N or High Deductible) to another. 
  • You can leave your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and join a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. There is no underwriting to move to a Medicare Advantage plan. You will be automatically accepted as long as your permanent address is within the coverage area.
  • Unless your prescription drugs are covered through the Veterans Administration, most individuals with Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan also add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. We recommend updating your medication list and confirming – through your personal account at medicare.gov – which Part D drug plans will cover your prescriptions at the lowest annual out of pocket costs – that includes premium, deductible and prescription copay costs.

Our team of licensed, independent and certified agent advisors, from Long Island to the North Country, offer a no-obligation complimentary consultation to help you compare Medicare plans in your coverage area.

So, reach out to local agent by phone, an online note or book an appointment directly to his or her calendar and learn more about your Medicare plan options.

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Medicare supplement

Why Choose a High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement Plan
reason 1:

Lower annual maximum co-pay responsibility ($2,870 in 2025) compared to most Medicare Advantage plans.

reason 2:

Lower annual cost (premium and out-of-pocket) compared to Medicare Supplement Plans F, G or N.

SUPPLEMENT GUIDE NY STATE RATES APPLICATION
Like with other deductibles, do I pay the first $2,870 in bills?

No. After you pay the Parts A and B deductibles, Medicare pays its share of claims (usually 80%) and you pay the 20%. Once your deductible and 20% share reaches $2,870, then your supplement plan pays 100% for the rest of the year. Think of it as a $2,870 cap on your out of pocket costs.

2025 2024
Part A deductible per period $1,676 $1,632
+ Part B deductible $257 $240
+ Part B co-share 20% 20%
= Maximum Out of Pocket $2,870 $2,800

Will hospitals and doctors will accept my High Deductible plan?

Yes, if your provider participates in Original Medicare for your primary coverage, they will accept your Medigap supplemental coverage; including plans with deductibles like Plans G, N and High Deductible. This way you have access to the nationwide network of doctors and hospitals participating in Original Medicare.

How does a High Deductible compare to Medicare Advantage plan?
      • With a Medicare Supplement High Deductible plan, your annual maximum out-of-pocket cost is capped at $2,870. Medicare Advantage plans also include a limit on out-of-pocket costs; ranging from $4,500 to $9,350 per year for in-network medical services.
      • Medicare Advantage plans manage your Medicare benefits through contracts with in-network providers and hospitals. As mentioned above, any provider accepting Original Medicare for your primary coverage will accept your supplement coverage – eliminating the “is my doctor in-network with my plan” questions.
      • Most Medicare Advantage plans, including those with a low monthly premium, include Part D prescription drug coverage. With Medicare Supplement, you will need to obtain separate creditable Part D drug coverage. VA benefits meet that requirement.
      • Many Medicare Advantage plans include features like dental allowance, fitness membership, eyewear and hearing aid benefits not available with Original Medicare.

 Download 3 separate documents↓↓↓
Globe Life application Form 1 sign page 3 (and 5 for EFT)
Globe Life application Form 2 sign page 1
Globe Life application Form 3 sign page 1
About Globe Life Insurance of NY

Our agents are authorized to represent the Globe Life Insurance Company and Humana Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plans. Please call us at (518) 346-2115 or send any agent a quick note with your questions.

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Medicare Medicare A & B

Medicare Tips: Part B

Unlike Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing or hospice facility, Part B covers through outpatient care, services from doctors and other providers, durable medical equipment and many preventative screenings.

  • Individuals already receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B effective the first day of the month you turn 65.
    • At age 65, individuals choosing to delay their Social Security benefit need to contact Social Security, online or your local office, to activate Parts A and B.
    • Individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B after 24 months.
    • At age 65, those covered through their individual or spouse’s currently employed group health plan (20 or more employees) may delay Part B WITHOUT PENALTY until they, or their spouse, are no longer employed and the employer coverage ends.
  • The standard Part B premium amount in 2023 is $164.90.
  •  Paying the Part B premium
    • If you receive Social Security benefits, your Part B premium (and the IRMAA adjustment, if applicable) will be deducted from your monthly Social Security payment.
    • If, like me, you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and have deferred the Social Security benefit, Medicare sends a bill (sample below) for the Part B premium and, if applicable, any IRMAA adjustment, which can be paid by check or online.

 

Categories
Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage Part D Prescription Drug

What If I Missed the Medicare AEP Deadline?

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 apply to a Medicare Supplement plan selection.)

Q: But I missed that deadline. Is there another option for me to choose a new plan for 2021?
A: Possibly. Some Medicare participants are eligible for what is called a Special Enrollment Period during which you can make a change to your Part D prescription drug or Medicare Advantage Plan. This is separate from the October 15 – December 7 Annual Enrollment Period.

Q: Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period?
A: Let’s look at three Special Circumstances that may apply to you. If one does, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage outside of the normal Annual Enrollment Period:

  • Are you a veteran? Many veterans may not be aware of a valid Special Election Period available by having their prescriptions filled through the Veterans Administration (VA.) Vets can use that Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a “MA only” plan – a Medicare Advantage plan with no drug benefits.  Click here for more information on MA Only plans.
  • In New York State the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (*) known as EPIC can help with a portion of your drug plan’s premium and reduce prescription co-payments. EPIC members also have one Special Enrollment Period per calendar year to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. [Download the 2020 EPIC application here.] 
  • Social Security Extra Help – Eligibility for this program is based on your income and assets. Extra Help subsidizes part or all of your drug plan’s premium and deductible and reduce prescription co-payments. With Extra Help, you may be able to make changes to your coverage one time during each of these periods:
    •  January – March
    •  April – June
    •  July – September

Q: Do any of these Special Circumstances apply to Medicare Supplement plans?
A: No. However three states (New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut) do require Medicare Supplement plan insurers to offer policies to Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older through continuous open enrollment, with guaranteed issue rights  throughout the year.

That means if you want to drop a Medicare Advantage plan (which includes prescription drug coverage) and return to Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan; you need a Special Enrollment Period to add the third piece, your Part D prescription drug coverage.

Q:  I’m not sure of my eligibility status, can you help me with my questions?
A: Yes. Simply use the form below and send a note to an agent advisor or call (518) 346-2115. We’ll discuss your options by telephone, web conference or an in person visit. And, during your Special Enrollment Period, we may be able to identify a Medicare Advantage, Medigap or Prescription Drug Plan more suited to your needs – even though the December 7 deadline has passed.

(*) In Massachusetts, the SPAP is Prescription Advantage.
(*) In New Jersey, the SPAP is PAAD and Senior Gold

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Categories
Webinar Reviews

Medicare 101 Webinar – Lori’s review

Medicare 101 webinar review

“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 more. She attended the next scheduled educational webinar presentation: Medicare 101. I was delighted and humbled to read the review Lori posted online: “would recommend this webinar and Dan’s support to anyone who is looking for some support regarding Medicare”

Still have Medicare questions? It costs nothing to login and view the no-sales-pitch Medicare 101 presentation from the convenience of your home computer, tablet or smart phone. Plenty of time is allowed for your questions. And since this is a “viewing presentation” there is no need to have or activate a video camera.

Simply choose a date and reserve a spot at any session.

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Medicare A & B Medicare supplement

Medicare 2021 Part A and Part B: Premium and Deductible Changes

[This page is best viewed in landscape mode]

On November 6, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2021 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care services. The Part A deductible covers your share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.

Medicare Part A Cost Sharing

2020 2021
Inpatient Hospital Deductible (60 day benefit period) $1,408 $1,484
Daily coinsurance for 61st-90th Day $352 $371
Daily coinsurance for lifetime reserve days $704 $742
Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance after 20 days $176 $185.50

Medicare Part B

2020 2021
Standard Part B premium $144.60 $148.50
Part B deductible $198 $203 (*)
Cost sharing after Part B deductible 20% 20%

 (*) Dan’s clients enrolled in Medicare Supplement Plans G, N or High Deductible F / G are responsible for paying the $203 Part B deductible in 2021.

What are High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plans?

With a High Deductible plan, Medicare pays its share and you pay what a Plan F or G would normally pay up to the limit of $2,370, a $30 increase from the $2340 limit in 2020.

  • Medicare pays its share of Part A and Part B claims
  • You pay the Part A deductible ($1,484 in 2021)
  • You pay the Part B deductible ($203 in 2021)
  • You pay the Part B 20% co-share

… once your total of these Part A and B payments reaches $2,370 (2021) your Plan F/G pays its 100% share for the remainder of the year.

Compare the math:

  • Plan F: $250 monthly premium(*) x 12 equals $3,000 annual cost.
  • HDF: $60 monthly premium(*) x 12 equals $720. Worst case annual cost share capped at $2,370. Together $3,090 annual cost.

(*) Premiums per NY State DFS 11/21/2020

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Medicare

Get Questions Answered at “Medicare 101” Webinar

Are you going to be eligible for Medicare in the near future? Have you been enrolled in Medicare for awhile and want to better understand what it offers? Do you have a family member you help with Medicare issues?

If you answered yes, then “Medicare 101” is for you. This no sales-pitch educational webinar, led by multi-state licensed and Medicare Plan Specialist Dan Alcorn, will be held 9:30 am on the following days:

Monday – September 28, 2020 Register Here
Tuesday – October 6, 2020 Register Here
Sunday – October 18, 2020 Register Here
Monday – November 2, 2020 Register Here
Saturday – November 14, 2020 Register Here
Friday – November 20, 2020 Register Here

We’ll explore Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, the difference between a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plan, and more. After registration, you will receive the login instructions by e-mail. (The presentation is via GoToMeeting, a video conferencing platform. No video camera is necessary.)

For the GoToMeeting link and access code, register online at:
https://dgalcorn.com/dans-public-presentation-schedule/medicare-101/

Categories
Webinar Reviews

Medicare 101 Webinar – Patrick’s review

Medicare 101 webinar review
A Medicare 101 webinar review

“It was clear to me that Dan is not only an expert on Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage (plans) but that he is genuinely concerned for his clients’ interests.” ~ Patrick. (May 5, 2020)

Patrick's review of Dan Alcorn Medicare 101 webinar

Patrick helps individuals and families prepare for retirement security and wanted to learn more about how to advise his clients approaching Medicare eligibility age. He attended the free educational webinar presentation: Medicare 101. I am delighted and humbled to learn Patrick “would be happy to recommend Dan to anyone looking for help navigating the process!”

Still have Medicare questions? It costs nothing to login and view the no-sales-pitch Medicare 101 presentation from the convenience of your home computer, tablet or smart phone. Plenty of time is allowed for your questions. And since this is a “viewing presentation” there is no need to have or activate a video camera.

Simply choose a date and reserve a spot at any session.

Categories
Webinar Reviews

Medicare 101 Webinar – a review

Medicare 101 webinar review

“After listening to the webinar by Dan Alcorn I can honestly say I finally have an understanding of the process as well as how to make an educated decision on what will work best for me. I appreciated his approach to the information as well as opportunities to ask specific questions.” ~ Sandra M. (May 3, 2020)

Sandra will celebrate her 65th birthday this year and had some questions about what to expect regarding Medicare eligibility and options. She attended the April 27, 2020 free educational webinar: Medicare 101. I am pleased to hear the information was helpful to her and appreciate her kind note.

Do you have Medicare questions? Simply choose a date and reserve a spot at any session.

Categories
Medicare supplement

What is a Medicare Supplement Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan

Medicare Supplement Plan G, also called Medigap, coverage is very similar to Plan F. It offers great value for beneficiaries who are willing to pay a small annual deductible. After that, Plan G provides full coverage for all of the gaps in Medicare. It pays for your hospital deductible, copays and coinsurance. It also covers the 20% that Part B doesn’t cover.

Plan G is an increasingly popular supplement for several reasons.

First, it has great coverage. For Medicare Part A in-patient hospital stays, it covers all of your expenses. That includes the Part A hospital deductible, which is $1,556 in 2022.

Second, Plan G covers each of the gaps in Medicare except for the $233 annual Part B deductible. We can often find a supplement Plan G that saves quite a bit in annual premiums over Plan F, substantially more than the $198 annual deductible.

Compare for Yourself! New York State Department of Financial Services publishes the Medicare Supplement monthly premiums by county.  Yes, it is as simple as that. I represent several of the insurance companies listed here and can assist you with the application process, please call (518) 346-2115 or book a telephone or video appointment directly to my calendar.

Attn: New York Residents. Did You Know?

  • Enrollment Calendar: New York State residents enrolled in Medicare can choose or change to a Medicare Supplement / Medigap Plan at any time. That’s because New York is a “guaranteed issue” state.
  • Health Underwriting? New York State residents enrolling in a Medicare Supplement / Medigap Plan are not subject to health underwriting.
  • Pre-Existing Conditions? The six month pre-existing condition claims exclusion can be eliminated for New York State residents changing to a Medigap plan from other creditable coverage.