Emil Beheshti / Medicare Broker - a division of Simpler Horizons

Hi everyone --

I hope this note finds you enjoying yourself this summer either with travel, good food, drink, or catching some of the Olympics. For those of us in Los Angeles County it's just four more years until it's our turn.

A few things I wanted to share with you:

*My Medicare 101 events(see recent photo below) have been very successful and I am very pleased with all of the new acquaintances and clients I have made. I cannot stress the value of these events and they help demystify a lot of the Medicare process when turning 65 or leaving your employer coverage. Please reach out to me if your 65th birthday is coming up, need a brush-up, or if you would like a 1-on-1 presentation either over the phone or in person. Or, if you have a friend or family member in need please have them reach me. As of today, I am licensed in CA, NY, FL, OH, AZ, MI, and NC. And, I can add a license in any state for a new client.

*changes are coming down the road for prescription drugs which in turn may affect other components of Medicare. Due to the Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) in 2025, we will see the elimination of the coverage gap(aka donut hole), no co-pays or co-insurance in the catastrophic phase and most importantly the maximum out-of-pocket (moop) cost a beneficiary will pay for prescription drugs is $2000(currently it's about $3300 for 2024). This is beneficial if you take very expensive drugs. If you take low-cost tier 1 or tier 2 drugs this does not apply to you. However, since the carriers will absorb more of the financial burden for these expensive drugs we might see increases in stand-alone drug plan premiums and possibly higher co-pays in lower tiers to offset the low "moop." More details will be revealed when the ANOC(annual notice of changes) is sent out for 2025. We are all waiting to see how this plays out.

If you desire to make changes down the road we can cross that bridge when the new plans for 2025 reveal themself on October 1st.

*If you're turning 65 soon - remember to apply for Medicare through the SSA when you are ready for it on time to avoid delays or mistakes made out of our control. And especially to avoid Part B and Part D penalties. Penalties stick with us for life.

*Use your over-the-counter benefits. Most rollover from quarter to quarter but not past December 31st. Take advantage of the benefit!

*Do not speak to any strangers who call without your permission about your Medicare needs. Do not give out your Medicare number unless you are making an application.

*If you require a dental plan because you are not getting enough benefits with your current plan or don't have one at all feel free to take a look at Ameritas - https://myplan.ameritas.com/gpm/id/010X1392. You can view and enroll all on your own and the plan becomes effective a couple of days after the application is approved. Many of my Medicare Supplement clients like this option.

On a personal note - our family had a brief trip back East to see family for our summer vacation and we now have two high schoolers in our household - Kate(11th) and Lucy(9th). Time is flying. How do we make it stop? Attached is a recent picture of us all cleaned up at our nephew's wedding.

My business runs on referrals so if you're happy with our work together please mention me to friends, family, or doctors. I manage referrals with good care and respect.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and I will be in touch again soon. I am thankful to have this opportunity to work in the senior markets and hopefully make a difference in your experience.

--Emil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEC2Nq7Z6lc

Young people have every reason to be enraged, says 'Algebra of Wealth' author Professor and author Scott Galloway joins Morning Joe to discuss his new book 'The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security'.» Subscribe to...

The new use of Wegovy is targeted to people with established cardiovascular disease – meaning a prior heart attack, prior stroke, or peripheral arterial disease – and either obesity or overweight.

A New Use for Wegovy Opens the Door to Medicare Coverage for Millions of People with Obesity | KFF The FDA recently approved a new use for Wegovy, the blockbuster anti-obesity drug, to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese - a decision that opens the door to Medicare coverage of Wegovy, which is prohibited by law from coverin...

Had two wonderful turnouts to my Medicare 101 events at Black Bear Diner on 3/6 and 4/17. Great to make new clients and friends. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

The under-eating I can manage. Not so sure about the ice-baths.

The key to a long life? ‘Undereating’ and ice baths, says 88-year-old Gary Player, still spritely at 88th Masters | CNN He’s as old as one of sport’s longest-running tournaments, but Gary Player boomed a tee drive that many a quarter of his age would be content with to raise the curtain on the 88th Masters.

Here are 3 tips to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and scams:

If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card.

For those of you with very high out of pocket prescription drug costs help is already here in 2024 and even more is on the way in 2025 -

Millions of People with Medicare Will Benefit from the New Out-of-Pocket Drug Spending Cap Over Time | KFF In 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out of pocket for prescription drugs covered under Part D, Medicare’s outpatient drug benefit, due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This analysis examines how many Medicare Part D enrollees spent $2,000 or more out ...

Hi everyone - I am attaching a link to a dental plan that may be of interest to seniors on a Medicare Supplement plan or wish to have more than what their current Medicare Advantage plan offers. https://myplan.ameritas.com/gpm/id/010X1392 - The plan is with Ameritas. You can punch in your zip code to see what your premium would be and can sign up directly. It is geared towards seniors and can offer a high maximum benefit of $2000 on day one, $2500 after year one and $3000 after year two. It covers preventative, basic and major dental. Please check out the link for the details. Easy to review. Hope this helps you or someone in need. Best - Emil

My Plan Landing Page This straight-forward dental insurance can begin as soon as the next-day and there are no enrollment fees. Preventive visits, such as exams and cleanings, are covered at 100%.

Hi friends on Medicare or with family members on Medicare - it's being talked about more these days that Medicare for the first time will start to negotiate directly with drug manufactures to help reduce drug costs. This article talks about which drugs are first being negotiated, the timeline of these negotiations and the awareness and support by the public. Worth a read if you take many drugs to stay informed. What we are finding in stand alone Part D drug plans(that usually complement a Medicare Supplement policy) is that prices(premiums) are jumping up. This is likely to offset the forthcoming reductions in price the manufactures will have to absorb that make them less profit. They are seemingly trying to make it up in the premiums.

3 Charts About Medicare Drug Price Negotiations | KFF Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government for the first time will negotiate directly with drug companies to determine the prices that Medicare will pay for certain high expenditure drugs covered under Medicare Part D (starting in 2026) and Part B (starting in 2028). Part D covers ret...

https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/the-new-help-for-medicare-beneficiaries-with-high-drug-costs-that-few-seem-to-know-about/

The New Help for Medicare Beneficiaries with High Drug Costs That Few Seem to Know About | KFF This policy watch highlights a change coming to the Medicare Part D drug benefit that will cap Part D enrollees' out-of-pocket drug costs, beginning in 2024, resulting in savings of thousands of dollars for high-cost drugs - a change that recent KFF tracking poll results show few older adults know a...

Standard Part B premium is now $174.70. Part B deductible is $240. Here's the article.

2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles | CMS 2024 Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

Hi everyone -

I hope you’re having a nice summer.

Wanted to share two articles with you about the Medicare Part D plan and the negotiation of drugs costs between Medicare and the pharmaceutical companies.

This second article talks about the Inflation Reduction Act and identifies the first round of drugs that Medicare will negotiate for to lower prices starting in 2026 and beyond. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/08/29/hhs-selects-the-first-drugs-for-medicare-drug-price-negotiation.html

This information may be helpful to you or another family member of friend.

Enjoy the upcoming long weekend.

Regards,

Emil Beheshti

HHS Selects the First Drugs for Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Inflation Reduction Act: HHS through CMS announced the first 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D selected for negotiation.

Hi everyone -

I hope you’re having a nice summer.

Wanted to share two articles with you about the Medicare Part D plan and the negotiation of drugs costs between Medicare and the pharmaceutical companies.

The first article talks about the out of pocket expenses starting in 2024 and 2025. The elimination of the catastrophic co-insurance and the maximum out of pocket expenses reduced in upcoming years -

Changes to Medicare Part D in 2024 and 2025 Under the Inflation Reduction Act and How Enrollees Will Benefit The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes several provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare and reduce drug spending by the federal government, including a number of c…

Hi all - here are some changes to Medicare Part D in 2024. This may be very helpful and comforting to know if you often reach the catastrophic phase in your drug plan. I know some seniors that will save a great deal of money.

Changes to Medicare Part D in 2024 and 2025 Under the Inflation Reduction Act and How Enrollees Will Benefit The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes several provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare and reduce drug spending by the federal government, including a number of c…

For non-Medicare recipients - here’s some good news to know about Rx discounts through Amazon.
Hope this is helpful you or a loved one. Or even someone you mildy care for. ;)

Amazon Pharmacy patients can now automatically receive coupon savings on eligible medication purchases We’re helping patients save time and money on the prescription medications they need.

If you have loved ones on Medicaid share this article in case they are not aware.

Millions are about to lose Medicaid. Here's why — and what to do. — CBS News For the first time in three years, states will check if people enrolled in the health care program still qualify. Many don't.

Eli Lilly Announces Cap on Insulin

I’m happy to share some good news regarding Eli Lilly's insulin pricing. The pharmaceutical company announced on March 1, 2023 that they will be capping the out-of-pocket cost of their insulin at $35 a month. This change will take effect immediately and will apply to all of Eli Lilly's insulin products. The cap will automatically apply to people with private insurance, which means if you or a loved one is insulin-dependent, you will be able to obtain Eli Lilly's insulin products at a maximum cost of $35 a month. Those without insurance will also be eligible as long as they sign up for Eli Lilly's patient assistance program.

I’m thrilled to see this move by Eli Lilly, as it will significantly lower the cost of insulin for many Americans who rely on it. The announcement also puts Eli Lilly in compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act, which limits the out-of-pocket costs of insulin for Medicare-enrolled seniors to $35 a month.

Hi everyone - it's tax time so if your on medicare you may wonder are medicare premiums tax deductible. There is good news! See article.

Are Your Medicare Premiums Tax Deductible? Your Medicare premiums can be tax deductible as long as you meet certain criteria. Learn more about deducting Medicare premiums from your taxes.

Seniors or families - Find out if you can get help with your internet service costs

If you or someone you know needs help paying for internet service, you may qualify for a monthly discount on a new or existing internet service plan through a government program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

You may also qualify for a one-time device discount of up to $100, to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Do I Qualify?

To apply, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov or call 1-877-384-2575 to request an application. Once your application is approved, you can contact a participating internet service provider to start receiving your monthly discount. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

Research suggests increased broadband Internet access is associated with improved health outcomes. Broadband makes it easier for people to take advantage of information on Medicare.gov, like comparing the quality of nursing homes and hospitals, or finding the health plan that's best for you.

Hope this can help someone you love.

Hi friends.

Some of you may be aware that for the last ten years I have been a Medicare agent with Simpler Horizons/Applied General Agency. They are a Medicare broker that serves seniors locally and nationally in helping them discover the right Medicare plan for them either at age 65 or when they leave their employer plan after 65. There is a bit of a learning curve when moving on to Medicare and my job is to simplify it and present your available options. It’s actually been my favorite side hustle outside of my career in entertainment.

I can explain the difference between original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements. What Part A, B, C and D mean and what various “Plans” exist for Medicare Supplements. And enrollment periods.

I’ve created this facebook business page to begin an online presence and to inform my clients, friends, family and their referrals that I am a phone call away to help navigate the process. I am currently licensed in CA, AZ, OH and FL, with more states to follow. There is no charge for any of my consultation as I get only get paid by the carrier if we enroll into a Medicare plan. Whether a plan has a premium or not it does not cost a penny more to work with me than going direct to the carrier. I do not advocate for any of the nine plans(and counting) that I am certified with. I am YOUR advocate. While the design of each Medicare may change and vary slightly each year my aim is to place my client in the right plan for them and only moving them if there are richer benefits elsewhere.

Medicare is highly regulated. I am re-certified every year to keep up with changes and our phone conversations that involve marketing or enrollments of plans are monitored for quality assurance. Yes, I just said “quality assurance.” :)

I will post here from time to time with ideas or information I think may be relevant for existing and future Medicare beneficiaries to know. If you know of anyone in the Medicare realm please feel free to invite them to this page or send them my information. I am happy to share all I know about Medicare. And when I don’t know the answer, I find out.

Medicare can be fun. ;)