Pamela Barnard - Medicare

Only people receiving SSDI benefits or who have certain health conditions can qualify for Medicare under age 65.

What is Accident Insurance?
Accident Insurance helps you handle the medical and out-of-pocket costs that add up after an accidental injury. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays and medical exams, and other expenses you may face, such as transportation and lodging needs.

Because Medigap plans are standardized, you’ll want to look at carriers’ rate increase history and financial ratings to help you choose.

“I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.” -Robert H. Schuller

Turning 65 soon? Starting to feel overwhelmed by your Medicare choices? Contact us today to request a no obligation consultation.

A Medicare Advantage plan is a private Medicare insurance plan that you may join as an alternative way to get your Part A and Part B benefits. When you do, Medicare pays the plan a fee every month to administer your Part A and B benefits.

Fast Fact: Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part D is optional benefits for prescription drugs available to all people with Medicare for an additional charge. This coverage is offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help. -Epicurus

Fast Fact: Whether you qualify for Medicaid coverage depends partly on whether your state has expanded its program. Medicaid benefits, and program names, vary somewhat between states.

The Medicare program has four different parts: Part A, B, C, and D. Part C, D, and Medigap plans are sold through private insurance carriers, not the federal government.

In July of 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a Medicare bill into law so that people 65 and older could get the healthcare coverage they needed from a national program. Initially, the only coverage options were Part A and Part B.

Fast Fact: There are different times to enroll in an Advantage plan throughout the year, including your Initial Enrollment period, the Annual Election period, and more.

Starting to get bombarded with Medicare information in your mailbox? It can be overwhelming! Contact us today to review your situation.

A non-preferred provider is a provider who doesn’t have a contract with your health insurer or plan to provide services to you. You’ll pay more to see a non-preferred provider. Check your policy to see if you can go to all providers who have contracted with your health insurance or plan, or if your health insurance or plan has a “tiered” network and you must pay extra to see some providers.

A HIPAA eligible individual is your status once you have had 18 months of continuous creditable health coverage. To be HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) eligible, at least the last day of your creditable coverage must have been under a group health plan; you also must have used up any COBRA or state continuation coverage; you must not be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid; you must not have other health insurance; and you must apply for individual health insurance within 63 days of losing your prior creditable coverage.

Lost in the Medicare plan maze? Let us educate you on your options. Request a no cost consultation today!

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” —John D. Rockefeller

TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s health insurance program for active duty and retired military personnel and their family members. TRICARE consists of many different programs, including TRICARE for Life (TFL), a retiree benefit that acts as supplemental insurance to Medicare.

What does Dual-Eligible mean?
To be dual-eligible means to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Point of Service (POS) plan is a type of Medicare Advantage HMO plan that allows members the ability to visit doctors and hospitals outside their network for some covered services, usually for a higher copayment or coinsurance. Some POS plans do not require referrals for specialty services.

Medicare-approved amount is the amount Medicare determines to be reasonable for a covered service. Providers who "accept assignment" agree to accept this amount as payment in full.

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." — Walt Whitman

What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is voluntary prescription drug coverage that is available either through a Medicare Advantage plan or through a standalone Part D plan.

Reminder: The Medicare Annual Enrollment period started on 10/15 and runs through 12/7/2023. Please contact us if you would like a no cost consultation.

What is a Medicare Summary Notice?
A Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is a quarterly explanation of benefits statement that Medicare provides to show you the healthcare services received and what Medicare paid toward them. You should review your MSN to determine if you owe any balances that are due.

Quick Tip: Medicare Advantage plans work differently from Medigap plans, so make sure you understand all the differences between the two before signing up for an Advantage plan.