Medicare http://medicareplans-florida.com Medicare Plans Florida Sun, 20 Sep 2020 19:08:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.13 http://medicareplans-florida.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fav-icon-150x150.jpg Medicare http://medicareplans-florida.com 32 32 Come on and ZOOM http://medicareplans-florida.com/come-on-and-zoom/ http://medicareplans-florida.com/come-on-and-zoom/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2020 06:24:00 +0000 http://medicareplans-florida.com/?p=577

Expert Advice: Medicare  By Kristi Foret

Many may recall a PBS television show airing in the early 70’s named ZOOM. The show was hosted by child actors who danced, entertained and sang the theme song starting something like this.

Let’s Go!

Let’s Do It! ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Come on and ZOOM, Come on and ZOOM.

Almost fifty years later and one of the largest teleconference platforms to explode in popularity during the COVID pandemic is a publicly traded company named Zoom (ZM). The ZOOM television show encouraged children to “turn off the tv” and get active. At Best Plan Choice we are encouraging anyone eligible for Medicare to “join us on Zoom” and get active in your Medicare plan selections.

     Every year by October 1 the Medicare Advantage health plans release changes to their benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Changes may include additional benefits, new limitations, changes in copayment amounts, or even modifications to the pharmacy formulary which may impact your medication coverage. Reviewing the changes to your plan and comparing them to other health plan benefits does not need to be overwhelming. I have the resources to make the process simple and to help you find exciting new benefits to consider.

     As your local agent, I can help you with your health insurance needs in a safe and convenient way with Zoom Medicare Seminars. You simply call in from your phone or join by computer.

We’re all plugged into one world now So let’s talk. We want to hear from YOU! Come on give it a try.

     When you join one of our Zoom Medicare Seminars we will cover important topics such as:

     Special Enrollment Periods: You may be eligible to enroll into a new health plan without waiting until the end of the year. Special enrollment periods can occur because you move, qualify for Medicaid, have a chronic condition such as diabetes, or want to enroll in a five-star health plan.

     Important Medicare Changes: Health plans must pay for Medicare covered benefits but in Florida the medicare advantage plans offer generous supplement or value-added benefits. New plans or products are not always advertised but I can show them to you after October 1.

     Other Coverage: Even if you are happy with your Medicare plan I can help you find coverage for a spouse or life partner who is not eligible for Medicare or get a quote for life insurance products.

     Financial Assistance: Learn the facts about what financial assistance is available for Medicare health insurance and/or pharmacy expenses and how to apply.

     Individual FREE “in-home” appointments now available by video or phone so you get the personalized service you deserve without someone physically entering your home.

     And if you like what you see turn off your TV and DO IT!
ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM Come on and ZOOM, Come on and ZOOM

     To get a complete list of Zoom Medicare Seminars please call or send us an email. We will even send step by step directions on how to join a Zoom meeting. We have lots of exciting information to share and look forward to Zooming with you.

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]]> http://medicareplans-florida.com/come-on-and-zoom/feed/ 2 Happy New MEDICARE PLAN Year http://medicareplans-florida.com/happy-new-medicare-plan-year/ http://medicareplans-florida.com/happy-new-medicare-plan-year/#comments Wed, 01 Jan 2020 04:42:08 +0000 http://medicareplans-florida.com/?p=573

Expert Advice: Medicare  By Kristi Foret

Did you enroll in a new Medicare health plan? Stay with the same plan for 2020?

     Either way it is likely your coverage may have changed for 2020 even if you stayed with the same plan. Before you get concerned there are three things you should know.

     1. Changes can be good. Your plan may have added benefits or lowered costs.

     2. It’s not too late to have a licensed agent explain your coverage changes.

     3.You still may be able to switch your insurance plan*.

     For those who were enrolled in a health plan in 2019 you would have received an Annual Notice of Change letter in September. The letters are usually very detailed and often confusing. In addition to the changes there may be other things to consider. For example, your doctor may no longer accept your plan. It happens. If you are impacted by this it is important to have an agent represent you so you can explore all of your plan options. You may be able to pick a new plan your doctor accepts.

     Open enrollment period. Again this year Medicare will allow enrollees of Medicare Advantage plans to have another chance to change their plan during the first few months of the year. The option is only available for those enrolled in certain plan types and you can make only one change. We can help make your one choice the right choice.

     Special Enrollment Periods. Sometimes you may be eligible to enroll into a plan or switch coverage outside of the annual election period. These special election periods can occur because you moved, have Medicaid, a
chronic condition such as diabetes, or want to enroll in a five star plan.

     Financial Assistance. If you need financial assistance and aren’t sure if you qualify for Medicaid assistance, even if you have been turned down before, we can walk you through the application process. There are also plans which refund over $1500 a year into your social security check. Many Veterans use this program while continuing to obtain benefits through the VA.

     Employer Coverage. If you receive health plan coverage from an employer, or former employer, and you are eligible for Medicare it is very important to understand your options and the impact of your decisions. If you are working strictly to provide insurance coverage for a non-Medicare eligible spouse, we may be able to offer you a non-Medicare health plan for your spouse and help you enroll in a Medicare plan all for less than the cost of your current insurance plan. Retirement may be closer than you thought.

     There are many resources to help you select a Medicare health plan and all of them should be without a fee. However, many resources represent only one health plan or aren’t specifically trained to present all health plans. Medicare can be complex and you may be overspending if you don’t look at all your plan options. I am licensed and in good standing with the State of Florida. Each year I complete extensive training and testing for product knowledge. I never charge a fee for any of my services. Call me today for free and personalized assistance.

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]]> http://medicareplans-florida.com/happy-new-medicare-plan-year/feed/ 2 Tips: Get the Most From Your Medicare http://medicareplans-florida.com/tips-get-the-most-from-your-medicare/ http://medicareplans-florida.com/tips-get-the-most-from-your-medicare/#comments Tue, 01 Oct 2019 09:51:27 +0000 http://medicareplans-florida.com/?p=579

Expert Advice: Medicare  By Kristi Foret

Picking health plan coverage is important, but navigating your options is not easy. Plan choices vary by county; chronic medical conditions and your financial status affect your options; and spouses can enroll in different health plans. Medicare benefit plans change January 1. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your Medicare health plan:

     • Get free transportation to the grocery store. If your health plan offers transportation services, the benefit typically only covers trips to and from the doctor or pharmacy. By transferring your prescriptions to a grocery store you can use your transportation benefits to pick up some necessities.

     • Never pay for bandages again. Over-the-counter (OTC) products are covered by many health plans. Each month you are given an allowance to order products such as bandages, cough syrups, and blood pressure monitors at no cost to you. It’s a “use it or lose it” benefit so don’t forget to order monthly!

• Get a monthly rebate. Enrollment in a health plan requires you to have both Part A and pay your monthly Part B premium ($135.50 in 2020). How does a $60 to $130 a month rebate sound? We can help you find options that will reduce your monthly payments.

     • Exercise for free. Fitness centers usually host classes specifically designed for seniors. Health plans may offer access to fitness centers and classes to encourage its members to be active and social. If you haven’t been to Zumba or yoga class, grab your sneakers and try it. All skill levels are welcomed and you’ll find yourself feeling better as you meet new friends.

     • Cut your prescription costs by a third. To encourage the use of mail order services, many health plans offer a three month supply for two month’s copay. Signing up is simple and we can help you with applying for assistance with your prescription drug costs.

     • Lower copayments. Specialist copayments are generally higher to encourage patients to first seek medical attention from their primary care provider. To save money on copayments, consider a health plan with lower specialist copayments, go to a medical center offering an in-house specialist, or select an internist with a sub-specialty as your primary care physician.

     • Veterans have options. Veterans are not limited to healthcare coverage through the VA. Medicare plans can offer additional services such as vision and dental.

     • Not all plans are advertised. But we can schedule an appointment where I can show you all of the plans, even those not advertised. Enrolling over the phone or internet is an option but you will not have a personal agent you can call on for help. When I help you, I become your agent and can assist you every year and help you change plans if your needs change.

     • Give your health plan an annual checkup. It is important to review your benefits each year between October 1 and December 7. Unless there is a special exception, this is the time you can enroll, disenroll or change your plan. If you are turning 65 years old you can enroll three months before your birthday. Let us help you avoid Medicare penalties or obtain Medicaid assistance if you qualify. Now is the perfect time to review your current options. You may decide to save time and gas by skipping all the seminars this year and go with the more personal approach in finding the perfect plan. At your request, I’d be happy to schedule a FREE in-home personalized appointment to review multiple plans, to ensure you’re educated about the many options. I look forward to your call.

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]]> http://medicareplans-florida.com/tips-get-the-most-from-your-medicare/feed/ 2 What’s In Your Mailbox? http://medicareplans-florida.com/whats-in-your-mailbox/ http://medicareplans-florida.com/whats-in-your-mailbox/#comments Sun, 01 Sep 2019 07:23:10 +0000 http://medicareplans-florida.com/?p=575

Expert Advice: Medicare  By Kristi Foret

As a child I anticipated the daily delivery of the US Mail. Before faxes, emails, text messages and social media, the mailman represented the way most written messages were sent. Getting mail was the opportunity to receive a check, postcard, invitation or a pen pal’s letter. When my birthday card from grandma wasn’t there it also meant patiently waiting another day.

     Today the mailing of documents has become almost obsolete. Legal documents are signed electronically, birthday wishes are sent via text, and email inboxes overflow with special offers. Your mailbox has become a holding tank for unsolicited advertisements. Even if you feed your mail into a shredder (you have to with identity theft!), it is hard to overlook the colorful Medicare advertisements. When turning 65, or relocating, or with the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaching, you will be the recipient of advertisements showcasing active seniors with smiling faces enjoying their health plan benefits.

     Medicare advertisements may be personalized if you’re on a mailing list or sent to everyone in your neighborhood. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large postcards and others are envelopes marked with an urgent message. Health plans highlight their best benefits or hint about what they offer. The information is interesting, but there may be problems hiding within these solicitations. The first problem is that regulations governing the Medicare program restrict health insurers from communicating how their benefits compare to their competitors. The second problem is you may not be eligible for the plans advertised and in fact you may be eligible for unadvertised plans. If you make an enrollment decision based only on the mail, you may miss free additional benefits, lower copays, a larger provider network or even money back in your social security check.

     To make the best decision for you, it is important to understand your own medical coverage needs and then review all of the options. I am a licensed agent certified to write all Medicare policies and I am currently scheduling enrollment appointments to help seniors complete their personalized Medical Coverage Needs review. Contact me today for your free appointment. This solution is simpler than sorting through all the health plan brochures lurking in your mailbox or attending every individual health plan seminar offered in your neighborhood. You will be able to determine what is most important for your health and financial well-being and save yourself a lot of time. When you call me for your Free Review you can keep on shredding, or lining the bird cage, with all the junk mail.

     It is my business to help you determine what is most important to you. My services are confidential and always free. I have access to all of the policy coverage details, the “fine print”, including deductibles, premiums, and free extra benefits. You owe it to yourself to review ALL of the options available including new plans being offered for 2020.

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