The Medicare Advantage Scam And Beyond
Kay Tillow writes for Daily Kos about the Medicare Advantage scam and beyond. She explains that these for-profit health plans that deliver Medicare benefits are using stars like Joe Namath to mislead people into signing up for coverage that very well might not meet their needs if they get sick or need a lot of costly care. Medicare Advantage plans, in fact, could keep them from accessing critical care.
What Namath does not tell you is that if you choose the wrong Medicare Advantage plan, you might face inappropriate denials of care, along with other administrative and financial barriers to care. Indeed, new research finds that the wrong choice of Medicare Advantage plan might literally kill you. Thats what Yale economics professor Jason Abaluck found when analyzing data about these corporate health plans. But, the plans wont let you have access to their mortality data, and Congress is not requiring them to give you access.
Instead, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is allowing Medicare Advantage plans to send you to the Medicare Coverage Helpline. And, while you might think that it is a government, independent agency, it is in fact a corporate marketing agency, designed to seduce you into giving up your public health insurance under traditional Medicare and to sign up for a private insurance Medicare Advantage plan.
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How Quickly Does Medicare Coverage Start
When and how you enroll for a Medicare plan may affect the start date of your coverage.
Medicare enrollment can be done online, in person, or over the phone through Social Security. Your benefits may not start until 3 months after applying, so its important to apply 3 months before your 65th birthday to start receiving coverage that day.
If you already collect Social Security income benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.
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Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says
Plan availability varies by region and state. Transportation to plan-approved locations.
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Again, this is available if you actually qualify for the low-income subsidy, then the monthly savings could add up. But only the beneficiaries of Medicare that get the low-income subsidy can get some assistance to pay the monthly premiums, coinsurance, copayments, and monthly premium for their Part D.
Many people do qualify for the Medicare Extra Help savings and dont even realize it.
To correctly calculate your eligibility for the low-income subsidy, Medicare doesnt count any resources like your home, insurance policies, or car. So for you to find out if you qualify, the best way is to apply.
The requirements are if your assets and annual income limits are below the eligibility threshold. These limits could change yearly, so you should check the most recent levels and pinpoint more accurately the requirements online at Medicare.gov.
Many prefer a Medicare Advantage Plan because coverages include a prescription drug program, dental, vision, and hearing care bundled together under one plan. These plans often have lower monthly premiums depending on the coverage of the plan.
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* Insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, American Retirement Life Insurance Company, Loyal American Life Insurance Company or Cigna National Health Insurance Company. In North Carolina, these plans are insured by Cigna National Health Insurance Company. In Kansas, insured by Cigna National Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company and Loyal American Life Insurance Company. American Retirement Life Insurance Company is not available to residents of Kansas. In Pennsylvania, Maryland North Carolina and Utah, insured by Cigna National Health Insurance Company domiciled in Ohio. In New Mexico, Idaho and Ohio, insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company.
2 Across all lines of business. Cignas 2021 Annual Report
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Does My Zip Code Affect My Medicare Coverage
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports that, with Original Medicare , you can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. Medicare plans like Medigap and Medicare Advantage are a different story, though. The pricing, rules, and availability of these plans vary by state, and even sometimes by zip code. Here, we cover what you need to know about Medicare coverage based on where you live, using the official U.S. government website for Medicare as a guide.
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Check Online For Free At Medicaregov
The Medicare website lists the general qualifications to get and verify Medicare coverage. It also has resources to determine the applicants eligibility for Medicare.
Medicare has an online eligibility tool to determine status for benefits and can tell you the insurance premium for Medicare Part A, if you have to pay anything for it.
Those Age 65 Typically Get Premium
Medicare Part A is premium-free to those 65 and older who are also eligible for monthly Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security retirement payments because they worked and paid taxes during all 40 Quarters of Coverage.
This is one basis of eligibility for premium-free Medicare Part A. However, some people receive Social Security benefits before they turn 65.
The Social Security system automatically enrolls in Part A those individuals who receive Social Security or disability benefits for at least four months before the month of their 65th birthday. When this is the case, Part A coverage begins on the first day of their 65th birthday month.
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Medicare Advantage Plan Part C
This type of plan is an additional way to get what Part A and B cover but has additional benefits.
These additional coverage plans are many times called Part C or Medicare Advantage Plans and are offered by separate private companies that have been approved by and must follow rules that are governed by Medicare.
Have a look and read, if you wish, at The official U.S. government Medicare handbook 2022 pdf.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
This is an optional benefit that is available to everyone on Medicare and covers prescription drugs. It can be purchased to supplement Original Medicare , or a comparable offering may be rolled up in Medicare Advantage plans. Not all Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage, but those that do are referred to as MA-PDs .
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Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath urges you to call the Medicare Coverage Helpline and find out if your zip code qualifies you for additional benefits, like getting money added back to your social security check.
- None have been identified for this spot
- Submit ONCE per commercial, and allow 48 to 72 hours for your request to be processed.
- Once verified, the information you provide will be displayed on our site.
- Submissions should come only from actors, their parent/legal guardian or casting agency.
- Submit ONCE per commercial, and allow 48 to 72 hours for your request to be processed.
- Once verified, the information you provide will be displayed on our site.
Jimmy Walker Medicare Helpline Commercial Review
Perhaps you saw a commercial from EasyMedicare TV Commercial featuring spokesman Jimmy Walker, and now youre wondering, Is this legitimate?
Lately, there have been many commercials about Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans . A Trekkie well-known actor, and recently, is it a coincidence that we see a couple of former professional football stars also trying to promote M.A. plans during this time of year?
Many commercials concerning M.A. Plans with paid endorsement actors make you feel like you arent getting everything you deserve or missing out on coverages. These missing benefits are shown in large letters repeatedly and imply free and call this number.
We all know that seeing the disclaimer fine print its so evident of the holes and indeed brings to mind, if its too good to be true, then. First and foremost, Federal law states explicitly that in advertisements, all that we see and hear must not be misleading and must be the truth!
For straight facts about how Medicare Coverage Helpline works and how you can be helped legitimately, then youre certainly at the right place.
Together we can then take a good, hard look at the fine printit might surprise you!
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Got Questions About The Medicare Giveback Benefit Here Are Some Answers
Can you really get a Medicare giveback from a Medicare Advantage plan?
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A friend forwarded me an ad he saw online. The headline read, Seniors over 65 are getting huge benefits this year. See if you qualify for $144 a month. How can I get this? he wondered.
Another friend asked whether I saw the commercials for the Medicare giveback benefit of up to $144. How could I miss them? I replied.
Lets tackle some questions about the Medicare giveback benefit.
What is the giveback benefit?
The giveback benefit is officially the Part B premium reduction.
This benefit is making a big splash this year, but it first appeared in 2003. A Federal regulation allowed Medicare+Choice plans to receive a reduction in its payments, which in turn helps to fund the giveback.
How do I qualify for the giveback?
The first time I heard about this offer, I wondered whether there might be income-related criteria. In other words, did the persons income have to be below a certain level? But that is not the case. To qualify for a premium reduction, you must:
- Be a Medicare beneficiary enrolled in Part A and Part B,
- Be responsible for paying the Part B premium, and
- Live in a service area of a plan that has chosen to participate in this program.
How many plans provide this benefit?
Thats a good question. You qualify once you enroll in a plan but there are not that many plans participating.
Can I get the premium reduction with other benefits?
Does the plan send me a check?
Any words of wisdom?
Medicare Offers Important Choices
Medicare has two paths that subscribers should consider at the outset. They can choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. They represent similar coverage, but one consists of private plans, and the other is government-run. Original Medicare is an open arrangement.Users can go to any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans also provide comprehensive coverage but achieves it in different ways. They have management styles that can help patients, for example, some provide a primary care doctor. They offer a network that can have lower pricing than similar benefits on Original Medicare. Advantage plans can cost less than Medicare Part B and add prescription drug benefits for an all-in-one combination.
Users can go to any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also provide comprehensive coverage but achieves it in different ways. They have management styles that can help patients, for example, some provide a primary care doctor. They offer a network that can have lower pricing than similar benefits on Original Medicare. Advantage plans can cost less than Medicare Part B and add prescription drug benefits for an all-in-one combination.
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Understanding Original Medicare Coverage
Original Medicare is government-run medical care and insurance coverage. It uses a fixed price for services a type of managed care. Members have freedom to choose any doctor or hospital in the network. They do not need referrals or special permissions for the majority of available services.
The Original Medicare network is broad ad diverse. It includes thousands of doctors and medical care facilities across the United States.
Compare Medicare Health Benefits Community Resource Center To Other Businesses In The Same Zip Code 85719
MEDICARE HEALTH BENEFITS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER has an estimated annual revenue of $1,532,369.14 compared to the average $861,356.95, for “All Other Health and Personal Care Stores ” business in the same zip code 85719.
MEDICARE HEALTH BENEFITS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER has approximately 3 employee, compared to the average 2.0 employees of “All Other Health and Personal Care Stores ” businesses in the same zip code 85719.
There are 2 total “All Other Health and Personal Care Stores ” businesses in the zip code 85719.
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Most Important When Calling The Call Center
The fine print means that a misleading question becomes an intention or makes us believe something that is not true or incorrect.
In fall 2019, the American Medical Association passed a resolution.
These Medicare Commercials are offered by companies/corporations to make a profit. The purpose of these tv commercials is to get you to act fast.
- Do your research
- Get all the truth
Calling a call center with limited options that might not have this or even know to suggest it and definitely, you cant shop around for the best private company since they dont represent many companies like the independent brokerage agency like us at Direct Express Support can and will help you and prove to you so you can make the proper choices and never rushed into a decision.
Before you make a wrong commitment, the best advice to do instead is deal with
- A Professional that has access to the best carriers in your area
- A Broker Independent that can shop around for the best program!
- A program that is not just a Zero Premium Plan but gives you the least amount of Copays and deductibles and maximizes the benefits youre eligible for?
How To Find Supplemental Medicare Plans In My Zip Code
Whether youre moving a county over or across the country, its important to know the new options available to you. In some instances, like moving across the street, you wont need to change your plan. But its always nice to know if you can change plans.
Working with a licensed Medicare agent can save you time and money, our agents can help you compare all the plan options in your area.
Give us a call now at the number above to see the Medicare plans available in your zip code. Or fill out an online rate form to compare your options.
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Social Security Benefits Are Not Impacted By Geographic Location But Other Federal Benefits Are We Took A Look At These Programs And How Benefits Vary
Social security benefits are calculated the same nationally. In each state workers making under a certain amount pay part of their salary in social security tax which they then receive as a part of their total benefit upon retirement.
However, some states do charge taxes on the benefits the rate and the exemptions available vary by the state. Survivor and railroad benefits are subject to the same rules as those paid to retirees.
Medicare Benefits: How Does Your Zip Code Affect Your Ss Benefits
Everything you need to know
It might come as a surprise to you, but the Medicare benefits you receive can vary depending on the state in which you live.
The pricing, rules and availability of the plans for Medicare and Medicaid Services can vary by state, and sometimes even by zip code.
Here, we will explain how the prices can vary.
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Shopping For Medicare Advantage Plans In 2023
There are many factors that go into choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan. Your current health conditions, which doctors you use, and where you live are just a few.
When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023, you need to consider the following:
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Is your doctor in the plans network? Its important to allow us to check to see which plans your current providers accept.
- Compare out-of-pocket costs. Each plan will have a monthly premium and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most youll pay in a year for covered health care.
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Star ratings of the plan. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services assigns star ratings to each plan for its performance.
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Expected out-of-pocket costs while on the plan. While many Medicare Advantage plans in 2023 will offer a $0 premium, you need to consider any costs you might incur above and beyond that throughout the year.
Paid Endorsement Timestamp: 0: 02
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circles on this screenshot says
Paid endorsement
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
I appreciate Jimmy Walker still, the fact is that this is a paid endorsement, and its somebody who is getting paid to make these comments.
Its not somebody who actually bought the medicare coverage plan from the 800 number but instead an actor who got paid money to talk, so you should know this and always be aware that just because Jimmy says it doesnt mean it will happen. This is because there are many rules and regulations by the Government.
Im stressing that its done over the phone, and there is no guarantee that you will get this insurance.
You may be talking to a pro or talking to a brand new person. Theres no continuity of quality of service, much less the quality of and availability to carriers.
Bottom line, you are calling a call center. The way these people are hired, as theyve brought in, they work during the AP Period , and then theyre fired or let go.
So youre always dealing with new people. Youre never dealing with the same age, and youre not getting service.
You need a pro, and you need pros working with you that will serve us and help you after the sale and whilst you have access to the best carriers! There is no guarantee that Assurance is offering that to you in this call center being decided over the phone.
We have Personal support.
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