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There’s Much To Consider Before Changing Insurance

Question: I just got a letter from my Medicare Supplement plan and the letter says the monthly premium rates are going up? Should I change my insurance? Answer: I have heard this question a lot this week. Almost all the Medigap plans raised their rates for the coming 2026 calendar year. So let me work to clarify some of the issues relating to the pricing structures and the increases. In New York State the pricing of Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) are based on your County of Residence. For the purposes of this article, I am concentrating on Chautauqua & Cattaraugus ...

How To Handle Discontinued Insurance Plans

Question: This is the second year in a row that my insurance plan has been discontinued. Now I have to find new insurance again! Is this going to happen every year? I am really frustrated. Answer: Medicare Insurance options have had a rough couple of years. The industry calls that ‘Significant Market Disruption’. For those individuals with those products, it feels like a significant hassle! It is important to understand that this isn’t happening to just you. It is happening to individuals with Medicare all over the country. This Significant Market Disruption is caused by a ...

How Vaccines Are Covered By Medicare

Question: My doctor recommended vaccines for this fall, how are they covered by Original Medicare? Answer: Vaccines and injections prescribed by our physicians are covered differently depending on what the injection is for. Original Medicare Part A would cover any injection given as part of a hospital stay. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services including some injections and vaccines; the Flu shot, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal and COVID-19. These vaccines are administered either in a doctor’s office, health clinic or pharmacy and are covered in full by Medicare Part B with no ...

Get Ready For Annual Open Enrollment Period

Question: When can I change my insurance? Do I have to change my insurance? I think I looked at it this time last year. Answer: Happy Insurance Season! You know I am Medicare Crazy! I LOVE The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP), which is open from October 15 until December 7. This period is the time of year you’re asking about: when you have your opportunity to evaluate your insurance options and switch to a plan that works better for you, if you want to. With AEP approaching, curiosity about the coming year’s plans and plan changes is at a peak right now! Unfortunately, you are ...

Tips On Comparing Medicare Plans

Question: I have a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO). My friend has Medicare and a Medigap Plan. Who has the better insurance? Answer: Like most questions related to Medicare coverage, my answer will have to be “That Depends!” You both have good Insurance! Most Medicare products are good, some better for some situations, while others are better for other situations. So, let me explain some of the differences. Once you turn 65, and you have Medicare A & B, you can insure two different ways: one path is through Medicare Advantage Plans. This path usually includes prescription drug ...

Senior Looking For Insurance After Being Laid Off

Question: I am over 65 and until recently I was working full-time. I just got laid off from my job and am overwhelmed with everything that I have to change. Where do I look for insurance? I don’t know where to begin. Answer: First, let me say how sorry I am for the abrupt life changes you are trying to cope with. I have talked with so many individuals over the years who have this happen. We sometimes forget that when we hear those numbers “700 individuals laid off at …” that those are lives and people that we know. All of us hope to someday retire, but many of us are having to ...