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How To Handle Change In Medicaid Part B Premium

Question: I just received a document from the Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services, telling me I no longer have New York State paying my Medicare Part B Premium. Now what do I do? Answer: There are many programs under the umbrella of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS); just one of them being Medicaid. There are also many types and levels of Medicaid. Without looking at the letter, I would guess that you had previously applied for one of the Medicare Savings Programs. We call them, QI-1, QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) or Medicaid. All three ...

Are Medigap Insurance Premiums Going Up?

Question: I got a letter from my Medigap insurance company that says the monthly premium rates are going up? Is this a sure thing, and if so when will I start the higher rate? Answer: Well I have to say that I have heard this from a lot of people this week. AARP United HealthCare Options and Transamerica Financial, sent a letter to all their enrollees informing them of the proposed rate increase. The letter states that this increase has been submitted to the New York State Department of Financal Services, so it is NOT the final word. The formal announcement of the actual price increase ...

What To Know About Medicare Coverage If Traveling

Question: My spouse and I are traveling across the USA this summer. How will my Medicare insurance cover me? Answer: As with most questions I get, my answer is: it depends! So, let’s run down a couple of common situations. When you are using your Original Medicare Part A & B with a Medicare Supplement you have very comprehensive insurance wherever you go within the USA and our territories. You don’t need to think about networks and finding participating providers. That makes travel within the USA very easy. You can access healthcare throughout your traveling as necessary. Your ...

Medicare Plans That Cover Overseas Trips

Question: I am traveling to Europe this summer. How will my Medicare insurance cover me? Answer: As with most questions I get, my answer is: it depends! So, let’s run down a couple of common situations. When you are using your Original Medicare Part A & B with a Medicare Supplement you have very comprehensive insurance wherever you go within the USA and our Territories. You don’t need to think about networks and finding participating providers. That makes travel within the USA very easy. When thinking of travel outside the USA, Original Medicare Part A & B do NOT cover you. ...

Answering Questions About Medicare Coverage

Question: I turned 65 earlier this year and enrolled in Medicare and an additional Medicare Advantage Plan. When do I change my coverage again, when I turn 66 or is there another time? Answer: Congratulations on making it through your Initial Open Enrollment Period (IEP) when you turned 65. That process can be overwhelming. Getting Medicare Part A & B started, and then reviewing all the possible plans in addition to that… It can be quite a process!! Now you are in the same calendar year timeframe of all 67 million Americans with Medicare! That window includes an Annual Enrollment ...

Fall Is Best Time To Look For Plans

Question: I turned 65 earlier this year and enrolled in Medicare and an additional Medicare Advantage Plan. When do I change my coverage again, when I turn 66 or is there another time? Answer: Congratulations on making it through your Initial Open Enrollment Period (IEP) when you turned 65. That process can be overwhelming. Getting Medicare Part A & B started, and then reviewing all the possible plans in addition to that… It can be quite a process!! Now you are in the same calendar year timeframe of all 67 million Americans with Medicare! That window includes ...