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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 ...

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 ...