Raborn Insurance Associates

12/16/2019

Medicare clients with Part C Medicare Advantage plans: know how your plans work:
HOSPITAL ADMISSION
Hospital co-pays are for a specific amount for a specific number of days. If you are released and readmitted the co-pay/day count starts over. ASK ABOUT HOSPITAL INDEMNITY COVERAGE to pay the co-pay.
DENTAL/VISION
Benefits and how you receive them vary:
1.Some offer only specific benefits listed in the Evidence of Coverage (EOC). To receive you must use a network of that carriers providers.
2. Others have no network and will reimburse for benefits received up to the amount listed in the EOC.
DIABETIC SUPPLIES
Most carriers have preferred testing monitors and many offer $0 co-pay on supplies for that equipment.
Take advantage of every benefit to maximize your low
est expenses possible.

12/12/2019

Up coming dates concerning medical insurance:
Open Enrollment for medical plans for under 65 ends Sunday December 15th.
Medicare Open Enrollment Period January 1 to March 31. Anyone with a Medicare Advantage Part C plan can make one change during this 3 month period. Change to a different Part C plan, or go back to Original Medicare and select a stand alone Part D plan.
Counties in Georgia where Aetna did not renew their Part C plan have until 2/29 to select a plan. Beware, if you do not do so by 12/31 your drug coverage ends with your plan on 12/31/2019.
What options are available year around:
Short Term Medical health insurance
Dental/vision coverage
Ancillary benefits can be purchase: plan to pay hospital costs, cancer, accident plans
Medicare Supplement change or elect for the first time
Questions?, email or call me:
[email protected], 706.394.2605

11/15/2019

Medicare premiums and deductibles are out:
Part B standard premium is $144.60 as of 1/2020.
Your COLA raise is 1.6%.
The Part B deductible is $198 beginning 1/2020.
How does that affect you: Medigap/Supplement clients with Plans G or N will now meet the $198 deductible before Part B benefits are paid.
Part C Medicare Advantage clients with most plans do not have a deductible before co-pays start. Check with me if you are unclear on your plan benefits.

10/25/2019

Should a veteran who did NOT retire with the military but uses the VA for health coverage, start Medicare Part B when eligible? This is a personal and financial decision. Part B 2019 base premium is $135.50. An artice in AARP magazine this October stated- The Office of Inspector General found in 2017 the VA wrongly denied $53.3 miliion in non-VA claims. IF a vet starts Part B he/she now has a number of options. here is one choice: Select a Part C Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part C buy down (puts $55 of the deduction back into the Social Security check). Then if they need to see a primary doctor at a non-VA site pays $0, and has a $90 ER copay. $50,000 out of the US emergency benefits) receives $750 in dental benefits and much more. This is at no additional costs to them. I am a Vet, I use the VA, I want to help every vet get the most bang forthe buck. GA and SC veterans, call for free advise. John 706-394-2605

10/13/2019

Special thanks to Robert and Cathy Brown for a bushel of apples from the Georgia mountains! What a nice gift of appreciation.

09/24/2019

Savannah River Site Retirees after one year of being enrolled in your retiree health plan, either a Medicare Advantage Part C or Medigap/Supplement you can now change and use a LOCAL health agent who specializes in Medicare coverage options. This is important for several reasons: Part C plans members- Georgia in 2020 a major carrier will no longer offer the national plan previously offered in the state- that means you have a Guaranteed Issue right to purchase a Medigap/Supplement plan or change Part C coverage. In South Carolina a new carrier will be offered in Aiken county. For Medigap/Supplement members all Plan A-F supplements must by law offer the same benefits, I can compare underwriting with several carriers and seek to get a lower premium and keep your HRA dollars in your account. If you physically want to meet with an agent and discuss options Raborn Insurance agents represent ALL Medicare Part C plans in our area and 20+ Medigap/supplement carriers. John Raborn 706.394.2605

09/18/2019

2020 Medicare Part D and Part C Options become available on October 1, 2019! I know of FOUR NEW Part C Medicare Advantage Plans in my local region. In many counties of GA and SC new options become available.
In January 2020 changes to Medigap/Supplement choices take effect. Do not allow confusion or frustration with so many changes impact your Annual Election Period. We offer free consultation services. Not only do I have fifteen years of service to Medicare clients, I am a Medicare beneficiary. FREE CONSULTATION with Raborn Insurance Associates: 706.394.2605, [email protected]

08/18/2019

Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans | Medicare

A question for Medicare eligible individuals:
Do you understand how a Medicare MSA Plan works and how it is different from other Medicare Advantage plans? For Raborn Insurance Associates service areas (GA & SC) I suggest you begin your research.
"These plans are similar to Health Savings Account Plans outside of Medicare" These plans have 2 parts: High Deductible and a special type of savings account where the Medicare MSA plan deposits money into your account. (These statements are found in the Medicare article link below). To start the learning process, I’d suggest you focus on at least 4 points:
1.Savings Account - money can be used to cover your Part A and B charges and these charges count toward the plans annual deductible, the money can be used to cover other costs such as prescription co-pays but do NOT count toward the plan deductible, balances earns interest, at years end any balance remains in your account,
2.Health Coverage- like all other Medicare Advantage plans they must cover all Medicare Part A and B approved benefits. You will have coinsurance on preventative benefits, these charges count toward the plan deductible. 3.Network: unlike other Medicare Advantage plans, there is no additional network requirements. However, you will want to use “participating” Medicare providers. Non-participating providers can balance bill charges above the allowable Medicare rate. You are required to pay the excess charge and this amount does NOT count toward the deductible.
4.Part D prescription coverage is NOT included and you will need to select a stand-alone Part D plan.
If you want to receive more information on this coverage and you live in GA or SC reach out to me via email or phone: [email protected]. 706.394.2605
Link to Medicare article on MSA: https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-medical-savings-account-msa-plans

Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans, a type of Medicare Advantage Plan, may cover Medicare services, extra benefits, but not prescriptions.

07/10/2019

Ugh, rats, crap are a few "nicer" things we my say when we get a surprise bill. Emotional silence occurs when we get an unexpected diagnosis and face uncertainty in our health and the financial impact for treatments. AGENTS are not miracle workers but I feel I am part of the process. IF YOU WILL BE PATIENT AND READ THE ENTIRE POST IT MAY HELP YOU..
An individual's wife had passed away. Because group benefits were no longer offered, he must change coverage. Since I was his neighbors agent, I was called. During the meeting, he mentioned a companies name: AFLAC. Several policies were cancelled at her death and no claims were filed because he did not know he could nor did he know what benefits were available. Even though that was NOT the type coverage we were discussing, BECAUSE I COULD HELP I DID. He called last week to update me the $2500 hospital bill will be paid and an additional $5500 benefit paid to him.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: select an independent agent who not only can assist with your Medicare coverage choices, but can review with you any supplemental coverage you currently have or may need to consider.
John Raborn 15 years experience- represent over 20 Medicare Supplement carriers, represent ALL Part C Medicare Advantage plans in my local area and most throughout GA and SC, multiple Life and Long Term Carriers, numerous dental, hospital indemnity, and vision options.

06/22/2019

MEDICARE AGE ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL: on a group medical policy who did not start any Medicare benefits continue to read.
The Medicare Supplement Plan F which pays 100% of all Medicare approved charges will not be offered to individuals new to Medicare as of January 2020. Since I had a concerned future client I contacted one of my carriers for clarification.
According to their guidance anyone eligible for Medicare before January 2020 who did not start Medicare benefits will NOT be offered Plan F. HOWEVER, anyone eligible for Medicare before January 2020 and they started Part A Hospital benefits (typically no premium for Part A) will be offered Plan F.

05/09/2019

Help me educate your family and friends SHARE this post. It's kinda like a WHAT IF but with a REAL consequences.
IF you have any type of life insurance policy not labeled TERM: Open and read your annual policy statement. My recommendation- pay attention to the Guaranteed column. Policies with cash value are paid interest by the company. They have Current and Guaranteed interest rates. Twice in 3 weeks: I was paying $30ish a month and now I must pay $150. Now on a fixed income this just does NOT work and they are super frustrated and upset. PAY ATTENTION TO THE GUARANTEED. If you have a life policy not called TERM you and I need to talk with your annual statement in hand. Text me a picture of your annual statement, scan and email what ever works,.
[email protected]
706.394.2605

04/16/2019

Time to discuss plans that help when you have major medical and a high deductible. For $47.25 a month you can purchase benefits that pay $5,000 for an accident, $5000 for heart attack, stroke, invasive cancer, burns and more. PLUS unlimited Telemedicine consults at no extra cost.
Married?: For an additional $11 a month cover a spouse for 50% of benefits listed above.
I can email brochure and you simply email online.
Protect yourself now.

04/03/2019

Beware of any calls received stating there is fradulent activity on your Social Security I received the call then called SS to make a report. Undoubtly it is so massive you hear a recording about this scam.

01/25/2019

Raborn Insurance Associates's cover photo

12/27/2018

1.dental

EVER CONSIDERED: Insurance- coverage designed to meet a need, priced to make a profit. In America consumers are use to the concept of business and profit; but none of us want to feel they took advantage of us.
RIA appreciates the fact a well informed client can empower their selves in the decision process. Here are a few "nuggets":
1.Dental (cleanings only covered) $18 a month- SWEET SPOT in GA - diabetics get 3 cleanings a year
2.Vision- $10 exam; a years contacts $0 copay, AND $10 copay single, bifocal, trifocal/lenticular lenses with $150 frame allowance- GA $15.70, $25.60 couple
SC $14.30, $23.30 couple
3.Hospital Indemnity (benefits paid when admitted into a hospital) ages 64 1/2 to 65 1/2 get guaranteed issue!

We want to wish everyone a Happy and prosperous 2019.

12/17/2018

Medicare Clients here are 2 important announcements that may benefit you.
1. Specific Counties affected by hurricanes are allowed a Special Enrollment period. IF you DID NOT make a selection during AEP (October 15- Dec 12th, you can change:
A. Counties in SC affected by Hurricane Florence which occurred 9/8 have until 1/31/19. Call me about your county.
B.Counties in GA impacted by Hurricane Michael have until 2/28/19
2.For Medicare Advantage Part C members: whether you did or did not make a change but choose to return to Original Medicare and select a stand-alone Part D, or change to another Advantage Part C plan you CAN DO SO once between 1/1 and 3/31/19. Call me for specific guidelines and options.
706.394.2605

11/24/2018

Monday starts the final leg of AEP for all Medicare clients. Twelve days to make any changes which take effect on 1/1/19.For any of my clients with the Aetna Essential Part C Medicare Advantage plan, if you have NOT changed to the 2019 Freedom plan, schedule an appointment with me to do so. Lower hospital co-pays, $0 copay on tier 1 & 2 medicines at a preferred pharmacy, lower in network specialists copay, and more dental benefit.

10/29/2018

Honesty IS the best policy.
New to an area so you ask where to get a steak. The person you asked only eats at Restaurant A. There steaks are $47. The same meat supplier and chef own another restaurant with a different name and the same steak there is $6.50. Would you want to know about the second restaurant?
CAPTIVE AGENTS CAN ONLY TELL YOU ABOUT WHAT THEY OFFER. CALL AN 800#, meet with an agent that is employed by a carrier (captive) they can only tell you about their plan(s). NO DOUBT THEIR INTENT IS TO BE HONEST WITH YOU. The problem- they can't tell you if there are any other plans where your medicines, co-pays could be less expensive.
We are independent agents representing 20 Medicare Supplement and 6 Part C Medicare Advantage carriers.
I can show you side by side comparisons of costs. Then YOU decide.
Medicare Annual Election Period is until 12/7. Even if you have made a choice you can still change until 12/7. Call for a no obligation comparison on what YOU will pay.

10/22/2018

Medicare numbers have been released for 2019.
The Cost of Living increase will be 2.8%.
Part B premium for individuals under $85K will increase to $135.50 (1.1% increase).
Individuals with a Plan G Medicare Supplement requiring you to meet the Part B deductible before benefits begin- $185 deductible in 2019 (up $2).
Contact Raborn Insurance during your Annual Election Period, 10/15 to 12/7 for a better understanding of Medicare Advantage Part C and Supplements offered in your county. John 706-394-2605

09/24/2018

One estimate I read stated 25% of individuals with Part D enter the Gap- this is the point your cost sharing increases. As an agent I can't stop that happening, but I can assist in other ways.
If you allow me to assist you in enrolling into a Part C Medicare Advantage or Supplement with Part D, I not only compare your prescriptions against all plans in our area, I CHECK ALL BRAND NAME MEDICINES to determine if a manufacturer offers assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. EXAMPLE:. Insulin Levemir manufactured by Novo Nordisk does offer help even if you have Part D.
Requirements to gain assistance: You reach the Gap, and have income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (for 1 income that is $36,180). Whereas 2 vials copay is $44ish, in the Gap it becomes $200ish. Four months of assistance saves you over $800!
Raborn Insurance Associates represents ALL Part C plans in our area and 20 Supplement carriers.
Having a local agent adds no costs to your coverage, the carrier you select pays commission, but it gives you an a pair of helping hands.
Lets talk: John Raborn 706.394.2605

09/22/2018

Personal Emergency Response System (PERS): 18 months ago my sister fell taking out the trash; broke left knee and shoulder took 4 hours to be found. Recent friend posted prayer request: both parents fell took 15 hours to be found. Yeah we all cut corners and why spend money I don't have for a PERS. Having one doesn't mean I am inactive. HOW ABOUT IF YOU WERE GIVEN THE SYSTEM AND MONITORING AT NO COST AS PART OF YOUR Part C Medicare Advantage Plan? WHOA, there's more to consider. I offer a no cost annual review for Medicare individuals. l never make a recommendation until we discuss prescription co-pays, network, and specific needs you want to have your plan provide. For some it's all about specialists or rehab co-pays, others about dental or visions benefits. What ever your focus for 2018-2019, I can help. Raborn Insurance covers the states of GA and SC. 706.394.2605.
I know initially you have to trust me but please do: I am not pushy. I truly do seek to make it all about your needs.

08/04/2018

Family/Individual Major Medical Coverage: IF you are NOT offered medical coverage through an employer, AND your/family income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty level (chart posted below) your medical coverage premiums MAY be reduced.
IF YOUR INCOME IS HIGHER and you are healthy you may want to consider Short Term Medical (STM) coverage. Soon you will be able to elect STM for up to 364 days of coverage. I can explain the differences in coverage, networks, and plan benefits.
You can enroll into STM anytime of year. For non group Affordable Care Act medical coverage open enrollment is November 1 to December 15th only.
# IN HOUSEHOLD INCOME CHART
1 $12,060 TO $48,420
2 $16,240 TO $64,960
3 $20,420 TO $81,680
4 $24,600 TO $98,400
5 $28,780 TO $115,120
6 $32,960 TO $131,840

We represent 2 STM carriers and Blue Cross Blue Shield in GA and SC.