Phoenix Medicare Insurance

07/30/2021

CMS: Part D premiums projected to increase nearly 5% in 2022 to $33

We are quickly approaching the 2021 Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Some pricing is starting to be released, at this time it looks like Part D drug premiums will rise around 5% for 2022. No word yet on Part B premiums which most people have withdrawn from their Social Security check, but with a predicted 6%+ increase in COLA for your SS payment, my guess is that we will see an increase in Part B premium as well. Keep in mind, we have ways to counteract an increase in premiums, one way is through a Part B premium credit. For 2021, I saved about 40 clients $75 per person on their Part B premium, that's $900 per year, or $1,800 for a couple, which goes a long way when you are on a fixed income. Call us today to set up time to sit down during open enrollment, we will see how we can help you too!

Office (480) 878-7444

Article relating to Part D increase -----> https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/cms-part-d-premiums-projected-to-increase-nearly-5-2022-to-33

CMS announced that average Part D premiums are projected to increase by nearly 5% to $33 in 2022, up from roughly $30 this year.

03/24/2020

I am a huge proponent of Tele-health. Many of the Under 65 health insurance companies have utilized this option in the past few years as a measure to bring down costs. Medicare Insurance Companies have started to expand recently, which is good to see.
Read the article by clicking the link below, good news for our seniors to be able to stay home and stay safe!

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-trump-expands-telehealth-benefits-medicare-beneficiaries-during-covid-19-outbreak

11/20/2019

Do you know about the changes to the Donut Hole in 2020! Have you met with a Medicare Professional to review your drug coverage options for 2020? If not, it is a good idea to do so, it is highly recommended by CMS (Center for Medicare Services) in order to make sure you are receiving the best premium cost and medication costs for the upcoming year. The Annual Enrollment Period is winding down, contact us before December 7th for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your Medicare Part D drug plan costs. We have saved clients tens of thousands of dollars, you can save too!
Call us at (480) 878-7444 today to speak with a Medicare Specialist!

08/19/2019

The time is winding down for the changes coming to Medicare Supplement plans. Even though you may be on one of the plans no longer being offered after January 1, 2020, it is important for you to understand how you will be affected in the near future because of these changes. If you don't know if your plan is part of the change, or would like to know what these changes will do to your plan, feel free to call our office anytime at 480-878-7444. Have a great day!
https://www.elderlawanswers.com/congress-schedules-end-to-insurance-coverage-of-medicare-part-b-deductible-15094

05/24/2019

Buyer Beware: Overpriced Diagnostic Imaging Centers - Green Imaging

Take control of your medical expenses! We help clients lower their out-of-pocket expenses by educating how and where to get many common tests. There aren't a set of rules on what medical facilities charge for different tests. This article spells this out, well worth the read!
https://greenimaging.net/overpriced-diagnostic-imaging-centers/?fbclid=IwAR1w88fhh7kSkvXHlZxjwpF1THIWwjS5o62spou9ZvX6CrsdvWK5gjepCY8

Privately owned independent outpatient facilities often offer diagnostic imaging exams for 50-80% off those performed at a hospital. Want to know how?

02/26/2019

Some companies have sent Medicare Supplement rate increases and they aren't small! This is where we help lower your costs. Let us provide a quote on your Medicare Supplement and potentially lower your premiums by up to 50%, yes 50%!
It is not unheard of to save a couple up to $200 per month. That is $2,400 per year and over 10 years $24,000! Those numbers are life-changing!
What would you do with the savings? Buy a car, take a trip?

11/07/2018

Smart Tech Takes Hold in Retirement Communities

Smart technology in retirement communities is quickly advancing!
https://www.nextavenue.org/smart-technology-retirement-communities/?fbclid=IwAR3xsEltzFOTFhXwnBksDFPzX6PsSAjQi3ixLi2k8WLTDf_nDVzF3Pfe9zs

From FaceTime to iPods, residents at senior living spaces embrace technology

11/06/2018

For those on Medicare... Would you pay $4 per month for eyeglass insurance that provided $130 benefit towards your eyeglasses?
Are you interested in receiving acupuncture treatments?
We are now able to offer these added benefits for you, please call our offices for more information!
Office: 480-878-7444

10/29/2018

Open Enrollment continues! We can help you save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on your Medicare plan with added benefits! We work with all Medicare companies and are non-biased. This means your plan will be best for you! Call our office today for a No-Cost, No-Obligation quote to save on your plan!
We are located at 3303 E Baseline Rd #107, Gilbert, AZ 85234, phone us at (480) 878-7444. We would love to hear from you!
Also, 2019 Desk Calendars have arrived, call to reserve yours!

10/13/2018

Medicare has announced 2019 Medicare costs.
- Part A deductible goes from $1340 to $1364.
- Part B deductible goes from $183 to $185.
- Part B premiums for new enrollees goes from $134 to $135.50
No big cost jumps, which is good, wanted to get this info out as soon as it was posted! Call our office for your Medicare needs, 480-878-7444.

10/09/2018

With Medicare Open Enrollment less than a week away, remember that it is important to schedule a meeting to learn about new benefits being offered by different companies!
Are you missing out on some valuable benefits? Call to schedule your appointment to find out how we can help!
Office: 480-878-7444
https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2018/10/08/ltc-benefits-creep-into-2019-medicare-advantage-pl/?slreturn=20180909133942

08/07/2018

Pack These OTC Medications to Guard Against Common Vacation Killers

Getting sick while on vacation is no way to spend your time off. This summer, we're seeing an increase in rashes, pink eye, and sinus infections. Thankfully, there are affordable over-the-counter (OTC) medications that could ensure that your vacation goes smoothly.

Be prepared - check out this list of OTC medications (link below) to pack. Stock your first aid kit now for peace of mind while you're on the road.

https://amwell.com/cm/blog/pack-these-otc-medications-to-guard-against-common-vacation-killers/

It's your vacation. And the last thing you need is a pesky summer illness ruining your time off. Many people travel with first aid kits, including products like band aids, tissues, neosporin, cotton swabs, etc. But there is a lot you can do to beef up your first aid/travel kit.

04/27/2018

USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation | Clydesdale Horse Events

Looking for a fun event for the kiddos next Friday night? Come out and meet some Clydesdales, it includes dinner and a movie! USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation & Clydesdale Drill Team has many activities for adults and families, if you haven't heard about this organization, your kids will have a blast meeting the clydesdales! Below is a link to the web page with more information, it is Friday May 4th from 6:30pm-9:00pm.

https://www.usaclydesdalepreservationfoundation.org/usaclydesdalepreservationfoundation-7

USACPF provides Clydesdale horse events to educate the public, provide Clydesdale horse history and present the Clydesdale horse as a riding horse.

04/19/2018

Murphy introduces ‘Medicare for more’ health plan option

I have many customers each year that are actually excited to get on Medicare. With that said, it's also not perfect in every respect. However, I have disected Medicare and how it functions for many years now, and it is my opinion that you do not mess with Medicare by bringing under 65 beneficiaries in to the mix.

This isn't political, it is about taking care of our retirees! Find a solution and use a "different pot of money" to fix under 65 heatlh care, it can be done. Read the article below and if you are currently on Medicare and want to keep it like it is, contact your State Representative and Congressmen/women and let them hear your voice that you do not want Medicare to change. I can provide a form letter that you add your name and signature to if you would like. Have a great upcoming weekend! 480-878-7444.

https://ctmirror.org/2018/04/18/murphy-introduces-medicare-health-plan-option/

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chris Murphy on Wednesday introduced legislation that would allow individuals and businesses to purchase Medicare coverage. Murphy and co-sponsor Sen. Jeff Merkley say there's little chance of immediate passage of the bill, but say there is a need for public discussion on ways to....

03/30/2018

HOLIDAY FUN FACT!

You have to go back more than 60 years for the last time Easter and April Fool's Day were on the same day.

For the first time since 1956, Easter Sunday falls on April 1st. Since 1900, Easter has fallen on April Fool's Day only four times - 1923, 1934, 1945 and 1956. It won't happen again until 2029.

Who's putting up their Christmas tree this weekend to freak out the Easter bunny?!

*In no way is this post to be taken out of context or is it intended to offend anyone. We understand and fully believe that Easter is an important religious holiday for many as the day of Jesus Christ's resurrection. We hope you have a great day with friends and family...

03/13/2018

New Medicare Cards Coming Soon

Next month, CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) will start mailing out new Medicare cards to beneficiaries.

Most know, that IDENTITY THEFT is running rampant with the advancement of technology and the goal is to limit access to your Social Security number. The new cards will now use a random number, no longer show your gender, or contain your signature. The rollout will take a full year and I assume will start alphabetically. If your last name is Zelinski, you will get your new card in April 2019!
Read the attached artice for more info and more importantly, watch the video in the link too, as it tells about some of the SCAMS that folks may try on you during the transition.

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2017/new-design-medicare-id-cards.html

Federal officials unveiled the design of new Medicare ID cards, which will no longer include Social Security numbers or other personal information.

03/05/2018

Need A Medical Procedure? Pick The Right Provider And Get Cash Back

Great advice in the linked article...
One of our health insurance carriers offers a service through their plan called Karis 360. Karis is a healthcare advocate who will negotiate pricing for non-emergency procedures ("shop around" for you) as pricing for medical services are "all over the board."
How much are you paying for health care? We would like the opportunity to quote you or your family, save you money and get you to a near $0 deductible. You can call any time at 480-467-7054.
https://khn.org/news/need-a-medical-procedure-pick-the-right-provider-and-get-cash-back/

Incentives to encourage health care consumers to shop around gain momentum as a means to rein in spending.

10/13/2017

I'm sure most of you have heard the news on the latest Presidential executive order concerning health care. There were really 3 things covered. First, he wants to expand the use of HRA's in the group market. Second, he wants to sell GROUP plans across state lines using associations (??? not sure how that would work). Both of these are going to take quite a while to implement. Third, he wants to go back to selling Short Term plans longer than 3 months. He may be able to do that more quickly (if so, don't get lured by crappy products that don't offer MEC, or "Healthshare plans" they are not insurance). Also, it is unlikely that HHS and the insurance carriers can get anything launched this year.
Why worry about all this????? We are offering a PPO health plan that is:
-ACA compliant (it inlcudes Minimal Essential Coverage "MEC" with no-
out-of-pocket and no tax penalties)
-Has a National PPO Network (yes, incldues coverage at the
Mayo Clinic and Hospital)
-Has no open enrollment period (start in less than 2 weeks)
-Will save you up to 60% off ACA plans
-We can also dial the plan down to a $0 deducitble! (this means you can start using your health insurance again!)
Please call Dan at 480-467-7054 or Stacey at 602-740-1780 for more information and a no-obligation quote. You can also go to our website http://www.healthinsuranceagentinarizona.com/

10/09/2017

Did you have problems with your Medicare plan last year? Whether you did or didn't, it is a good idea to have schedule an annual review of benefits on your existing plan.
Also, Medicare recommends you review your Part D Drug Plan coverage each year to make sure you have the coverage that delivers the lowest cost for your plan and medications.
We offer a no-cost, no-obligation review of your Medicare Supplement and Drug plans, just call us at 866-925-7473. Thanks and have a great day!

10/05/2017

Medicare Advantage Plan Count Rises 10%

Medicare Open Enrollment is fast approaching, just 10 more days. It's nice to hear good news for Medicare plans! More options, more competition leads to better plans...
http://www.thinkadvisor.com/2017/10/04/medicare-advantage-plan-count-rises-10?slreturn=1507215186

The cost of the median plan is on track to be 8.5% lower in 2018 than it is this year.

09/22/2017

We have all heard about the EQUIFAX DATA BREACH... Have you taken any precautionary steps to protect yourself yet? If not, it would be a great idea to do so...
I have a 2 page document with 8 steps everyone should take to protect themselves. Please contact us using the "SEND MESSAGE BUTTON" on this post, or send an email to [email protected] and in the subject line place the words "SEND EQUIFAX DATA BREACH INFO" and I will email you the sheet. It is an excellent resource, thanks and have a great weekend!

09/21/2017

Get Ready! Medicare Will Mail New Cards to 60 Million People

I remember as a child, we were told never use our Social Security card for identification. We use our Social Security number almost everyday to verify who we are... enter ID theft! Our Government is getting smarter, see article below on new Medicare ID Cards, this is good stuff!
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/09/14/551053616/get-ready-medicare-will-mail-new-cards-to-60-million-people

The federal health program for seniors and the disabled is removing Social Security numbers from the ID cards of 60 million people in an effort to prevent identity theft

08/30/2017

Study: Drinking four cups of coffee daily lowers risk of death

For coffee drinkers... It may not lower your Medicare rates, but you may live longer! Win, win, win!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/08/28/study-drinking-four-cups-coffee-daily-lowers-risk-death/607381001/

Participants who drank at least 4 cups significantly lowered their risk of dying.

08/23/2017

Stroke Awareness—Know the Signs

Great article on Stroke Awareness, read here...

https://blog.medicare.gov/2017/05/09/stroke-awareness-know-the-signs/

Concerned about using your Medicare insurance due to cost of visits, or maybe what they will find? I can help find the most affordable, comprehensive coverage at ANY TIME during the year. Please call us for a no-obligation consultation of your Medciare plan now at 866-925-7473 or go to www.medicarerescue.com for more information...

Linda was excited for her monthly appointment with her massage therapist Janine. Linda gets massage therapy to help ease chronic pain. Toward the end of her session, something strange began to happ…

07/31/2017

Planning a summer vacation? Pack your health care coverage! We can help you understand what will be covered while traveling on Medicare, or, if under age 65, we can help with affordable supplemental health coverage while traveling outside of the United States. just give us a call at 866-925-7473.
https://blog.medicare.gov/2017/06/12/travel-abroad-2/

07/14/2017

Major changes are coiming to Medicare Supplement plans! Do you know how your plan will be affected? We offer a no-cost/no-obligation review of your current Medicare Supplement plan. Don't be left uninformed and unable to avoid big increases in a few years! Call us today at 866-925-7473, you will be thankful you received this valuable information...

07/14/2017

5 Ways to Sort Through Long-term Care Planning

Any plan is better than no plan, we can provide many options for LTC including new and popular hybrid options.
http://www.homecaremag.com/aging-place/july-2017/5-ways-sort-through-long-term-care-planning

Statistics show that when it comes to senior care, most Americans are in denial about their future needs. According to PBS NewsHour and the SCAN Foundation, 70 percent of Americans older than 65 will need some form of long-term care—yet very few do enough, if anything at all, to plan for this critic...