Alert Medicare ads

[longboard55]

So we did our annual meeting with our medicare insurance agent, and they added a bunch of added requirements if you switch plans such as voice copy. Turns out with all these medicare ads running like the one with joe namath, that seem to promise everything with money back, people are signing up for plans they get suckered into by a phone call, then find they can not switch back. I know my mother called one once. So if you have an older parent still kicking make sure they do not call one of these lines, if anyone wants to change plans, go through a legitimate agent.

 

[Dan Murphy]

So we did our annual meeting with our medicare insurance agent, and they added a bunch of added requirements if you switch plans such as voice copy. Turns out with all these medicare ads running like the one with joe namath, that seem to promise everything with money back, people are signing up for plans they get suckered into by a phone call, then find they can not switch back. I know my mother called one once. So if you have an older parent still kicking make sure they do not call one of these lines, if anyone wants to change plans, go through a legitimate agent.

Sounds like you are speaking of the various Part C Medicare 'Advantage' plans. And yes, they can be very misleading as to the possible benefits and limitations. Good advice.

 

[tvguy]

So we did our annual meeting with our medicare insurance agent, and they added a bunch of added requirements if you switch plans such as voice copy. Turns out with all these medicare ads running like the one with joe namath, that seem to promise everything with money back, people are signing up for plans they get suckered into by a phone call, then find they can not switch back. I know my mother called one once. So if you have an older parent still kicking make sure they do not call one of these lines, if anyone wants to change plans, go through a legitimate agent.

Well, those lines go to legitimate, licensed insurance agents. No matter who your broker is, you have to really really do your homework. I hooked up with a really good broker who represented more than 30 insurance companies, most who offered both Advantage plans and Traditional Supplements. HOWEVER, my options were narrowed to one Advantage plan, and three Traditional plans because I wanted to keep my current Doctors. I went with a traditional plan even though it costs me $98 a month.

My mom had an Advantage Plan, and it worked great for her, but it just wasn't right for me.

 

[barkley]

my options were narrowed to one Advantage plan, and three Traditional plans because I wanted to keep my current Doctors.

this is why it is vital to check each year with your provider as well as on the plan's website to make sure a provider/provider group will continue under your current plan. when considering a change of plan, if you have a provider you want to stay with-consider speaking to the doctor's office staff regarding available plans b/c they can let you know if a particular one is more difficult to get referrals through, harder for them to get approvals through....

if you are happy with and sticking with your plan-check out the new evidence of coverage to see if anything has changed. a nice surprise for us this year is the OTC benefit ours provides has been increased to $75 per quarter and a lot of common groceries qualify.

 

[tvguy]

this is why it is vital to check each year with your provider as well as on the plan's website to make sure a provider/provider group will continue under your current plan. when considering a change of plan, if you have a provider you want to stay with-consider speaking to the doctor's office staff regarding available plans b/c they can let you know if a particular one is more difficult to get referrals through, harder for them to get approvals through....

if you are happy with and sticking with your plan-check out the new evidence of coverage to see if anything has changed. a nice surprise for us this year is the OTC benefit ours provides has been increased to $75 per quarter and a lot of common groceries qualify.

Referrals would only be an issue with an Advantage plan. With a Medicare Supplement plan, if it's covered by Medicare, it is automatically covered by the supplement. No approval needed.

Another word of caution with any plan, your Doctor may be a part of your plan when you sign up, but may drop out at any time.

 

[_19disnA]

I agree, those TV ads are VERY misleading. They cleverly make it look like you will get some 'secret' benefits from Medicare by calling their number when it is nothing more then an ad to get you to switch medical coverage to them. NONE of those TV ads are actually run by the govt/Medicare. I would imagine that tiny legal mumbo/jumbo that races across the bottom of the screen says that to make them legal, but seems like a very dishonest way of advertising.

As the OP mentioned, make sure to explain that to your elderly parents/relatives so they aren't tricked into switching medical coverage to some other provider. They may not be able to keep their current doctor if they switch plans which can be very upsetting to some elderly patients.

 

[anjuan]

I strongly recommend that instead of contacting agents/brokers that people who are interested in information about Medicare options contact their state health insurance program. Information for every state is located at www.shiphelp.org. This is a source of free unbiased information about all of your Medicare options.

 

[tvguy]

. NONE of those TV ads are actually run by the govt/Medicare. I would imagine that tiny legal mumbo/jumbo that races across the bottom of the screen says that to make them legal, but seems like a very dishonest way of advertising.

Correct, the Government and Medicare have nothing to do with any Medical Advantage OR Medicare Supplement Plan. So ALL your options, whether your call the number on the TV ads or contact an insurance company or broker will be with companies that have nothing to do with Medicare. HOWEVER, Medicare Supplement plans do have to cover certain things as required by Medicare. If your Doctor thinks you need a treatment or specialist that is covered by Medicare, the Medicare Supplement HAS to cover it too. That is not the case with Medicare Advantage plans from any provider.
Like I said my mom had a Medicare Advantage plan and it worked well for her. The one issue she had was her Doctor wanted her on a blood pressure medicine that her Medicare Advantage plan did not cover, so she had to pay for it out of pocket.

 

[luvnwdwgal]

We just spoke to our insurance specialist today and she told us all those ads will be gone next year.

 

[barkley]

The one issue she had was her Doctor wanted her on a blood pressure medicine that her Medicare Advantage plan did not cover, so she had to pay for it out of pocket.

the advantage programs work for some, not so well for others. one thing i appreciate is that several of the 'health maintenance' drugs (like lipitor) are being covered with a zero copay now.

 

[barkley]

We just spoke to our insurance specialist today and she told us all those ads will be gone next year.

cool! i hate deceptive advertising marketed to susceptible audiences.

 

[anjuan]

Correct, the Government and Medicare have nothing to do with any Medical Advantage OR Medicare Supplement Plan. So ALL your options, whether your call the number on the TV ads or contact an insurance company or broker will be with companies that have nothing to do with Medicare. HOWEVER, Medicare Supplement plans do have to cover certain things as required by Medicare. If your Doctor thinks you need a treatment or specialist that is covered by Medicare, the Medicare Supplement HAS to cover it too. That is not the case with Medicare Advantage plans from any provider.
Like I said my mom had a Medicare Advantage plan and it worked well for her. The one issue she had was her Doctor wanted her on a blood pressure medicine that her Medicare Advantage plan did not cover, so she had to pay for it out of pocket.

While the type of ads the OP is describing are not funded by Medicare, it's not accurate that Medicare has nothing to with any Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans actually have an application process with the federal government and have to meet certain requirements in order to contract with Medicare as a Medicare Advantage plan including covering all benefits that are covered under Medicare Parts A and B and must meet certain network requirements, etc. They are regulated by Medicare.

 

[tvguy]

While the type of ads the OP is describing are not funded by Medicare, it's not accurate that Medicare has nothing to with any Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans actually have an application process with the federal government and have to meet certain requirements in order to contract with Medicare as a Medicare Advantage plan including covering all benefits that are covered under Medicare Parts A and B and must meet certain network requirements, etc. They are regulated by Medicare.

True.

 

[shh]

Those advantage plans seem like a bargain with all the extras they throw in - dental, free gym memberships and a slew of other stuff - until they're not. Usually if you're unlucky enough to get hit with a serious issue like stage 3 or 4 cancer. You may need a certain specialist and are put thru the wringer for a required referral or need care not covered. Saw it happen with a family member. He loved the plan - until he didn't, but couldn't switch back to traditional medicare.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

I'm only in my 40's so not eligible to take Medicare. But maybe someone could explain for someone like me that sees these ads and thinks they are great, I now see it advertised that you could even use some of the money they give you to pay your electric bill. If I understand it correct, age 65 you get Medicare and you either pay like $200/mo out of your social security check (or if you're delaying social security then you pay that into the medicare place). That's traditional Medicare, but you could forgo regular Medicare and pay the same amount to the Advantage plan that gives you the freebies (but has the downsides like the referrals may not cover stuff, etc)? But both plans, you also would need to buy a supplemental ontop of your $200 a month Medicare (traditional or advantage) plan?

My dad is on traditional Medicare but my mom is still working so while he has health insurance through Medicare he also is covered under my moms employer plan.

 

[tvguy]

I'm only in my 40's so not eligible to take Medicare. But maybe someone could explain for someone like me that sees these ads and thinks they are great, I now see it advertised that you could even use some of the money they give you to pay your electric bill. If I understand it correct, age 65 you get Medicare and you either pay like $200/mo out of your social security check (or if you're delaying social security then you pay that into the medicare place). That's traditional Medicare, but you could forgo regular Medicare and pay the same amount to the Advantage plan that gives you the freebies (but has the downsides like the referrals may not cover stuff, etc)? But both plans, you also would need to buy a supplemental ontop of your $200 a month Medicare (traditional or advantage) plan?

My dad is on traditional Medicare but my mom is still working so while he has health insurance through Medicare he also is covered under my moms employer plan.

GENERALIZATION: Medicare Advantage plans offer lower costs by requiring higher co-payments and deductibles, often at zero cost. Medicare Supplements cost more, but offer much lower or no co-payments.

If you qualify for Medicare Part A it is free. More correctly, that is what the Medicare tax taken from your paycheck over the years was paying for.
Medicare Part B is $170.10 a month. The premium drops to $164.90 per month in 2023.

The decision you have to make with a Medical Advantage Plan, known as part C is are you willing to assume more risk of medical bills. They have higher deductibles. You also in many cases will need pre-approval for treatments. In exchange for accepting high out of pocket expenses, the insurance will offer things like limited prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Most waive the Medicare Part B premium, and some kickback some of that Medicare pays them for handling your Part A coverage. If you are healthy, like my mom was, it can be a good financial choice. She did have a hassle with the plan over a blood pressure medicine. And the insurance company has to offer coverage in your area. So you may not be eligible. And if you travel a lot, Medicare does not cover you outside the U.S. nor does a Medicare Advantage Plan.

A Medicare supplement plan covers everything Medicare does not pay 100% of. If something is covered by Medicare, the supplement will also cover that 20% remaining. You have to pay the $170.10 a month ($164.90 in 2023) plus a premium that can vary by insurer from about $100 to $150 a month. Medicare does not cover you outside the U.S., however most supplements will cover 80% of your medical costs outside the U.S.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

@tvguy Thank you for the easy explanation. For those of you of age, it sure must be nice not only getting the social security raise but also the decrease in medicare. While I'm assuming the social security raise isn't keeping up with inflation at least the raise isn't taken up by the medicare premium increasing.

 

[tvguy]

@tvguy Thank you for the easy explanation. For those of you of age, it sure must be nice not only getting the social security raise but also the decrease in medicare. While I'm assuming the social security raise isn't keeping up with inflation at least the raise isn't taken up by the medicare premium increasing.

The Social Security raise will be nice. I'm only 65 and not taking it until my full retirement age of 66.5 so another 13 months to wait for my first check.
Medicare is $500 a month cheaper than my COBRA health insurance was. And my Social Security benefit will be exactly what I was bringing home per month after taxes when I was working. Not sure if my SS is generous or my salary working was the pits!

 

[georgina]

Another scam targeted at seniors - those 9.99 a month life insurance plans. The ad is so annoying I looked it up once - you get almost no actual insurance for that price.

 

[_19disnA]

Another scam targeted at seniors - those 9.99 a month life insurance plans. The ad is so annoying I looked it up once - you get almost no actual insurance for that price.

I agree and starting to buy life insurance as a senior makes little/no sense. All types of insurance are offered by 'for profit' businesses so clearly they need to keep advertising to get more people paying into the pot of funds used to make payouts. Life insurance makes the most sense for a young married couple perhaps with children and probably fewer financial resources in the event of a sudden loss of a spouse. After that, you are better offer investing the money on your own instead of paying someone else to buy life insurance.