Medicare Advisor
By Glenn Miller
I am a medicare specialist, an independent advisor that represents 8
different Medigap supplement insurance companies, as well as the best
Medicare Advantage plans throughout the state of Oregon. In its effort to
be politically correct, Medicare doesn’t seem to provide information that
easily lets a senior make a choice. I like to think I can do exactly that,
make it easier by focusing on the important, providing comparison
information fairly, without an axe to grind. That’s why I’m independent.
Captive agents only “have one horse to ride”. Like a doctor who questions
his patient about his/her ailments, I also ask questions to get an idea of
your health history, medical service preferences, Rx and budget needs, so I
can search among the plans and companies I represent to find the plan that
fits you best. My goal is always to give you the best deal I can. Why?
Because I’m selfish. I don’t want to leave any room for another agent to
offer you something better or even as good as what I do. Because I want to
keep you as a client for the long-term. And that honestly works for you and
me.
And you may be in a very important period called open enrollment. This
means that 3 months before and after the month you activate Medicare part B
you can choose any plan you want irregardless of health conditions. After
that period you would have to qualify via underwriting for Medigap plans.
If you continue to work and are covered by an employer’s plan, do not
activate your Medicare Part B because you will waste your long open
enrollment. I believe Medigap plans are the best alternatives for health
care for your retirement years. I and my wife are about 2 years away from
being on Medicare and we’ll be on a plan F Medigap plan, based on what I
know today. There are no co-pays, no deductibles, no co-insurance, and you
can go to any doctor (who accepts Medicare) in the USA. The benefits are
set by Congress, and no company can change them. Therefore, we have a
product which we can compare as “apples vs. apples.” The only variation is
price, and for a 65 year old in Oregon prices vary from $79 to $250 per
month. For the Same Identical Coverage! I rep six of the top companies for
price….Genworth, Loyal American, United Commercial Travelers and United
World, Woodmen and United of Omaha. This decision is about 1) which plan,
and 2) which company. The plan is Plan F, which over 90% of Medigap folks
choose. Here is why. With any other Medigap plan but F and J you will
always have to ask your doctor if he accepts Medicare reimbursement as full
payment for his services. If he doesn’t you have two choices. You either
pay the difference out-of-pocket or hunt for another doctor who does accept
Medicare reimbursement as 100% of his fees, but didn’t come so highly
recommended. With a Plan F, which covers 100% of Part B (Doctors, lab,
x-ray, etc.) excesses, you don’t have to worry about that. You just go to
the doctor you’ve been recommended to go to because his/her fees will be
covered.
I also represent the various Medicare advantage plans. These are legitimate
alternatives to the true supplements and certainly fill a niche in the
market. I think they have some negative aspects (benefits can and seem to
change) but for some people they do provide an answer to their needs.
Medicare Advantage plans are one year contracts with Medicare. No company
can tell me today what their 2010 benefits will be. The advantage is there
is only one price regardless of age.
The Medicare part D prescription drug plans are another issue causing even
more confusion. Let me sort through the 80 plans that are available to find
the ones that will “fit” you best. All I need is your list of medications,
their dosages, and how many you take per 30 days. Then I can find the most
cost-effective plan available for your meds. I rep 9 companies and 25 plans
currently. This is especially important when considering med-advantage
plans because most carriers require you to use their part D drug plan,
rather than choose the best of the 45 stand-alone plans. And it is
unfortunate that some of these are not cost-effective for most people. I
see quite a few situations each year where choosing the wrong drug/medical
option could cost an extra $1,000 per year in drug cost, and it isn’t
necessary. If someone isn’t running your drug list through the medicare
website you will be guessing at the best plan for you. That is the only way
to evaluate a drug plan
I’m good at what I do. I feel my job is to give you options, to educate
you to the point where you can feel comfortable with making a decision.
This isn’t rocket science for a knowledgeable agent. It sometimes seems
that way with all the “voices” about healthcare that we hear each day. I’m
paid a commission by the insurance company. By federal law you cannot
purchase any kind of insurance any cheaper by going direct or through the
internet. I’m also very accessible and am committed to excellent service.
You don’t take this journey alone when I am a phone call away. Trust me,
I’ve heard most of the problems you will ever experience before, and I can
help resolve them. That, briefly, is what I bring to the table. I look
forward to trying to help you get the good coverage you deserve at a price
that is affordable.
I think what this boils down to is the Medigap plan is a Cadillac plan and
you really only need to worry about paying your monthly premium. Virtually
everything else is covered from a medical standpoint. My wife and I are
about 2 years away from Medicare ourselves and based on what I know today a
plan F is what we will have.
I think Advantage plans are like a Ford in comparison. We just need to
talk a bit so I truly understand your current health and future concerns. I
have plans from $25 to $100 per month. Some are better than others and most
have a niche somewhere. They have doctor networks which are generally
restricted outside that network other than in emergencies. There are
co-pays for doctor and hospital visits, and many procedures. Lab work is
covered quite well. There is an out-of-pocket maximum per year. Some have
preventative dental coverage attached but it won’t fix anything.
When I sit down with a client looking at Medicare options we cover
everything. I explain the basics and then answer all your questions. I
will make a recommendation based on your answers to my questions and then we
proceed from there. Ultimately it is your decision. Some people want to
cover for everything, others will take a certain risk. If you can’t sleep
at night worried about the risk, then the better coverage is obvious. I
have clients that have chosen all the plans I represent. But your need for
drug coverage is a factor too. I usually start there.
Contact me for a free discussion about Medicare options.
Contact Glenn Miller at
Glenn E. Miller, LUTCF
Independent Insurance Advisor
Jones & Associates
2436 W. Main St., Ste. 101
Medford, OR 97501
541-773-9567, toll free 1-888-707-9567
Cell 941-3084
www.glennmillerinsuranceadvisor.com
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Through honesty, integrity, and service.
