Friday, May 31, 2013

President Obama wants to TAX Medicare Supplement Plan F


President Obama wants to TAX Medicare Supplement Plan F

President Obama proposes a 15% surcharge on new buyers of Medicare Supplement Plan F to discourage seniors from buying plans that have first-dollar coverage.

Robert Bache aka MedicareBob’s Reaction:

Emotional: “President Obama, PLEASE LEAVE PLAN F ALONE!!!

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Medicare Supplement Plan F is purchased only by the “wealthy” Medicare Beneficiary.  This is just not true! Some seniors purchase Plan F because they are not wealthy, and they are on a limited fixed income. For some of these Medicare Beneficiaries, they prefer to budget $120 per month for their Medicare Supplement Plan F and know that they do not have any unexpected medical bills.

In my experience, seniors on a limited fixed income typically have their monthly budget accounted for, and some of them would prefer to pay/budget for the Plan F, and in return make their most unpredictable cost a fixed cost, which is their healthcare.

Professional: Both sides of the Isle and President Obama seem to believe in what is referred to as “over utilization”. “Over utilization”, is the belief that if a Medicare Beneficiary has Medicare and the Medicare Supplement Plan F (first dollar coverage), they are more likely to use their health insurance more often, and in return requiring Medicare to pay more claims.

I can appreciate this argument, but I also thought that the Government supported “preventing” over “treating”. On one day the Government is states that they want people to go to the Doctor more often because it is cheaper to prevent health issues than it is to treat them for people who wait to go to the Doctor. Now the Government is trying to tax people that choose to purchase a Plan that allows them to go as often as they want…

 Closing: President Obama, PLEASE LEAVE PLAN F ALONE!!! Medicare Supplement Plan F is not the problem with Medicare.

Dear President Obama, I have helped over 4,000 people within the last 3 years with choosing which type of Medicare coverage is best for them. I would be more than happy to meet with you and provide any input that I can, because I do agree that we have to “Reform” Medicare, but taxing people that have a Medicare Supplement Plan F is not the answer.

Robert Bache aka MedicareBob

1-800-525-0299

Obamacare is working, Medicare Solvent through 2026


Obamacare is working, Medicare Solvent through 2026:
 

The Medicare Trustees today projected that the trust fund that finances Medicare’s hospital insurance coverage will remain solvent until 2026, two years beyond what was projected in last year’s report.

“The Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund is projected to be solvent for longer, which is good news for beneficiaries,” said Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we are taking important steps to improve the delivery of care for seniors with Medicare. These reforms aim to reduce spending while improving the quality of care, and are an important down payment on solving Medicare’s long term financial issues.” 

A number of factors have contributed to the improved outlook, including lower-than-expected Part A spending in 2012, and lower projected Medicare Advantage program costs. Recent data from the Medicare Advantage program indicate that certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act will help reduce the growth of spending in this program by more than was previously projected. Partially offsetting these lower spending projections are somewhat lower projected levels of tax revenue.

 Medicare spending per beneficiary has grown quite slowly over the past few years and is projected to continue growing slowly over the next several years.  From 2010 to 2012, Medicare spending per beneficiary grew at 1.7 percent annually, more slowly than the average rate of growth in the Consumer Price Index, and substantially more slowly than the per capita rate of growth in the economy.  Thanks in part to the cost controls implemented in the Affordable Care Act, spending is projected to continue to grow slower than the overall economy for the next several years.

The benefits of this slower growth accrue to both tax payers and beneficiaries. For example, although the Part B premium for 2014 will not be determined until later this year, the preliminary estimate in the Report indicates that it will remain unchanged from the 2013 premium.
 

Background

In 2012, Medicare covered 50.7 million people: 42.1 million people aged 65 and older, and 8.5 million people with disabilities. About 27 percent of these beneficiaries have chosen to enroll in Part C private health plans that contract with Medicare to deliver Part A and Part B health services. Total expenditures in 2012 were $574.2 billion. Total income was $536.9 billion. 

The Medicare Trustees are Treasury Secretary and Managing Trustee Jacob Lew, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Acting Labor Secretary Seth Harris, and Acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin. Two other members are public representatives who are appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Charles Blahous III and Robert Reischauer began serving on Sept. 17, 2010.   CMS Administrator Tavenner, is designated as Secretary of the Board.
 
Robert Bache aka MedicareBob
 
Source: www.cms.gov.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

MedicareAdvantage Plans are Changing


Medicare Advantage Plans are Changing

Obamacare includes some changes to the Medicare Advantage program:


  • Starting January 2014, Medicare Advantage plans will be held to a minimum loss ratio of 85%

  • Requires restructuring the funding levels to Medicare Advantage plans in order to reduce payments closer to traditional Medicare (i.e. remove the 14% “overpayment” to Medicare Advantage)

            1)  Congressional Budget Office estimates this will cut $145 billion over 10 years

           2)  The payment restructuring was designed to be implemented in 2011.

  • However, in 2012 CMS expanded “quality” payments to Medicare Advantage plans through a demonstration program (outside of Obamacare) that effectively mitigated most of the impact of the Medicare Advantage funding cuts from Obamacare.  The demonstration program is targeted to continue through 2014, at which time the additional bonus payments will end unless other measures are put in place.

MedicareBob’s explanation:

Medicare Advantage Plans are receiving less money from the Government, therefore the insurance companies are going to have to do better with less money. I look for the smaller Medicare Advantage companies to either go out of business, or be purchased by one of the bigger insurance companies.

Examples: Care Improvement Plus has been purchased by United Healthcare, and Coventry has been purchased by Aetna.

What does this mean to people one Medicare Advantage Plans?

·         Less options

·         Less benefits

·         Maybe more of a monthly premium

The days of paying a $0.00 premium and receiving a rich Medicare Advantage Plan are ending soon. However, when you compare the benefits and premium of a Medicare Advantage Plan to an Employer or Private insurance Plan, Medicare Advantage Plans are still typically going to offer better coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans over the next few years should still offer good benefits for a low monthly premium.
 
I posted a 1:20 video on YouTube about this topic as well; "Is Obamacare Destroying Obamacare?"

Robert Bache aka “MedicareBob”

Cell Phone:1-800-525-0299

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Medicare Beneficiaries are overpaying for their Medicare Supplement Insurance.


WHY Medicare Beneficiaries are overpaying for their Medicare Supplement Plan? 

A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan is offered by private insurance companies to pay the hospital and medical bills that Medicare does not pay. 

I believe people on Medicare are overpaying for their Medicare Supplement Plan for 3 reasons:

  1. People do not know that all Medicare Supplement Plans offer the same coverage.
  2. People do not know when they can shop for a lower monthly premium.
  3. People do not know how to lower their monthly premium.

1) ALL Medicare Supplement Plans are federally regulated and offer the same exact coverage. Medicare Supplement Plan F is Medicare Supplement Plan F. It does not matter who your Medicare Supplement Insurance Company is, PLAN F IS THE SAME WITH ALL MEDICARE INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

Please note, the same goes for all Medicare Supplement Plans, Plan G, Plan N, etc...
 
2) You can start paying less for your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan "Right Now". The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period of 10/15 through 12/07, only refers to your Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Advantage Plan. For your Medicare Supplement Plan, you have the freedom to shop and compare at any time of year. 
 
3) It is easy to apply to lower your Medicare Supplement Insurance monthly premium. Most Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies have developed a "Telephonic Application". This makes it really easy to submit an application to lower your monthly premium. 
 
"MedicareBob" and Senior Healthcare Direct can help. We are 6 licensed insurance agents that are licensed in over 40 states. We are unique because we are approved and appointed with over 35 Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies, Aflac, Aetna, AARP/United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, etc...) It is our job to make sure that our Clients are always paying the best price for their Medicare Supplement Plan.  

For more information, or to shop your Medicare Supplement Price, please contact "MedicareBob"

 Robert W. Bache aka "MedicareBob"
Bob@MedicareBob.com
Toll Free: 1-855-368-4717

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

Whether you agree or disagree with AARP's political stands, the AARP Medicare Supplement Programs have some added bells and whistles.

NOTE: AARP is not the insurance company, United Healthcare is.

AARP Medicare Plans offer two value added services:
  1. Silver Sneakers Program, you receive a FREE gym membership at participating gyms.
  2. EyeMed, is a vision discount program. You pay only $40.00 for routine eye exams. Plus you save 30% on prescription glasses and up to 20% on contact lenses.
AARP Medicare Supplement Plans also offer:
  • 5% Household discount off of the monthly premium price
  • $2.00 monthly discount off of the monthly premium price for choosing EFT
  • 6 month rate guarantee
  • Community rating
My favorite thing about AARP Medicare Supplement Plans is that AARP does not require a member to "re-apply" to switch Plans. For example, if you have a Plan N and you want to upgrade to a Plan F, AARP is one of the only Companies that will let you do this without medically qualify.

AARP is one of the insurance companies that I represent, if you would like to get your quote, or enroll (I am one of the only Agents approved to perform "telephonic enrollments" with AARP), please contact me.

Robert W. Bache aka MedicareBob
1-800-525-0299
Bob@MedicareBob.com
www.MedicareBob.com

Robert Bache, "MedicareBob" is the owner of Senior Healthcare Direct. Senior Healthcare Direct is a fully telephonic Medicare Insurance Agency that is licensed in 36 states.
MedicareBob's Principles:
  1. Education
  2. Options
  3. Customer Service

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Medicare Part D Extra Help

Medicare Part D, get "Extra Help" with paying for your Medications?

Medicare Part D has programs that help people pay for their prescription drug costs.

If you are on Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Medicare Part D, you may qualify to receive your Generic Medications for only $2.65 and you’re Brand Name Medications for only $6.60.

Every year the requirements change, I have posted the 2013 Medicare requirements on my website,

www.MedicareBob.com/PartDExtraHelp

Robert W. Bache AKA MedicareBob
1-855-368-4717 or 727-643-0219
Bob@MedicareBob.com
www.SrHealthcareDirect.com

Monday, May 20, 2013

Virginia Medicare Supplement Rate Increase


Virginia Medicare Supplement Rate Increase


Aetna's Underwriting company, American Continental Insurance Company (ACI) is raising their Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan N premiums by 9.9% effective July 1st 2013 in Virginia.

What You Need To Know:


  • A 9.9% rate increase is approved for all currently marketed (open block) plans (except Plan G, which has no rate adjustment), effective July 1, 2013
  • ACI Medicare Supplement plans offer a 12-month rate guarantee.
  • For affected policyholders, the rate increase will become effective on the policyholder's next Policy Anniversary Date that occurs on or after July 1, 2013.
For more questions, or to shop your Virginia Medicare Supplement price, contact MedicareBob.
 
Robert Bache AKA MedicareBob
1-866-368-4717

Medicare Advantage Plan that is an "HMO"


Medicare Advantage Plan that is an "HMO".

A Medicare Advantage Plan that is an "HMO" requires you to receive your healthcare from a network / list of approved Providers.
  • The monthly premium is generally $0.00.
  • The benefits are typically very strong.
  • You can still receive care anywhere in the County as long as it is an emergency.
Go to www.MedicareBob.com today to receive a list of the Medicare Advantage Plans in your County.

Robert W. Bache
1-855-368-4717
www.MedicareBob.com
www.SrHealthcareDirect.com

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Medicare and Diabetes, what is covered?

Medicare and Diabetes, what is covered?

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Diabetes.

It is important that people on Medicare understand how:
  1. Medicare cover diabetes
  2. Medicare Supplement Plans cover diabetes
  3. Medicare Advantage Plans cover Diabetes
1) Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the following:
  • Blood sugar testing strips and monitors
  • Lancet devices and lancets
  • Therapeutic shoes or inserts
  • Yearly eye exam
  • Foot exam
2) Medicare Supplement Plans will cover the other 20% of the services that are covered by Medicare Part B.

3) Medicare Advantage Plans, these Plans are all different based on where you live and what is offered. Some Medicare Advantage Plans are designed for people with diabetes, "Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan / Diabetes". These are really cool, and you are not restricted to the Annual Enrollment Period, so you have more flexibility to when you can enroll into the Plan.

For more information about how Medicare, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage work with Medicare visit: www.SrHealthcareDirect.com and go to the titled post.

EVEN BETTER: Call me, Robert Bache: 727-643-0219 or Toll Free: 1-855-368-4717.
I know Medicare, please call me MedicareBob or visit www.MedicareBob.com

Sources: The American Diabetes Association; Medicare

Obamacare Changes Medicare Part B

Obamacare changes Medicare Part B

Obamacare has added more Preventive Service to Medicare Part B.

  • Bone mass measurements
  • Cardiovascular disease screenings
  • Cervical and vaginal cancer screening
  • Mammograms
  • Physicals
  • Flu Shot

For a complete listing of all of the added Preventive Services that are now being covered by Medicare Part B, Click Here and/or go to www.SrHealthcareDirect.com or www.MedicareBob.com

Do you have a Medicare Question? Please call or email me:
Robert@SrHealthcareDirect.com
Toll Free: 1-855-368-4717
Cell Phone: 727-643-0219

Posted By: Robert W. Bache, please call me MedicareBob.

Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement, which is better?

Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement, which is better? 

They are both good, there is no wrong answer.

Summary of Medicare Advantage Plan:
  • Low monthly premium
  • HMO/PPO means you can only go to certain Doctors and Hospitals
  • "Pay as you go", you will have copay's for Medical Services: Doctor visits, Hospitalization, Lab Work, Advanced Imaging, etc...
Is a Medicare Advantage Plan right for me?
If you are comfortable with having a list of Doctors/Hospitals/Facilities, and you do not mind be required to pay a copay every time you use your Plan, than yes, a Medicare Advantage might be a good fit for you.


Summary of Medicare Supplement Plan:
  •  Flexibility, you can go to any Hospital/Doctor/Facility that accepts Medicare
  • Predictable, Medicare Supplement's pay what Medicare would normally charge you
  • An additional $80 to $140 monthly premium
Is a Medicare Supplement Plan right for me?

Not so healthy person: Yes, you will save money by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. 

Healthy person: Would you consider the additional monthly premium a cost of living or a waste of money?
  • Waste of money: Then you are not a Medicare Supplement type of person...
  • Cost of living: I am 65 or older, things happen...
I am able to discuss this better through my video blog and or on the phone.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MEDICARE'BOB'S VIDEO BLOG

Call Me, Robert W. Bache Toll Free: 1-855-368-4717 or Cell: 727-643-0219.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Obamacare Changes Medicare Part D

Obamacare changes Medicare Part D:

Obamacare has reduced what Medicare Beneficiaries are required to pay when they enter the "Donut Hole"

Example: For a Brand Name Medication that costs $200.00.

PAST 2012: Once the Medicare Beneficiary entered the “Donut Hole”, the person had to pay $100.00 for a 30 day supply.

PRESENT 2013: This year when the Medicare Beneficiary enters the “Donut Hole”, they pay$95.00 for a 30 day supply.

FUTURE 2020: When a Medicare Beneficiary enters the “Donut Hole”, the cost will only be $50.00 for a 30 day supply.


Do you have a specific Medicare Question?
If so, please e-mail me directly:
robert@srhealthcaredirect.com

Monday, May 13, 2013

Medicare Beneficiaries effected by Universal Health Care shutting down

Medicare Beneficiaries effected by Universal Health Care shutting down

Medicare Beneficiaries that had Universal Health Care as their Medicare Advantage Plan were automatically disenrolled from the Plan and enrolled into original Medicare effective 03/01/2013. They were also automatically enrolled into a Medicare Part D Plan. Most that I have spoken with, were enrolled into the Humana Wal-Mart Part D with a monthly premium of $18.50, or the AARP MedicareRX Saver Plus with a monthly premium of $15.00.

Question: Do these Medicare Beneficiaries have to wait until Annual Enrollment to get a new Medicare Advantage Plan?

MedicareBob's Answer: No. They have what is called a Special Enrollment Period, (SEP), this gives them the right to enroll into a different Medicare Advantage Plan, as long as they enroll by June 1st 2013.   

Question: Can these Medicare Beneficiaries enroll into a Medicare Supplement Plan.

MedicareBob's Answer: Yes they can. In addition, as long as they apply by June 3rd, they are what is call a Guaranteed Issue, (GI). This means that none of the Medicare Supplement Companies can ask them any health questions. They are automatically approved for the Medicare Supplement Plan F with most Carriers. (Aflac will accept them into Medicare Supplement Plan F, G or N)

Bay News 9 is the local news station in St. Petersburg Florida where Universal Health Care's corporate headquarters is located. Bay News 9 did two stories with me, Robert Bache:

Josh Gauntt from Bay News 9: Universal policy holders search for new plans, deadline approaching

Click here to see the Video Story

 Melissa Eichman from Bay News 9: Former Universal policy holder finds new coverage

Do you have a Medicare question? If you do please e-mail me, robert@srhealthcaredirect.com or post to my blog, MedicareBob's Blog.



Thursday, May 9, 2013

Oconee County South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan Summary:



Hello I am Robert W. Bache, I am a licensed South Carolina Medicare Insurance Agent. I represent all of the top Insurance Companies in South Carolina to perform telephonic enrollments. Here are the $0.00 Premium Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) that are available to people that live in Oconee County South Carolina.

Date: 05/09/2013

Please call me with any questions, toll free: 1-855-368-4717.
Please follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/robert.bache.Medicare

Oconee County South Carolina $0.00 Premium Medicare Advantage Plan options

Oconee County South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan Summary:

CIP CIP Humana

CIP Medicare Advantage Regional R9896-012 CIP Medicare Advantage H6528-007 Humana Gold Plus H2012-007

PPO PPO HMO

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Summary Of Benefits Summary Of Benefits Summary Of Benefits 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

May 2013 Medicare Supplement Rate Change Summary



May 2013 Rate Change Summary
By Robert Bache on May 1, 2013 
1-855-368-4717
Call me if you would like to know specific information on your Insurance Company.
Company
Effective Date
Ave. Increase
Comments
Aetna Life Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
(28.4%)
Iowa
American Continental Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
(0.2%)
(20%) - 10%; Varies by state
Avera Health Plans, Inc.
7/1/2013
16.8%
South Dakota
Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
6.8%
Illinois
BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
6/1/2013
0%
North Carolina
Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha
6/1 - 7/1/2013
5.4%
4% - 8%; Varies by state
Colonial Penn Life Insurance Co.
1/1/2013
9.2%
Maine
Continental General Insurance Co.
1/1/2013
7%
New Hampshire
Continental Life Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
7.7%
6% - 9.2%; Varies by state
Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance Co.
1/1 - 4/1/2013
(0.3%)
(12.2%) - 8.7%; Varies by state
Everence Association Inc.
4/1/2013
3.9%
2.1% - 5.7%; Varies by state
Family Life Insurance Co.
5/1/2013
6.5%
5% - 15%; Varies by state
Heartland National Life Insurance Co.
4/1/2013
6.4%
South Carolina
Humana Insurance Co.
7/1/2013
4.9%
0% - 8.9%; Varies by state
Liberty National Life Insurance Co.
1/1/2013
0.4%
Pennsylvania
Medico Insurance Co.
5/1/2013
8%
0% - 9%; Varies by state
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co.
5/1/2013
5.2%
0% - 15%; Varies by state
Pekin Life Insurance Co.
3/1/2013
8%
Indiana
Philadelphia American Life Insurance Co.
5/1/2013
6.4%
Alabama
Physicians Mutual Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
6.7%
0% - 9%; Varies by state
Royal Neighbors of America
6/1 - 9/1/2013
10.3%
(7%) - 26.4%; Varies by state
Standard Life and Accident Ins. Co.
3/15/2013
4.7%
Maryland
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co.
3/1/2013
0%
(8%) - 5.8%; Varies by state
State Mutual Insurance Co.
3/1 - 7/1/2013
12%
9% - 15%; Varies by state
Sterling Investors Life Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
7.4%
7% - 9%; Varies by state
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
3/1 - 5/1/2013
2.3%
0% - 5.5%; Varies by state
United American Insurance Co.
2/15 - 4/15/2013
2.3%
(10%) - 18.4%; Varies by state
United World Life Insurance Co.
5/1/2013
6%
Kansas
UnitedHealthcare Insurance Co.
6/1/2013
2.2%
Texas
USAA Life Insurance Co.
4/1 - 6/1/2013
9.5%
0% - 33.6%; Varies by state