Amy Niles’ Post

🕰️ Throwback: Medicare Milestones Edition! Let's delve deeper into the remarkable milestones that have shaped Medicare into the crucial program it is today. 🌟 1980 - Catastrophic Coverage Added: The '80s brought a significant development with the addition of catastrophic coverage, offering protection against high out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries facing serious illnesses. 2003 - Prescription Drug Coverage Debuts: Fast forward to the 21st century, the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 introduced Part D, providing coverage for prescription drugs. This marked a pivotal moment in enhancing healthcare access for seniors. 2010 - Affordable Care Act Impact: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 brought about several improvements to Medicare, including the closing of the "donut hole" in prescription drug coverage and the expansion of preventive services without cost-sharing. 2020 - Telehealth Boom: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services. In 2020, Medicare responded by expanding telehealth coverage, ensuring beneficiaries could access medical services safely from home. Bridged Insurance Evolution: As we reminisce on these milestones, Bridged Insurance stands as a dedicated partner in navigating the ever-evolving Medicare landscape. Our commitment to providing comprehensive coverage and adapting to advancements remains unwavering. 🔍 Fun Fact: The first Medicare card was issued in 1966 to former President Harry S. Truman!

eHealth's latest report reveals insights into #Medicare Advantage plan choices for 2024. Notably, 83% of beneficiaries opted for $0 premium plans, a slight dip from the previous year. The report delves into the considerations shaping choices, highlighting that individuals bring personal preferences, coverage needs, and cost factors into play. 📊 Despite the popularity of $0 premium plans, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage increased to $9 for 2024, marking a two-year consecutive rise. The report emphasizes the diverse considerations of Medicare beneficiaries, with some prioritizing preferred doctors, prescription coverage, or brand familiarity. Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs continue to be pivotal factors in decision-making. 💡 Additionally, eHealth's report compares the affordability of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, shedding light on the relative cost-effectiveness of the former. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02bDY8F0

Is it possible to be enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the same time? It is possible to be eligible and enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. If you qualify for both, you are what is called dual-eligible. There are special Medicare Advantage programs available for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid called D-SNPs. Medicare D-SNPs are plans specifically designed for dual eligibles. D-SNPs tailor their benefits, provider choices, and drug formularies to best meet the needs of dual eligibles. There are several Medicaid eligibility categories, and not all D-SNPs cover all categories. In general, D-SNP plans include benefits above and beyond those provided by Medicaid and Medicare. These extra benefits may include: * Dental care * Eye exams and eyewear * Hearing exams and hearing devices * Transportation to the doctor or pharmacy * Credits to buy over the counter health-related products These D-SNP plans usually have no monthly premium, making them a low-cost choice too. Reach out to Alandra Mothorpe at Bridlewood Insurance for all your Medicare needs.

How do I reach Medicare by phone and can I call anytime? If you have any questions or concerns or have an urgent matter, you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare representatives are available to speak to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The representatives at 1-800-Medicare can help you find and enroll in a Medicare plan that fits your needs and budget. If you have questions about what services are covered by Original Medicare and what the out-of-pocket costs for those services may be, they can answer those questions for you. They are available to answer any questions you may have regarding Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Supplement plans. They can help you sign up for Medicare when you first become eligible or if you want to sign up for or change plans during the Annual Election Period, which happens every year from October 15th through December 7th. They can assist you with any questions you have about the following: - Billing - Claims - Medical records - Complaints about care or services - General health questions - Medicare options - Diabetes prevention - Opioid treatment programs - And much more If you want to submit feedback about your Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan directly to Medicare, you can also do it through a form located on the Medicare website. Contact Barbie Howard at Bridlewood Insurance for all your Medicare needs.

📅 Medicare Open Enrollment: Your Guide to Making Informed Choices! 📅 Navigating Medicare can be complex, but the annual open enrollment period offers a chance to review and adjust your coverage. Here's what you need to know: 🔹 Medicare Basics: Medicare provides health insurance for those 65+ and certain younger individuals with disabilities. You can opt for traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, which might include extra benefits. 🔹 Open Enrollment Period: From October 15th to December 7th, you can review and change your Medicare coverage. Changes take effect on January 1st of the following year. 🔹 Choices During Open Enrollment: Switch between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or adjust your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. 🔹 Supplemental Coverage: Consider Medigap (Medicare Supplemental Insurance) or employer-sponsored retiree health benefits to help with out-of-pocket costs. 🔹 Low-Income Support: Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Part D Low-Income Subsidy can offer additional support for eligible individuals. 🔹 Comparing Traditional Medicare & Medicare Advantage: While traditional Medicare offers broad access to providers, Medicare Advantage might offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and reduced cost-sharing. 🔹 Part D Plans: These vary in terms of premiums, deductibles, drug coverage, and pharmacy networks. As of 2023, insulin cost-sharing is capped at $35/month, and certain adult vaccines are covered at no cost. Stay informed and make the best choices for your health and financial well-being. #HealthcareNews #Centerinsuranceandfinancialservices #CIFS #Medicare #Lifeinsurance #Healthinsurance #NMO #Aetna #Cigna #Humana #UHC #Devoted #Anthem #Wellcare #Joinus #Teamwork #Sales #Networking #Smallbusiness #Life #Healthylifestyle

An opportunity to change Medicare Advantage plans could cost Beneficiaries who want to return to Original Medicare We’re one month into the Medicare Advantage (MA) Open Enrollment Period and people with an MA plan (with or without a drug plan) have two more months to disenroll from their current plan and select another MA plan or return to Original Medicare.  Kaiser Family Foundation News refers to this open enrollment “as a sort of ‘buyer’s remorse’ window”. What could go wrong?  A beneficiary unhappy with Medicare Advantage and wants to go back to Original (or traditional) Medicare faces much higher costs due to the 20% co insurance. To get around that, many people want to enroll in a Medi-Gap (or supplement) plan. However in this scenario, Medigap insurers can deny coverage to beneficiaries transferring from MA plans or base their prices on medical underwriting related to health status. Consumer organizations are concerned now that about half of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/eMS2Pzhx Anyone who wants to know more about Medicare enrollment periods can visit https://www.medicare.gov/ #Medicare

Medicare Open Enrollment is on the horizon, and it's a golden opportunity to do some research. This annual event offers you a chance to reassess your healthcare coverage, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your well-being and financial goals. Here's a roadmap to guide your decision-making process: Cost Considerations: Dive deep into the financial aspects of your chosen Medicare plan. What are the premiums, deductibles, and copayments? Assess if these costs fit comfortably within your budget and cater to your healthcare requirements. Coverage Check: Explore the specifics of what your Medicare plan includes. Does it encompass the essential healthcare services you need, from prescription medications to preventive care? Verify that it effectively addresses your unique health priorities. Review Your Coverage Portfolio: Take a holistic view of your healthcare coverage portfolio. Do you have additional insurance, such as employer-sponsored plans or Medigap? Ensure your Medicare plan complements these coverages to create a robust safety net. Dive deeper into this subject by referring to the comprehensive article linked below. It's your go-to resource for navigating the intricacies of Medicare Open Enrollment. If you have questions, uncertainties, or require guidance, we're here to provide the support you need. Reach out anytime! Together, we can discuss your health and financial well-being.

Medicare Part D is about to see some significant changes under the Inflation Reduction Act, and enrollees are set to reap the benefits in 2024 and 2025. 📈 What is Medicare Part D? • It’s the prescription drug coverage part of Medicare. • It helps cover the cost of medications. • Provides access to a wide range of prescription drugs at reduced costs. • Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. What is Medicare Part A? • Known as hospital insurance. • Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. • Funded primarily through payroll taxes. Here’s what’s changing in Medicare Part D: • **Cap on Out-of-Pocket Costs:** Starting in 2024, a cap on out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be introduced, providing much-needed financial relief. • **Preventive Care:** More preventive services will be covered without any out-of-pocket costs. • **Price Negotiation:** Medicare will be able to negotiate prices for certain high-cost drugs, aiming to make medications more affordable. How will enrollees benefit? • **Lower Costs:** Significant reduction in the amount spent on prescription drugs. • **Better Access:** Enhanced access to preventive services and essential medications. • **Financial Security:** A cap on out-of-pocket expenses ensures no unexpected financial burden. The changes to Medicare Part D highlight a proactive approach towards making healthcare more affordable and accessible for seniors. Let's stay informed and be ready to make the most of these benefits! 🌟

Everyone loves their Advantage plan when they are healthy and hate it when they are not. I advise clients that Medicare Advantage plans are neither good nor bad it is based on your unique circumstances and change over time. As with all insurance products there are pros & cons and tradeoffs. However, if over 50% of Medicare recipients are opting for that model it would indicate much dissatisfacation with "Traditional Medicare". For some it is the high fixed cost and for others it is the lack of dental/vision/hearing. Two takeaways... 1. Many health networks are creating their own Advantage Plans. Mass General and UMass Medical immediately come to mind. As mentioned in the article their goals may be more closely aligned but is that a good thing? Are they reducing profit on one to increase it on the other? 2. If the Government truly wanted to reduce the number of people choosing Advantage plans, they could, one, curtail the ads that everyone hates by imposing the same rules on the advertisers as they impose on the independent brokers and two, add to Traditional Medicare the missing benefits that make the Advantage Plans so enticing. https://lnkd.in/efWtNr2n