Author: Dan Hoelscher

Dan Hoelscher founded Seniormark in 2007 in an effort to help individuals make a successful transition into retirement. Dan is a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner and holds Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)© and Certified Kingdom Advisor™ certifications. Since founding Seniormark, Dan has helped thousands of retirees throughout Ohio.

“Broadway Joe” Namath Isn’t Giving You the Whole Story

Posted on November 15, 2022 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Annual Enrollment, Medicare Drug Plan, Medicare Supplement

“Broadway Joe” Namath Isn’t Giving You the Whole Story

By:  Dan Hoelscher, President & Founder, Seniormark, LLC

 

If you haven’t already had enough of the Celebrity-Sponsored Medicare Commercials, then buckle up!  With the Medicare Annual Enrollment (AEP) season quickly approaching, you are soon to be inundated with them.  They will feature celebrities such as NFL great Joe Namath, Good Times Jimmy Walker and Ernie Hudson of Ghostbusters fame.  They are obviously effective!   Since Joe Namath became the spokesman for the Medicare Coverage Hotline. we have had more calls regarding Medicare Advantage plans than ever before.  Joe encourages you to not miss out on “New Medicare Benefits” and to make sure you get the “Medicare Benefits You Deserve.”

Benefits such as:

  • Rides to Medicare Appointments
  • Private Home Aides
  • Doctor’s and Nurse’s visits by telephone
  • Home delivered meals
  • Dental, Vision, Hearing and Prescription Drug Coverage

 

Some even offer a premium credit to your social security check for your Part B Medicare premium.  I spent some time recently watching numerous such commercials.  And what the commercials said was true, to the extent that it was said.  However, what is left unsaid is what is most crucial for you to make a wise decision.

 

There are a couple of things you need to consider before you race to your phone to “Call Now.” First, Joe Namath, while he may be a perfectly upstanding gentleman, is no Medicare expert.  He is a paid endorser.  In fact, I doubt he even understands what a Medicare Advantage plan is.  Even if he is on a Medicare Advantage plan, I doubt he is concerned with the potential out of pocket costs involved.  I believe his $25 million net worth may place him a little out of touch with the average American budget. Second, be aware that he is speaking on behalf of the Medicare Coverage Hotline, not Medicare.  And if you were to pause the commercial on the last slide, you would see that The Medicare Coverage Hotline is a for-profit lead generation campaign.  This means that they are simply trying to get you to call their 800 number so they can sell you as a lead to an insurance agent.

 

At Seniormark, we can help you with both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.  And we want you to choose your coverage based on the plan you believe it right for you, based on all the information, not just the information a salesperson wants you to hear.  You deserve a fair comparison!

 

Call our office at 937-492-8800 to see what plans might work best for you!

“Broadway Joe” Namath Isn’t Giving You the Whole Story

Posted on September 23, 2021 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Annual Enrollment, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Workshop, News

“Broadway Joe” Namath Isn’t Giving You the Whole Story

By:  Dan Hoelscher, President & Founder, Seniormark, LLC

 

If you haven’t already had enough of the Celebrity-Sponsored Medicare Commercials, then buckle up!  With the Medicare Annual Enrollment (AEP) season quickly approaching, you are soon to be inundated with them.  They will feature celebrities such as NFL great Joe Namath, Good Times Jimmy Walker and Ernie Hudson of Ghostbusters fame.  They are obviously effective!   Since Joe Namath became the spokesman for the Medicare Coverage Hotline. we have had more calls regarding Medicare Advantage plans than ever before.  Joe encourages you to not miss out on “New Medicare Benefits” and to make sure you get the “Medicare Benefits You Deserve.”

Benefits such as:

  • Rides to Medicare Appointments
  • Private Home Aides
  • Doctor’s and Nurse’s visits by telephone
  • Home delivered meals
  • Dental, Vision, Hearing and Prescription Drug Coverage

 

Some even offer a premium credit to your social security check for your Part B Medicare premium.  I spent some time recently watching numerous such commercials.  And what the commercials said was true, to the extent that it was said.  However, what is left unsaid is what is most crucial for you to make a wise decision.

 

There are a couple of things you need to consider before you race to your phone to “Call Now.” First, Joe Namath, while he may be a perfectly upstanding gentleman, is no Medicare expert.  He is a paid endorser.  In fact, I doubt he even understands what a Medicare Advantage plan is.  Even if he is on a Medicare Advantage plan, I doubt he is concerned with the potential out of pocket costs involved.  I believe his $25 million net worth may place him a little out of touch with the average American budget. Second, be aware that he is speaking on behalf of the Medicare Coverage Hotline, not Medicare.  And if you were to pause the commercial on the last slide, you would see that The Medicare Coverage Hotline is a for-profit lead generation campaign.  This means that they are simply trying to get you to call their 800 number so they can sell you as a lead to an insurance agent.

 

At Seniormark, we can help you with both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.  And we want you to choose your coverage based on the plan you believe it right for you, based on all the information, not just the information a salesperson wants you to hear.  You deserve a fair comparison!

 

Please join us for our next workshop on October 6th at 10:00 a.m. at our Sidney office (2551 Michigan Street, Sidney, OH) where we will disclose the details that have been left out of the Joe Namath commercial.  Call our office at 937-492-8800 to save your seat, or you may RSVP online at https://seniormark.com/workshops/.

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: The Pros and Cons of Each

Posted on April 29, 2021 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Workshop, Retirement Planning

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: The Pros and Cons of Each

You may have encountered these buzzwords in television commercials, email blasts, or the piles of mail you’ve likely received from insurance agencies, but what do they mean? What is the difference between a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement? Which is the best option for you?

 

First off, it is important to address that regardless of which option you choose, you need to sign up for original Medicare (Parts A and B) first.   As long as you’ve determined that you shouldn’t delay part B (because you plan to remain actively employed after 65), you should sign up for both within the 7-month period starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month.

 

Medicare Supplement, or “medigap” insurance as it is aptly nicknamed, fills in some of the gaps of what original Medicare does not cover.  However, Medicare is still the primary payer of your claims.

 

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage is an alternative; it replaces original Medicare as the primary payer of your claims and is offered through subsidized private insurance companies that have contracted with Medicare.

 

This difference makes a big difference when considering the benefits and detriments of each option—in dollar signs, security, and convenience. Because of this, let’s consider the pros and cons of each carefully.

 

Medicare Supplement (Pros)

Minimal Out-of-Pocket Spending – Although there are differences in coverage among each of Medicare’s lettered plans (A-N), supplements cover more gaps (such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays) than Medicare Advantage.

Predictability – Not only is your coverage guaranteed to stay the same, the price is reasonably consistent from year to year. Although we recommend re-shopping your plan every 4-5 years to avoid the slow creep in premium prices, there won’t be any shocking or unprecedented changes.

Out-of- State Coverage – Supplements cover you in all states, not just your home state.

No Networks – You are able to use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, not just ones within the preferred network of a specific insurance company.

 

Medicare Supplement (Cons)

Higher Premium – Medicare supplement premiums can range from around $70-270 with the average Medicare supplement premium in 2020 hanging around $134 a month for people aged 65-70. This is significantly higher than the average Medicare Advantage plan premium.

No Drug Plan – You have to buy a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, which has an average premium cost of 32.74 in 2020.

 

 

Medicare Advantage (Pros)

Low to No Premium– The Average Medicare Advantage plan cost in 2020 is about $36 per month in 2020 and a few are offered at no cost!

Built-in Prescription Drug Plan – Almost all Advantage plans include a drug plan, which means less hassle and no extra premium.

 

Medicare Advantage (Cons)

High Out-of-Pocket Spending  – Medicare Advantage may appear to cover more because they offer perks like vision, dental, and hearing (which are usually not worth covering ). They may even throw in a free gym membership. However, they usually cover less, employing more of a pay-as-you-go approach. For you, this means higher copays, coinsurance, and unexpected costs.

Unpredictability – Since the government subsidizes Advantage plans, your plan’s benefits and premium costs may vary widely from year to year.

Out-of-State Coverage…Sometimes – You can only receive coverage outside of your home state in emergencies.

Networks – Different Advantage plans have various preferred hospitals and doctors. If you do not use your plan’s preferred providers, you may find yourself with less coverage or—depending on the plan—no coverage at all.

 

The Bottom Line

All in all, the pros and cons of these two options can be summarized quickly and concisely: A Medicare supplement is more costly but with better benefits (leading to less hassle and more peace of mind); while a Medicare Advantage plan is inexpensive, but with fewer benefits (often leading to unexpected costs and stress).

 

But the bottom line is that both options do their jobs. They both limit the potentially high out-of-pocket spending that is left by Medicare alone. Whatever you choose, don’t leave yourself vulnerable to coverage gaps.  There are no pros to remaining with Medicare alone!

 

Turning 65 soon and not sure what to do? Click here to sign up for our free Medicare workshop. No high-pressure sales pitches here, just in-depth discussion about the ins and outs of Medicare!  Click here to sign up for our next workshop.

Will I Be Able to Afford Medicare?

Posted on June 11, 2020 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Drug Plan, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Workshop, Retirement Planning

Will I Be Able to Afford Medicare?

The shortest and most honest answer is “I don’t know”. But I know this doesn’t help you answer the most pressing questions weighing on your mind as you approach retirement age. Am I ready? Or Should I delay my retirement? And most of all—how am I going to afford health care without my employer insurance?

 

So here’s what I am going to do. Using my 20+ years of experience working with retirees, I am going to lay out a framework for what to expect when it comes to Medicare expenses. These will just be “in-the-ballpark” figures, but I believe they will help you come to a decision. You just might find that Medicare falls squarely into your budget.

 

So let’s get started with some good news.

 

Medicare Part A (Inpatient Care) Is Free

As long as you’ve paid into Social Security for at least 10 years, social security will return the favor with no associated Part A premium.

 

The Associated Part B (Outpatient Care) Monthly Premium is $134.00

This figure is adjusted for high income, but most people don’t fall into the high-income category. $144.60 will be your monthly premium unless you make $87,000 per year or more as an individual or $174,000 filing jointly.

 

From this point, the cost of Medicare is heavily affected by which path you take. You can boil down all the madness into two basic choices: Medicare Advantage or Original (traditional) Medicare.

 

The Traditional Medicare Route

If you choose the Traditional Medicare route, you will want Medicare Supplement Insurance to fill in the gaps of what Medicare doesn’t cover. Otherwise, there will be no limit to your out-of-pocket spending. The premiums for a Medicare Supplement range from $45-146 per month. However, we often recommend a plan G, which typically costs $110 per month. This is a fairly standard premium. It puts into perspective what you can expect a Medicare Supplement Plan to cost.

 

To cover your medications, you will also need a Part D prescription drug plan, which will cost in additional premium anywhere between $14 to $128 monthly. The average cost for a drug plan is $42 in 2020. The out-of-pocket costs associated with Part D vary greatly depending on your medications. It is impossible to estimate without knowing your specific situation.

 

The Medicare Advantage Route

Offered as an alternative to Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage is often the cheaper option when it comes to premiums. They are offered for prices within the range of $0-163 monthly with the average premium being approximately $23 per month. The Part D prescription drug plan is almost always rolled into the plan.

 

Caution: Check For Possible Out-of-pocket Costs

At first glance, it looks like the Medicare Advantage route is the obvious choice. But this fails to take into account the risk of out-of-pocket costs. With a Medicare Supplement (only available with Original Medicare), the maximum out-of-pocket (for Medicare approved expenses) is only $198 annually for Plan G. However, in an advantage plan, it is more of a pay-as-you-go approach. There are less monthly premiums; but copays, coinsurance, and deductibles are much higher. The potential out-of-pocket for an advantage plan can be as a high as $3500-6000 per year or more!

 

The Costs At a Glance


So there you have it! This should give you a good idea of what Medicare costs for the average 65-year old. But—as I said before—the cost of Medicare is different for every person. If you are still concerned about being able to afford Medicare, contact us for a free consultation. We will assess your financial and health situation to find an overall plan that meets your needs, concerns, and pocketbook. Ensuring you a successful and secure transition into retirement is our number one priority.

 

There are a lot circumstances that may prevent you from retiring. But I believe that the affordability of health insurance shouldn’t be one.

 

Disclaimer: Numbers are based on Ohio 45365.

 

Turning 65 soon and not sure what to do?  Our next workshop is quickly approaching on June 25.  Click here to sign up for our free Medicare workshop. No high-pressure sales pitches here, just in-depth discussion about the ins and outs of Medicare!

Can I Really Get a Medicare Advantage Plan For Free?

Posted on May 21, 2020 by - Uncategorized

Can I Really Get a Medicare Advantage Plan For Free?

Yes, for quite a few Medicare Advantage plans, you will not have to pay a dime in premiums. And to sweeten to deal, you can even get extra benefits like gym memberships or a built in drug coverage with some plans. But I’m very stingy with my use of the word “free.”

 

From my experience, an Advantage Plan is free in the same way the newborn puppies of your best friend’s dog are “free.” You may not have to pay for the puppy, but how many know having man’s best friend around the house isn’t exactly a recipe for super savings (especially if you’ve got furniture and footwear that look especially appetizing in black and white)?

 

You see, a Medicare Advantage Plan might not cost anything in premiums, but it may up eat up your money in the end. I’m not saying they aren’t right for some people, in fact; I’ve placed people in $0 Advantage Plans to their long-term satisfaction. For the cost-conscious retiree who is romping into retirement, healthy as a horse, it may be the best option. But before you purchase one, make sure you understand the hassles and extra costs that come along with the decision. I’ve outlined a few of the most important ones:

 

Networks

Advantage Plans have networks of health care providers that they have contracted with, usually within a fairly tight geographic area. If you do not receive care at one of their pre-picked providers, it can mean much higher copays and coinsurance amounts. If you are in an HMO plan, they may not even cover you at all while receiving care out of network. This can work just fine for a person who stays local most of the year, but it does put the burden on you to ensure that your health care provider is in-network. Making mistakes could cost you heavily.

 

Inconsistency

With a Medicare Supplement, the benefits are stable, but with an Advantage Plan, this is hardly ever the case.

 

Since the private insurance companies that offer Advantage Plans re-file their contract with Medicare every year, the benefits always change—sometimes dramatically. One of your preferred doctors could go out of network. Copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles can all shoot up. This is why you must review your plan every year so you won’t be caught unaware. If you set your plan to the side and forget about it for even one year, it can be quite upsetting financially.

 

Potentially High Out-of-pocket Costs

I always like to remind people that Advantage Plans have more of a “pay as you go” approach. You pay less in premiums, yes.  But you may make up for it in deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. For example, almost all Advantage Plans still keep you on the hook for the 20% coinsurance on Part B. That’s fine for an x-ray, but not as much for an outpatient surgery that may be $20,000 or more.

So be aware, Advantage plans do limit your annual out-of-pocket spending, but these caps are generally pretty high. If you have a period of extended illness, you could spend anywhere from $3500-6000 per year or more!

 

That doesn’t sound like free to me.

 

Need Expert Help Navigating Medicare? Confused About Your Options?

Call our office to schedule a free one-on-one appointment to have an in-depth discussion about the ins and outs of Medicare.  During this time, we offer phone appointments, Zoom appointments, and in-person appointments to fit your level of comfort.  Call us today at 937-492-8800.

Do I Need To Do Anything To Enroll in Medicare?

Posted on April 23, 2020 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Drug Plan, Medicare Supplement, Retirement Planning

Do I Need To Do Anything To Enroll in Medicare?

This is a question I get quite frequently at my offices in Sidney and Vandalia, Ohio. When it comes to Medicare, soon-to-be retirees know that they’ve been paying for it since they started working through Social Security. However, they often don’t know how they collect the benefit they’ve worked so hard to earn.

 

Does it just happen automatically? Or do soon-to-be retirees like you need to do something?

 

Well, that depends on one thing…

 

Are You Already Receiving Your Social Security Benefit?

If you decided to claim your Social Security benefit before 65, then you don’t have to sign up. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail around your 65th birthday and you will be automatically signed up for Medicare Parts A and B.

 

If Not, Make Sure You Sign Up!

But if you are not receiving your Social Security benefit, you need to sign up during your open enrollment period, the seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday. You will be doing yourself a big favor by signing up on time because there are many late enrollment fees. For example, the Part B penalty is 10% for every year you are late. Unfortunately, this penalty will continue for the rest of your life.

 

So take the time amidst retirement planning and birthday celebrations to sign up. You can sign up online at ssa.gov or you can call or stop by your local Social Security office. If you live near Sidney, that office is in Piqua, 227 Looney Rd.  If you live somewhere else in Ohio, find your closest location here:  Ohio Social Security office locations.

 

Everyone’s Got a Lot More to Consider!

But whether or not you have to sign up for Medicare, you are far from done. It is a big misconception (see our blog on this here) to think that original Medicare alone is enough to cover all your health care expenses. There are two things you should do. Firstly, it is almost always a good idea to pick up a stand-alone prescription drug plan through Part D of Medicare. Otherwise, you will have no coverage for your medications. In addition, I also recommend finding some way to supplement Medicare with additional insurance. You can get a Medicare Supplement plan, or—for those who are more cost-conscious—a low to no cost Advantage plan.

 

As you can see, even though you may not have to do anything to sign up for Medicare, signing up is just the first step before you have your health insurance in order. I recommend seeing an advisor to help guide you through this complex process.

 

Need help navigating Medicare? Want personal help to find a plan that is right for your needs and pocketbook? Call Seniormark at 937-492-8800 for a free consultation!

 

Dental, Vision, and Hearing: 3 Medicare Coverage Gaps You Probably Shouldn’t Insure

Posted on April 9, 2020 by - Uncategorized

Dental, Vision, and Hearing: 3 Medicare Coverage Gaps You Probably Shouldn’t Insure

Many soon-to-be retirees find themselves concerned about transitioning from their employer insurance to Medicare because of the numerous coverage gaps, and I truly get it. If you spend a good deal of your career in an all-inclusive employer plan, switching to Medicare will feel like going from a gourmet buffet of benefits to a fast food value meal.

 

Prompted by that feeling, people often question: should I fill the gaps with extra insurance?

 

Now, this is a tricky one. For some of these gaps, I can definitely recommend it:

  • 20% coinsurance on outpatient care.
  • Minimal coverage on extended hospital stays.
  • Limited coverage on skilled nursing care.

 

These are all viable reasons to seek extra coverage (usually in the form of a Medicare Supplement). And in the face of the fact that Medicare provides no out-of-pocket spending limit, I always recommend that every retiree have something to cap that off—whether it is a more expensive Supplement or a low to no cost Advantage Plan.

 

But then there are the strong three my clients consistently bring up: dental, vision, and hearing. As you may have heard, Medicare covers very little of these three. In fact, other than some complex dental surgeries received in a hospital and cataract removal, coverage for these three areas is basically non-existent.

 

But I have trouble recommending they get any insurance to cover them. I’m not saying there aren’t a few cases here and there (i.e. people who consistently need twice as much dental work as car repairs), but quite frankly it is just not worth it for the vast majority of retirees.

 

And here’s why…

 

Dental

You are likely going to spend about $400 per year for a stand-alone dental plan, which doesn’t sound like a lot until you hear what that money is really paying for. If it covered the entire cost of multi-thousand dollar oral surgery, then it might be worth it. But that’s exactly the problem: it doesn’t.

 

In fact, the maximum annual benefits for a dental plan is only $1000 in most cases. This is fine for the small stuff, the crowns or fillings that you could likely pay for on your own from a separate savings accounts. However, for the big-ticket items (the things you actually need insurance for), it doesn’t lighten the load all that much.

 

Vision

As far as vision goes, this is hardly ever bought as a stand alone, but is typically added on to the dental plan. And, like a dental plan, the benefits are equally lackluster.

 

Hearing

When retirees think of coverage for hearing, they are usually considering a big hearing aid expense with the testing and diagnoses and equipment. There is one Advantage Plan that offers up to $3,000 of coverage for hearing aids, but then you have to consider that you may be giving up your rights to purchase a Medicare Supplement in the future, which often provides more comprehensive coverage on all fronts.

 

Are you willing to give up full coverage for outpatient services (only provided through a Medicare Supplement) for help on a one-time hearing aid expense?

 

Not very many are.

 

The Bottom Line

In all of this, we must remember one thing: insurance is for those things in life that provide a huge risk. It is for those things that would cripple us financially. You can buy insurance for your appliances, your gerbil, your front door, and your potted plants, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

 

And when it comes to dental, vision, and hearing, (although I don’t think it is as ridiculous as potted plant insurance), it isn’t a high enough risk.

 

Believe me. If there were a magical plan that bundled hearing, vision, and dental into a $30-40 per month plan and then covered all of your needs in these areas 100%, then I would be the first to recommend it to my clients. But the truth is, insurance companies need to make money, and—therefore—these kinds of plans don’t exist. Insurance companies (at least the ones who don’t go bankrupt) will always win at the numbers game.

 

What I usually recommend to my clients (if they are still concerned) is a little bit of self-insurance. Take the money you would’ve paid for extra insurance and put it in an emergency savings account. In 2.5 years, you’ll already cover the maximum annual benefit of a dental plan.

 

And after a few more, you’ll have enough of a cushion to be sitting pretty, virtually unconcerned about your hearing, vision, and dental care needs.

 

Looking For a Helping Hand as You Transition to Medicare?

At Seniormark, we are here to guide you through the process, answering any and all of your questions along the way. We will help you find an insurance plan that fits your unique needs and pocketbook. Call us at 937-492-8800 for a free consultation!

 

3 Reasons Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive

Posted on March 12, 2020 by - Health and wellbeing, Medicare, Medicare Drug Plan

 3 Reasons Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive

It is no secret that prescription drugs are outrageously expensive. After nineteen years of working with those transitioning into retirement and helping retirees shop Part D Drug Plans, I have come across some astronomic prices. To give you an idea, some of the prescriptions (without insurance, thank goodness) range from $40,000 per year all the way to $158,000 per year. And what’s more, the prescription that cost $158,000 was simply a small, white pill that my client took once a day. If you break that down to price per pill, the cost is $439 per pop. Talk about over-the-top!

 

The scary part is, I know this is a widespread issue. Its effects extend to burden millions of older and younger folks beyond my small office in Sidney, Ohio. I’m not naïve enough to believe that what I have witnessed is unique.

 

This raises the question: why? Are drug companies “getting away with murder” as Donald Trump proposed on his campaign trail? Is it a governmental failure to regulate a monstrous and out-of-control industry? Or are their prices ultimately justified? Well, I did a little digging, and it seems the general consensus centers around three main reasons:

 

Reason#1: The 20-Year Monopoly

If any of you have ever played the famous Parker Brother board game, you know that the game is over once one player has control of the board. It is the same with the drug industry, except their monopoly is not won through rolling doubles and buying properties, but by acquiring patents. Once a pharmaceutical company turns out a new drug, their patent grants them exclusive rights to the formula for 20 years. This prevents any generic drugs from being manufactured to provide competition. And no competition means unlimited control over price. Normally this excessive control wouldn’t be the case, but prescription drugs are not like new sneakers or television sets. Those who need them can’t live without them, and are, quite often, willing to pay anything to get them.

 

This wouldn’t be so bad if it were just for those first twenty years. After all, the pharmaceutical company does need some time to make profit back after dumping loads of resources into research and development to turn out the new drug. However, the companies often push their monopoly past the 20 years by changing their formula just enough to renew their patent. At that point, the monopoly can become a bit oppressive.

 

Reason #2: Can’t We Talk About This?

Many other countries negotiate heavily with drug companies to keep prices low. But the United States does not allow this. Medicare is not allowed to talk the price down, and others who might have a voice are silenced by the almighty dollar. Essentially, drug companies have full reign over what they charge for their prescriptions.

 

Imagine how much the United States could save if they allowed Medicare to have a say.  According to the Economist, Medicare is the drug companies’ “single biggest customer,” forking over $112 billion to purchase prescription medications for retirees. If they could use this buying power as leverage, AARP says that Medicare could save $16 billion annually. Then they could pass those savings over to you in the form of lower Part D premiums and fees.

 

Unfortunately, this is not the case as of now. Now, Medicare has to cover almost all drugs approved by the FDA, AARP says, “regardless of whether a cheaper, equally effective drug is available.”

 

Reason #3: Lack of Transparency in Drug Pricing

It is difficult to tell how much a drug is actually worth. Drug companies claim that research and development costs justify the high prices, but it is unclear as to how accurate this really is. Some sources, like Money Magazine dispute this explanation, citing that only 10-20% of revenue really goes to research and development.  Others, like AARP, point out that “9 out of 10 big pharmaceutical companies spend more on marketing than on research,” a statistic which shows a lot about where their priorities lie. And this all goes without saying that drug companies are rarely hurting for money anyhow. In recent years, it has proved to be a very lucrative industry.

 

Overall, it seems that drug companies have too much power in the United States economy. The question then turns to how can we lessen that power to make it fair for everyone involved without lessening the incentive for innovation. Because $439 for each measly pill is too much. I think everyone besides the drug companies can agree on that.

 

Until these issues are tackled, just do what is within your power. If you are approaching 65, get yourself on a Part D drug plan for your unique needs and situation.   Remember, at any given time there are 20+ drug plans to choose from, so don’t let company names drive you to the wrong plan.  Each person’s recommended drug plan is different based on their prescriptions.  Make sure and shop your drug plans!

You Can Save Hundreds on Your Supplement Without Changing Your Benefits!

Posted on March 5, 2020 by - Medicare, Medicare Supplement

You Can Save Hundreds on Your Supplement Without Changing Your Benefits!

And when I say, “without changing your benefit,” I really mean it. This isn’t about covering decreased benefits or numerous hassles under a cloak of a lower premium. You can get on an identical plan to the one you have now and still save hundreds.

 

How is this possible? Allow me to explain.

 

Standardization: Easier Comparison = Easier Savings

Before standardization, shopping Medicare Supplements was a lot more difficult. It was hard to see which one of any two plans was the better value because insurance companies provided diverse benefits at diverse premiums.

 

Then, in 1992, Medicare standardized 11 lettered plans (A-N). Now, although there are diverse benefits from plan to plan (each lettered plan is unique), the plans remain the same from company to company. In other words, a Plan F is a Plan F no matter who you shop with, no matter which company you purchase from. Similar to the apples and oranges saying, you are comparing all the fruits to their respective fruits.

 

But here’s where you can save money: even though the plans are standardized from company to company, the premiums are not. A Plan F at one company, although identical in coverage, can be over a hundred dollars more at another. To demonstrate this, I compared all the available plans for each of the three most popular Medicare Supplement plans at our agency. The difference between the most expensive company plan and the least expensive is

  • $196.43 for a Plan F
  • $212.71 for a Plan G
  • $141.65 for a Plan N

Note: These numbers are based off a woman living in Sidney, OH who does not use tobacco.

 

Imagine if you could shop like this for other items. It would be like walking onto a car dealership’s lot and, instead of being confronted with an onslaught of varying features; you just had a line up of identical cars, some of them thousands more than others. No discrepancies in gas mileage. No debating the value of seat warmers versus a little extra trunk space. Just easy comparison, making it easy to get the best deal.

 

What If I’ve Never Heard of Them? What About the Company Ratings?

This is a common fear when it comes to shopping Medicare Supplements. The Plan may be the same, but the company is different. How do you know when the company you plan to work with is qualified, trustworthy, and stable?

 

Firstly, I would say not to let the fact that you don’t recognize a company deter you. There are many qualified, trustworthy, and stable companies that are not as well known. It’s good to ask a professional or do a little research yourself, but this should not be a reason to write a company off. In our practice, we screen the companies we represent before we recommend their plans to our clients. This way we know for certain all of our clients will have a good experience in claims processing and general customer service.

 

On the other hand, when it comes to the company ratings, you should pay a little more attention. This evaluation is based on the company’s financial stability, so it is easy to see the importance. You want your insurance company to have the money to pay your claims when they are needed. However, I wouldn’t let this carry too much weight. Obviously going with a D or F rated company isn’t a good idea, but I’ve found that you can count on any company above a B+ rating. They are well established enough to deliver the promised benefits.

 

I thought I could only change during Annual Enrollment?

While this is a very common misconception, it is not true.  You can change your supplement any day of the year!  (The only items that can only be changed during Annual Enrollment are Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage plans.)  And, as an added bonus, any deductible you have already paid in a calendar year, travels with you to the next supplement if you switch.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

 

Concluding Thoughts

Overall, I’ve found that switching plans about every 4-5 years is beneficial. On a regular basis at Seniormark, we see people save $30-50 per month just by switching.  If you take the few minutes it takes to compare Supplement rates, you may be surprise by how much you can save!

 

Interested in Finding Out How Much You Can Save?

Use our Quoting Tool to compare Medicare Supplement rates in your area. It’s absolutely free, and we don’t ask for any personal information, so you can be sure you won’t get any annoying junk emails.   If you find a price you like, or would like us to run more quotes for you, give us a call at 937-492-8800. We would love to save you money!

5 Christmas Traditions You Can Start With Your Grandkids

Posted on December 13, 2019 by - Uncategorized

5 Christmas Traditions You Can Start With Your Grandkids

It’s that time of year again. Sleigh bells are ringing. The neighbors are putting up an epic lights display or (for the less ambitious) a wreath and floodlight. And in elementary schools everywhere, little kids are counting down the days until Christmas break.

 

If they don’t spend all of their free time romping in the snow, this means more visits from the grandkids and more opportunities to start traditions and make priceless holiday memories.

 

From all of us at Seniormark, here are a few ideas to liven up those visits with spirited traditions to help others and have fun!

Bake Some Christmas Cookies—And Put the Grandkids on Decoration Duty

Blast a Christmas music playlist (perhaps one that the grandkids help create) and spend a wintry day inside the warm house baking. Then, when the cookies are all good and cooled off, ice them, and then break out the holiday sprinkles of all shapes, sizes, and colors for a decorating party. With the extra help, you can make enough for them to take home for their parents, themselves, and Santa.

 

My mom does this every year with the grandkids, and they love it. And, considering the fact that her famous sugar cookies rarely make it to New Years, I think it is safe to say the adults like it as well.

 

Go Out and Look at Christmas Lights—and Make a Scavenger Hunt Out of it!

Make some hot cocoa, hop in the car, and enjoy the light show one evening with your grandkids. The lights are beautiful to see on almost every house, but there are always those choice few houses that really make it spectacular (A.K.A. the try hards J).

 

You can even make it into a scavenger hunt with a checklist like this one. The first one to find a blow up peanuts character wins!

 

Put Together an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

This is a great way to get your grandkids thinking about others this holiday season. Instead of always thinking about what their own gifts will be, it gives them an opportunity to think about what it might be like for other children who are not quite as fortunate as them.

 

With this organization, each of your grandkids can fill a shoebox for a child that is their same age. So take a few hours and head up to Walmart to do this with them. It will mean a lot to them, and it will bless a child in need. What a wonderful tradition!

 

Make a Special Ornament With Them

Every kid likes crafts, and ornaments that have memories behind them are much better than generic ones, so why not spend a few hours with your grandkids and make it happen. This buzzfeed article has a lot of great ideas for different ornaments you can make from clothespin reindeer to bottle cap snowmen.

 

You’ve Heard of Elf on the Shelf, But How About Kindness Elves?

The elf that gets into mischief has become very popular in recent years, but these elves suggest random acts of kindness as they move around the house during the night. Then, after the child completes his act of kindness, the next day the elves give the child a postcard to put in their “Little Book of Big Kindnesses.” This will work best if your grandkid lives close and comes over often during the Christmas season!

 

Just poking around the Internet, there are tons of other ideas out there. This post from theimaginationtree.com is my favorite collection of ideas. But whether you take one of our ideas, take up one from theimaginationtree.com, or invent your own, be sure to savor every moment of Christmas joy with your grandkids.

 

All of us at Seniormark wish you a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year!

 

Confused about Medicare and your options? Call Seniormark at 937-492-8800 for expert help at no cost to you!