Category: Medicare

Half-Truths And Medicare Advantage Commercials

Posted on November 29, 2022 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement

Half-Truths And Medicare Advantage Commercials

Weekly, we receive phone calls from people asking about something they saw on their tv and wondering if their insurance covers whatever they are seeing advertised.  This is more prevalant in the fall of each year, when Medicare Advantage companies ramp up their advertising during annual enrollment.  As an office, we offer both Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans to our clients.  We try to help people figure out what is best for their situation, budget, and lifestyle.  Our end goal is to help people avoid costly Medicare mistakes.  Sometimes, what is portrayed on tv is only half of the story, as you will see below.  This is an article recently published online at Forbes magazine, but echoes our thoughts so we wanted to share.  Source:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianeomdahl/2020/02/11/half-truths-and-medicare-advantage-commercials/#3d223f8c42ff

********************************************************************************************************************************

If you watched any television in the last several months, you probably saw a slew of commercials for Medicare Advantage plans. One that pops up frequently features a former professional football player who once did a commercial wearing pantyhose. His commercials must be working so well that another former NFL star has also started promoting Advantage plans.

All the commercials, no matter the narrator, talk about the Medicare benefits you deserve, that you should be getting. They list those benefits in a very big and bold font, and encourage you to call the free number and sign up today.

According to Federal law, whatever we see or hear in an advertisement must be truthful and not misleading. I spent some time the last few days closely watching several different commercials. Everything that was said about the cost and benefits was true, to the extent that it was said. But there was much left unsaid and that’s the important information you need to make a smart decision.

First, the benefits

Get the benefits you deserve, including rides to medical appointments, private home aides, nurse and doctor visits by telephone.

Medicare describes these as benefits for daily maintenance and doesn’t cover them. However, because of policy changes, Medicare Advantage plans can now provide them. The plan, not Medicare, must cover the costs. This is a new program and not that many plans offer these benefits.

Based on my preliminary plan research, here are some important points not mentioned in the commercials:

  • These benefits appear to be more common in health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Except for an emergency, the benefits are only available through a network of selected providers, which can limit the individual’s choice.
  • The plan likely will require prior approval or authorization. Before receiving care, the plan must review and approve the physician’s order.
  • There are limits on these benefits. For example, two meals a day for five days after hospitalization with a limit of four hospitalizations, and a private home aide four hours a day for no more than 31 days in a year.
  • And, most important, the plans we researched require members to select only one benefit per calendar year.

In some of the commercials, there were two more benefits that require clarification.

Free preventive screenings

Medicare covers a long list of preventive and screening services. You don’t need to enroll in one of these plans to get preventive services.

A 75% discount on prescription medications in the Coverage Gap

You see this and think, “Wow! A big discount on drugs! Where do I sign?” However, as with preventive services, this benefit is not unique to Medicare Advantage plans.

The Coverage Gap is more commonly known as the donut hole. In 2020, the donut hole closed. Beneficiaries are responsible for 25% of the cost of medications in this payment stage. Or, in other words, they get a 75% discount. Anyone with Part D prescription drug coverage will qualify automatically for this discount when their total drug costs hit $4,080. This benefit comes with the plans in the commercials, some other Advantage plan with drug coverage, or a stand-alone Part D drug plan.

Second, the costs

All these benefits may be available at no additional cost to you.

The commercials focus on zero-premium plans and benefits available for no added cost. However, at the moment the narrator says this, a line of small type appears on the bottom of the screen. It’s there for only four seconds, while the list of benefits continues. The small type reads, “Plan premiums, copayments, and coinsurance can apply.”

Not all Medicare Advantage plans are zero-premium. And for those that are, it’s important to know that zero-premium does not mean zero costs. There are out-of-pocket costs for most services. Plan members will pay their share of costs until they reach the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum limit. That’s how much a person could write in checks when something happens, like a cancer diagnosis or a major car crash. In 2019, the average limit was $5,059.

Third, the call

The narrators talk about the help you will get when you call the toll-free number. But, once again, the small print is revealing.

Dial the number and you’ll be transferred to a licensed insurance agent. One commercial noted that the agent may or may not offer Medicare Advantage plans. Another said the person you talk with may not offer plans in your area.

A question

The facts, as presented, are true but then the question becomes, “Are these commercials misleading?” According to the Macmillan dictionary, misleading means something that is intended or likely to make someone believe something that is incorrect or not true.

In fall 2019, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution.

“Whereas, Medicare Advantage plans are heavily marketed to seniors by insurance companies, with less than ideal transparency in advertising; … and

“Whereas, Presentations by insurance company officials to seniors can overemphasize the value of different options and can create confusion; therefore be it

“RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association encourage AARP, insurance companies and other vested parties to develop simplified tools and guidelines for comparing and contrasting Medicare Advantage plans.”

The AMA identified the need for tools to help individuals go beyond the TV commercials and get the information they need to make a smart decision.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services redid its tool for comparing plans. The Medicare Plan Finder shows the premium in a large font. Then, you can check out the plan’s out-of-pocket costs for medical benefits on the details page. Beyond that, as pointed out in a past post, most of the essential information has disappeared. The Plan Finder no longer has links to networks, a list of preferred pharmacies, and most important, complete information about coverage rules like prior authorization.

The best way to get all the facts is to check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage. This document describes in detail the plan’s benefits, how much you will pay, and how the plan works, including authorization rules, limits, networks, and more. To find it, go to the plan’s website, look for the Evidence of Coverage link. This may take some searching but you’ll get the information you need on available benefits, limits, approval, and more.

Keep in mind that these Medicare Advantage plans are offered by for-profit entities, corporations not unlike your cable provider, department store, or neighborhood used car lot. The purpose of the TV commercials is to get you to act, to call the number on your screen, to make a purchase. First, do your research. Be an informed shopper. Go beyond the commercials to the whole truth. Your Medicare coverage is too important.

If you would like help muddling through all of this confusing information, please give our office a call.  We are happy to help you sort through the complicated Medicare alphabet and choices!  Call our office at 937-492-8800 and schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Source:  Diane Omdahl for Forbes Magazine

“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!

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) To-Do List

Posted on November 1, 2022 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Annual Enrollment, Medicare Drug Plan, Medicare Supplement

  1. Write the important Annual Enrollment dates to remember on your Calendar, and clip your calendar on your fridge.
  2. Don’t eat that midnight snack until you’ve read the dates at least once.
    1. October 1st— we can talk about your options!
    2. October 15th— The AEP games begins.
    3. December 7th—AEP comes to exhausting close.
    4. January 1st— Plan changes go into effect.
  3. Compare your medications to the formulary (drug list) mailed to you by your drug plan company.
  4. Consider changing your drug plan if some of your medications are no longer covered or if the premium is too high (call OSHIIP at 800-686-1578 to reshop your plan).
  5. Call us and set up an appointment to have a good chat about your Advantage plan.
    • Consider switching Advantage Plans if:
    • Your hospital or doctor went out-of-network
    • Plan changes for the following year result in jaw-dropping out-of-pocket spending or a high premium.
    • Your medications are no longer covered or are costing a lot.
    • Your Advantage plan is (all around) a bit of a drag.

6.  Remember — you can change your Medicare Supplement any day of the year.  If you currently have a supplement, you are not bound by AEP in order to switch companies.  However, if you want to switch from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage plan or if you want to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement, you must do that during this time.

7.  As a golden rule, your ultimate to-do list item is …plan ahead!

Still confused about what to do?  Give our office a call at 937-492-8800, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seniormark or fill out the contact page and we will be in touch:  https://seniormark.com/contact/.   We are here to help!

“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.

Top 5 Retirement Myths You Probably Believe

Posted on March 23, 2021 by - Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Workshop, Retirement Planning

Top 5 Retirement Myths You Probably Believe

We only use ten percent of our brains. Napoleon was short. It takes seven years to digest a piece of gum.

 

Myths like these are pervasive and stubborn. Perhaps you are just now realizing the above statements are even myths at all! Regardless, whether you first heard them on an evening sitcom, around the dinner table, or as a warning before your mom gave you a stick of juicy fruit when you were a kid, they were easy to pick up and difficult to get rid of.

 

But unlike these common household myths, which are basically harmless, widely held false beliefs about retirement can lead to unexpected bills, sore disappointments, or missed opportunities.

 

That is why I’ve compiled some of the more common and destructive retirement myths, so you can let them go and grab ahold of a better, more secure retirement.

 

  1. “Health Insurance in Retirement? Won’t Medicare Take Care of All That?”

This is a big one. Many people think that, just because the government provides Medicare for those 65 and over, the program is designed to meet all of their healthcare needs. This is, unfortunately, not the case. In truth, it’s not even close.

 

You see, Medicare has very costly gaps, ranging from small, pesky copays to potentially devastating out-of-pocket spending. Firstly, Medicare simply doesn’t cover vision, hearing, dental, or long-term care. And then—in other areas such as skilled nursing, hospital stays, medications, and much more—the coverage is limited. These gaps will not always be overly expensive, but—since there is no out-of-pocket spending limit with Medicare—one major health crisis can quickly turn into a financial crisis as well.

 

That is why we recommend talking to an advisor about getting a Medicare Supplement Plan to fill in those gaps or, if that is too expensive, a Medicare Advantage Plan that will put a cap on your potential out-of-pocket spending.

 

  1. “Social Security Will Take Care of Most of My Income, Right?”

Although Social Security isn’t going broke and skipping out on promised benefits like some believe, the program is not (and was never) designed to provide anyone’s full retirement income.

 

In fact, according to Social Security’s website, the government program is only designed to replace about 40% of a person’s pre-retirement income. As a general rule of thumb, many financial advisors predict that retirees will need 70-80% of their pre-retirement income to live comfortably That leaves 30-40% up to your nest egg. Can your nest egg handle it? 

 

 

  1. “Work? Retirement? Those Two Words Don’t Belong in the Same Sentence.”

People are living longer, and living longer means having more time on your hands. When people only lived ten or so years after age 65, it made sense to think of retirement as a time to wind down and call it quits. But now that the average life expectancy is approximately 85 years, continuing to work (at least part time) makes a lot of sense.

 

According to a Merrill Lynch Retirement Study, 72% of pre-retirees 50 and older say that they plan to work at some point in their retirement. Additionally, the same study showed that 47% of current retirees have worked or plan to work sometime in retirement.

 

  1. “Starting a New Career is For Young People, Not Retirees.”

But perhaps you don’t want to go back to the stress of your former career. Or maybe you the whole reason you retired is because you weren’t physically capable of performing the backbreaking labor.

 

Well, in that case, why not bust another myth and start afresh? Why not take a hobby or a lifelong aspiration and make a new career out of it?

 

I think Christian writer and thinker, C.S. Lewis, said it best: “You’re never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.”

 

And, according the aforementioned Merrill Lynch Retirement Study, many agree. In fact, nearly three-fifths (58%) of working retirees believe retirement is a good time to switch careers. So dream big. There’s more room to take career risks when you have a nest egg to lean on.

 

Maybe you can even start your own business. Did you know that retirees are three times more likely to be business owners or self-employed than pre-retirees?

 

  1. “Retirement Consists of Two Steps: Clock Out and Walk Out.”

Unfortunately, that’s just how you quit working. It’s not how you truly retire. Retirement involves careful planning and a long list of to-dos. This list must include signing up for Medicare, purchasing supplemental coverage, deciding when and how to take Social Security, considering rolling over your 401(k), as well as other non-financial items such as travel plans or simply deciding how you are going to use your extra 40 plus hours a week.

 

Do You Need Some Expert Guidance Concerning Your Retirement Transition?

In that case, you are in the right place. In our Life After Work workshops, we discuss retirement transition.  Sign up today for our free workshop.

 

Our Workshop Promise To You

  1. There will be no high-pressure sales and no obligations, just insight about your retirement transition.
  2. You will feel less overwhelmed and anxious about your decisions and options.

 

Some may not think we will live up to our promises, but that is just another common retirement myth! Our next workshop will be held virtually on Zoom on June 25 at 5:30 pm.  We hope you will come to learn more.  The workshop is free!  Sign up today at https://seniormark.com/workshops/!

 

2020 AEP Checklist

Posted on October 15, 2020 by - Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Annual Enrollment, Medicare Drug Plan

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) To-Do List

  1. Write the important Annual Enrollment dates to remember on your Calendar, and clip your calendar on your fridge.
  2. Don’t eat that midnight snack until you’ve read the dates at least once.
    1. October 1st— we can talk about your options!
    2. October 15th— The AEP games begins.
    3. December 7th—AEP comes to exhausting close.
    4. January 1st— Plan changes go into effect.
  3. Compare your medications to the formulary (drug list) mailed to you by your drug plan company.
  4. Consider changing your drug plan if some of your medications are no longer covered or if the premium is too high (call OSHIIP at 800-686-1578 to reshop your plan).
  5. Call us and set up an appointment to have a good chat about your Advantage plan.
    • Consider switching Advantage Plans if:
    • Your hospital or doctor went out-of-network
    • Plan changes for the following year result in jaw-dropping out-of-pocket spending or a high premium.
    • Your medications are no longer covered or are costing a lot.
    • Your Advantage plan is (all around) a bit of a drag.

6.  Remember — you can change your Medicare Supplement any day of the year.  If you currently have a supplement, you are not bound by AEP in order to switch companies.  However, if you want to switch from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage plan or if you want to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement, you must do that during this time.

7.  As a golden rule, your ultimate to-do list item is …plan ahead!

Still confused about what to do?  Give our office a call at 937-492-8800.  We are here to help!

 

Why You Should Consider Working In Retirement

Posted on June 18, 2020 by - Employer, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Drug Plan, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Workshop, Retirement Planning

Why You Should Consider Working In Retirement

(Even If You Don’t Need the Money)

Work? Retirement? The two words don’t even sound like they belong in the same sentence. After all, retirement is for relaxation. Retirement is for grandkids. Retirement is for vacations and bucketlisting.

 

But wait just a minute.

 

Although all of those things are true, studies show that regular work is also on the agenda, nestled in-between the couch sitting as well as babysitting. According to a Merill Lynch Retirement Study, 72% of pre-retirees age 50 and up will work in some capacity during their retirement.

 

This raises the question: Why are so many soon-to-be retirees planning to spend time working, the same thing they’ve likely been doing for the last 40 years?

 

It’s Not All About the Dollar Signs

As it turns out, there are a lot of reasons, and not all of them are financially related. Participants of the Merrill Lynch Study reported working in order to

  • Stay mentally active
  • Stay socially connected
  • Maintain a sense of identity and self worth

…as well as many other valid reasons. Surprisingly, staying mentally active was the number one cited reason. Money was still a consideration, especially considering that many retirees have not saved enough for a 20-year-or-more retirement, but those other motives definitely pulled their weight in the statistics.

 

And, fortunately, these desires were not left unfulfilled. The study also indicated that retirees who are working in retirement get out what they put in. As it turns out, working retirees reported feeling 10% prouder, 17% more connected to others, and 17% more stimulated than their non-working counterparts! It seems the sense of accomplishment, social interactions, and work environment provided a sense of overall well-being.

 

The Bottom Line

The point is today’s retirees and pre-retirees refuse to see retirement as the end. They are, instead, viewing it as a new horizon, a new beginning, a springboard instead of a landing pad. According to the study, many do take a 2.5 year break from work after retiring, but they are using that rest to recharge rather than wind down.

 

From working with my clients, I’ve heard some of their ideas for work. One client of mine does woodworking projects for people. Others give private music lessons. I even know a couple that travels down the east coast, selling kettle corn at local festivals during the summer. I remember them telling me all about the fun of traveling from year to year and the relationships they’ve built with some of the locals. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

 

You see, work and retirement only sound like they don’t belong in the same sentence if you consider work to be stressful or boring. However, if you can make money doing what you like, working will turn into a passion rather than a drag. In fact, you just might find that work and retirement is a match made in heaven.

 

Do You Have Retirement Questions?

Deciding whether or not to work is just one of many decisions you will have to make as you transition to retirement. Luckily, our Life After Work series of workshops seeks to cover the three critical areas of a successful retirement transition: Medicare, Social Security, and 401(k) planning. You can sign up for just one or all three. No high-pressure sales pitches here, just in-depth discussion about what you need to know as you approach retirement.   Our Welcome to Medicare workshop is Thursday, June 25, beginning at 5:30 on Zoom.  Call our office at 937-492-8800 or head on over to our web page and sign up for a free workshop today!

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!

Top 5 Retirement Myths You Probably Believe

Posted on June 4, 2020 by - Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Workshop, Retirement Planning

Top 5 Retirement Myths You Probably Believe

We only use ten percent of our brains. Napoleon was short. It takes seven years to digest a piece of gum.

 

Myths like these are pervasive and stubborn. Perhaps you are just now realizing the above statements are even myths at all! Regardless, whether you first heard them on an evening sitcom, around the dinner table, or as a warning before your mom gave you a stick of juicy fruit when you were a kid, they were easy to pick up and difficult to get rid of.

 

But unlike these common household myths, which are basically harmless, widely held false beliefs about retirement can lead to unexpected bills, sore disappointments, or missed opportunities.

 

That is why I’ve compiled some of the more common and destructive retirement myths, so you can let them go and grab ahold of a better, more secure retirement.

 

  1. “Health Insurance in Retirement? Won’t Medicare Take Care of All That?”

This is a big one. Many people think that, just because the government provides Medicare for those 65 and over, the program is designed to meet all of their healthcare needs. This is, unfortunately, not the case. In truth, it’s not even close.

 

You see, Medicare has very costly gaps, ranging from small, pesky copays to potentially devastating out-of-pocket spending. Firstly, Medicare simply doesn’t cover vision, hearing, dental, or long-term care. And then—in other areas such as skilled nursing, hospital stays, medications, and much more—the coverage is limited. These gaps will not always be overly expensive, but—since there is no out-of-pocket spending limit with Medicare—one major health crisis can quickly turn into a financial crisis as well.

 

That is why we recommend talking to an advisor about getting a Medicare Supplement Plan to fill in those gaps or, if that is too expensive, a Medicare Advantage Plan that will put a cap on your potential out-of-pocket spending.

 

  1. “Social Security Will Take Care of Most of My Income, Right?”

Although Social Security isn’t going broke and skipping out on promised benefits like some believe, the program is not (and was never) designed to provide anyone’s full retirement income.

 

In fact, according to Social Security’s website, the government program is only designed to replace about 40% of a person’s pre-retirement income. As a general rule of thumb, many financial advisors predict that retirees will need 70-80% of their pre-retirement income to live comfortably That leaves 30-40% up to your nest egg. Can your nest egg handle it? 

 

 

  1. “Work? Retirement? Those Two Words Don’t Belong in the Same Sentence.”

People are living longer, and living longer means having more time on your hands. When people only lived ten or so years after age 65, it made sense to think of retirement as a time to wind down and call it quits. But now that the average life expectancy is approximately 85 years, continuing to work (at least part time) makes a lot of sense.

 

According to a Merrill Lynch Retirement Study, 72% of pre-retirees 50 and older say that they plan to work at some point in their retirement. Additionally, the same study showed that 47% of current retirees have worked or plan to work sometime in retirement.

 

  1. “Starting a New Career is For Young People, Not Retirees.”

But perhaps you don’t want to go back to the stress of your former career. Or maybe you the whole reason you retired is because you weren’t physically capable of performing the backbreaking labor.

 

Well, in that case, why not bust another myth and start afresh? Why not take a hobby or a lifelong aspiration and make a new career out of it?

 

I think Christian writer and thinker, C.S. Lewis, said it best: “You’re never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.”

 

And, according the aforementioned Merrill Lynch Retirement Study, many agree. In fact, nearly three-fifths (58%) of working retirees believe retirement is a good time to switch careers. So dream big. There’s more room to take career risks when you have a nest egg to lean on.

 

Maybe you can even start your own business. Did you know that retirees are three times more likely to be business owners or self-employed than pre-retirees?

 

  1. “Retirement Consists of Two Steps: Clock Out and Walk Out.”

Unfortunately, that’s just how you quit working. It’s not how you truly retire. Retirement involves careful planning and a long list of to-dos. This list must include signing up for Medicare, purchasing supplemental coverage, deciding when and how to take Social Security, considering rolling over your 401(k), as well as other non-financial items such as travel plans or simply deciding how you are going to use your extra 40 plus hours a week.

 

Do You Need Some Expert Guidance Concerning Your Retirement Transition?

In that case, you are in the right place. In our Life After Work workshops, we discuss retirement transition.  Sign up today for our free workshop.

 

Our Workshop Promise To You

  1. There will be no high-pressure sales and no obligations, just insight about your retirement transition.
  2. You will feel less overwhelmed and anxious about your decisions and options.

 

Some may not think we will live up to our promises, but that is just another common retirement myth! Our next workshop will be held virtually on Zoom on June 25 at 5:30 pm.  We hope you will come to learn more.  The workshop is free!  Sign up today at https://seniormark.com/workshops/!