Newsletter 2021 - Final Edition

Published: Mon, 12/20/21

What a year it has been. So many changes. Drug plans raising premiums by 50% or more. Hospitals fighting insurance carriers. More “celebrities” pushing Medicare Advantage plans. Politics, politics, politics . . .

This will be short and only address a few issues.

2022 Drug Plan Open Enrollment

The 2022 Open Enrollment closes 12/7/2021. Frankly, I am glad to see it coming to a close. This has been the most challenging one ever.

If you thought I was changing your drug plan, and you do not have an email from me that starts out . . .

For 2022, you’re joining: XXXX Rx Saver Plus (PDP)

Plan ID: S5921-355-0

Plan Includes: Only drug coverage

then it’s like Cinderella’s invitation to the ball . . . one of the wicked step-sisters stole it. Or the dog ate it. Or it went to SPAM. Or perhaps, I messed up.

At this point it doesn’t matter WHY you didn’t get your plan changed, only that you need to act fast if you want my help.

SOME of you were waiting on doctors to possibly prescribe medication changes. If I did not get your update, nothing happened, and your current plan will renew next year.

I will not change your drug plan unless specifically requested

Please let me know if you want a drug plan review and change. Clock’s ticking.

Northside Hospital vs Anthem

Several have called or emailed about Northside Hospital saying they will NOT honor Anthem insurance after 12/31/2021.

This happens with some frequency. Different hospitals vs different insurance carriers.

It ALWAYS works out. Sometimes at the deadline. A few times I have seen it go a week or so after the deadline, but it works out.

Here is the good news.

DON’T WORRY. (BE HAPPY).

Anthem Medigap plans are not impacted.

Where Anthem is the PRIMARY payer, the contract is “at risk”. Those who have an Obamacare plan, or an employer group health insurance plan, THOSE plans are part of the negotiation.

But Anthem Medigap is a SECONDARY payer. After 12/31/2021 you will still be able to use Northside Hospital.

FREE Everything Medicare

All of us are being bombarded with ads on TV, radio, print telling us to STOP giving your money to Medicare insurance carriers.

Why pay a PREMIUM when you could have “BETTER” coverage WITHOUT paying a premium.

Don’t worry. This is not another Medigap vs Advantage comparison. I have done enough of those in newsletters and on YouTube.

But this is a WARNING for those who have BUYERS REMORSE. If you believe you made a mistake believing there really is a “Medicare Santa” who hands out free stuff to adults, you still have time to REVERSE your decision.

Enrolling in a stand alone Part D plan will UNWIND your Advantage plan so you can KEEP your doctors and your existing Medigap plan into 2022. However you MUST enroll in a stand alone drug plan BEFORE 12/7/2021.

After that date if you want to come back to original Medicare and a Medigap plan you will have to PROVE YOU ARE HEALTHY before you can be ACCEPTED by a Medigap carrier.

This is getting MORE DIFFICULT as time goes on. Where underwriters are concerned, there are no INCONSEQUENTIAL medical conditions.

Most carriers will approve you when you have a pacemaker, as long as . . . the device was replaced FIVE YEARS AGO or longer.

One carrier will deny your application if you have EVER had a pacemaker.

Most folks love their Medicare Advantage plan . . . until their health changes . . . then they hate it and want to come back. By then, most of the time it is TOO LATE and they are STUCK with an Advantage plan.

Christmas Giving

No matter what your faith, it seems most everyone transforms like a Charles Dickens character. The “magic” of the season changed crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge into a generous person.

I am most appreciative of my clients who trust me to help them navigate the Medicare maze. In this, my last newsletter of the year, I leave you with this thought.

Now I leave you with this blessing and wishes for a safe and healthy New Year.

Bob

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