If you don’t read any other newsletter this year, read this one! Keep it and read it again. Forward to your friends. Just read it.

Hedy Lamarr, once considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. Conversations stopped when she walked in the room, even as a teen.

Her life was a string of ups and downs including 6 marriages. Her film career was also mercurial. Some say she was successful in spite of the challenges.

Wellcare has likewise had ups and downs. Their latest move with a “click bait” price is drawing attention but is this the girl or guy you want to take home to meet mother?

Wellcare deserves consideration but there are some thorns to challenge you.

Three plans (in Georgia), starting at $0.50 per month

Tier 1 & 2 drugs, no deductible; $0 & $5 copay (depending on the plan)

Tier 3 drugs, deductible then percentage

Tier 4 drugs, deductible, then percentage

Tier 5 drugs, deductible, then percentage

Tier 6 drugs, deductible, then copay

For those who have higher priced meds and like a no deductible plan, the $79 monthly premium plan may be your cup of tea.

Wellcare Value Script plan details:

(The number following the tier level represents the number of drugs offered in that tier).

Tier 1 drugs: 111

Tier 2 drugs: 184

Tier 3 drugs: 509

Tier 4 drugs: 622

Tier 5 drugs: 409

Tier 6 drugs: 19

Tier 6 drug list:

Farxiga tab

Bydureon BCise injection

Glyxambi tab

Janumet regular and XR

Januvia

Jardiance

Jentadueto

Mounjaro

Ozempic

Synjargy regular and XR

Rybelsus

Tradjenta

Trijardy XR

Trulicity

Xigduo

This plan is heavy on tier 3, 4 and 5 for sure. 

If you are using one of the tier 6 injectable meds you MAY want to consider the Value plan.  

The copay for tier 3 meds is 25%, not a flat dollar amount. If the tier 3 med is available in Canada you may want to go that route. Only consider CIPA approved pharmacies.

Let me know if you want to consider this route for your higher tier drugs and I will try to help when I have some free time.

https://www.cipa.com/cipa-safe-pharmacies

Medicare Supplement . . . Don’t Leave Home Without It

If you opt for the Wellcare Value Script plan, I fully anticipate that you will get hard solicitation from Wellcare making a PUSH to drop your Medigap plan and enroll in their Medicare Advantage plan.

Many of you will not be able to return to your current Medigap plan if you give it up. Leaving is easy . . . returning is often impossible.

It’s like the Hotel California. You can check out but you may never leave.

Nearly half of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries disenroll from their plans within 5 years:

https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/nearly-half-of-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries-disenroll-from-their-plans-within-5-years-study.html

In closing . . .

Most of you know this is a very busy time of year. As much as I would love to chat with each of you, that is just not possible.

Call if you must, but email is preferable.

With nearly 700 clients in Georgia I do the best to earn your trust every day, and I hate to disappoint. But this open enrollment time will be exceptionally busy so please understand it’s not you, it’s me . . .

Take care,

bob