Greetings!

It is a new year with new things to learn and for some, new challenges.

Reminders

Part D

The 2020 AEP (Annual Election Period) for Medicare drug plans (Part D) closed on December 7, 2019. Next open enrollment starts October 15, 2020.

You are always encouraged to review your plan every year to avoid surprises. Premiums normally don’t change that much but one Humana drug plan doubled in premium. Policyholders were notified in September, 2019. Carriers are REQUIRED by CMS to mail ANOC’s (Annual Notice of Change) every September BEFORE open enrollment starts.

Drug tiers and preferred pharmacy’s can change from one year to the next. Your drug costs can vary considerably even if your premium does not change. The pharmacy you used last year may not be preferred this year.

Consider using GoodRx for generic drugs in place of your drug plan when there are significant savings.

https://www.goodrx.com/

Medigap Rates

Medicare supplement plans can be changed ANY TIME. The worst time to change is during open enrollment. Underwriting that normally takes a week or less can become a month or longer when applying during AEP.

It may be possible to save $30, $40 per month or more by changing plans.

I have rates for all the Medigap carriers in Georgia and will be glad to run comparison reports. Just call or email.

I will do the same for your friends. REFERRALS are ALWAYS appreciated.

Memory Lapses

For some of us it happens from time to time. Others, more frequently. Or perhaps you are just not aware of what is going on around you.

Are OTC Pain Relievers Safe?

Not necessarily.

Prescription med’s, herbal supplements, alcohol and OTC medication can be bad for your liver.

Acetaminophen, NSAID, naproxen and aspirin can be toxic.

https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/toxic-liver-disease#1

NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), lead the list for drugs that cause kidney damage because of their widespread use. NSAIDS are used to treat a host of conditions such as fever, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, and inflammation, but they can also reduce the amount of blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in a potential for kidney damage or failure.

https://www.goodrx.com/blog/10-worst-medications-for-your-kidneys/

How to Use Medicare Part D

How does Medicare Part D work? Learn how to lower your drug costs. Can you avoid the donut hole? What are drug tiers and preferred pharmacy's? GA Medicare expert explains.

Why is Part D prescription drug coverage such a mystery? So many moving parts. Copay's and coinsurance. Drug plan deductibles. Can I use my plan anywhere? Will any drug store take my drug card? Can anyone explain my options?

Medigap Rates - Shop and Compare 

https://www.gamedigaprates.com/