Benefit #1
Medicare Insurance & Advice
Tips from Your AMAC Medicare Team The agents in the AMAC Medicare department speak with many members on a daily basis. They often hear of the same obstacles that seniors face when it is time to enroll into a Medicare plan.
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n an effort to help our members with common issues that may arise, our agents have offered some tips and advice to help guide you.
Diana Wisniewski, VP of Compliance, recommends: “Always make sure your doctor is in network before signing up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. It is a good idea to make sure the plan has a rich network in your area, in the event that you need a specialist in the future.” “Always check your prescriptions before enrolling into a plan with Prescription Drug Coverage. Be sure to ask your agent about drug restrictions. There are three restrictions you should be informed about: quantity limits, step therapy, and prior authorization.”
Terry Hicks, Agent, says: “Don’t procrastinate or wait until the last minute to start looking for a Medicare plan.” “Don’t buy plans based on name recognition alone, know your options.”
Carl Hohsfield, Director of Sales, advises: “You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B in order to enroll into a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap Plan.” “You have two months to enroll into a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D Plan after the month you lose your employer coverage.”
Sarah Stark, Agent, says: “While the supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive supplement plan, in many cases when it is compared to Plan G, it is not the most cost effective plan.”
“Remember, if your prescriptions change, you do have the option to shop for a new Prescription Drug Plan every year during the Annual Enrollment Period, between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7th.”
Colleen Joosten, Agent, advises: “You can go onto medicare.gov and at the top it says ‘Is my test, item or service covered?’ Here you can enter any type of service to see what Medicare pays.” “When shopping for a plan, have your prescriptions ready.”
Gary Lambert, Agent, recommends: “My suggestion would be to start looking into plans sooner rather than later. There is a lot of information to go through and the more time you have the more likely you are to understand your options and be satisfied with your choices.” “It’s ok to ask friends and family what plans they have, but remember that each person’s needs are different and what is good for them might not be good for you.”
Ed Babits, Training Specialist, says: “If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, you can go to any provider that accepts Medicare.” “Common items or services not covered by Medicare are: Long Term Care, Acupuncture, Hearing Aids, Dentures, routine Dental and Vision.”
Larry Lucchetti, Agent, says: “Don’t judge a Medicare Advantage Plan based on premium alone. Make sure you know what the out of pocket expenses are including deductibles, co-pays, and maximum out of pocket.” “Understand the benefits of using a preferred pharmacy with your Part D Plan. With Part D Plans a preferred pharmacy
will offer you prescription drugs at a lower cost than what you would pay at a nonpreferred pharmacy.”
Diana Jordan, Team Leader, recommends: “Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans are NOT the same.” “Do not give your banking and Medicare information to someone who has called you. All enrollments must be done on a call placed by you to the insurance agent or company.”
Marie Morana, Agent, advises: “One thing that has happened numerous times is that members think when they enroll in AMAC they are enrolling into a Medicare Supplement Plan. Some have even canceled their former plan. Please know that becoming an AMAC member does not automatically provide you with insurance coverage. You must apply for that separately.”
Greg Keiffert, Agent, says: “Check back each year with your agent during the Annual Enrollment Period, to make sure the Prescription Drug Plan you are currently on is favorable to your current prescriptions.” The agents in AMAC’s Medicare department hope that you find value in their tips and advice. Call one of AMAC’s trusted, licensed insurance agents at 800-334-9330 to go over your questions and explore your options. On that note, we leave you with one last piece of advice: “Take a deep breath. Medicare can be overwhelming at times; we are here to help you.”
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