Recent content by mattspits

If you decline Part B and go to the doctor, you'll be paying as if you didn't have insurance. You need Part B to cover things like doctor's visits. If you decline Part B, and then pick it up later you will get hit with a 10% annual penalty. You need Part B. Matt

There's no reason to be afraid of HMO's. If you know how they work then you can make a decision if they're right for you. HMO's will only pay if you see in network providers. Start by looking up your providers in the plan's network. If all of your providers are in network than you can...

Correct, your supplemental only picks up what Medicare doesn't, and generally does not cover things that Medicare does not cover. I'm not an expert on when Medicare decides to pay or not based on certain scenarios. I'm glad you got your answer.

Not sure why you're asking this? As you stated, Medicare and the supplement plan J pays 100%. You would not owe anything to the doctor.

OK, yep that's a Medicare Advantage plan. Rates and coverage are county specific. In some counties, AARP Medicare complete offers both HMO and PPOs. What you'll find is that HMO plans generally have lower copays than PPO plans. You can compare the HMO and PPO plans in your area on...

There's supplements and there's Medicare Advantage. Supplements don't typically have copays depending on which plan letter you have, and they carry a fairly hefty premium. Medicare Advantage does typically have copays with a minimal if any premium. What is it you can't afford? Is it the...

If you go the route of a Medicare supplement, you should compare your Medicare Part D drug plan annually during the AEP. Here's a simple youtube video showing how you can use Medicare.gov to shop Medicare Part D plans in under 3 minutes!

Hello, Yes, it's extremely confusing. Medicare supplements have a premium and vary based on what plan letter you choose. Choosing a plan F will cover pretty much everything that Medicare does not cover. Of course, plan F costs more than the other plan letters. The coverage is identical...

Not sure where you're seeing the exclusion for Part B, the only thing I see relates to Part D. It makes sense that there should be one, but that's not my area of expertise. Just remember that if you were assessed the penalty it's only 10% for the year that you don't have it or $125 vs. paying...

Doesn't make sense to me, what happens if the surgery is not performed? Also, I'm sure you have to have a date of service for the procedure. Asked my wife who bills Medicare for a skilled nursing facility, and she says the same thing.

Yep, what Mack said, the beauty of the Medicare supplement is the ability to use it anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Enjoy! matt

If you're looking for pricing, my site has the tiers and drug copays listed which may help you find the right Medicare Part D drug plan. I'm not sure where they're pulling the full cost info from? thanks, Matt

A Medicare supplement Plan F would cover everything as far as his medical care, but it would not include drugs. Many group plans currently cover drugs better than a Medicare Part D plan with a Medicare Supplement. The other issue would be finding a plan that would accept him. I do know that...

There are some websites that will help you find the cheapest Part D plan in your state like mine. Believe it or not, Medicare doesn't always list all of the plans on their website. matt

Yep, just think if you were a cash customer. He could order as many tests as you were willing and able to pay for. Same thing for the insurance company. They'll pay to a point of whatever they deem reasonable. matt