Are you enrolled in Medicare? If so, are you on the right plan?

If you’re turning 65 soon, you're eligible to enroll in Medicare. You’ve probably received phone calls from telephone solicitors and robo-callers trying to sell Medicare plans using aggressive sales tactics that pressure you into picking a plan, whether or not it's the right one for you.  If you’ve been pressured into buying a Medicare plan without a thorough review, you might be on the wrong plan. 

 If you've chosen a Medicare plan or are in the process of choosing one, you migh want to consider the following guidelines.

Seniors have different medical needs, such as hospital procedures, doctors visits, outpatient services, and prescriptions. There are different parts that cover each of these. Typically, seniors are enrolled in multiple parts, not just one. The plans that work best for you depend on your individual health needs and your financial situation.

The gaps in Medicare coverage can be significant, especially during catastrophic events that require surgery and long-term hospital stays. Also, if you’re not on a drug plan (Part D) you could incur significant penalty fees.  That’s why many seniors are benefiting from additional plans that fill the in gaps of Medicare coverage.  Medigap covers the difference between what Medicare provides and your increasing medical expenses.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; choosing the right plan requires careful consideration to your lifestyle, health, and medical needs. Medicare and supplemental plans are varied and can be difficult to interpret, often requiring an expert to help.

Susan My Insurance Lady is an independent insurance broker in the Wyalusing area whose only job is to find the best plan for you. The is a free service that won’t cost you a dime, but can save untold thousands in medical expenses. Susan will shop the market to get you the most competitively priced plan available in your area.

Can I sign up for a plan if I’m past the initial enrollment period?

If you missed the initial enrollment period (IEP) then you’ll have to wait until open enrollment between October 15th and December 7th, 2018.  Schedule an appointment with Susan to talk during this period. You can sign up for a supplemental plan (Medigap), at any time, but you’re not guaranteed to be enrolled if you’re outside of the IEP.  

Can I switch Medicare plans?

Yes. If you’re not within the Initial Enrollment Period then you can change plans, guaranteed. If you’re outside of the IEP then you can change during the Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7).  You can change your supplemental plan (Part C, Part D, or Medigap) if you’re accepted.

Read on to see how Susan has helped local residents avoid huge medical expenses or avoiding overpaying for insurance coverage that won’t help them. The names and images have been changed in these stories for the protection of our clients.

Mr and Mrs. Richards are living on a fixed income and their meds are very expensive.  Some months they have to go without them in order to pay their groceries and bills. Susan was able to sign them up with PACE, which reduced their medications to $3-$5 per prescription.