I am changing from an Advantage plan to traditional Medicare starting Jan 1, 2024. I'm healthy, so I could make that change. Why? Because of my wife. She is younger and still on regular insurance. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that the 400 provider MD group that we belong to couldn't treat. We went to another local system, and they couldn't treat it either. We wound up at a university hospital where she had a 7 hour operation with 6 specialist surgeons, including the department heads from two departments. She then had a month long hospitalization, radiation, and... etc. etc. Thank God that she had good insurance. I can't even imagine the cost. This made me think about my own policy. I'm glad to trade free Tylenol and dental cleanings for choice of who provides my care, which is why I switched back.
You still pay 20% of the cancer treatments on traditional Medicare. (Unless you get the treatment while admitted to a hospital) For Chemo Reference: www.medicare.gov/coverage/chemotherapy#:~:text=Medicare%20covers%20chemotherapy%20if%20you%20have%20cancer.&text=Part%20A%20covers%20inpatient%20hospital,you're%20a%20hospital%20inpatient.&text=Part%20B%20covers%20certain%20doctors,medical%20supplies%2C%20and%20preventive%20services. For Radiation Reference: www.medicare.gov/coverage/radiation-therapy
“Disadvantage” Plan OK regular Medicare and a supplement plan and a drug plan is the best I agree but we don't all have a pension or big IRA or savings account with lots of money. It would really hurt me to buy the extra insurance for my wife and I. My wife was a stay at home mom all the years so her SS check is low if I were to purchase 2 extra policies and 2 drug plans it would never work. You would have to choose between paying bills buying food or paying for the extra plans. Just last month my wife had to go to the emergency room she had a cat scan MRI ekg blood tests and the plan covered it. The doctors in the plan are the same ones that other people we know use with regular Medicare. I don't think Clark stinks but not all of us can afford to do anything else and we also feel blessed that we have Medical insurance at all.
Traditional Medicare covers Part A (Hospital), Part B (doctors), the Medigap Supplements can be Part G or N, Prescription Plans are Part D. Medicare Advantage plans are Part C. Other than Parts A and B where the government pays 80% of costs, they are all private insurance plans. You are only required by law to have A, B, and D. The rest is up to you. You can have a Part G Supplement to cover the 20% not covered by A and B, or opt into a Part C Advantage Plan which covers Part A, B, D, plus Dental, Vision, Hearing and other benefits under one Private Insurance Policy.
@@brocklanders6969The problem is a lot of seniors get Medicare Advantage plans because they think it’s actually Medicare from the government. It’s very misleading to advertise a private insurance plan with Medicare in the name when it’s just an alternative to Medicare and not actually Medicare.
@@TC-fx5zu No, they don't. They clearly know they are private Medicare plans (Part- C) and it IS part of Medicare. Just like Part-D Rx Drug is part of Medicare.
The average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 medigap plans in Florida with a drug plan are about $300 a month extra. I think this is the most common reason seniors choose them. Medicare needs to be updated to cover all expenses so people who have worked hard all their lives don't have to worry about this.
At present I have to choose a plan, the problem is I can’t afford D and or G,N plan. Now I have no choice but to look at advantage plans. I called ARAP for a dental plan, what a joke. Customer service wasn’t interested in helping me unless I bought the 160$ plan. If I could afford that I’d buy one through Medicare. Looking at all the Medicare plans, it’s the BEST plans to go with, if you go afford it. If you can’t you’ll have to go with a private/advantage plan that sucks
One word about the lack of mobility of the advantage plans. Well that is true. I have had several instances where my condition required me to go out of the area and out of network because it wasn't offered in my area. Usually all you have to do in that situation is call the insurance plan and ask them to wave the out of network. Also, if an out of network is used in something like an operation, perhaps an anesthesiologist... There is an expectation when you go into a hospital that's all the services will be considered in network and they will also waive that out of network also. Problem is most people don't call their insurance plans and ask for waivers! I realized it also may also depend on your insurance plan! I'm with Aetna and they have done me very well.
The police officers here are hanging out at the firehouse watching TV and eating. I’m not a firefighter and I agree wholeheartedly with Clarke, anyone who is brave enough to run into a burning building is a hero, in my book.
I took your advice on advantage plans. I have a plan n medagap. My friends say I should have a advantage plan. I said no because listened to you. Thank you 👍
If you went with traditional Medicare plus a supplement plus a prescription plan because Clark Howard said that it is better, then YOU are very foolish. Those plans may be best for Clark Howard, but he knows nothing about your health, your finances, the prescriptions you take, any pre-existing conditions, if you wear glasses, dentures, hearing aids or where you live. All of these factors enter into the very personal decisions regarding your health insurance. If you live in a midsized community with a large senior citizen population, your choices are much more plentiful than if you live in a more rural area. If you live alone you may need transportation to and from medical appointments. Or, if you have surgery, do you need meals delivered to your home while you recover? Do you have access to a gym at no cost? My advantage plan has all these benefits plus dental, vision, and hearing. No referrals needed, and a $10 copay for specialists. DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK! Research the different companies and the plans they offer. Don’t depend on Clark Howard to tell you what plan is best for you. And don’t depend on the federal government to know what plan benefits you need.
You're now paying too much for Medicare. Congratulations. I pay $0 monthly premiums with an advantage plan and I have the same Medicare coverage. I've saved $36,000 over 10 years because I don't pay the average $300/month premium for a supplemental plan. The doctors who take Medicare in my area are the same. I get the exact same healthcare coverage as anyone on Medicare. I don't understand your choice. But, everyone is different.
Thank you Clark. I've been learning about medicare for close to 3 years. I read all I could find and listened to hundreds of U-tube presentations about Advantage and original medicare. I just applied for parts A and B and will be purchasing a Plan N and prescription plan effective January. I am so very comfortable with my choice for multiple reasons because of my research, too many to explain in this message. I agree with you about the private insurance plan AKA Part C - Advantge plan is something to approach with a lot of caution. I understand however, for anyone on very limited income wanting to obtain the Advantage plan. But aren't those with such limited in income qualify for medicaid?
I am 72 years old. I am divorced , living alone. My income is somewhere north of $35,000. I do not qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford the $300 per month supplement premium plus the $20 per month prescription plan premium. I live in a midsized city with a large Senior population. My advantage care plan offers all the benefits I can wish for, a large network of providers at $0 per month premium, with no referrals and a $10 copay for specialists.
I have been a member of Kaiser Georgia HMO since 2014. I am 100% satisfied with the plan. I have saved big $ over traditional medicare. Excellent care with first rate Dr's and nurses.
I have been a Kaiser North (California) patient for over 30 years with both an employer's plan and ACA. We have had a good experience with them. I am leaning towards Kaiser Advantage when we turn 65 next year.
You can always change to a different Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period, without underwriting. Also, you have "Trial Rights" for the first 12 months of your enrollment in Advantage. You can switch back to Medicare with Medigap without underwriting within that period. Unlike Medigap, plans, which are standardized according to "letter', Advantage plans can vary widely. Some plans have more robust networks than others. Some geographic areas have more plan choices and network providers than others. And generally, PPO plans have more robust networks than HMOs. I think what draws most seniors to Advantage, are the premiums for Medigap plans, which can be hundreds of dollars a month over and above Medicare premiums, especially as one ages.
Yes you're right about the first 12 in the advantage plan and yes you can change "Advantage" plans during the open enrollment period. Let's face it if you're blessed to live long enough you're going to get hit with something... and it's probably not going to be during that first 12 months. I'm just afraid people take the plan initially because of the price and will regret it down the road.
We need flexibility such as choosing a Naturopathic doctor. What’s to be afraid of? Less cancer deaths for starters. It’s a matter of Choice.😳Toxicity does not work. 🥑Lani
I am 100% with Clark on Medicare (dis)Advantage plans. I believed I would be OK with an "in network" plan when at 65 I signed up for an MA plan with Anthem BC, when I needed to see a GI specialist in Year 2 I learned this plan had not a single GI specialist in their network. Sure, they gave me a list of doctors that were supposed to be in their network but the list was made up. They finally allowed me to see a doctor out of network. It took months of dealing with the insurance company. I realized going with an MA plan was HUGE mistake. Fortunately, in Year 3 of Medicare I was able to pass the health questionnaire and sign up for a Medicare Supplemental plan which provides me with great access to doctors, anywhere in the country. Don't let the small added cost in premium deter you from going with a Supplemental plan. The limits on $ coverage and access to providers are well worth paying the $150 to $250 per month for a Supplemental plan, I like the G plan, but you get the same coverage with an N plan if you are concerned about the rare times a doctor charge extra. One cannot predict what medical needs will arise. Knowing you are covered with a predictable monthly bill is priceless. I was fortunate to be accepted into a supplement plan after more than a Year with MA. If you to try an MA plan in Year 1, you may be able to switch to original Medicare + a Supplemental plan in Year 2 without passing a health questionnaire. But you if have a serious health condition in Year 2 or later you will be denied by the Supplemental insurance company. These MA plans are a bonanza for these insurance companies who get tens of thousands of bucks from the government FOR EACH person they sign up to take over from the Medicare program. It's no wonder they offer free gym memberships. Our government is overpaying the insurance companies for what they deliver. It's a disgrace.
This is not the case. This from the government website; medicare.gov: "Can I switch back to regular Medicare from Medicare Advantage Plan? If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B." You only escape those underwriting questions (real name: pre-existing conditions questions) within the first 3 months you are on Medicare Part & Part B.
I have been told that since I am over 65 years old during open enrollment time. I would have to pass a medical exam to switch out of my Advantage plan...The non Advantage plan us $200 a month! It is maybe the right choice but with having to insure more in my auto insurance to accommodate all of the more expensive vehicles on the road that I might hit..rising property taxes and insurance..inflation I don't have enough left for healthy food and rising utilities.
One of the BEST aspects of ALDI's is as a busy person I am in and out in 20-25 mins with a full cart. I can't stand the slow checkouts and football field size footprints of many of the others.
Great exposé on home warranty scams. My friends bought a six-year-old home in California that came with American home shield warranty. The air conditioner then promptly died and they were unable to send any service people out for a week even though it was 115° outside. They sent out some incompetent guy who fumbled around for a couple hours and declared it fixed even though it was still blowing hot air. Then they told my friends it would be another week before they could get anybody out there to look at it again, so they ended up eating the expensive repair cost out of pocket, and American home shield will have nothing to do with reimbursing them. Stay away from these crooks.
I have Medicare's MSA, medical savings account ( see page 67 of the " Medicare and You" book. If you don't have serious health problems and you don't run to the doctor for every little scratch, this is an amazing choice. I even rejected Part D after watching how my relatives just get sicker going the route of big pharma. Natural health is the way to go. Use your insurance for accidents. MSA ... no networks, 100% coverage when you meet your deductible. You build up money that is given to you in the MSA for the high deductible expenses.
With the Advantage plan what he is talking about is that after the one year trial you cannot go to traditional Medicare without medical underwriting. The insurance company can deny the underwriting if you have any health issues. You are then stuck with the Advantage plan. The next problem comes with denial of coverage. For instance, my Aunt was hospitalized for 2 weeks. Her dr wanted her to go to a nursing facility for therapy so she could walk again. Molina Medicare advantage refused to allow her the therapy. She disputed it and they denied it again. This caused her to be bedbound the rest of her life. She was happy with her advantage plan until that happened. Because she had poor health. She was unable to change to traditional Medicare from the advantage plan.
You can always go back to original Medicare without underwriting. It's the supplements that require underwriting, in many cases. I wouldn't recommend original Medicare with no supplement, as there would be no annual maximum out of pocket cap. I would suggest switching to a different Advantage plan, if caught in that situation, as Advantage plans don't have underwriting. Some Advantage plans are better than others.
@@g0989No supplement is not a realistic option. Just pretend original Medicare with no Medigap is not one of the valid choices. That means to get original Medicare back, you have to pass underwriting for the Medigap. All Disadvantage plans will screw you over at the end of your life when you care is too expensive. There is no such thing as a good Disadvantage plan because your experiences while healthy doesn't matter.
Medicare Advantage is good as long as you’re healthy but if you get seriously injured or sick you’re in trouble. The main complaint that I’ve heard about them is the same thing you said- they refuse to pay for a rehab hospital. If you break a hip they’ll send you straight home after hip surgery. Apparently they don’t care if you’re able to take care of yourself or if you can even walk again.
MA is pushed by so many due to they are paid higher commissions than regular medicare. I have researched for months now, attended several "free dinners", watched countless hours of TH-cam videos on MC VS MA and chose to go with Medicare with plan G. I turn 65 next month and gladly will pay the extra cost to choose who I want to see and when. Thanks Clark. No stinky here!
Going to call B.S. on this one. It is against CMS rules to offer a full meal or anything of value above $15 at sales at educational events. CMS employes secret shoppers. No legit broker is going to risk their license and do this. The free dinner post cards that come in the mail are a ruse to hock fixed index annuities.
You are willing to pay the extra premiums for the supplement plan and prescription plan. But wait five years. When you are 70, that premium will be 2 to 2.5 times higher than it is at 65. And if you develop any ‘condition’ you will be unable to switch to a different supplement plan. There is no underwriting for advantage plans and you can switch plans each year at open enrollment.
@@fishingpinky3165 No one is trying to convince you to do anything. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Check into the various companies that offer Advantage Care plans and learn about each plan they offer. Look into the different benefits that each plan offers and how much they cost. I don’t know how old you are, but when your supplement premium goes from $100 to $250 from age 65 to 70, then goes up to $500 the time you turn 75, you might change your mind. Unless you are in Clark’s income bracket.
A person can always go back to Original Medicare. They might not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. But they can go back to Original Medicare with zero underwriting. Advantage Plans are nothing more than managed care by a private insurance company. It is the same that millions of Americans experience and participate in with an employers group insurance coverage. Insurance is nothing more than your risk tolerance. Period. It can all work.
I started medicare with a medigap policy for a couple of years, thinking this was the best option with minimal restrictions. But when my wife opted for medicare advantage I realized I was wasting my money. Reason 1 is I am relatively healthy and was not in need of medical services and reason 2 is that we are fortunate to have a first class HMO in our area with leading medical center and physicians in all specialties. And reason 3 it is more economical. Note that one of our insurance companies do allow you to go from advantage HMO back to a supplement plan. It comes down to what is best for each person within their means and most critically the availability of quality medical providers.
@@rumproast5159 Per CMS rules, Advantage plans are required to cover urgent or emergency needs nationwide at in-network copays. As for non-urgent or emergency medical care outside your home territory, that can vary, depending on the insurance carrier. Some cover it, others don't.
My wife has the UNH advantage plan and I have Medicare with a G supplement. We have had this several years and frankly their seems to be that Advantage plan has a lot of Advantages. Plus you don’t need a medication supplement and she gets back $ 40.- per quarter. Both of us have had surgeries and the net costs is not showing much difference. I find that the same doctors and facilities accept both. Have you ever had an Advantage plan?
I've been in Medicare Advantage plans for 23 years in Florida. A Medicare advisor at AMAC told me that the Florida plans are so superior and good that I should stick with it when I was talking to him about their supplemental plans. I can't imagine any better care than I have had for all these years. This may be the only item for which I disagree with Clark.
So if you are healthy enough to have no risk of certain procedures,then tab is great. Just like not having car insurance as long as you don’t get in an accident. Wise planning doesn’t generally include “hoping that you won’t be denied or have extra charges” . That is a personal risk-assessment decision. The fact that you personally disagree doesn’t make his recommendation less valid .
@vancebeazer458 My wife who has the UNH advantage plan in Florida had aortic valve surgery which cost over $ 500,000 and my wife was out of pocket for just $ 3,000.
@@vancebeazer458 It's not a matter of disagreement. I have 23 years of solid factual data evidencing excellent care. And it's no small thing that the supplemental insurance representative at AMAC told me that I would be better off sticking with my Florida Medicare Advantage plan than buying supplemental insurance.
My mom lived to the ripe age of 87 and she was on an advantage plan that worked beautifully. She even had to see specialist and still we never had any problems, she saw very good doctors throughout her life on this good earth.
I think if you live in a larger metropolitan area the Advantage plans work better because there are just more providers. If you live in a more rural area that's where the lack of providers is the problem. Also, I've read that medication, mostly cancer drugs, are not covered as well. And can be very expensive if they won't pay for the drug, they want you to try the cheaper stuff first, then if maybe too late for the expense stuff...and paying out of pocket for a $$60,000 per month drug is not something most can afford to pay if insurance won't cover.
Home warranties are pure garbage. They made a simple problem worse by having unqualified, inexperienced contractors attempt to fix a problem. Such a poor system of service. Don’t waste your time, energy and money on these contracts. The only guarantee is that you’ll be disappointed and frustrated.
@@Joce123I’m happy for you. It’s a disaster in most areas. Those companies get a class action against them and the company name is changed and bad business continues.
I evcho earlier post that points out you can change from one MA plan to another during yearly open enrollment period and that there's a grace period at beginning of the year. Most states (or all) have help via Area Agency on Aging to help with selecting Medicare plans. Usually called SHINE or SHIP.
In Georgia I have switched from one advantage plan to another. The only thing is I don;t like are the networks of doctors. I want to go to any doctor I want to but with these plans you can;t. I still think it is better than regular Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Plan vs. Traditional Medicare ... do your homework! There are pros and cons to both. It all depends on what fits your lifestyle and pocket book. Nothing in life is guaranteed.
Aldi's is the cheapest place to get groceries. Period... And they are run much different than other stores in the US. One simple example is the deposit on shopping carts. Such a simple change, and it solves the entire gathering up carts left in the parking lot.
What you say about Medicare advantage plans is probably true. However, I have Kaiser Permanente's advantage plan through my employer. I can't tell the difference from before I retired and had Kaiser and after I retired. Everything has been great under this program.
I went from Kaiser with an employer to Kaiser with ACA. I pay higher copays but other than that it is the same. I am hoping for the same experience with Kaiser Advantage
I have had an advantage plan for 17 years and I love it. Regular Medicare with the fixings is just too much for me financially to handle. I have come to the conclusion that if you live long enough no matter what the medical system is going to take everything away from you anyway. In the end I'm going to be broke anyway. So if I get a medical bill that I absolutely cannot handle the pay I will just not pay it. The hospitals don't come after you anyway, but your credit may take a hit which doesn't matter because you're towards the end of life and don't need it anyway. You will go for as long as you can and then Medicaid will kick in after you have spent everything down to $2, 000. If you use Medicaid for nursing home care, most likely you will not be willing anything to your children.
Medicare Advantage plans, like most HMOs, are good if you’re healthy. Once you have a serious problem. God help you. Once I turned 65 I got regular Medicare and a supplement because of the nightmare I went through navigating a serious illness while on an HMO.
Broken windows philosophy can and should carry over to online reseller sites. I believe the ease at reselling online has fueled the shoplifting firestorm. I'm sick and tired of social media execs crying a river that they want govt regulation but backdoor lobbyists with millions to fight regulation.
If you have traditional Medicare and a Medigap supplement and don’t care about Advantage plans you need to be aware of a program Medicare started in 2019 called Direct Contracting Entities(DCEs) DCEs uses the Advantage business model and applies it to traditional Medicare and Medigap supplement policies. The scheme has no Congressional oversight or approval, you can be automatically enrolled in the program and doctors can be paid for signing you up for the plan. In early 2023 the name of the scheme was changed to ACOREACH. What ever the name the intent is to hand over Medicare and Medigap supplement policies to the for profit insurance industry by 2030. The plan you chose and spent decades paying for will go away. Congressional opponents of traditional Medicare could not kill off the program so they have done the next best thing, hand over your health insurance to their rich donors.
I had T- mobile years ago , was in Georgia I was lost trying to call my friend there wes just going in circles... The whole area must have been added zone, I was told ATT would take over if that happened ... That wasn't true,I had to Go To A PAY PHONE in dangerous area... When I got back home, I told them what happened, And I Dumped T Mobile. I tried the other company that T - mobile hooked up with cnt think of the name, horrible, drop calls constantly, talking to a friend 4 houses away we both had that company.... I'll never go back to either of them.
If you have ANY significant medical issues, Medicare makes you pay 20% of costs and has NO Out-of-pocket limit. Only upper middle class income people can afford a Medigap policy. So, whats you're answer to that ... Go with the best Medicare Advantage plan you can find in your area after doing due diligence.
@@autohelix About $200 in GA to start, but that will escalate over time. Keep in mind that doesn't include the $165 Part B premium. Many advanced age seniors are crying the blues over their Plan Fs paying $300 to $400+ a month.
@@autohelix It can vary widely depending on the state, carrier and plan. Plan N is a better value and most of my clients choosing Medigap opt for it. He will also needs a Part-D plan or pay a late enrollment penalty. These plans are going up significantly next year.
If someone wants out of an Advantage plan, they can return to traditional medicare, they'll have to get a prescription drug plan. You cant get a Medigap less than $200 a month in some states, theres no dental, vision, hearing or prescription coverage. That has to be paid separately.
So, true. A friend of mine mocked me for going on traditional Medicare and a Supplement Plan instead of going on an Advantage Plan. Now, ten years later she is crying the blues being on an Advantage Plan. She had three surgeries in a year and half (some complications after her second surgery); she has medical bills in the thousands of dollars and she doesn't know how she is going to pay for them on her limited income. She is thinking of selling her home to cover her bills.
It is a Federally regulated program. All states are the same. You can go from traditional Medicare to an advantage plan during the open enrollment period each year. And you can drop your advantage plan at any time and go back to traditional Medicare plus a supplement plan. BUT, if you have a pre-existing condition like CKD or diabetes, you won’t qualify for a Medicare Supplement plan.
There's very little information about the states, I believe there's only 4, that allows you to move from "disadvantage" back to traditional Medicare without having to go through underwriting. I'm sure that's had a direct effect on the high costs of gap/supplement plans in those states. I'm in CT. If I'm in a disadvantage plan can I simply call my agent and switch back if a health crisis arises? Also can I go back to traditional if I move to another state where mobility isn't as friendly, before I were to move.
I was stunned recently when I asked my wife’s 88 year old aunt for her Medicare insurance card. She had traditional Medicare in the past, but she apparently had changed to a Medicare Advantage plan! And this plan was marketed through AARP! AARP is supposed to be helping seniors! I was very angry about this total scam. Shame on AARP!
Are you paying the premium for your wife’s aunt’s Medicare Supplement plan? Or if she didn’t have a supplement plan, will you pay her 20% copay with no limit on out of pocket expense? At 70, when I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan, my supplement premium was going to $245 per month. By 75, that premium would double. I can’t imagine what it would be at 88. Each person has to decide for himself which type of plan is the right one, then pick the best plan for you out of the available plans.
Medicare does not cover you outside of the US. Many retirees including myself are moving to other countries where the climate is better, much cheaper to live, fresher and less expensive fruits and vegetables and a more relaxed atmosphere. Overall a much healthier feeling. Their are some (dis) Advantage plans that will cover you in some foreign countries in a event of a medical urgent or emergency need. But Clark in all your very informative podcasts you never have had this discussion about the millions of retirees living in other countries??
I understand feeling judgy on other people's motives... My mother moved away from us all to a warmer climate. Yes, she basically forfeited her relationship with her grands. Yes, it was sad. She chose the lifestyle she wanted, and thought that a yearly visit was enough ,for her, at least. But it's not right for me to demand other's priorities, either. I accepted as a tool to teach my children that choices have consequences.
The State of North Carolina now offers group Medicare Advantage PPOs as well as a non-MA plan. Roughly 90% of the retirees choose the Medicare Advantage plan. As a state retiree, I have been very pleased with the state's MA plans but for next year, I'm electing an individual MA PPO because it has even lower co-pays as well as reimbursement of up to $2900 dental bills per year (from any dentist for any dental payment). Each person's case is different. In my case, I am very fortunate, taking no prescriptions and very healthy and don't smoke. I'll try my outside individual plan for a year and if I don't like it, will switch back to the state's MA PPO. (I have never been denied service by any healthcare provider.)
Just make sure your employer will let you re-enroll in the retiree plan. Some employers who offer plans to retirees, will not allow the retiree to re-enroll in their insurance plans, if they opt out at some point. IOW, once you're out, you're out for good. In most cases, employer-sponsored group retiree Advantage plans are superior to any individual Advantage plan one is likely to have available to them, particularly when it comes to copays and out-of-pocket max. But again, not always the case.
No Medicare recipient is permanently locked into any supplemental plan Med Advantage or other. Medicare recipients have open enrollment every year and can change plans every year. if they have is a life changing event like a relocation they can change plans outside open enrollment.
That statement is not entirely true. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to pass medical underwriting if you wish to change from a Med Advantage to supplemental plan, for example. If you have certain medical conditions, that could be next to impossible to pass.
I notice that Clark doesn't mention the lack of an out of pocket maximum with Original Medicare. The copay is 20% with NO annual out of pocket maximum. The annual max out of pocket for most MA plans in 2023 is under $10K. But if you have a major illness like cancer, the total bill (surgery, chemo, radiation, and all the associated specialists that take a cut while the patient is being treated) can sometimes reach $1M or higher. You think most seniors can afford a 20% copay ($200K or more) on a bill like that? Not saying MA plans are for everyone, but being able to limit OOP medical/hospial costs is a significant incentive...
@@autohelix While I do think Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D is better for the 65+ market, that has become almost an upper income option exclusively. As a broker, I always present both options. The average SSA retirement check is $1845 and for most, that is all they have coming in. They are not going to part with $150+ a month. The folks that buy Medigap usually have more assets or multiple income retirement streams like a pension, etc.
@@brocklanders6969If you believe that amount of money is upper income, you are crazy. If you told me $500 a month sure, but $150+ no. Sounds like you are dealing with low income, not middle income.
@@autohelix Re-read the post. No where did I say $1845 is upper income. I have mix of low income and wealthy clients and that is the basis of my opinion. Many of my clients are referred to me from financial advisors. I also get referrals from disability attorneys and many of these folks are low income, qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, LIS, etc. It is rare for someone only on SSA RIB to purchase Medigap/Part-D.
It is a federally regulated system. Most medical insurance companies offer HMO plans which lock you into a network of doctors and hospitals and PPO plans which allow you to use doctors in multiple states. Do your homework. Research the plans from each company. Pick the one that fits your needs for the upcoming year. Then if circumstances change, during the next open enrollment period you can switch.
I went to hyvee last night to buy my favorite pizza that is not available anywhere else. It is made by Hebbe in Milacs Mn. It was on sale for 6.99! Minnesota does not tax food. So that price compared to any other pizza ..cooked at home or picked up from a major pizza chain couldnt compared in quality either
Med Adv plans, and any Insurance really, is something people need to look at every year for changes in the plan or thier own needs. You may have the best HMO in the world until the specialist for a new diagnoisis doesnt allow access to the specialist you want or need. When you can't change the plan you really are screwed. For transplant, we talk to people about getting a med advantage because the supplement/part D al-e-catre options can be to pricy for some, espeically the drug coverage. I never tell a person a plan to pick, but working for a facility I will give a range of plans that we accept and ask the patient to talk with each of thier providers and look at the drug coverage to make sure the plan they pick is the best one for them and thier exisiting medical providers/medications. And review that yearly when open enrollment comes up just in case.
@@russbarrows6689 You are correct. And, if you are in one of the following, you can switch without needing underwriting: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York
Yes, but to get a supplement plan they have to go through the medical underwriting process. If they have a ‘condition’ like diabetes or CKD, no supplement plan will access them. And if you can find one, then only people in Clark’s income bracket will be able to afford the premiums.
If you have Medicare Part A and B, do you recommend an advantage plan as well? I'm turning 65 next month and don't know what to do. Also, can you explain the difference between medigap and advantage plans? Thank you.
It all depends on your current state of health. As a cancer survivor with numerous side effects, I see specialists nearly every week. Although I can get a "no cost" advantage plan, the co-pays they charge quickly add up and if I'm hospitalized, it they can run into the thousands each year. I have medigap plan 'G' and know the monthly costs in advance ao I can budget for them. The government's medicare premiums (that everyone pays) are deducted from SS. I've had three hospitalizations and seen more specialists than I can remember over the past year and have never seen a bill. Think about your future health and get specific details before making a decision.
All advantage plans you pay 1st five days in hosp all radiology 2 to 400.00 unless preventitive like lung scan i had to find out on line wanted to charge my ex 200.00 low dose ct scan
@@brocklanders6969 Nope they are reality. As someone who has a Wife that works for a health Insurance Company, who also has health issues. I fully understand the problems of when your healthcare is decided by a health Insurance Company, and not a medical provider.
@@autohelix Well, as an independent medicare broker for years with hundreds of sub-65 disabled clients (the higherst untilization group) I can confidently say it is a myth. Never once heard of it happening. I work with the 3 largest carriers in my state.
Then you actually went to an out-of-network provider. True in-network providers are contractually prohibited from billing a patient for more than the plan allows for in-network charges. Your Explanation of Benefits from the plan will indicate the maximum out-of-pocket that the insured may owe for a given service. The provider cannot bill you for more than that amount.
@g0989 actually, I contacted the licensed agent who sold me on the plan, and she told me doctors in network in Georgia. Also, I was told when making the appointment that they accepted it. I paid accordingly. After I returned to New Jersey, the upcharges came, plus. Fast forward to responses from the insurance company. 1) "He's in-network but not in my" 'nationwide' "network" 2) "Doctors come in and out of the network all the time" Now, may I hear further?
@@geoffreyjones3832I'm puzzled. I've never heard of something like that before. There is a difference between "accepting" insurance and being "in-network". You are correct that doctors can come and go from the network any time, and directory listings may not be 100% accurate. The doctor may drop from the network, but still accept the insurance plan, but not accept insurance assignment from that plan, if the are no longer "contracting" with the plan. If that is not the case, then I don't know what to say. If it were me, I would be switching to a better plan at the next opportunity, and probably find myself a better agent. It sounds like you were mislead. The better agents will go to bat for the client to help resolve issues like this. I definitely would have appealed the claim.
There are lots of different Medicare Advantage plans from several different companies. If you don’t like the one you’re in, switch to another. Clark is almost in hysterics about MA. Incidentally, more than 50% of participants are now in MA plans. Supplement plans are now in the minority.
I would never ever have an Advantage plan. I have been researching medicare for three years now and soon to be 65. Supplimental and part D prescription plans are the way for me 1000%.
MA plans are on the rise because most insurance brokers for the most part only inform people of advantage plans. They make more than double commission to sell advantage over supplemental plans. Most people like me would rely on the broker. Thankfully, day before I had appointment with broker , older sister warned me of MA plans. First thing the broker said she was setting me up with was Aetna MA. Never mentioned regular medicare. This set up red flag. I asked why that one and she said was the best one out there. Until I said my sister said only go w medicare w supplement did she talk about options. Most people aren't aware of bad points of MA as broker doesn't talk about it. I found i needed surgery month I started on Medicare and would have had to wait for approval, not with supplement route.
Friday funnies #bonusterm - "Unlimited Data"... Endless Binge-watching of Star Trek shows featuring the character named "Data." Lol. Bonus bonus.. "screenager." Always using their iPhones, etc.
Cost varies widely depending on the letter plan you choose, the insurance company's rates (varies from company to company), geographic location, your age, etc. I would say most plans are in the $100-$300 range, but your premiums could be higher or lower than that range.
When you are 65, the cost may be closer to the $100 level. (Mine was) By the time I turned 70, it had risen to $245. I was told by more than one person, that when I got to 75, that the premium would double again. I switched to an Advantage plan at 70. Couldn’t be happier. BUT, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research companies and what plans they each offer. Pick the best option for you, not the same as your neighbor. Even a husband and wife, with different medical needs might choose different plans.
You can easily change advantage plans, they are the best bang for your buck. As long as you stay in Network everything is fine. America needs a National Healthcare System like every other industrialized country. Eliminate medical insurance companies. Who gave them the right tp determine who gets care ?? And screw Americans??
Clark, I agree with everything you said about Medicare Disadvantage plans. But you left out one of the primary reasons why brokers push them so hard: The commissions that brokers make on Advantage plans is significantly higher than Supplemental plans. Therefore many brokers “oversell” them, especially to those who are ignorant about Medicare insurance.
That is true only on the initial sale for someone new to Medicare. Re-writes, which common in MA, pay half which is about the same as selling a Medigap plan.
@@brocklanders6969 But it’s the initial sale that matters most. If people choose the wrong plan when entering Medicare, it could be the wrong decision of a lifetime, just as Clark was saying in the video.
My uncle has issues with Advantage plan. His children wanted him to move to another state to be close to them, he had no children left in the state he was in. But moving with a advantage plan and having to change to a different plan was impossible.
What? This is flat out false. He will almost certainly have to change MA plans if he moves out of state as there are very few multi-state plans. He gets a Special Enrollment Period and he can enroll in most plan offered in the area he is moving to. In fact, under MACRA rules he can get a Medigap (supplement) plan guaranteed issue.
That simply is not true. There are two ways to be able to change advantage plans. First, each year at open enrollment you can switch with No underwriting. Second, if you move, at anytime during the year, you can change plans to one that is offered in your new area.
Each person has different needs when it comes to Medicare insurance. Some may be able to afford the high medigap premiums. Some want extra coverage for dental and hearing and eyeglasses. Some will accept higher copays for the promise of a reduction in the Medicare premium paid out of your social security check. Some may need medical transportation to doctors appointments. Or delivered meals. Or gym memberships. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Pick the best plan for YOU. Even a husband and wife may need different plans.
My wife Debra Jean died the most horrible Alzheimer's death you can possibly imagine because of United healthcare run run run they murdered my wife and tortured her... You think I'm kidding...😢
My condolences to you. I worked as a nurse for a Medicare Advantage plan. Unfortunately, MAs are big business and make big profits, but nobody talks about how often situations like yours happen.
Medicare Advantage - I disagree. A person can dis- enroll during the annual election period. A person can select a PPO plan and see any doctor nationwide within their network. NO ONE is STUCK!
If it's past 1 year of original purchase of the MA plan, then you will probably be subject to medical underwriting (i.e. disclosure of pre-existing conditions, etc), unless you're in one of the 4 states that allow it unconditionally.
Re. ambulance chasing lawyers services. Just remember, if you win your case and the lawyer hands you a settlement check, it's pennies on the dollar compared to what they get to keep for themselves. Why do lawyers wear neckties? It holds their foreskins back. 😅
My husband is disabled. 2 years after being disabled he is on Medicare. He is under 65. So Medigap insurance is very expensive. We decided to go with Medicare advantage until he turns 65. We still have time to change, i think. Should we swirch to medigap or wait for 2 years when he will be 65, to switch to medigap?
Depends on state. In GA, the Medigap premiums for under 65 are literally 10x as high as the carriers don't want the business but state makes them offer.
On your 65th BD you can buy Pt D which disenrolls you from MA AND you have a Guaranteed Issue which means you can choose any medigap WITHOUT underwriting. Don't miss that opportunity. You may not have another depending on your disability. Go to your local SHIP agency for information before that birthday. They are free and unbiased.
I agree with the comment above mine. But, the medigap premiums will go up each year. If you want to switch plans, say at 68, you will have to go through underwriting. Advantage plans have no underwriting requirements.
Can't you opt out of a medicare advantage plan and go back to standard Medicare during Oct to Dec each year? Isn't there anybody out there that can answer this question and help out a little?
@@brocklanders6969 There are two periods when you can switch from an Advantage plan back to original Medicare. During the annual open enrollment period from October 15 - December 7 (change will become effective January 1), and January 1 - March 31. There is no underwriting to switch back to original Medicare, but there may be to add a Supplement.
I am changing from an Advantage plan to traditional Medicare starting Jan 1, 2024. I'm healthy, so I could make that change. Why? Because of my wife. She is younger and still on regular insurance. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that the 400 provider MD group that we belong to couldn't treat. We went to another local system, and they couldn't treat it either. We wound up at a university hospital where she had a 7 hour operation with 6 specialist surgeons, including the department heads from two departments. She then had a month long hospitalization, radiation, and... etc. etc. Thank God that she had good insurance. I can't even imagine the cost. This made me think about my own policy. I'm glad to trade free Tylenol and dental cleanings for choice of who provides my care, which is why I switched back.
You still pay 20% of the cancer treatments on traditional Medicare. (Unless you get the treatment while admitted to a hospital)
For Chemo Reference:
www.medicare.gov/coverage/chemotherapy#:~:text=Medicare%20covers%20chemotherapy%20if%20you%20have%20cancer.&text=Part%20A%20covers%20inpatient%20hospital,you're%20a%20hospital%20inpatient.&text=Part%20B%20covers%20certain%20doctors,medical%20supplies%2C%20and%20preventive%20services.
For Radiation Reference:
www.medicare.gov/coverage/radiation-therapy
“Disadvantage” Plan OK regular Medicare and a supplement plan and a drug plan is the best I agree but we don't all have a pension or big IRA or savings account with lots of money. It would really hurt me to buy the extra insurance for my wife and I. My wife was a stay at home mom all the years so her SS check is low if I were to purchase 2 extra policies and 2 drug plans it would never work. You would have to choose between paying bills buying food or paying for the extra plans. Just last month my wife had to go to the emergency room she had a cat scan MRI ekg blood tests and the plan covered it. The doctors in the plan are the same ones that other people we know use with regular Medicare. I don't think Clark stinks but not all of us can afford to do anything else and we also feel blessed that we have Medical insurance at all.
I agree
I wish the Medicare Advantage plans would be changed to a more appropriate name: private insurance plans.
Medigap and Part D Rx plans are also private insurance, but you are okay with that?
@@brocklanders6969medigap plans have to follow medicare guidelines. Advantage plans have their own guidelines.
Traditional Medicare covers Part A (Hospital), Part B (doctors), the Medigap Supplements can be Part G or N, Prescription Plans are Part D. Medicare Advantage plans are Part C. Other than Parts A and B where the government pays 80% of costs, they are all private insurance plans. You are only required by law to have A, B, and D. The rest is up to you. You can have a Part G Supplement to cover the 20% not covered by A and B, or opt into a Part C Advantage Plan which covers Part A, B, D, plus Dental, Vision, Hearing and other benefits under one Private Insurance Policy.
@@brocklanders6969The problem is a lot of seniors get Medicare Advantage plans because they think it’s actually Medicare from the government. It’s very misleading to advertise a private insurance plan with Medicare in the name when it’s just an alternative to Medicare and not actually Medicare.
@@TC-fx5zu No, they don't. They clearly know they are private Medicare plans (Part- C) and it IS part of Medicare. Just like Part-D Rx Drug is part of Medicare.
The average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 medigap plans in Florida with a drug plan are about $300 a month extra. I think this is the most common reason seniors choose them. Medicare needs to be updated to cover all expenses so people who have worked hard all their lives don't have to worry about this.
At present I have to choose a plan, the problem is I can’t afford D and or G,N plan. Now I have no choice but to look at advantage plans. I called ARAP for a dental plan, what a joke. Customer service wasn’t interested in helping me unless I bought the 160$ plan. If I could afford that I’d buy one through Medicare. Looking at all the Medicare plans, it’s the BEST plans to go with, if you go afford it. If you can’t you’ll have to go with a private/advantage plan that sucks
One word about the lack of mobility of the advantage plans. Well that is true. I have had several instances where my condition required me to go out of the area and out of network because it wasn't offered in my area. Usually all you have to do in that situation is call the insurance plan and ask them to wave the out of network. Also, if an out of network is used in something like an operation, perhaps an anesthesiologist... There is an expectation when you go into a hospital that's all the services will be considered in network and they will also waive that out of network also. Problem is most people don't call their insurance plans and ask for waivers! I realized it also may also depend on your insurance plan! I'm with Aetna and they have done me very well.
The police officers here are hanging out at the firehouse watching TV and eating. I’m not a firefighter and I agree wholeheartedly with Clarke, anyone who is brave enough to run into a burning building is a hero, in my book.
I appreciate them all. I would not want to do either dangerous job.❤. My hero’s are also military.
Who in their mind has the nerve to be a policeperson? Going straight into flying bullets, choking child, fires, removing people from a mangled car
I took your advice on advantage plans. I have a plan n medagap. My friends say I should have a advantage plan. I said no because listened to you. Thank you 👍
If you went with traditional Medicare plus a supplement plus a prescription plan because Clark Howard said that it is better, then YOU are very foolish. Those plans may be best for Clark Howard, but he knows nothing about your health, your finances, the prescriptions you take, any pre-existing conditions, if you wear glasses, dentures, hearing aids or where you live. All of these factors enter into the very personal decisions regarding your health insurance. If you live in a midsized community with a large senior citizen population, your choices are much more plentiful than if you live in a more rural area. If you live alone you may need transportation to and from medical appointments. Or, if you have surgery, do you need meals delivered to your home while you recover? Do you have access to a gym at no cost? My advantage plan has all these benefits plus dental, vision, and hearing. No referrals needed, and a $10 copay for specialists. DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK! Research the different companies and the plans they offer. Don’t depend on Clark Howard to tell you what plan is best for you. And don’t depend on the federal government to know what plan benefits you need.
You're now paying too much for Medicare. Congratulations. I pay $0 monthly premiums with an advantage plan and I have the same Medicare coverage. I've saved $36,000 over 10 years because I don't pay the average $300/month premium for a supplemental plan. The doctors who take Medicare in my area are the same. I get the exact same healthcare coverage as anyone on Medicare. I don't understand your choice. But, everyone is different.
Your work is a big help to a lot of us and the laughs are great, too. I used to hear you on the radio but this is more convenient.
Thank you Team Clark.
Thank you Clark. I've been learning about medicare for close to 3 years. I read all I could find and listened to hundreds of U-tube presentations about Advantage and original medicare. I just applied for parts A and B and will be purchasing a Plan N and prescription plan effective January. I am so very comfortable with my choice for multiple reasons because of my research, too many to explain in this message. I agree with you about the private insurance plan AKA Part C - Advantge plan is something to approach with a lot of caution. I understand however, for anyone on very limited income wanting to obtain the Advantage plan. But aren't those with such limited in income qualify for medicaid?
I am 72 years old. I am divorced , living alone. My income is somewhere north of $35,000. I do not qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford the $300 per month supplement premium plus the $20 per month prescription plan premium. I live in a midsized city with a large Senior population. My advantage care plan offers all the benefits I can wish for, a large network of providers at $0 per month premium, with no referrals and a $10 copay for specialists.
I was bamboozled into choosing an advantage plan. Fortunately, I was able to dump it and get plan F.
As always good show. 😊
I have been a member of Kaiser Georgia HMO since 2014. I am 100% satisfied with the plan. I have saved big $ over traditional medicare. Excellent care with first rate Dr's and nurses.
I have been a Kaiser North (California) patient for over 30 years with both an employer's plan and ACA. We have had a good experience with them. I am leaning towards Kaiser Advantage when we turn 65 next year.
You can always change to a different Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period, without underwriting. Also, you have "Trial Rights" for the first 12 months of your enrollment in Advantage. You can switch back to Medicare with Medigap without underwriting within that period. Unlike Medigap, plans, which are standardized according to "letter', Advantage plans can vary widely. Some plans have more robust networks than others. Some geographic areas have more plan choices and network providers than others. And generally, PPO plans have more robust networks than HMOs.
I think what draws most seniors to Advantage, are the premiums for Medigap plans, which can be hundreds of dollars a month over and above Medicare premiums, especially as one ages.
Yes you're right about the first 12 in the advantage plan and yes you can change "Advantage" plans during the open enrollment period. Let's face it if you're blessed to live long enough you're going to get hit with something... and it's probably not going to be during that first 12 months. I'm just afraid people take the plan initially because of the price and will regret it down the road.
We need flexibility such as choosing a Naturopathic doctor. What’s to be afraid of? Less cancer deaths for starters. It’s a matter of Choice.😳Toxicity does not work. 🥑Lani
I am 100% with Clark on Medicare (dis)Advantage plans. I believed I would be OK with an "in network" plan when at 65 I signed up for an MA plan with Anthem BC, when I needed to see a GI specialist in Year 2 I learned this plan had not a single GI specialist in their network. Sure, they gave me a list of doctors that were supposed to be in their network but the list was made up. They finally allowed me to see a doctor out of network. It took months of dealing with the insurance company. I realized going with an MA plan was HUGE mistake. Fortunately, in Year 3 of Medicare I was able to pass the health questionnaire and sign up for a Medicare Supplemental plan which provides me with great access to doctors, anywhere in the country. Don't let the small added cost in premium deter you from going with a Supplemental plan. The limits on $ coverage and access to providers are well worth paying the $150 to $250 per month for a Supplemental plan, I like the G plan, but you get the same coverage with an N plan if you are concerned about the rare times a doctor charge extra. One cannot predict what medical needs will arise. Knowing you are covered with a predictable monthly bill is priceless. I was fortunate to be accepted into a supplement plan after more than a Year with MA. If you to try an MA plan in Year 1, you may be able to switch to original Medicare + a Supplemental plan in Year 2 without passing a health questionnaire. But you if have a serious health condition in Year 2 or later you will be denied by the Supplemental insurance company. These MA plans are a bonanza for these insurance companies who get tens of thousands of bucks from the government FOR EACH person they sign up to take over from the Medicare program. It's no wonder they offer free gym memberships. Our government is overpaying the insurance companies for what they deliver. It's a disgrace.
This is not the case. This from the government website; medicare.gov: "Can I switch back to regular Medicare from Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B." You only escape those underwriting questions (real name: pre-existing conditions questions) within the first 3 months you are on Medicare Part & Part B.
I have been told that since I am over 65 years old during open enrollment time. I would have to pass a medical exam to switch out of my Advantage plan...The non Advantage plan us $200 a month! It is maybe the right choice but with having to insure more in my auto insurance to accommodate all of the more expensive vehicles on the road that I might hit..rising property taxes and insurance..inflation I don't have enough left for healthy food and rising utilities.
One of the BEST aspects of ALDI's is as a busy person I am in and out in 20-25 mins with a full cart. I can't stand the slow checkouts and football field size footprints of many of the others.
World's best checkers here at Aldi's too.
Aldi rocks!
Good description of Aldi's Kirkwood Chicken Breast Nuggets. ha ha
Great exposé on home warranty scams. My friends bought a six-year-old home in California that came with American home shield warranty. The air conditioner then promptly died and they were unable to send any service people out for a week even though it was 115° outside. They sent out some incompetent guy who fumbled around for a couple hours and declared it fixed even though it was still blowing hot air. Then they told my friends it would be another week before they could get anybody out there to look at it again, so they ended up eating the expensive repair cost out of pocket, and American home shield will have nothing to do with reimbursing them. Stay away from these crooks.
I have Medicare's MSA, medical savings account ( see page 67 of the " Medicare and You" book. If you don't have serious health problems and you don't run to the doctor for every little scratch, this is an amazing choice. I even rejected Part D after watching how my relatives just get sicker going the route of big pharma. Natural health is the way to go. Use your insurance for accidents. MSA ... no networks, 100% coverage when you meet your deductible. You build up money that is given to you in the MSA for the high deductible expenses.
I'm here in Georgia and I have to say, not all Aldi's are created equal. Some are impressive, others borderline disgusting. It just depends.
You are the cutest Clark. Thank you for your show and all that you do.❤
With the Advantage plan what he is talking about is that after the one year trial you cannot go to traditional Medicare without medical underwriting. The insurance company can deny the underwriting if you have any health issues. You are then stuck with the Advantage plan. The next problem comes with denial of coverage. For instance, my Aunt was hospitalized for 2 weeks. Her dr wanted her to go to a nursing facility for therapy so she could walk again. Molina Medicare advantage refused to allow her the therapy. She disputed it and they denied it again. This caused her to be bedbound the rest of her life. She was happy with her advantage plan until that happened. Because she had poor health. She was unable to change to traditional Medicare from the advantage plan.
You can always go back to original Medicare without underwriting. It's the supplements that require underwriting, in many cases. I wouldn't recommend original Medicare with no supplement, as there would be no annual maximum out of pocket cap. I would suggest switching to a different Advantage plan, if caught in that situation, as Advantage plans don't have underwriting. Some Advantage plans are better than others.
@@g0989No supplement is not a realistic option. Just pretend original Medicare with no Medigap is not one of the valid choices. That means to get original Medicare back, you have to pass underwriting for the Medigap. All Disadvantage plans will screw you over at the end of your life when you care is too expensive. There is no such thing as a good Disadvantage plan because your experiences while healthy doesn't matter.
Medicare Advantage is good as long as you’re healthy but if you get seriously injured or sick you’re in trouble. The main complaint that I’ve heard about them is the same thing you said- they refuse to pay for a rehab hospital. If you break a hip they’ll send you straight home after hip surgery. Apparently they don’t care if you’re able to take care of yourself or if you can even walk again.
I would have made a complaint to my state’s Department of Managed Care.
MA is pushed by so many due to they are paid higher commissions than regular medicare. I have researched for months now, attended several "free dinners", watched countless hours of TH-cam videos on MC VS MA and chose to go with Medicare with plan G. I turn 65 next month and gladly will pay the extra cost to choose who I want to see and when. Thanks Clark. No stinky here!
Going to call B.S. on this one. It is against CMS rules to offer a full meal or anything of value above $15 at sales at educational events. CMS employes secret shoppers. No legit broker is going to risk their license and do this. The free dinner post cards that come in the mail are a ruse to hock fixed index annuities.
You are willing to pay the extra premiums for the supplement plan and prescription plan. But wait five years. When you are 70, that premium will be 2 to 2.5 times higher than it is at 65. And if you develop any ‘condition’ you will be unable to switch to a different supplement plan. There is no underwriting for advantage plans and you can switch plans each year at open enrollment.
@@markkalmanson2588 Sorry, you will never convince me to use MA. And where are your fact?
@@fishingpinky3165 No one is trying to convince you to do anything. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Check into the various companies that offer Advantage Care plans and learn about each plan they offer. Look into the different benefits that each plan offers and how much they cost. I don’t know how old you are, but when your supplement premium goes from $100 to $250 from age 65 to 70, then goes up to $500 the time you turn 75, you might change your mind. Unless you are in Clark’s income bracket.
A person can always go back to Original Medicare. They might not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. But they can go back to Original Medicare with zero underwriting. Advantage Plans are nothing more than managed care by a private insurance company. It is the same that millions of Americans experience and participate in with an employers group insurance coverage. Insurance is nothing more than your risk tolerance. Period. It can all work.
I started medicare with a medigap policy for a couple of years, thinking this was the best option with minimal restrictions. But when my wife opted for medicare advantage I realized I was wasting my money. Reason 1 is I am relatively healthy and was not in need of medical services and reason 2 is that we are fortunate to have a first class HMO in our area with leading medical center and physicians in all specialties. And reason 3 it is more economical. Note that one of our insurance companies do allow you to go from advantage HMO back to a supplement plan. It comes down to what is best for each person within their means and most critically the availability of quality medical providers.
If you travel advantage plans don’t work.
@@rumproast5159 Per CMS rules, Advantage plans are required to cover urgent or emergency needs nationwide at in-network copays. As for non-urgent or emergency medical care outside your home territory, that can vary, depending on the insurance carrier. Some cover it, others don't.
A lot of very sick older people were once "relatively healthy" too. Dont base the future on the past.
My wife has the UNH advantage plan and I have Medicare with a G supplement. We have had this several years and frankly their seems to be that Advantage plan has a lot of Advantages. Plus you don’t need a medication supplement and she gets back $ 40.- per quarter. Both of us have had surgeries and the net costs is not showing much difference. I find that the same doctors and facilities accept both. Have you ever had an Advantage plan?
I've been in Medicare Advantage plans for 23 years in Florida. A Medicare advisor at AMAC told me that the Florida plans are so superior and good that I should stick with it when I was talking to him about their supplemental plans. I can't imagine any better care than I have had for all these years. This may be the only item for which I disagree with Clark.
So if you are healthy enough to have no risk of certain procedures,then tab is great. Just like not having car insurance as long as you don’t get in an accident. Wise planning doesn’t generally include “hoping that you won’t be denied or have extra charges” . That is a personal risk-assessment decision. The fact that you personally disagree doesn’t make his recommendation less valid .
@vancebeazer458 My wife who has the UNH advantage plan in Florida had aortic valve surgery which cost over $ 500,000 and my wife was out of pocket for just $ 3,000.
@@vancebeazer458 It's not a matter of disagreement. I have 23 years of solid factual data evidencing excellent care. And it's no small thing that the supplemental insurance representative at AMAC told me that I would be better off sticking with my Florida Medicare Advantage plan than buying supplemental insurance.
Congratulations for being in excellent health! I wish I had avoided the 'cancer' bug. Plan G saved me thousands over the last 5 years.
Thanks much!
My mom lived to the ripe age of 87 and she was on an advantage plan that worked beautifully. She even had to see specialist and still we never had any problems, she saw very good doctors throughout her life on this good earth.
1:11
It sounds like she was relatively healthy near the end. That's why.
Glad it worked out for her! She was among the 70% of satisfied customers! 💚
My mom wasn't that healthy, that's why she got phenomena and antibiotics weren't working for her. And she saw alit of specialist too.
I think if you live in a larger metropolitan area the Advantage plans work better because there are just more providers. If you live in a more rural area that's where the lack of providers is the problem. Also, I've read that medication, mostly cancer drugs, are not covered as well. And can be very expensive if they won't pay for the drug, they want you to try the cheaper stuff first, then if maybe too late for the expense stuff...and paying out of pocket for a $$60,000 per month drug is not something most can afford to pay if insurance won't cover.
Well they read Bruce's letter so I hope he keeps his word and pays up the 100 he bet.
Home warranties are pure garbage. They made a simple problem worse by having unqualified, inexperienced contractors attempt to fix a problem. Such a poor system of service. Don’t waste your time, energy and money on these contracts. The only guarantee is that you’ll be disappointed and frustrated.
It depends on the company. Our home warranty covers very well in our home in Ham Lake Minnesota
@@Joce123I’m happy for you. It’s a disaster in most areas. Those companies get a class action against them and the company name is changed and bad business continues.
I evcho earlier post that points out you can change from one MA plan to another during yearly open enrollment period and that there's a grace period at beginning of the year. Most states (or all) have help via Area Agency on Aging to help with selecting Medicare plans. Usually called SHINE or SHIP.
In Georgia I have switched from one advantage plan to another. The only thing is I don;t like are the networks of doctors. I want to go to any doctor I want to but with these plans you can;t. I still think it is better than regular Medicare.
Pick a plan that your doctor is in the network. Not the other way around. Don’t pick a doctor just because he is in your plan.
Medicare Advantage Plan vs. Traditional Medicare ... do your homework! There are pros and cons to both. It all depends on what fits your lifestyle and pocket book. Nothing in life is guaranteed.
Aldi's is the cheapest place to get groceries. Period... And they are run much different than other stores in the US. One simple example is the deposit on shopping carts. Such a simple change, and it solves the entire gathering up carts left in the parking lot.
Ask an insurance how much an advantage commission is. This is where the money goes that should be in the actual medicare pot.
What you say about Medicare advantage plans is probably true. However, I have Kaiser Permanente's advantage plan through my employer. I can't tell the difference from before I retired and had Kaiser and after I retired. Everything has been great under this program.
I went from Kaiser with an employer to Kaiser with ACA. I pay higher copays but other than that it is the same. I am hoping for the same experience with Kaiser Advantage
@@dancurran8977Kaiser will still be able to do a in a Medicare advantage-just like Aetna and all the other big insurance companies.
Great advice on wedding!
I have had an advantage plan for 17 years and I love it. Regular Medicare with the fixings is just too much for me financially to handle. I have come to the conclusion that if you live long enough no matter what the medical system is going to take everything away from you anyway. In the end I'm going to be broke anyway. So if I get a medical bill that I absolutely cannot handle the pay I will just not pay it. The hospitals don't come after you anyway, but your credit may take a hit which doesn't matter because you're towards the end of life and don't need it anyway. You will go for as long as you can and then Medicaid will kick in after you have spent everything down to $2, 000. If you use Medicaid for nursing home care, most likely you will not be willing anything to your children.
I think if your credit score is under 500 points, they won’t let you in heaven! Sorry👍😄😂😅😃😁😆
P
Advantage plans are mostly HMO. You want PPO you just pay more. IF YOU HAVE STRAIGHT MEDICARE YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A SUPPLEMENTAL.
I have worked in local government for 9 years. Firemen are definitely the first one to respond 99% of the time.
Medicare Advantage plans, like most HMOs, are good if you’re healthy. Once you have a serious problem. God help you.
Once I turned 65 I got regular Medicare and a supplement because of the nightmare I went through navigating a serious illness while on an HMO.
Broken windows philosophy can and should carry over to online reseller sites. I believe the ease at reselling online has fueled the shoplifting firestorm. I'm sick and tired of social media execs crying a river that they want govt regulation but backdoor lobbyists with millions to fight regulation.
Great comment and helpful! Hint from English teacher drop the overuse use of also! Say it without and determine if it is necessary!
If you have traditional Medicare and a Medigap supplement and don’t care about Advantage plans you need to be aware of a program Medicare started in 2019 called Direct Contracting Entities(DCEs)
DCEs uses the Advantage business model and applies it to traditional Medicare and Medigap supplement policies. The scheme has no Congressional oversight or approval, you can be automatically enrolled in the program and doctors can be paid for signing you up for the plan.
In early 2023 the name of the scheme was changed to ACOREACH. What ever the name the intent is to hand over Medicare and Medigap supplement policies to the for profit insurance industry by 2030. The plan you chose and spent decades paying for will go away.
Congressional opponents of traditional Medicare could not kill off the program so they have done the next best thing, hand over your health insurance to their rich donors.
I had T- mobile years ago , was in Georgia I was lost trying to call my friend there wes just going in circles... The whole area must have been added zone, I was told ATT would take over if that happened ... That wasn't true,I had to Go To A PAY PHONE in dangerous area... When I got back home, I told them what happened, And I Dumped T Mobile. I tried the other company that T - mobile hooked up with cnt think of the name, horrible, drop calls constantly, talking to a friend 4 houses away we both had that company.... I'll never go back to either of them.
If you have ANY significant medical issues, Medicare makes you pay 20% of costs and has NO Out-of-pocket limit. Only upper middle class income people can afford a Medigap policy. So, whats you're answer to that ... Go with the best Medicare Advantage plan you can find in your area after doing due diligence.
Correct. Clark speaks from a position of privilege. Medigap+Part-D is almost an exclusive upper income product.
How much per month? Give me a number.
@@autohelix About $200 in GA to start, but that will escalate over time. Keep in mind that doesn't include the $165 Part B premium. Many advanced age seniors are crying the blues over their Plan Fs paying $300 to $400+ a month.
@@brocklanders6969 I live in NC. I Recently looked at plan N for my dad, and to start most are under a $100. Plan G is about $30 more a month.
@@autohelix It can vary widely depending on the state, carrier and plan. Plan N is a better value and most of my clients choosing Medigap opt for it. He will also needs a Part-D plan or pay a late enrollment penalty. These plans are going up significantly next year.
I always use a mobile hot spot device in Europe and get my data card there, so no need to worry about American lines and data etc.
If someone wants out of an Advantage plan, they can return to traditional medicare, they'll have to get a prescription drug plan. You cant get a Medigap less than $200 a month in some states, theres no dental, vision, hearing or prescription coverage. That has to be paid separately.
Fantastic advice on Medicare Disadvantage plans, Clark! You don't get something for nothing.
So, true. A friend of mine mocked me for going on traditional Medicare and a Supplement Plan instead of going on an Advantage Plan. Now, ten years later she is crying the blues being on an Advantage Plan. She had three surgeries in a year and half (some complications after her second surgery); she has medical bills in the thousands of dollars and she doesn't know how she is going to pay for them on her limited income. She is thinking of selling her home to cover her bills.
@@lynfl9814 Lol. "I'll take sh_t that never happened for a $1000 Alex."
How do I find out which states allow You to Change out of the advantage plans
It is a Federally regulated program. All states are the same. You can go from traditional Medicare to an advantage plan during the open enrollment period each year. And you can drop your advantage plan at any time and go back to traditional Medicare plus a supplement plan. BUT, if you have a pre-existing condition like CKD or diabetes, you won’t qualify for a Medicare Supplement plan.
There's very little information about the states, I believe there's only 4, that allows you to move from "disadvantage" back to traditional Medicare without having to go through underwriting. I'm sure that's had a direct effect on the high costs of gap/supplement plans in those states. I'm in CT. If I'm in a disadvantage plan can I simply call my agent and switch back if a health crisis arises? Also can I go back to traditional if I move to another state where mobility isn't as friendly, before I were to move.
Also the agents make the most commission on Medicare Advantage.
Greg mentioned Target, lol. If Target was free I would not shop there.
Can we file a class action suit for misrepresentation of medicare ads?
I was stunned recently when I asked my wife’s 88 year old aunt for her Medicare insurance card. She had traditional Medicare in the past, but she apparently had changed to a Medicare Advantage plan! And this plan was marketed through AARP! AARP is supposed to be helping seniors! I was very angry about this total scam. Shame on AARP!
AARP helps itself at the expense of seniors. Steer clear.
Are you paying the premium for your wife’s aunt’s Medicare Supplement plan? Or if she didn’t have a supplement plan, will you pay her 20% copay with no limit on out of pocket expense? At 70, when I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan, my supplement premium was going to $245 per month. By 75, that premium would double. I can’t imagine what it would be at 88. Each person has to decide for himself which type of plan is the right one, then pick the best plan for you out of the available plans.
Medicare does not cover you outside of the US. Many retirees including myself are moving to other countries where the climate is better, much cheaper to live, fresher and less expensive fruits and vegetables and a more relaxed atmosphere. Overall a much healthier feeling. Their are some (dis) Advantage plans that will cover you in some foreign countries in a event of a medical urgent or emergency need. But Clark in all your very informative podcasts you never have had this discussion about the millions of retirees living in other countries??
I guess they don't care about their kids or grandkids. How nice to move away from everybody.
I understand feeling judgy on other people's motives...
My mother moved away from us all to a warmer climate. Yes, she basically forfeited her relationship with her grands. Yes, it was sad. She chose the lifestyle she wanted, and thought that a yearly visit was enough ,for her, at least. But it's not right for me to demand other's priorities, either. I accepted as a tool to teach my children that choices have consequences.
@autohelix what about when their kids move to other countries? My friend flies to Thailand twice a year to see her son.
The State of North Carolina now offers group Medicare Advantage PPOs as well as a non-MA plan. Roughly 90% of the retirees choose the Medicare Advantage plan. As a state retiree, I have been very pleased with the state's MA plans but for next year, I'm electing an individual MA PPO because it has even lower co-pays as well as reimbursement of up to $2900 dental bills per year (from any dentist for any dental payment). Each person's case is different. In my case, I am very fortunate, taking no prescriptions and very healthy and don't smoke. I'll try my outside individual plan for a year and if I don't like it, will switch back to the state's MA PPO. (I have never been denied service by any healthcare provider.)
Just make sure your employer will let you re-enroll in the retiree plan. Some employers who offer plans to retirees, will not allow the retiree to re-enroll in their insurance plans, if they opt out at some point. IOW, once you're out, you're out for good.
In most cases, employer-sponsored group retiree Advantage plans are superior to any individual Advantage plan one is likely to have available to them, particularly when it comes to copays and out-of-pocket max. But again, not always the case.
Clearly that cop doesn't work in Denver.
No Medicare recipient is permanently locked into any supplemental plan Med Advantage or other. Medicare recipients have open enrollment every year and can change plans every year. if they have is a life changing event like a relocation they can change plans outside open enrollment.
That statement is not entirely true. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to pass medical underwriting if you wish to change from a Med Advantage to supplemental plan, for example. If you have certain medical conditions, that could be next to impossible to pass.
AEP and OEP apply only to Medicare Advantage and Part-D Drug plans, not Medigap (Supplements).
Use an esim for international travel folks! Not your expensive phone plan
How many times do you have to say this: don’t buy a home warranty! Common people!
I notice that Clark doesn't mention the lack of an out of pocket maximum with Original Medicare. The copay is 20% with NO annual out of pocket maximum. The annual max out of pocket for most MA plans in 2023 is under $10K. But if you have a major illness like cancer, the total bill (surgery, chemo, radiation, and all the associated specialists that take a cut while the patient is being treated) can sometimes reach $1M or higher. You think most seniors can afford a 20% copay ($200K or more) on a bill like that?
Not saying MA plans are for everyone, but being able to limit OOP medical/hospial costs is a significant incentive...
That is why you get a medigap plan. G, or, N. With original medicare you add medigap, and a part D plan.
@@autohelix While I do think Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D is better for the 65+ market, that has become almost an upper income option exclusively. As a broker, I always present both options. The average SSA retirement check is $1845 and for most, that is all they have coming in. They are not going to part with $150+ a month. The folks that buy Medigap usually have more assets or multiple income retirement streams like a pension, etc.
@@brocklanders6969If you believe that amount of money is upper income, you are crazy. If you told me $500 a month sure, but $150+ no. Sounds like you are dealing with low income, not middle income.
@@autohelix Re-read the post. No where did I say $1845 is upper income. I have mix of low income and wealthy clients and that is the basis of my opinion. Many of my clients are referred to me from financial advisors. I also get referrals from disability attorneys and many of these folks are low income, qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, LIS, etc. It is rare for someone only on SSA RIB to purchase Medigap/Part-D.
My "home warranty" says I am paying it via my gas bill. Comment? How do I get rid of it?
You said SOME states allow "portablity" on the Advantage Plans. Which states offer this portability?? thanks.
It isn't based on the states, it is the carrier. Both Humana and UHC allow you to access their huge national networks while traveling.
It is a federally regulated system. Most medical insurance companies offer HMO plans which lock you into a network of doctors and hospitals and PPO plans which allow you to use doctors in multiple states. Do your homework. Research the plans from each company. Pick the one that fits your needs for the upcoming year. Then if circumstances change, during the next open enrollment period you can switch.
I went to hyvee last night to buy my favorite pizza that is not available anywhere else. It is made by Hebbe in Milacs Mn. It was on sale for 6.99! Minnesota does not tax food. So that price compared to any other pizza ..cooked at home or picked up from a major pizza chain couldnt compared in quality either
Med Adv plans, and any Insurance really, is something people need to look at every year for changes in the plan or thier own needs. You may have the best HMO in the world until the specialist for a new diagnoisis doesnt allow access to the specialist you want or need. When you can't change the plan you really are screwed. For transplant, we talk to people about getting a med advantage because the supplement/part D al-e-catre options can be to pricy for some, espeically the drug coverage. I never tell a person a plan to pick, but working for a facility I will give a range of plans that we accept and ask the patient to talk with each of thier providers and look at the drug coverage to make sure the plan they pick is the best one for them and thier exisiting medical providers/medications. And review that yearly when open enrollment comes up just in case.
Great strategy for giving advice to your clients (hopefully you're giving them both options - med advantage & medigap) and great tips! 🙌
You absolutely do not need any CPA. And it's TWO of the last 5 years.
3:25 - police officers love towards firefighters 🚒
I like Aldi in Europe however in the USA they are not the same. The European ones have much better products.
Question: If a person has been in a Medicate Advantage plan will that person be able to go Medicare and Medicare Supplements plans in following year?
If you can pass the underwriting test.
@@rcn9232 I take the underwriting test has to do with pre-existing conditions. Am I wrong?
@@russbarrows6689 You are correct. And, if you are in one of the following, you can switch without needing underwriting: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York
@@brentgindelberger8851 Thank you.
Yes, but to get a supplement plan they have to go through the medical underwriting process. If they have a ‘condition’ like diabetes or CKD, no supplement plan will access them. And if you can find one, then only people in Clark’s income bracket will be able to afford the premiums.
I like your show… why the headset? I’ve always wondered….
If you have Medicare Part A and B, do you recommend an advantage plan as well? I'm turning 65 next month and don't know what to do. Also, can you explain the difference between medigap and advantage plans? Thank you.
It all depends on your current state of health. As a cancer survivor with numerous side effects, I see specialists nearly every week. Although I can get a "no cost" advantage plan, the co-pays they charge quickly add up and if I'm hospitalized, it they can run into the thousands each year. I have medigap plan 'G' and know the monthly costs in advance ao I can budget for them. The government's medicare premiums (that everyone pays) are deducted from SS. I've had three hospitalizations and seen more specialists than I can remember over the past year and have never seen a bill. Think about your future health and get specific details before making a decision.
All advantage plans you pay 1st five days in hosp all radiology 2 to 400.00 unless preventitive like lung scan i had to find out on line wanted to charge my ex 200.00 low dose ct scan
When that guy, Wes has his house or tail on fire, you just might live long enough to thank that fire fighters
Ninety nine percent of the shoplifters are of the same race...guess which race
He is wrong about advantage plans. They will cover what is medically necessary and the networks are excellent if you live in a good size metro area.
Yet there are stories every single day of people who were denied healthcare.
There are rules and limitations under all plans, Medicare issues denials more than advantage plans@@autohelix
@@autohelix Stories -- that's all they are.
@@brocklanders6969 Nope they are reality. As someone who has a Wife that works for a health Insurance Company, who also has health issues. I fully understand the problems of when your healthcare is decided by a health Insurance Company, and not a medical provider.
@@autohelix Well, as an independent medicare broker for years with hundreds of sub-65 disabled clients (the higherst untilization group) I can confidently say it is a myth. Never once heard of it happening. I work with the 3 largest carriers in my state.
Would you please help me understand. CDBC..?
When I had a "nationwide" disadvantage plan, after visiting an in-network provider, I was charged as if I'd gone to an out of network provider.
Then you actually went to an out-of-network provider. True in-network providers are contractually prohibited from billing a patient for more than the plan allows for in-network charges. Your Explanation of Benefits from the plan will indicate the maximum out-of-pocket that the insured may owe for a given service. The provider cannot bill you for more than that amount.
@g0989 actually, I contacted the licensed agent who sold me on the plan, and she told me doctors in network in Georgia.
Also, I was told when making the appointment that they accepted it.
I paid accordingly. After I returned to New Jersey, the upcharges came, plus.
Fast forward to responses from the insurance company.
1) "He's in-network but not in my" 'nationwide' "network"
2) "Doctors come in and out of the network all the time"
Now, may I hear further?
@@geoffreyjones3832I'm puzzled. I've never heard of something like that before. There is a difference between "accepting" insurance and being "in-network". You are correct that doctors can come and go from the network any time, and directory listings may not be 100% accurate. The doctor may drop from the network, but still accept the insurance plan, but not accept insurance assignment from that plan, if the are no longer "contracting" with the plan.
If that is not the case, then I don't know what to say. If it were me, I would be switching to a better plan at the next opportunity, and probably find myself a better agent. It sounds like you were mislead. The better agents will go to bat for the client to help resolve issues like this. I definitely would have appealed the claim.
@@geoffreyjones3832 Georgia’s Department of Insurance is very responsive. Report it to them.
Fortunately for me, in this my first year, I was able to change over to a Supplemental Insurance plan.
So, you are probably 65 or 66. Wait till you see what that supplement will cost you when you are 70 or 75.
There are lots of different Medicare Advantage plans from several different companies. If you don’t like the one you’re in, switch to another. Clark is almost in hysterics about MA. Incidentally, more than 50% of participants are now in MA plans. Supplement plans are now in the minority.
None of that means MA plans are good. Most financial folks recommend against them. I know Suze Orman does.
I would never ever have an Advantage plan. I have been researching medicare for three years now and soon to be 65. Supplimental and part D prescription plans are the way for me 1000%.
@@joanclayton1181 AGREED! I turn 65 next month and more than willing to pay the medigap premium to choose who I want to see.
MA plans are on the rise because most insurance brokers for the most part only inform people of advantage plans. They make more than double commission to sell advantage over supplemental plans. Most people like me would rely on the broker. Thankfully, day before I had appointment with broker , older sister warned me of MA plans. First thing the broker said she was setting me up with was Aetna MA. Never mentioned regular medicare. This set up red flag. I asked why that one and she said was the best one out there. Until I said my sister said only go w medicare w supplement did she talk about options. Most people aren't aware of bad points of MA as broker doesn't talk about it. I found i needed surgery month I started on Medicare and would have had to wait for approval, not with supplement route.
@@joanclayton1181 I was in Humana. I switched back to original Medicare and a high deductible supplement.
The father of the bride was even looking at putting things on a credit card.
I don't think he wanted to give cash.
If something goes wrong, father of the bride can dispute the charges.
Friday funnies #bonusterm - "Unlimited Data"... Endless Binge-watching of Star Trek shows featuring the character named "Data." Lol. Bonus bonus.. "screenager." Always using their iPhones, etc.
Unless you are very poor in that case medicaid is better
How much do medicap programs cost?
Cost varies widely depending on the letter plan you choose, the insurance company's rates (varies from company to company), geographic location, your age, etc. I would say most plans are in the $100-$300 range, but your premiums could be higher or lower than that range.
When you are 65, the cost may be closer to the $100 level. (Mine was) By the time I turned 70, it had risen to $245. I was told by more than one person, that when I got to 75, that the premium would double again. I switched to an Advantage plan at 70. Couldn’t be happier. BUT, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research companies and what plans they each offer. Pick the best option for you, not the same as your neighbor. Even a husband and wife, with different medical needs might choose different plans.
The word "Medicare" must be taken out of the "Medicare Advantage" name. It is neither Medicare nor an Advantage.
You can easily change advantage plans, they are the best bang for your buck. As long as you stay in Network everything is fine. America needs a National Healthcare System like every other industrialized country. Eliminate medical insurance companies. Who gave them the right tp determine who gets care ?? And screw Americans??
Like Canada where you wait for months to see a doctor? And get denied for life-saving surgeries?
Most annuities are a scam! They are extremely expensive, lack market returns and lack many wealth transfer options.
Clark, I agree with everything you said about Medicare Disadvantage plans. But you left out one of the primary reasons why brokers push them so hard: The commissions that brokers make on Advantage plans is significantly higher than Supplemental plans. Therefore many brokers “oversell” them, especially to those who are ignorant about Medicare insurance.
That is true only on the initial sale for someone new to Medicare. Re-writes, which common in MA, pay half which is about the same as selling a Medigap plan.
@@brocklanders6969 But it’s the initial sale that matters most. If people choose the wrong plan when entering Medicare, it could be the wrong decision of a lifetime, just as Clark was saying in the video.
I DISGREE, I LOVE ALDI PRICES AND QHALITY ARE BETTER
Their stores are dirty and have odd choices of food that seem completely random.
My uncle has issues with Advantage plan. His children wanted him to move to another state to be close to them, he had no children left in the state he was in. But moving with a advantage plan and having to change to a different plan was impossible.
What? This is flat out false. He will almost certainly have to change MA plans if he moves out of state as there are very few multi-state plans. He gets a Special Enrollment Period and he can enroll in most plan offered in the area he is moving to. In fact, under MACRA rules he can get a Medigap (supplement) plan guaranteed issue.
That simply is not true. There are two ways to be able to change advantage plans. First, each year at open enrollment you can switch with No underwriting. Second, if you move, at anytime during the year, you can change plans to one that is offered in your new area.
Get u a humana plus plan.
Super good 👍
Each person has different needs when it comes to Medicare insurance. Some may be able to afford the high medigap premiums. Some want extra coverage for dental and hearing and eyeglasses. Some will accept higher copays for the promise of a reduction in the Medicare premium paid out of your social security check. Some may need medical transportation to doctors appointments. Or delivered meals. Or gym memberships. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Pick the best plan for YOU. Even a husband and wife may need different plans.
My wife Debra Jean died the most horrible Alzheimer's death you can possibly imagine because of United healthcare run run run they murdered my wife and tortured her... You think I'm kidding...😢
My condolences to you. I worked as a nurse for a Medicare Advantage plan. Unfortunately, MAs are big business and make big profits, but nobody talks about how often situations like yours happen.
Tell us the details please as to HOW UHC failed you. Alzheimers is horrible in itself, My Mom had it and I was a caregiver until her last two years.
Be careful with writing a check to your child for the wedding. Depending on the amount, you may be subject to gift tax.
Keep in mind the lifetime maximum, no matter how you give.
Medicare Advantage - I disagree. A person can dis- enroll during the annual election period. A person can select a PPO plan and see any doctor nationwide within their network. NO ONE is STUCK!
The police usually gets to an emergency first. Why? To make sure it is safe for firepeople and medical people to do their job once they get there.
Are you not able to opt out of a MA plan once in and go back to traditional Medicare?
If it's past 1 year of original purchase of the MA plan, then you will probably be subject to medical underwriting (i.e. disclosure of pre-existing conditions, etc), unless you're in one of the 4 states that allow it unconditionally.
Interesting thank you!!
No probably about it. You WILL be subject to medical underwriting if you switch back to traditional Medicare plus a supplement plan.
Re. ambulance chasing lawyers services. Just remember, if you win your case and the lawyer hands you a settlement check, it's pennies on the dollar compared to what they get to keep for themselves.
Why do lawyers wear neckties? It holds their foreskins back. 😅
My husband is disabled. 2 years after being disabled he is on Medicare. He is under 65. So Medigap insurance is very expensive. We decided to go with Medicare advantage until he turns 65. We still have time to change, i think. Should we swirch to medigap or wait for 2 years when he will be 65, to switch to medigap?
Depends on state. In GA, the Medigap premiums for under 65 are literally 10x as high as the carriers don't want the business but state makes them offer.
Yes, he can change back to regular Medicare when he turns 65 without underwriting. I have the same situation and have done the research.
On your 65th BD you can buy Pt D which disenrolls you from MA AND you have a Guaranteed Issue which means you can choose any medigap WITHOUT underwriting. Don't miss that opportunity. You may not have another depending on your disability. Go to your local SHIP agency for information before that birthday. They are free and unbiased.
I agree with the comment above mine. But, the medigap premiums will go up each year. If you want to switch plans, say at 68, you will have to go through underwriting. Advantage plans have no underwriting requirements.
Clark is a true hero. This guy really needs to run for President!
Can't you opt out of a medicare advantage plan and go back to standard Medicare during Oct to Dec each year? Isn't there anybody out there that can answer this question and help out a little?
Yes, you can always go back to original Medicare without being subject to underwriting. But the Supplement could be a different story.
No. You can only do that during OEP from Jan 1st to March 31st.
@@brocklanders6969 There are two periods when you can switch from an Advantage plan back to original Medicare. During the annual open enrollment period from October 15 - December 7 (change will become effective January 1), and January 1 - March 31. There is no underwriting to switch back to original Medicare, but there may be to add a Supplement.