Are you on the right plan for your needs and budget? We can help. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/ reach out to us today! Our services are free to you, the consumer.
I really don't like people that use the scare tactic by not fully explaining details to seniors that are there for that person's expertise. Thank you Matthew for educating me on Medicare. I pass it on to everyone I meet that is looking into Medicare.
As a Medicare beneficiary for almost 13 years and a former medical professional for over 20, I am both impressed and appreciative of your knowledge and candor concerning Medicare supplements. Far too many so called "experts" neglect to discuss in detail the reality of being a Non-Par health care provider. Especially the fact they are so disincentivized to not participate that it makes little financial sense to do so. Besides the 5% reduction in the Medicare-approved amount, a Non-Par provider reduces his/her access to many patents who refuse to deal with excess charges and billing hassles. Where I live in Florida, there is such a high percentage of people over the age of 65 that the marketing downside of being Non-Par far outweighs any benefit of billing excess charges. Although you only skimmed over the negotiability aspect of excess charges, I think it is important to note that a very high percentage of the quickly becoming extinct, Non-Par providers, will quickly agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full (rather than lose a patient) when asked to do so. Keep up the good work Matthew. You are the only authoritative source of Medicare information, on any social media platform that I have ever subscribed to. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words. And you are correct, many providers will gladly not balance bill if it means losing a patient. Besides, who wants to pay up front and wait to be reimbursed?
By the way, I've probably watched about 100 of these Medigap TH-cam videos and must compliment you that this video is the third most enlightening about Medigap (and Medicare). Why third? Your two videos on hidden Medigap risks, especially the checklist, were the most unique and helpful of any TH-cam video I've watched. And those compliments are coming from someone who is demanding and critical :)
Thank you for the very informative video! By the way, I am a patient at Mayo Clinic Arizona, and the billing department confirmed that they do not charge excess charges.
Dude! You're really calling 'em out! Your numbers on excess charges jive with what I heard at a med supp carrier seminar last year. In their policyholder base, they said they see around 3%-4% claims come through with excess charges nationwide. In South Florida where I am, they said it was down in the 1%-2% range. Our med supp rates are among the highest in the nation, so for many, if they want to stay on original Medicare with a supp, Plan N is the only reasonable choice. Great presentation, thanks!
Mr. Claasen, I will be 65 in December. About a year ago I started watching videos on Medicare, so that I will be ready to make my choice when the time came. Actually, the first video on Medicare I watched was your video. I commented back then how your calm and infomative video impressed me. As time went by many other videos also started popping up. Of course I watched them to see what they had to say and yes, the man on your video was one of my favorites. Long story short, I will know now that I will be getting my Medicare insurance through your company!! My gut feeling back then was right... your the right person I can trust when it comes to my health insurance and for that matter my life!!
Thank you for your kind comment Joyce. We look forward to talking with you. You should schedule a meeting now before we get into the middle of the Annual Enrollment Period. It gets very busy. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/
Thank you for the truth about excess charges. I don’t think it’s harsh showing videos that are sloppy in their information or worse are trying to get people to buy a certain plan through scare tactics.
The other guy's presentations are exhausting, and I think that is the goal -- to wear you down to the point you that you know less than before watching the video. Your reference to the 1962 movie "The Music Man", starring Robert Preston, is a superb comparison to the other guy -- a fast-talking con artist. I'm relieved and happy that I found your videos before I turned 65 last January. You provide a fact-based product without drama or fear. You and your customer reps calmly walked me through the "Medicare Mine-Field" last year. At no time did you feel compelled to sneak up behind me and yell "BOO!" Once I made my final decisions, I felt a firm closure. I packed up my paperwork, turned off my Medicare worries, and rarely even think about it. Once I pay my deductibles and premiums, the medical bills are seamlessly paid. Keep doing what you're doing. This Phoenix customer appreciates you!
ONCE AGAIN, I'VE LISTEDED TO THE EXPOSURE OF EXAGGERATION BY OTHER MEDICARE INSURANCE PROVIDERS. I LOVE YOU FOR YOUR CLEAR , BRIEF AND CONCISE EXPLAINATION REGARDING ANYTHING ASSICIATED WITH MEDICARE INSURANCE!!!!!
I have been searching for YEARS to learn if Medigap Plan N was vulnerable to excess charges in a hospital setting with no REAL answer. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!
Your presentation was objective, professional, and respectful toward Medicare School (at least William H. Macy isn't doing Medicare Advantage videos). Another plus was your providing evidence to support your points; that has given me the idea to look with suspicion on any TH-cam presenter claiming facts and statistic and other than just his/her opinion on a issue. Strangely, I just came across your TH-cam channel late last night. For whatever reason, my TH-cam feeds kept giving me Medicare School presentations for weeks, if not months, and not yours. I don't know how the feed finally gave me one of your presentations. Honestly, that guy might be a really nice person coming from a good place, but for my likes, he is way too nervous, talks too fast, and his sports coats are distracting. I say that in contrast to you, who is much calmer, more confident, and dresses in a more subdued manner.
Excellent video! I've been researching Medicare for over a year now. First, I found Marvin and watched many of his videos. Having nothing to compare him to, I thought he did a pretty good job of teaching the Medicare basics, although I found him kind of hyper. That's when I started looking elsewhere and found you. My first reaction was that your looks & demeanor are very much like my dad's were. Then hearing how you discuss Medicare reminds me of how I explain computers to people in my IT business - methodically & thoroughly, but relatable to others less knowledgeable. I look forward to seeing your videos, especially those on Plan N and its copays and excess charges. I aways learn something new. Today I learned that Mayo Clinic no longer collects excess charges. Thanks for doing these videos.
Thank you Dennis. I have quite a number of videos on Plan N. This is my favorite video comparing Plan N to G medigapseminars.org/best-medicare-supplement-plan/
@@MedigapSeminars I live in SW FL and I'm still debating between Plan N & HDG due to the significant premium difference ($70/mo) and that I'm relatively healthy. However, the unknown future HDG deductible increases concern me. Do you have any enlightening new info on N vs HDG?
@@dennislaplant95 Hi Dennis - I am in SE Florida (Jupiter) I understand your concerns. I did a video on it here: medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/ My 2 cents: The G-HD is vulnerable to inflation more than any other supplement. That has concerned be over the past couple years. The benefit of the Plan N is inpatient coverage. You can spend a year in the hospital and not pay a dime. Conversely, on night in the hospital (inpatient or outpatient) can cost you all or most of your G-HD deductible.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am a very honest medicare supplemental agent and I too get extremely frustrated at the particular person example you showed, as well as many others. It seems like they're used car sales men just twisting facts so that they can sell higher commissionable products. God bless you for all you do for our seniors. Keep up the good work!
My colon was re-sected in 2020. I checked first, and BOTH the doctor and hospital accepted Medicare Assignment. However, I was charged a fee for the robotic assistant to the doctor during the surgery (the assistant was a certified LSA). This was a complete surprise to me. I appealed the decision all the way to Novitas Solutions in PA., but was told "Medicare does not consider payment for assistant-at-surgery provided by a LSA." Thus, the fee was denied. So, after checking for Medicare Assignment for BOTH the doctor and hospital, I still had a fee to pay. The fee has been paid and, luckily, it was NOT an absorbanent amount. However, be careful when checking for Medicare Assignment. It may not cover all charges, regardless of what has been stated.
Hi Bob, this is great information that I will certainly look more closely into. If Medicare didn't cover it, then Medicare did not view the robotic LSA as necessary to the surgery. That doesn't make the right and fortunately, their opinion for situations like this may change over time.
I've watched your videos, taken an AARP zoom class and took a series of 3 adult continuing education classes about Medicare. All of that information was almost identical. You explain things very clearly and easily. You are absolutely correct to point out misleading info. I had also seen videos from the other guy. Some of it was incorrect or misleading as well as difficult to understand.
THANK YOU MATTHEW AS ALWAYS!! I Love your informative videos but I LOVE YOUR STAFF EVEN MORE!! NICOLE answers and speaks to me as if shes really concerned about me and my needs, she really really makes my day and i Wish 1 day she will become a writer, Jordan takes good care of my description of insurance needs. its tuff when your new to this medicare transistion but your team really helps me and i am sooo glad i believed in your video (honestly i almost, almost called the other) IM tearing now knowing i didnt call them. as soon as Nicole answered my call i knew i called the right place!! we all have fears in this transistion, THANK YOU MATT FOR MAKING THINGS CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brian 808
As always, highly professional, spoken in easy to understand language. Your company is doing an amazing job for folks that are willing to listen to your excellent videos.
😂I appreciate your honesty. These things need to be CALLED OUT BECAUSE SO MANY TIMES WE ARE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BECAUSE OF OUR SENIOR STATUS. THANK YOU! ❤🙏🙌.
To their credit the channel you commented on does a pretty good job identify the pros and cons of traditional Medicare vs Advantage. But I absolutely agree with you the risk of excess charges is greatly overhyped. The US health care system has too many moving parts and requires too much effort on the part of individuals to understand and make life altering decisions. Thanks for posting, looking forward to the next one.
Very helpful video that explains why patients don't need to be concerned about "excess charges" and why very few doctors are "non-participating providers."
What a great video! This is not well defined in the "Choosing a Medigap" book. I've been telling perspective clients that "excess charges" are nothing to fear. Now I can tell them why.
You and your team are the best Matthew. My wife & I are very happy working with your team and you are a great leader. I passed FINRA 24 and held good supervisory positions in insurance for 4 decades
Wow! That other guy is giving me anxiety just by how he’s speaking... I’d never work with him in any capacity…. You can tell he’s a typical sleazy salesman - nervous, speaking fast and loud, playing fast and loose with the facts… Your energy, demeanor, and explanations always bring me peace… I can only imagine what a blessing it is for the seniors... Indeed, we should never make any decisions based on fear-mongering. Unfortunately, too many people exploit it… Love this myth-debunking approach for the video! People deserve to hear the truth. Very informative and super helpful, as always!! 👊💪👏
Yes, please call out misinformation . It is not harsh and we need factual/data based info. Thanks for providing the information to back up your presentation.
I've been researching these plans as I'm approaching 65... Your knowledge and matter of fact approach along with whatever "fits me best" has me confident, you'll be whom I'm working with when it's policy time...👍
Having to go to ER a couple of times over the years on Advantage, staff had a snarky attitude. Ignored making me have to go away. I now wonder if it was my insurance? Oct 2023 an infection caused a bronchial branch pneumonia. Plugged they don’t let air through. Spent a week in the hospital, in December my Advantage plan declines the claim for not billing per their contract? Shouldn’t they pay the contracted amounts? Pneumonia is an acute condition,breathing treatments and antibiotics clear them up. A claim in October and I haven’t seen paperwork they paid. A few more days will begin 4th month the insurance has bankrolled the claim on the hospital’s account. No wonder they hate Advantage plans. Insurance is useless if they don’t pay claims. I hope they don’t start coming after me. When we sign financial responsibility it is an indemnity. I would think the medical system would report them to The Insurance Commissioner and government agencies. I’m on Medicare with a gap plan 2024. My heart aches what’s happening to us seniors. Anyone picking on our meek have lost their human soul.
Thank you for the information on excess charges. The chiropractor is usually the one who has problems with Medicare since Medicare only pays for a problem like needing to get better after hip surgery along with physical therapy. But when the chiropractor only eventually does maintenance correction every 2 weeks or once a month, Medicare will not pay for this and that is really sad, since I have had chiropractic care my entire life because my spine is curved and my neck and back muscles get pulled and my spine gets out of alignment and if I did not take chiropractic maintenance for my spine, I would be crippled with nerve problems in a wheelchair probably.
Thank you Mathew for doing these videos. I have been fortunate to have you as my agent. You have really saved me money. And give me great advice! Thank you 🙏
I initially worked with Medicare School but switched brokers because once I told them that I wanted an N plan, their rep went out of his way to try to talk me into a G plan by throwing some weird hypotheticals at me for situations where I might be charged an excess charge. I really felt that the rep was trying to scare me into a G plan and honestly. I almost fell for it. I had already made my informed decision and he went out of his way to try to talk me into something that I had already decided after much research that I didn't want. In all fairness I do have to say that he did find me a very good D plan. He was a younger kid and I got the impression talking to him that his information was very scripted and he was not actually going on his own knowledge and expertise.
Thank you so much for your information on excess charges because some of these yahoos make us think from their videos that a ton of doctors charge them when in reality they don’t. I couldn’t use you to purchase my plan N because of a contract my previous employer has with a different company (needed to use them to get some extra retiree benefits) but I love watching your videos and it really helped me to pick the correct plan for me.
Thank you. I really like the tone of your presentation: only substantiated data, presented in calm professional manner. Question: are there any statistical data comparing rates of plans G and N premium increases (real or hypothetical) year over year?
I have run across a few videos that show Plan G premiums increase every year substantially more than Plan N premiums do. I opted for Plan N for that reason.
I want to thank you for the information you provide. I have been on Medicare since 2016. I am retired military, and retired federal civil service (I kept my federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage). I feel blessed. No charges since retiring and I have had to have several major medical procedures. My Macular Degeneration is something that requires monthly medical attention (Not Cheap!). Watching your program though has really helped me understand the ins and outs of Medicare. Again thank you so much.
I signed up for Plan N Medicare Supplement this year. My state of Minnesota doesn't allow excess charges. I appreciate your clarification about the rarity of excess charges across the spectrum.
Thank you so much for this. You were not to harsh at all. If someone thinks that, they are a snowflake!! We all need this kind of info to make an informed decision.
Best explanations ever... I work in medical billing... I process claims for an office that are 7 figures a month.. Advantage plans are a real chore and can be slow to pay (they work the float).. I have never come across a provider that exercised extra charges.. I am pretty happy that I came across your videos, many many people in the medical industry to not understand all this.. I would bet most offices do not understand the differences in Medicare/ Medicare advantage / supplemental.... add in the PPO and HMO? you just lost all but 2 or 3 people...
Thank you for your kind comment. I have been told that some medical offices use my videos for training. I know many insurance agents do as well. Yes, we come across medical offices where the training is so poor that they do not know the difference between Advantage Plans and supplements. Sad.
As usual, great content. Two years ago, your associate, Marcene, helped me move from a UHC Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement Plan N. She took lots of time to go over the underwriting questions and getting the policy issued. I've recommended your videos and you and your staff to half a dozen couples who turned 65 last year all of whom avoided the mistake I made (signing up for an Advantage Plan at 65) and went with a Supplement Plan from the get go. In yesterday's snail mail, I received the 2024 Annual Notice of Change for my Part D Plan. I look forward to linking to next week when you lik to your Part D Shopper as it is terrific. QUESTION: For someone turning 65 say in June, when should they contact you to start the process of buying a Medicare Supplement Plan? Is 90 days too early, too late, or just right?
@@garya2223 hi Gary. That’s a good question. When Plan N was designed and written into law just prior to its 2010 launch, a large portion of the doctors in the US charged excess charges. I have the actual statistic in my video. in 2010 Medicare implemented a new program to reward doctors whose contract did not allow excess charges. This was after Plan N was launched. Remember that these Medicare supplement plan benefits are written into law They are not changed easily The bottom line is that when this supplement was created, the landscape was different than it is today.
@@MedigapSeminars That would explain it. I'd really love to go with Plan N but I'm still leery because of the excess charge thing. And I don't trust employees in medical offices to give me correct information about assignment because I've been given incorrect information before about other things. They have these low paid workers there who are often clueless. FWIW, my state (NM) allows excess charges.
@@garya2223 Did you even watch this video? Go back over why only two percent of doctors have a contract that allows them to charge an excess charge. When you understand that, you have your answer.
@@MedigapSeminars OK, so I just watched it again and I understand it. I understand that the government has found ways to get doctors to stop doing excess charges, and only 2 percent of doctors currently do it. However, I don't see any reason why this couldn't change. Medicare rules could change and then doctors could start having more excess charges again. In my state of NM, excess charges are allowed. Why? I don't understand why all states don't follow the 8 states that have banned excess charges, and why have only 8 states banned it? Apparently the other 42 states still want to allow it for some reason! I also looked at the genre data.
Plan F sales are declining because the boomers turning 65 now aren't old enough to get it. There's an age restriction - if you turned 65 after December 31, 2019, you aren't eligible for Plan F.
I’ve missed your presentations, Matthew. Showing another’s Medical presentation is helpful and the tone you converted appropriate. I’ve been with you a year now, and any doubts I may have had as an Advantage escapee (after 15 plus y ears) have gone.
I have been a Lyme disease patient for 20 years. The medical establishment, at least in California where i live, originally did not accept chronic Lyme disease as a legitimate disease even though the Social Security Admin gave me total disability for it. Most Lyme disease doctors did not accept Medicare at all and I could not afford to go to them, but the few who did accepted Medicare assignment. If not for Medicare assignment, I would have had no doctor to help me.
Hi, thank you for this great information. I remember when the Lyme disease was new and the medical community didn't know what was going on. Medicare is often slow to respond to new things, like the robotic assistant one of the commenters mentioned above.
Omg 😱 Matthew! I have been subscribed to your channel for about two years now and also have seen videos from that other channel. I recently, after watching a video from him, was on the fence about which company to choose and now, I'm no longer on the fence. Thanks for exposing those inconsistencies. Keep doing it. Absolutely know for sure I will be choosing your company to sign me up for Medicare when the time comes. Until then, I'll keep spreading the news about your company/channel.❤
I still feel like I don’t know what an excess charge would be? Is it the difference of what insurance pays and what they charge? Example of an ultrasound cost at an OBGYN. Would I be responsible for that difference? Being a widow, I don’t have my mathematically intelligent husband to help me figure things out. 😢I have watched your videos many times and it gave me confidence to choose a supplement, plan N. I also referred you to my friend. To me you sounded trustworthy. I appreciate your videos. Thank you for posting them!❤
@@tracymclendon3096 if a doctor asks you to pay upfront, go to a different doctor. That is all you have to do to avoid excess charges. If you are not comfortable with the plan in then, please do give us a call so we can switch you to the plan G. If it provides you the peace of mind that you need will be happy to do it.
I have an advantage plan. I have Social Security which pays very little. I had Medicaid and was forced to change because I became eligible for Medicare. I’m 67 years old. I only get $552 a month. The only reason I’m not homeless is because I live in a rental apartment that is subsidized.
@@MedigapSeminars I have a zero premium advance plan with Health First with my primary care provider. I had Health First with Medicaid so they had all my information ℹ️.
I find this video extremely informative. There is another gentleman on TH-cam that goes over in detail about excess charges and has used samples of billing and moves more into Plan N for his clients due to this fact and the difference in premium and annual increases moving forward. How many are getting into HD G?
Great question Michele. Across the U.S. about 3% of Medicare plans purchased are high deductible. The HD plans are great in some states, especially states where all plans are required to be community rated or issues age. There is one company we work with that has an "innovative" Plan G that is a high deductible where that deductible is forgiven after two years. It's a great plan, but not in all states. This is my approach to evaluating HD plans medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/
@@jeffs3627 The G-HD can be a great plan. We do a lot of them. One weakness though, it is the one supplement most vulnerable to inflation because the deductible increases every year with the CPI-U. Here is a video on how I evaluate the G-HD and when I believe it is a good value: medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/
I really appreciate calling out misinformation. I particularly like it when you can back up your claim of inaccuracies by offering proof via public documents that make it clear it's not just conflicting opinions. Sure helps when you're trying to figure out where trust in credibility should be placed. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your videos as I am new as being a Medicare Agent and learning all this about Medicare at first was over-whelming even as part of the portion on getting my Life License. I have learned so much in the last few days watching your videos helping me to be more confident in moving forward with helping people with their medicare needs. Your information is stellar on how to help and inform others with truith. Thank you!!
In Sept I went to a walk in Urgent Care & got treated by the Dr for Pnuemonia & Bronchitis & 3 prescriptions. He charged me nothing at the time of the visit. His bill came & it showed it was $300 and Medicare paid all but $117. Thats what I paid. Is this amount ok? I just started Medicare Sept 1st. I called thru Marvin Music bc his commercials were many, & I bot a supplemental Drug & Medical plan (United Health Care). Are you saying G & D would hav been better options for me? Im 65 but in very good shape. (I had medical coverage thru my prev employer but it was 2X more expensive than the United Health Care supplemental & Drug & my employers plan was not a supplemental Ins by definition, only a "secondary Ins"). But I wanted a plan for when my health fails or I may need surgeries etc. Did I buy the wrong Ins?
Medicare supplements are very expensive in New York and Florida, we are forced to take advantage PPO Plan. At least that gives the choice of going in or out of network,
I have a video premiering in 15 minutes that discusses the answer to your problem. I even mention it is the answer to high Medigap prices in NY and Florida. th-cam.com/video/uvbjxxAb2tg/w-d-xo.html
I love your videos and have an appt. with your company next week and am sold on Plan N. A friend of ours talked to some other agent who told her that "hidden" providers: the anesthetist, the radiologist, CT scans, etc., still typically charge excess charges. Very low excess charges really wouldn't matter to me. I still like Plan N. But is there even a shred of truth in what that agent told her? I am curious. (I don't really care about minor extra charges, I paid $7.60 to a radiologist once on our current BCBS employer plan - was that an excess charge? It was no big deal.)
The "other agent" says what they do because they get a higher commission for Plan G. No other reason. This is why my entire team is salary with fixed bonuses. They are paid the same no matter what Medicare choice a person makes. I never want to see commission bias in my agency.
@@MedigapSeminars - Thank you. I expected this to be something a little shady. The agent also told the couple "that plan N does not have an out of pocket cap" - what is that about? I'm just so glad to have found your videos! I want Plan N.
Wow, I looked it up and answered my own question. Only Medicare Advantage has a MOOP. So technically, this guy was not lying since Plan N has does not have a MOOP, but neither does Plan G which he was selling! Not that Plan G is bad, but this was totally deceptive! It's exasperating.
Here's another consideration when choosing between plans G and N: I have a rather large HSA balance, which I can use for copays but not Medigap premiums. I'm leaning towards plan N because it would allow me to essentially shift more expenses so that they are HSA-qualified.
over 98% of all physicians in the United States accept Medicare. Those that do not are primarily pediatricians and mental health professionals. Are you going through a second childhood?
This was very good. Facts. One question: If N is 11% of supplemental plans sold and G is 66% then wouldn't G tend to have smaller rate increases because they have a larger pool of people vs plan N?
Hi Peter - the big changes in 2024 are in Part D. I will have a video this coming week on that. In the meantime, here is a glance at the changed structure of Part D for 2024: medigapseminars.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Part-D-stages-2024.pdf
thank you for the video - it was helpful. It is my understanding that some states have more excess charge doctors than others - does those skew by specialty too?
Hi - I have found clusters of doctors that charge excess charges in southern CA and on the west coast of S FL, but they are still a minority who are either near retirement or part of a very small operation that will be absorbed by larger medical provider organizations or hospitals ....they are a declining breed.
Also.. I was Declined by "EviCore" for a CT Scan my Family Dr. prescribed for me under the Advantage Plan (Aetna) I enrolled in. Their reason for decline is I had to have a Heart Attack or have a Sign of a Heart attack happening! My Dr. knows my health... and he determined I needed to have this CT Scan... Yet was declined by EviCore/Aetna... only because I had to go on Medicare at age 65??! I NEVER had a DECLINED test Prescribed by my Dr. when on my Company Insurance Plan (Pre Retirement).... Thus me thinking I made a Mistake with the Advantage Plan I chose. Need Advice.
I am not surprised. In the past five years there have been two inspector general reports expressing concern that Advantage plans regularly decline services that would have been provided without questions under Original Medicare. You can appeal with the help of your doctor, but you have a limited amount of time. If you would like us to see if you qualify for a supplement, please reach out to us. There is no "denial of service" with a supplement. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/
I like my HDG plan for two reasons ($32 this year and $34) next year per month. I can easily afford the max out of pocket if services needed. And, most importantly, for the incentive to be healthy to avoid medical costs. When I was working my healthcare paid for all needed services with very low co-pays. My health was not good. My health is now good with two meals a day with only nutrient-rich foods and nonsynthetic supplements.
Thanks Matthew for your videos and your emails! Me and the missus will be getting with you next month to review our options for the supplement and drug plans.
What always bothers me in other's presentations is when they give the average price per month of a G plan, then off-handedly say "It could be a bit more." No, some states are a LOT more.
Hi Kathy, I try not to give average prices because the range from state to state and company to company is several 100%. I would rather not get a persons expectation set on something that can't be acheived.
@@MedigapSeminars Yes, expectations. I'm sure people in some states have been floored when they actually call and find out. I'm not saying G shouldn't be taken, just saying it must be a shock to them.
My wife and I received our drug plan updates for 2024, and both are increasing our premiums about 50%. I thought they were only allowed to increase them 8%. Are we being ripped off? Thanks
Hi John, the new rule restricting premium increases does not take effect until 2025. That is why we see some serious price increases this year. I will have a new Part D 2024 video before October 15 that will also discuss what is going on with a new near zero premium Part D plan. Hint - it can be a trap.
@@MedigapSeminarsI look forward to your video about Part D drug plans for 2024. My premium is going from $6.60 a month to $9.80 a month for 2024. I got a preview from Medicare on 2024 drug plans and I saw one for 50 cents a month for the premium. I hope this is not a trap like you mentioned. I will watch your video when it comes out. Thanks.
@@mdanderson1114 I thought the same thing about that $0.50/mo plan. It's from Wellcare. I THINK it's OK if you're just on some regular generic Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs but can be extremely expensive if you need higher brand drugs up the Tiers. I'll also be waiting for Matthew's video on it.
Thank u so much for all u present to us to make informed decisions. Would you be able to comment on the advantages of a high deductible plan G, lower monthly premiums. The High deductible plan G appears to be a good choice for a person in good health and who takes care of themselves with no diabetes in their family history. Thank you so very much.
@@jupiterglow that is correct. And to add to that, a doctor that signs a contract that allows them to charge an excess charge can only charge 95% of what other doctors can charge. so that 5% brings them up to level with participating providers. But they do not have Medicare as a nonstop biller. bottom line is no one charges an excess charge in New York
Thank you for you’re honesty. It’s hard to come by these days. Question for you that I’ve got two different answers on. Since I know I would not get through any kind of underwriting without being denied. I have CIDP and need IvIg treatment at leasI once a year , If I choose N first and maybe keep it 2 or 3 years than want to switch to G. Would that need underwriting ? From conversions with agents it seems to me that staying with G, it’s OK to switch insurance carriers within the G supplement without underwriting but can’t switch from N to G or vice versa without getting the underwriting. I would never get through the underwriting without getting denied. N sounds great to me, but if I’m definitely getting locked in to the choice I make, G seems the way to go for me, but damn, N is about $30 cheaper per month and I try to avoid Dr’s like the plague. Thank you, sorry for the long post
Hi Anthony - the full answer to your question depends in part on which state you live in. Some states have a birthday rule or anniversary rule that allows you a brief annual open enrollment either around your birthday or your policy anniversary. If you live in one of these states, then that period of time allows you to change to a different carrier or policy as long as it is a plan of equal or lesser benefit. i.e. you can switch from a G to an N, but not an N to a G. There are also three states with perpetual open enrollment. Outside of state laws, you would require underwriting to make a change. Lastly, there are a few insurance companies that allow changes intra company in some states. If you send in a request for a quote, we will provide that information specific to your state. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/
Are you on the right plan for your needs and budget? We can help. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/ reach out to us today! Our services are free to you, the consumer.
I really don't like people that use the scare tactic by not fully explaining details to seniors that are there for that person's expertise. Thank you Matthew for educating me on Medicare. I pass it on to everyone I meet that is looking into Medicare.
Thank you. It would be wonderful to share this.
Feel free to share it with anyone you'd like.
As a Medicare beneficiary for almost 13 years and a former medical professional for over 20, I am both impressed and appreciative of your knowledge and candor concerning Medicare supplements. Far too many so called "experts" neglect to discuss in detail the reality of being a Non-Par health care provider. Especially the fact they are so disincentivized to not participate that it makes little financial sense to do so. Besides the 5% reduction in the Medicare-approved amount, a Non-Par provider reduces his/her access to many patents who refuse to deal with excess charges and billing hassles. Where I live in Florida, there is such a high percentage of people over the age of 65 that the marketing downside of being Non-Par far outweighs any benefit of billing excess charges.
Although you only skimmed over the negotiability aspect of excess charges, I think it is important to note that a very high percentage of the quickly becoming extinct, Non-Par providers, will quickly agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full (rather than lose a patient) when asked to do so.
Keep up the good work Matthew. You are the only authoritative source of Medicare information, on any social media platform that I have ever subscribed to. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words. And you are correct, many providers will gladly not balance bill if it means losing a patient. Besides, who wants to pay up front and wait to be reimbursed?
Thank you this has been a TREMENDOUSLY HELPFUL. PRAISE JESUS😊❤!
@@geraldinebarksdale6993 You are very welcome
By the way, I've probably watched about 100 of these Medigap TH-cam videos and must compliment you that this video is the third most enlightening about Medigap (and Medicare). Why third? Your two videos on hidden Medigap risks, especially the checklist, were the most unique and helpful of any TH-cam video I've watched. And those compliments are coming from someone who is demanding and critical :)
Thank you for the very informative video! By the way, I am a patient at Mayo Clinic Arizona, and the billing department confirmed that they do not charge excess charges.
Thank you for confirming that!
Dude! You're really calling 'em out! Your numbers on excess charges jive with what I heard at a med supp carrier seminar last year. In their policyholder base, they said they see around 3%-4% claims come through with excess charges nationwide. In South Florida where I am, they said it was down in the 1%-2% range. Our med supp rates are among the highest in the nation, so for many, if they want to stay on original Medicare with a supp, Plan N is the only reasonable choice. Great presentation, thanks!
Mr. Claasen, I will be 65 in December. About a year ago I started watching videos on Medicare, so that I will be ready to make my choice when the time came. Actually, the first video on Medicare I watched was your video. I commented back then how your calm and infomative video impressed me. As time went by many other videos also started popping up. Of course I watched them to see what they had to say and yes, the man on your video was one of my favorites. Long story short, I will know now that I will be getting my Medicare insurance through your company!! My gut feeling back then was right... your the right person I can trust when it comes to my health insurance and for that matter my life!!
Thank you for your kind comment Joyce. We look forward to talking with you. You should schedule a meeting now before we get into the middle of the Annual Enrollment Period. It gets very busy. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/
Thank you for the truth about excess charges. I don’t think it’s harsh showing videos that are sloppy in their information or worse are trying to get people to buy a certain plan through scare tactics.
Thank you Margaret
The other guy's presentations are exhausting, and I think that is the goal -- to wear you down to the point you that you know less than before watching the video. Your reference to the 1962 movie "The Music Man", starring Robert Preston, is a superb comparison to the other guy -- a fast-talking con artist.
I'm relieved and happy that I found your videos before I turned 65 last January. You provide a fact-based product without drama or fear. You and your customer reps calmly walked me through the "Medicare Mine-Field" last year. At no time did you feel compelled to sneak up behind me and yell "BOO!" Once I made my final decisions, I felt a firm closure. I packed up my paperwork, turned off my Medicare worries, and rarely even think about it. Once I pay my deductibles and premiums, the medical bills are seamlessly paid.
Keep doing what you're doing. This Phoenix customer appreciates you!
Thank you Scott. 😁 It is interesting to compare his speed of presentation mine.
ONCE AGAIN, I'VE LISTEDED TO THE EXPOSURE OF EXAGGERATION BY OTHER MEDICARE INSURANCE PROVIDERS. I LOVE YOU FOR YOUR CLEAR , BRIEF AND CONCISE EXPLAINATION REGARDING ANYTHING ASSICIATED WITH MEDICARE INSURANCE!!!!!
I have been searching for YEARS to learn if Medigap Plan N was vulnerable to excess charges in a hospital setting with no REAL answer. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!
Your presentation was objective, professional, and respectful toward Medicare School (at least William H. Macy isn't doing Medicare Advantage videos). Another plus was your providing evidence to support your points; that has given me the idea to look with suspicion on any TH-cam presenter claiming facts and statistic and other than just his/her opinion on a issue. Strangely, I just came across your TH-cam channel late last night. For whatever reason, my TH-cam feeds kept giving me Medicare School presentations for weeks, if not months, and not yours. I don't know how the feed finally gave me one of your presentations. Honestly, that guy might be a really nice person coming from a good place, but for my likes, he is way too nervous, talks too fast, and his sports coats are distracting. I say that in contrast to you, who is much calmer, more confident, and dresses in a more subdued manner.
I agree! I think Medicap seminars is better! I’ve been watching all his videos, very informative, and I feel comfortable with the information
Excellent video! I've been researching Medicare for over a year now. First, I found Marvin and watched many of his videos. Having nothing to compare him to, I thought he did a pretty good job of teaching the Medicare basics, although I found him kind of hyper. That's when I started looking elsewhere and found you. My first reaction was that your looks & demeanor are very much like my dad's were. Then hearing how you discuss Medicare reminds me of how I explain computers to people in my IT business - methodically & thoroughly, but relatable to others less knowledgeable.
I look forward to seeing your videos, especially those on Plan N and its copays and excess charges. I aways learn something new. Today I learned that Mayo Clinic no longer collects excess charges. Thanks for doing these videos.
Thank you Dennis. I have quite a number of videos on Plan N. This is my favorite video comparing Plan N to G medigapseminars.org/best-medicare-supplement-plan/
@@MedigapSeminars
I live in SW FL and I'm still debating between Plan N & HDG due to the significant premium difference ($70/mo) and that I'm relatively healthy. However, the unknown future HDG deductible increases concern me. Do you have any enlightening new info on N vs HDG?
@@dennislaplant95 Hi Dennis - I am in SE Florida (Jupiter) I understand your concerns. I did a video on it here: medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/ My 2 cents: The G-HD is vulnerable to inflation more than any other supplement. That has concerned be over the past couple years. The benefit of the Plan N is inpatient coverage. You can spend a year in the hospital and not pay a dime. Conversely, on night in the hospital (inpatient or outpatient) can cost you all or most of your G-HD deductible.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am a very honest medicare supplemental agent and I too get extremely frustrated at the particular person example you showed, as well as many others. It seems like they're used car sales men just twisting facts so that they can sell higher commissionable products. God bless you for all you do for our seniors. Keep up the good work!
You're welcome. All it takes is one bad apple. Best to deal with it. I hear from a lot of agents who share your frustration.
Excellent info👍👍
@@mikeburchett-bs3qw Thank you.
Yes, I watched a few of that guy’s videos and he came across as smarmy to me. Just didn’t like him instinctually.
My colon was re-sected in 2020. I checked first, and BOTH the doctor and hospital accepted Medicare Assignment. However, I was charged a fee for the robotic assistant to the doctor during the surgery (the assistant was a certified LSA). This was a complete surprise to me. I appealed the decision all the way to Novitas Solutions in PA., but was told "Medicare does not consider payment for assistant-at-surgery provided by a LSA." Thus, the fee was denied. So, after checking for Medicare Assignment for BOTH the doctor and hospital, I still had a fee to pay. The fee has been paid and, luckily, it was NOT an absorbanent amount. However, be careful when checking for Medicare Assignment. It may not cover all charges, regardless of what has been stated.
Hi Bob, this is great information that I will certainly look more closely into. If Medicare didn't cover it, then Medicare did not view the robotic LSA as necessary to the surgery. That doesn't make the right and fortunately, their opinion for situations like this may change over time.
@@MedigapSeminars This doesn't sound like an Excess Charge but like something that wasn't covered.
@@ohiopat correct.
Unless you signed an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) agreeing to pay for this non-covered service, you should not have been charged for it.
Hi thank you are excess charges counted against $226 deductible for supplements.
I've watched your videos, taken an AARP zoom class and took a series of 3 adult continuing education classes about Medicare. All of that information was almost identical. You explain things very clearly and easily. You are absolutely correct to point out misleading info. I had also seen videos from the other guy. Some of it was incorrect or misleading as well as difficult to understand.
Thank you Kimr3755
THANK YOU MATTHEW AS ALWAYS!! I Love your informative videos but I LOVE YOUR STAFF EVEN MORE!! NICOLE answers and speaks to me as if shes really concerned about me and my needs, she really really makes my day and i Wish 1 day she will become a writer, Jordan takes good care of my description of insurance needs. its tuff when your new to this medicare transistion but your team really helps me and i am sooo glad i believed in your video (honestly i almost, almost called the other) IM tearing now knowing i didnt call them. as soon as Nicole answered my call i knew i called the right place!! we all have fears in this transistion, THANK YOU MATT FOR MAKING THINGS CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brian 808
You are very welcome. I have an awesome team who really does care, and it shows. 🥰
Thank you for what you are doing in exposing other companies giving out misinformation on medicare. Good job!
You are welcome
As always, highly professional, spoken in easy to understand language. Your company is doing an amazing job for folks that are willing to listen to your excellent videos.
Thank you. 😃
😂I appreciate your honesty. These things need to be CALLED OUT BECAUSE SO MANY TIMES WE ARE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BECAUSE OF OUR SENIOR STATUS. THANK YOU! ❤🙏🙌.
Thank you for your comment! 😄
I've watched many of these. You are by far the best! Thank you specifically for showing the lies!
You are so welcome
To their credit the channel you commented on does a pretty good job identify the pros and cons of traditional Medicare vs Advantage. But I absolutely agree with you the risk of excess charges is greatly overhyped. The US health care system has too many moving parts and requires too much effort on the part of individuals to understand and make life altering decisions. Thanks for posting, looking forward to the next one.
Thanks for commenting. The next one will be just as fun.
Very helpful video that explains why patients don't need to be concerned about "excess charges" and why very few doctors are "non-participating providers."
Thank you
What a great video! This is not well defined in the "Choosing a Medigap" book. I've been telling perspective clients that "excess charges" are nothing to fear. Now I can tell them why.
You and your team are the best Matthew. My wife & I are very happy working with your team and you are a great leader. I passed FINRA 24 and held good supervisory positions in insurance for 4 decades
Thank you Frederick. I appreciate your kind support.
Wow! That other guy is giving me anxiety just by how he’s speaking... I’d never work with him in any capacity…. You can tell he’s a typical sleazy salesman - nervous, speaking fast and loud, playing fast and loose with the facts…
Your energy, demeanor, and explanations always bring me peace… I can only imagine what a blessing it is for the seniors...
Indeed, we should never make any decisions based on fear-mongering. Unfortunately, too many people exploit it…
Love this myth-debunking approach for the video! People deserve to hear the truth.
Very informative and super helpful, as always!!
👊💪👏
😇
Absolutely!
Yes, please call out misinformation . It is not harsh and we need factual/data based info. Thanks for providing the information to back up your presentation.
You are welcome. I appreciate your feedback
Agreed! Thank you!
I've been researching these plans as I'm approaching 65... Your knowledge and matter of fact approach along with whatever "fits me best" has me confident, you'll be whom I'm working with when it's policy time...👍
Thank you
Having to go to ER a couple of times over the years on Advantage, staff had a snarky attitude. Ignored making me have to go away. I now wonder if it was my insurance? Oct 2023 an infection caused a bronchial branch pneumonia. Plugged they don’t let air through. Spent a week in the hospital, in December my Advantage plan declines the claim for not billing per their contract? Shouldn’t they pay the contracted amounts? Pneumonia is an acute condition,breathing treatments and antibiotics clear them up. A claim in October and I haven’t seen paperwork they paid. A few more days will begin 4th month the insurance has bankrolled the claim on the hospital’s account. No wonder they hate Advantage plans. Insurance is useless if they don’t pay claims. I hope they don’t start coming after me. When we sign financial responsibility it is an indemnity. I would think the medical system would report them to The Insurance Commissioner and government agencies. I’m on Medicare with a gap plan 2024. My heart aches what’s happening to us seniors. Anyone picking on our meek have lost their human soul.
Thank you for the information on excess charges. The chiropractor is usually the one who has problems with Medicare since Medicare only pays for a problem like needing to get better after hip surgery along with physical therapy. But when the chiropractor only eventually does maintenance correction every 2 weeks or once a month, Medicare will not pay for this and that is really sad, since I have had chiropractic care my entire life because my spine is curved and my neck and back muscles get pulled and my spine gets out of alignment and if I did not take chiropractic maintenance for my spine, I would be crippled with nerve problems in a wheelchair probably.
Matthew Class act. Thanks so much. I was leaning towards G this year with the concern of excess charges. You guys are GREAT!
Our pleasure!
I'm gaining more confidence in my Plan N supplement! Looking forward to more videos on this subject.
Wonderful!
Hello Matt, it was great to come across you website concerning Medicare and all that goes along with Medicare,
Thank you Mathew for doing these videos. I have been fortunate to have you as my agent. You have really saved me money. And give me great advice! Thank you 🙏
You are welcome
6:47 Marvin also lied when he said that the Cleveland Clinic charges excess charges.
Excess charges are not allowed in Ohio by law.
yep. There are Cleveland Clinics in many states, none charge an excess charge and haven't since prior to 2010.
I initially worked with Medicare School but switched brokers because once I told them that I wanted an N plan, their rep went out of his way to try to talk me into a G plan by throwing some weird hypotheticals at me for situations where I might be charged an excess charge. I really felt that the rep was trying to scare me into a G plan and honestly. I almost fell for it. I had already made my informed decision and he went out of his way to try to talk me into something that I had already decided after much research that I didn't want. In all fairness I do have to say that he did find me a very good D plan. He was a younger kid and I got the impression talking to him that his information was very scripted and he was not actually going on his own knowledge and expertise.
As usual, tanks for staying on top of this and keeping us informed!!
You're welcome William
Thank you so much for your information on excess charges because some of these yahoos make us think from their videos that a ton of doctors charge them when in reality they don’t. I couldn’t use you to purchase my plan N because of a contract my previous employer has with a different company (needed to use them to get some extra retiree benefits) but I love watching your videos and it really helped me to pick the correct plan for me.
I love that you’re doing this. The more information we have the better off we are. I get mine from you thank you!
I am glad you found a good source. LOL All the best!
Thank you. I really like the tone of your presentation: only substantiated data, presented in calm professional manner. Question: are there any statistical data comparing rates of plans G and N premium increases (real or hypothetical) year over year?
I have run across a few videos that show Plan G premiums increase every year substantially more than Plan N premiums do. I opted for Plan N for that reason.
Thank you so much for this informative an educational video. I understand it better now. Thanks for your sincere and honest video presentation.
I want to thank you for the information you provide. I have been on Medicare since 2016. I am retired military, and retired federal civil service (I kept my federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage). I feel blessed. No charges since retiring and I have had to have several major medical procedures. My Macular Degeneration is something that requires monthly medical attention (Not Cheap!). Watching your program though has really helped me understand the ins and outs of Medicare. Again thank you so much.
you are welcome!
I really appreciate this video and applaud your transparency, I wish your videos had shown up for me a month ago!
you are welcome! I wish they had too. 🙂
Most informative was the clear explanation of excess charges.
You are a breath of fresh air. Listening to the other guy makes my ears bleed! Thank you for videos like this.
You are very welcome
I signed up for Plan N Medicare Supplement this year. My state of Minnesota doesn't allow excess charges. I appreciate your clarification about the rarity of excess charges across the spectrum.
you are welcome
Great video!
On sooo many Medicare "You Tube" channels, the speaker talks too fast! You sir were easy to hear & understand, thanks!
You are welcome
Thank you so much for this. You were not to harsh at all. If someone thinks that, they are a snowflake!! We all need this kind of info to make an informed decision.
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback.
Best explanations ever... I work in medical billing... I process claims for an office that are 7 figures a month.. Advantage plans are a real chore and can be slow to pay (they work the float).. I have never come across a provider that exercised extra charges..
I am pretty happy that I came across your videos, many many people in the medical industry to not understand all this.. I would bet most offices do not understand the differences in Medicare/ Medicare advantage / supplemental.... add in the PPO and HMO? you just lost all but 2 or 3 people...
Thank you for your kind comment. I have been told that some medical offices use my videos for training. I know many insurance agents do as well. Yes, we come across medical offices where the training is so poor that they do not know the difference between Advantage Plans and supplements. Sad.
As usual, great content.
Two years ago, your associate, Marcene, helped me move from a UHC Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement Plan N. She took lots of time to go over the underwriting questions and getting the policy issued.
I've recommended your videos and you and your staff to half a dozen couples who turned 65 last year all of whom avoided the mistake I made (signing up for an Advantage Plan at 65) and went with a Supplement Plan from the get go.
In yesterday's snail mail, I received the 2024 Annual Notice of Change for my Part D Plan. I look forward to linking to next week when you lik to your Part D Shopper as it is terrific.
QUESTION: For someone turning 65 say in June, when should they contact you to start the process of buying a Medicare Supplement Plan? Is 90 days too early, too late, or just right?
Most people reach out to us about five to six months before their Medicare start date. That is what I would suggest.
@@MedigapSeminarsExcellent. Thanks for the prompt reply!
Really helpful was always going to plan G when helping a client. Plan N seems to be the plan of choice now.
If excess charges are rare, it seems to me that there would have been no reason for excluding them from Plan N.
@@garya2223 hi Gary. That’s a good question. When Plan N was designed and written into law just prior to its 2010 launch, a large portion of the doctors in the US charged excess charges. I have the actual statistic in my video. in 2010 Medicare implemented a new program to reward doctors whose contract did not allow excess charges. This was after Plan N was launched. Remember that these Medicare supplement plan benefits are written into law They are not changed easily The bottom line is that when this supplement was created, the landscape was different than it is today.
@@MedigapSeminars That would explain it. I'd really love to go with Plan N but I'm still leery because of the excess charge thing. And I don't trust employees in medical offices to give me correct information about assignment because I've been given incorrect information before about other things. They have these low paid workers there who are often clueless. FWIW, my state (NM) allows excess charges.
@@MedigapSeminars But the landscape could change again, no? What would prevent a higher percentage of Doctors having excess charges in the future?
@@garya2223 Did you even watch this video? Go back over why only two percent of doctors have a contract that allows them to charge an excess charge. When you understand that, you have your answer.
@@MedigapSeminars OK, so I just watched it again and I understand it. I understand that the government has found ways to get doctors to stop doing excess charges, and only 2 percent of doctors currently do it. However, I don't see any reason why this couldn't change. Medicare rules could change and then doctors could start having more excess charges again. In my state of NM, excess charges are allowed. Why? I don't understand why all states don't follow the 8 states that have banned excess charges, and why have only 8 states banned it? Apparently the other 42 states still want to allow it for some reason! I also looked at the genre data.
Thank you for all the information you shared, means so much to stay informed.
😁
Excellent video Matthew. It makes me feel a little better about my Plan N
Good! 😀
Consumers deserve the truth. It's never too harsh to call out misinformation and scare tactics.
Thank you. I appreciate your input.
Plan F sales are declining because the boomers turning 65 now aren't old enough to get it. There's an age restriction - if you turned 65 after December 31, 2019, you aren't eligible for Plan F.
Thank you for this information. I always look forward to your videos because I know I am going to get the straight facts with no bias.
😊 I do my best. Thank you for your kind comment.
Much more informative than many others I have listened to.
I’ve missed your presentations, Matthew. Showing another’s Medical presentation is helpful and the tone you converted appropriate. I’ve been with you a year now, and any doubts I may have had as an Advantage escapee (after 15 plus y ears) have gone.
Thank you Linda!
I have been a Lyme disease patient for 20 years. The medical establishment, at least in California where i live, originally did not accept chronic Lyme disease as a legitimate disease even though the Social Security Admin gave me total disability for it. Most Lyme disease doctors did not accept Medicare at all and I could not afford to go to them, but the few who did accepted Medicare assignment. If not for Medicare assignment, I would have had no doctor to help me.
Hi, thank you for this great information. I remember when the Lyme disease was new and the medical community didn't know what was going on. Medicare is often slow to respond to new things, like the robotic assistant one of the commenters mentioned above.
THIS Video was the BEST information on this subject...BY FAR!!!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!
You are very welcome.
Omg 😱 Matthew! I have been subscribed to your channel for about two years now and also have seen videos from that other channel. I recently, after watching a video from him, was on the fence about which company to choose and now, I'm no longer on the fence. Thanks for exposing those inconsistencies. Keep doing it. Absolutely know for sure I will be choosing your company to sign me up for Medicare when the time comes.
Until then, I'll keep spreading the news about your company/channel.❤
Thank you. We are looking forward to working with you. And I agree, question everything.
Excellent presentation. Too many salesman try to scare seniors into buying the Plan G or F, which just happen to be the most expensive.
absolutely.
I still feel like I don’t know what an excess charge would be? Is it the difference of what insurance pays and what they charge? Example of an ultrasound cost at an OBGYN. Would I be responsible for that difference? Being a widow, I don’t have my mathematically intelligent husband to help me figure things out. 😢I have watched your videos many times and it gave me confidence to choose a supplement, plan N. I also referred you to my friend. To me you sounded trustworthy. I appreciate your videos. Thank you for posting them!❤
@@tracymclendon3096 if a doctor asks you to pay upfront, go to a different doctor. That is all you have to do to avoid excess charges. If you are not comfortable with the plan in then, please do give us a call so we can switch you to the plan G. If it provides you the peace of mind that you need will be happy to do it.
I have an advantage plan. I have Social Security which pays very little. I had Medicaid and was forced to change because I became eligible for Medicare. I’m 67 years old. I only get $552 a month. The only reason I’m not homeless is because I live in a rental apartment that is subsidized.
it appears you are a good candidate for a zero premium advantage plan.
@@MedigapSeminars I have a zero premium advance plan with Health First with my primary care provider. I had Health First with Medicaid so they had all my information ℹ️.
I find this video extremely informative.
There is another gentleman on TH-cam that goes over in detail about excess charges and has used samples of billing and moves more into Plan N for his clients due to this fact and the difference in premium and annual increases moving forward.
How many are getting into HD G?
Great question Michele. Across the U.S. about 3% of Medicare plans purchased are high deductible. The HD plans are great in some states, especially states where all plans are required to be community rated or issues age. There is one company we work with that has an "innovative" Plan G that is a high deductible where that deductible is forgiven after two years. It's a great plan, but not in all states. This is my approach to evaluating HD plans medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/
I'm about a year away from medicare and seriously considering the HD G.
@@jeffs3627 The G-HD can be a great plan. We do a lot of them. One weakness though, it is the one supplement most vulnerable to inflation because the deductible increases every year with the CPI-U. Here is a video on how I evaluate the G-HD and when I believe it is a good value: medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/
I really appreciate calling out misinformation. I particularly like it when you can back up your claim of inaccuracies by offering proof via public documents that make it clear it's not just conflicting opinions. Sure helps when you're trying to figure out where trust in credibility should be placed. Thank you.
Excellent video backed by real data. Truly appreciated.
Does Mayo Clinic in Arizona still have excess charges?
@@garya2223 Mayo Clinic stopped charging access charges in 2019 or 2020, the best of my knowledge
Thank you so much for your videos as I am new as being a Medicare Agent and learning all this about Medicare at first was over-whelming even as part of the portion on getting my Life License. I have learned so much in the last few days watching your videos helping me to be more confident in moving forward with helping people with their medicare needs. Your information is stellar on how to help and inform others with truith. Thank you!!
you are welcome. and Good luck!
In Sept I went to a walk in Urgent Care & got treated by the Dr for Pnuemonia & Bronchitis & 3 prescriptions. He charged me nothing at the time of the visit. His bill came & it showed it was $300 and Medicare paid all but $117. Thats what I paid. Is this amount ok? I just started Medicare Sept 1st. I called thru Marvin Music bc his commercials were many, & I bot a supplemental Drug & Medical plan (United Health Care). Are you saying G & D would hav been better options for me? Im 65 but in very good shape. (I had medical coverage thru my prev employer but it was 2X more expensive than the United Health Care supplemental & Drug & my employers plan was not a supplemental Ins by definition, only a "secondary Ins"). But I wanted a plan for when my health fails or I may need surgeries etc. Did I buy the wrong Ins?
Medicare supplements are very expensive in New York and Florida, we are forced to take advantage PPO Plan. At least that gives the choice of going in or out of network,
I have a video premiering in 15 minutes that discusses the answer to your problem. I even mention it is the answer to high Medigap prices in NY and Florida. th-cam.com/video/uvbjxxAb2tg/w-d-xo.html
I love your videos and have an appt. with your company next week and am sold on Plan N. A friend of ours talked to some other agent who told her that "hidden" providers: the anesthetist, the radiologist, CT scans, etc., still typically charge excess charges. Very low excess charges really wouldn't matter to me. I still like Plan N. But is there even a shred of truth in what that agent told her? I am curious. (I don't really care about minor extra charges, I paid $7.60 to a radiologist once on our current BCBS employer plan - was that an excess charge? It was no big deal.)
The "other agent" says what they do because they get a higher commission for Plan G. No other reason. This is why my entire team is salary with fixed bonuses. They are paid the same no matter what Medicare choice a person makes. I never want to see commission bias in my agency.
Radiologists, anesthetists, surgeons all bill separately. A small bill like you referenced could have been a balance due after insurance.
@@MedigapSeminars - Thank you. I expected this to be something a little shady. The agent also told the couple "that plan N does not have an out of pocket cap" - what is that about? I'm just so glad to have found your videos! I want Plan N.
Wow, I looked it up and answered my own question. Only Medicare Advantage has a MOOP. So technically, this guy was not lying since Plan N has does not have a MOOP, but neither does Plan G which he was selling! Not that Plan G is bad, but this was totally deceptive! It's exasperating.
@@blueskyes99 medigapseminars.org/contact-us/ We are here to help.
Great video Matthew! 👏🏻
Hi Stephanie! One of these days we will be able to meet each other at one of the conferences you keep missing. I look forward to it when we do. 🙂
@@MedigapSeminars same!
Thank you so much for this information.
You are so welcome!
Here's another consideration when choosing between plans G and N: I have a rather large HSA balance, which I can use for copays but not Medigap premiums. I'm leaning towards plan N because it would allow me to essentially shift more expenses so that they are HSA-qualified.
You have a great point! You can also use it for Part B premiums. medigapseminars.org/hsa-and-medicare/
Thank you so much
Pray to God that elders don’t get rip off by Insurance and medical service so much needed
As long as they accept Medicare!
over 98% of all physicians in the United States accept Medicare. Those that do not are primarily pediatricians and mental health professionals. Are you going through a second childhood?
@@MedigapSeminars I stand by that statement! I don't believe your figures!
I never missed any of Mathew Claasen's informative videos
I try hard to produce videos you will find helpful.
This was very good. Facts. One question: If N is 11% of supplemental plans sold and G is 66% then wouldn't G tend to have smaller rate increases because they have a larger pool of people vs plan N?
All insurance requires large numbers, but there is a point of diminishing returns.
Plan G has more sick people in their pool.
As always very informative. Thank you. Wondering what Medicare changes are coming in 2024 if any. Will you have a video on this?
Hi Peter - the big changes in 2024 are in Part D. I will have a video this coming week on that. In the meantime, here is a glance at the changed structure of Part D for 2024: medigapseminars.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Part-D-stages-2024.pdf
thank you for the video - it was helpful. It is my understanding that some states have more excess charge doctors than others - does those skew by specialty too?
Hi - I have found clusters of doctors that charge excess charges in southern CA and on the west coast of S FL, but they are still a minority who are either near retirement or part of a very small operation that will be absorbed by larger medical provider organizations or hospitals ....they are a declining breed.
If I wait intil after busy season to change to N, would this also apply to add-ons like dental and vision?
We would certainly have more time to help you with add ons.
Thank you for clarifying this issue which was concerning me as I consider my options with Medicare supplements!
You are very welcome. That's the primary intent of all my Medicare videos and articles.
Also.. I was Declined by "EviCore" for a CT Scan my Family Dr. prescribed for me under the Advantage Plan (Aetna) I enrolled in. Their reason for decline is I had to have a Heart Attack or have a Sign of a Heart attack happening! My Dr. knows my health... and he determined I needed to have this CT Scan... Yet was declined by EviCore/Aetna... only because I had to go on Medicare at age 65??! I NEVER had a DECLINED test Prescribed by my Dr. when on my Company Insurance Plan (Pre Retirement).... Thus me thinking I made a Mistake with the Advantage Plan I chose. Need Advice.
I am not surprised. In the past five years there have been two inspector general reports expressing concern that Advantage plans regularly decline services that would have been provided without questions under Original Medicare. You can appeal with the help of your doctor, but you have a limited amount of time. If you would like us to see if you qualify for a supplement, please reach out to us. There is no "denial of service" with a supplement. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/
I like my HDG plan for two reasons ($32 this year and $34) next year per month.
I can easily afford the max out of pocket if services needed.
And, most importantly, for the incentive to be healthy to avoid medical costs.
When I was working my healthcare paid for all needed services with very low co-pays. My health was not good.
My health is now good with two meals a day with only nutrient-rich foods and nonsynthetic supplements.
awesome! Taking care of yourself sometimes takes discipline.
Your quantitative analysis is impressive.
Thank you
Thanks Matthew for your videos and your emails! Me and the missus will be getting with you next month to review our options for the supplement and drug plans.
Looking forward to it.
What always bothers me in other's presentations is when they give the average price per month of a G plan, then off-handedly say "It could be a bit more." No, some states are a LOT more.
Hi Kathy, I try not to give average prices because the range from state to state and company to company is several 100%. I would rather not get a persons expectation set on something that can't be acheived.
@@MedigapSeminars Yes, expectations. I'm sure people in some states have been floored when they actually call and find out. I'm not saying G shouldn't be taken, just saying it must be a shock to them.
Thank you for your excellent presentation!
I am glad you liked it.
5 Star honest presentation, thank you!
You're Welcome!
It has helped so much.
My wife and I received our drug plan updates for 2024, and both are increasing our premiums about 50%. I thought they were only allowed to increase them 8%.
Are we being ripped off?
Thanks
Hi John, the new rule restricting premium increases does not take effect until 2025. That is why we see some serious price increases this year. I will have a new Part D 2024 video before October 15 that will also discuss what is going on with a new near zero premium Part D plan. Hint - it can be a trap.
@@MedigapSeminarsI look forward to your video about Part D drug plans for 2024. My premium is going from $6.60 a month to $9.80 a month for 2024. I got a preview from Medicare on 2024 drug plans and I saw one for 50 cents a month for the premium. I hope this is not a trap like you mentioned. I will watch your video when it comes out. Thanks.
@@mdanderson1114 I thought the same thing about that $0.50/mo plan. It's from Wellcare. I THINK it's OK if you're just on some regular generic Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs but can be extremely expensive if you need higher brand drugs up the Tiers. I'll also be waiting for Matthew's video on it.
Great information. I just got united healthcare gap plan and got the excess charge rider. Maybe I can change it?
You can, but in your state it cost so little it may be worth keeping.
@@MedigapSeminars Thanks. Yes it was only a few dollars. My state does not allow excess charges I got it in case of emergencies out of state.
Thank u so much for all u present to us to make informed decisions. Would you be able to comment on the advantages of a high deductible plan G, lower monthly premiums. The High deductible plan G appears to be a good choice for a person in good health and who takes care of themselves with no diabetes in their family history. Thank you so very much.
I have. You can find that here: medigapseminars.org/medicare-high-deductible-plan-g-and-plan-f-updates/ 😃
NY can't charge more than 5% excess charges.
@@jupiterglow that is correct. And to add to that, a doctor that signs a contract that allows them to charge an excess charge can only charge 95% of what other doctors can charge. so that 5% brings them up to level with participating providers. But they do not have Medicare as a nonstop biller. bottom line is no one charges an excess charge in New York
What about airlift ambulance are they allowed to charge excess charges
NO There are no excess charges allowed for emergency or urgent care.
Excellent straightforward information.
Thank you!
I like hearing the truth!
Hi Margie, I enjoy spreading the truth. More to come soon.
Thank you for you’re honesty. It’s hard to come by these days. Question for you that I’ve got two different answers on. Since I know I would not get through any kind of underwriting without being denied. I have CIDP and need IvIg treatment at leasI once a year , If I choose N first and maybe keep it 2 or 3 years than want to switch to G. Would that need underwriting ? From conversions with agents it seems to me that staying with G, it’s OK to switch insurance carriers within the G supplement without underwriting but can’t switch from N to G or vice versa without getting the underwriting. I would never get through the underwriting without getting denied. N sounds great to me, but if I’m definitely getting locked in to the choice I make, G seems the way to go for me, but damn, N is about $30 cheaper per month and I try to avoid Dr’s like the plague. Thank you, sorry for the long post
Hi Anthony - the full answer to your question depends in part on which state you live in. Some states have a birthday rule or anniversary rule that allows you a brief annual open enrollment either around your birthday or your policy anniversary. If you live in one of these states, then that period of time allows you to change to a different carrier or policy as long as it is a plan of equal or lesser benefit. i.e. you can switch from a G to an N, but not an N to a G. There are also three states with perpetual open enrollment. Outside of state laws, you would require underwriting to make a change. Lastly, there are a few insurance companies that allow changes intra company in some states. If you send in a request for a quote, we will provide that information specific to your state. medigapseminars.org/contact-us/
it took over a year for me to receive a final bill for a surgery, and even then it was impossible to really tell what the bill covered. Just say'n!
Your MyMedicare.gov account should help on that. It sounds like you don't have a supplement. Do you?