✅ To get 1 on 1 Help from our Team, Schedule a Call Here: medicareschool.com/talk-to-a-guide/? ✅ Watch the internet's #1 Online Medicare Educational Workshop for FREE: medicareschool.com/master-medicare/?
When people are older, more sick, less energy, maybe no one to help them and they get confused with all this. !!! When they need the simplest system, they are forced with the most complicated system to deal with!
Yes and they don’t pay for anything when you get older in the 80’s. My grandmother has Medicare and she had cancer they refused to pay for it and told her that she is just going to go home and Pass on. Yeah no thanks for government insurance. I’ll pass
Exactly! My first year I was so overwhelmed. We need a Federal Health System that replaces our Pay-Every-Provider system we have now. I believe in a strong Military, but the budget could be cut enough to provide healthcare for all citizens who need or choose it.
This is more work and annoyance than when i did work. 🤔🥺😠. Why cant they just leave it all the same every year??? Life in the USA has become too much red tape. This is NOT RETIREMENT. We are being harrassed, about everything.
I retired 2 years ago now. It's awful at first! So confusing! My advice is to work with an independent agent that you trust - there is no charge to you and they know all the complicated stuff. Medicare School gives excellent info and I have read comments by quite a few people who use them as their independent agent and are real happy.
@@Wawalsh1234 ..I will add... "lobbying".....legalized bribing of politicians for certain narrow-focus groups to get their way.... what senior citizen has the mental capability, especially in their later years....to plow through this horror, this mess? No other Western European developed country has the nonsense we go through. Tier levels....program differences, the 4 "phases" of drug costs throughout the year where what you pay one month does not match the other month, getting a plan and then find next year horrible price increases or dropping out of your state?....etc, etc....total idiocy.
Why can't we get the insurance that Congress gets? They are all millionaires. Give the middle class and the elderly a better system and not raise the prices all the time. I'm retired. Every year since I retired my insurance raised my supplement plan every year since 2022. It's ridiculous. Im on a fixed budget, and now I see why the elderly eat dog food for dinner.
@@blessings4381 Yes they are. They all buy stocks using insider information. That's why none of the republicans bitch about Pelosi making hundreds of millions in the stock market because they all do it. If we did it we would be in prison.
What a nightmare! I just turned 65 last month, got a plan only because we are forced to ,now I have to worry about changes to a plan it took me weeks to choose,and understand..
You have to re choose your plan every fall beginning in October and ending in early Dec I believe- you can decide to keep the one you already have or change to a new plan - check it out because some plans will change the amount of money you have to pay every month. A booklet will be sent to you with all the insurance plans available in your area, check out the plan you have to see if there are changes, if it looks good you don't have to do anything - or you may see a plan you like more, if you want to change then call them and tell them you would liek to change
This is so work-intensive. My understanding from your explanation is that Medicare, first started by our government, but now, has been handed over to big business so all of us on Medicare are really on a private program and it’s so convoluted that most of us don’t even know where to begin to protect ourselves from financial obliteration.
This is probably attributable to George W. Bush's plan to privatize Medicare and Social Security. Medicare Advantage is really private insurance, and they damage the actual Medicare system by charging extravagant amount of money, stealing money from original Medicare. Medicare Advantage can also deny service as can any private insurance whereas regular Medicare does not. There's a lawsuit in Congress to force them to stop using the Medicare name because it confuses the public. Just remember when you vote in November that Republicans love to monetize every government service by Privatizing it, making sure that one of their cronies will make money on it. It's not about "efficiency" as they love to tell you; it's just "efficient" to help their rich buddies to become even wealthier.
@@barneyfyfe8313And that’s part of the scam. Congress created loopholes and off-ramps for insurance companies to maintain profitability. At the end of the day, the insurance companies get their money. For the rest of us, it’s, “Get well or die. There’s more where you came from!”
@@barneyfyfe8313 The reason it is so damn complex is because the decades long process of privatization of Medicare by a monopolized greedy healthcare-denial-for-profit industry.
Only if you sign up for an Advantage plan-Part C. I still have straight Medicare A and B not by private insurance. I do pay for the supplement by UHC but never have to deal with them.
Starting in 2025 I will be going into my eighth year of Medicare and dealing with these drug plans. I understand how they work so I generally can readily make a change during the annual enrollment period if necessary, and its usually necessary. That being said I am currently on a generic med so this is much easier than some I know that are on several meds and some big dollar no generic meds and this becomes much harder each year for them to go through these gyrations of picking a plan. Not only that, but imagine being say 87 years old and try dealing with this complicated BS. There simply has to be a better way!!!
Last year I called the Medicare number and they were able to price compare various prescription plans and helped me find one that I could afford with the medicine I took. I was astonished this service was free. The fellow was so, so helpful and patient 👍
I retired two years ago. I worked for the Medicare fee for service (traditional Medicare) insurer for 47 years. When the government ruled that Medicare Advantage plans could be sold, Insurance became way to complex to understand. Currently my husband and I have traditional Part A and B, copay and drug coverage. Most of our services are covered. It’s straight forward and it works. The last thing I want to do is to haggle with an insurance company….
@@debbiemurphy5804 My husband went on Medicare advantage and regrets it. He went round and round haggling with the insurance company. He was on the phone for 3 solid days (thank goodness he's retired) and he freaking wore them down. He finally wrangled a procedure than he had been getting for 8 years and all of a sudden they no longer cover it because of medicare advantage.
Neither my husband nor I received any letter of change last year. Anyone who wants to sign up with Advantage need to know hospitals have been refusing that plan.
It is sad that in a supposedly free country I am forced to pay for this government and insurance ponzie scheme my whole working life then pay for it after I retire
@@Nana-zi9xq the government mandate is because the Private Insurance Corporations are a money making machine! In a society where women still do not work complete.y out of house like the men, the system is rigged.
I'm glad to be a retired medical insurance biller. It helps me understand & help my family understand our plans. When I worked, I dreaded the first few months of the new year because of rejected claims because patient insurance info wasn't updated in the system or they changed to a plan that the doctors weren't contracted with anymore or their insurance assigned a wrong doctor. I don't miss my job, at all.
Who is here watching for their 80+ year old parent who can't understand all this cr*p? We need to remind our parents to show us the letters when they come.
Even worse, who is watching out for those same 80-year Olds that are constantly bombarded with ads and worse calls telling them free groceries and eyeglasses, if you just sign away your medicare?
THANK YOU!!! :-) As one new to this Medicare thing, I'd have had NO idea what's going on unless I'd been first and thereafter listening to you. I'm very grateful.
for us Regular people- this is the most ridiculous bunch of confusing garbage to deal with. I mean how many pit falls, rule changes, and pay increases are we going to have. Just leave it alone!
I’m 67 in November I went with original Medicare with the supplemental United so far it’s been working great it was highly recommend it to just stay with the original Medicare. I would like your thoughts on that.
Great to hear! That is usually the route that we suggest to all of our clients, if it fits your needs and you can afford that on a month to month basis with no issues!
After 30 years of medical billing (commercial claims only) I retired. Then I met Medicare! At age 88 I'm still confused, bothered and bewildered by it all. I thank the Lord that finally Medicare School popped up on my screen and you have cleared up so much of my agita. Thank you.
This is by design, the insurance wants you to make a mistake or just ignore the notice. This is to take advantage of you to make more money for them. I wish I didn't get the Advantage Plan when I signed up. Now it may be difficult or cost more money to get the "Original Medicare" part B plan. But, yes, it's way to much to take all these changes in all the time. Capitalism at its finest. 😣
It’s really not too bad. First, find a reputable insurance agent who sells Senior Products. You register with Medicare directly for parts A & B (hospital & doctor visits), then go to your agent to buy a Drug supplement (part D) and a good Medigap (part G). This combination provides you with the broadest coverage, best deductibles and premiums. You will only need to review the drug supp each year. Your agent will take care of showing you all the options available and make a recommendation. I would stay away from Advantage plans (part C); part E and part F. Again, start with an agent. They can explain the alphabet to you and help you work through which plans work for you.
There are a bunch of fantastic generic drugs available in Europe (and Mexico), but aren't approved in the United States. Why? Because the FDA doesn't recognize European testing, and it didn't make business sense to test them in the United States. We would save a fortune on drugs if we could buy these excellent drugs in the United States. Often we end up having to buy expensive, branded drugs instead!
1). Doxophylline, a pill for asthma 2). BCG, a vaccine that makes the immune system work better. It was made for TB, but it decreases deaths among the elderly. 3). A blood thinner and there are many others. The companies never tested them in the United States because of the expense.
Anytime Medicare Advantage has commercials and advertisements for 6 months straight one has to be wary. I get it’s “cheaper” upfront but, cheaper is not always better. I went with Part D and never regretted it, works wonderfully.
"so far" I have had no issue with my Advantare plan. I had a heart attack......was in hospital for 9 days.....had 5 bypasses and an ablation. I had to pay very little, no problems in ANY way. I have been on it for 4 years. Having said that, you never know what will change in the future. Just my 2 cents.
Great information. There were some things I still didn't understand the importance of, and you clarified all of them. Now I can make a better choice on the next enrollment period. Thank you.
We are, too. I listened to a program on TH-cam about the cons of the Advantage Plan they were "pushing" on us a few years ago. They almost made it sound that you "had" to go on it. I'm glad I did some research. They even told us that even if we went with Advantage, we could get off of it and go back on the original plan if we wanted to. I don't know if that was true or not.
I just read that the donut hole is gone, and max out of pocket dropped from $8,000 to $2,000 per year because of Biden’s Inflatiron Reduction Act. This is huge. I only hope the insurance companies don’t hit us with some surprise cost increases elsewhere.
Because of this insurance companies will be reducing benefits I can assure you. Once again our government instead of dealing with that issue alone that affects the minority of people, they made a change that will affect everyone negatively.
People with chronic illnesses should be on Original Medicare. Advantage Plans are HMO’s better suited for healthy seniors who don’t anticipate major health problems. When in doubt, always choose Original Medicare.
This massive level of stupidity is exactly what happens when government gets involved with medicine. Really anything, but medicine is the worst. You think the DMV and Post Office is bad, just put government completely in charge of your healthcare.
Wow, thank you. I’m 63…need to start thinking about things now, although with so many changes that can and will happen, and having a mom in her 80s, there is no time like the present to begin to understand. Just subscribed. Again, thank you.
Marvin....this is a public "thank you" for the discussions we had off-line...... I will need to speak to you again in the upcoming days or weeks...., and hope to do so....cheers !!!!
What do you need to know. Call the Medicare School phone number and talk to someone there at your leisure. I've done it several times. It's a free call. It's a free consultation. Their information has saved my life.
@@MedicareSchoolto tell u the truth I'm so confuse u don't know what I have I'm scareto go the doctor to void bills that stress me since I took my retirement work for the city.that not right for seniors citizens it's torture 😭😭
I am about 13 months away from Medicare eligibility. I've worked in hospital or medical administration my entire career and thought we would have a single payer system long ago. If we got rid of all the bureaucrats and consultants and private insurance companies as well as the state offices that oversee the insurance companies, the savings to taxpayers would be enormous.... and would permit focus on keeping hospitals funded in rural areas and avoid over-construction in the wealthy areas of the country. What we have is the wild west with multiple forces pushing their way to the money trough ..... trying to find ways to suck money out of healthcare. Hospitals and physician practices are seeing lower and lower profits that they would normally re-invest to buy new equipment and for ongoing medical education of themselves and their staff. Make no mistake, the HHS / Medicare system and Congress have created the mess. There is no need for the many videos and publications except that Congress is funded in part by big pharma and by insurance companies that lobby for laws / regs that serve to perpetuate their access to tax revenue. This is another part of the SWAMP in Washington that needs to be demolished and replaced by a single payer system. Only Congress has the power to write the laws and change the $ appropriations to defund the administrative bloat and push money directly to health services. They could select a single vendor health record system while they are at it like Ireland did. Also could create sole source vendor contracts for high cost equipment and products so there is a standardized delivery workflow.....vs redesigning workflow one health system at a time with massive hours devoted to re-creating the wheel...... only to see everything abandoned when another system merges or acquires the hospital. I cannot imagine a system more complicated than what has come to fruition nor a system with more parasites sucking cash out of the taxpayer while delivering no added value to the delivery of care
A LOT of good, up-to-date information on coming changes in Medicare. Most of it is quite good news for those of us who are retired and on fixed incomes. I can quite imagine that, for Europeans, this is quite confusing! It is for U.S. citizens, too! This is one area where I differ from other conservatives. I'd like to see a "single-payer", or governmental, health care system. I'd like to see everything payed at the level of cash--or in other words, no inflated bills submitted to the insurance companies or Medicare, as is the case now. No premiums, no co-pays, no co-insurance, no insurance companies involved, etc. Of course, the latter would be screaming in protest!!!!
This has been so confusing for us and you spelled it out clear and simple. Just know you are making a huge difference in making life better for real people
The big fat book we get drives me even more nuts. I am still a very competent individual and able to keep myself on track with everything but Medicare and all of the "alternatives", "exceptions", and specifics that may or may or may not now be available or allowed going forward. I'm looking forward to not having to worry about this help in the - please God - near future. I'm not sure what the "scam' is but there has to be something that goes back to the people who run these programs that benefit them without it being obvious to us.
My Humana Gold Choice plan is better than any I've ever had including Blue Cross, United Healthcare and regular Medicare. This is my 20th year with Medicare and I couldn't be any happier as all my meds are generic and free, no charge to see my primary care and $15 for specialists. I was in the hospital from COVID issues and my copay for the whole stay including all tests, meds and specialists was $200. My advice to other seniors is to find an insurance agent that specializes in Medicare and Medicaid and they will be able to expertly navigate and explain your options.
Yes. Most other plans are also unaffordable for seniors in the current hyper inflationary climate. Advantage is basically it if you are on a limited income
It's time for me to tell my friends and family to watch this important video. And follow up! (I even follow up with myself these days but for Part D only.)
The problem is that we the insured have to decide on a plan by December 7, but the providers have till the end of December to sign a contract or not. I worked in hospital billing and people would get stuck sometimes because the insurance company will say oh we’re in contract with your hospital, but then it fell through because of the money page and the insured is stuck with a plan that can’t be used at the hospital they use and sometimes the doctor that they’re seeing. I think i think should be changed. I think this by having the contracts signed earlier and the patients having till December 7. So there.
We know that this can be confusing and overwhelming, we can review every year with our customers to ensure they are still in the best plans for their needs. If you would like some assistance we are here to help. You can reach our office at 1-800-864-8890.
Thank you for your clear and understandable explanation of the times we can make changes in our plans!!! I am seriously considering stepping down to plan N to counter the inevitable premium increases to come to my husband’s plan F “ pool” due to numerous chronic health issues 😏
I have done medical billing and have dealt with insurances for over 30 years, and when I retired, I was blown away at the process of attaining Medicare. Absolutely ridiculous the amount of time and research that I needed to do. Good luck everyone!! Getting my degree in college was easier then applying for Medicare! You make one mistake and you will have to pay more every month for that mistake for as long as you have Medicare. It happened to a friend of mine. Medicare is so expensive and then they can penalize you on top of it. Nothing like ripping off the old people who paid into the system their whole life. Where do the people who make up the rules, come up with this crap!!!!
I cannot believe Any reputable Insurance Agent would advise someone to sign on with a Medicare Advantage plan. Advantage plans are Notorious for denying claims! And you are pigeon holed with Their specific providers. As far as the Inflation reduction act. There maybe some really really bad changes coming. Time will tell but look very very closely at the drugs you take and where they will be in the Tiers as compared to where they are currently. Also, the drug negotiation program will probably be an issue. You maybe forced to switch your medication. Not all drugs are equivalent in outcomes for your health. The games that the government and insurance companies play is just disgusting!!
Having worked in various call centers most of my life, you are spot on with your assessment. Poorly trained and usually have an expected call time. Get the customer off the phone :(
I have Medicare part A and B. My supplemental plan was canceled for nonpayment which was fine but my stand alone prescription plan would not let me cancel and their rates had gone up from 30$ to $ 50 in 2024.
I'm in a different class that seldom gets covered but lots of commercials are being aired. Dual enrollment. I'll get a letter from my Plan, in my case United Healthcare, and from my state about my combined coverage from Medicaid. And unfortunately, because it's different I've never seen anyone cover it.
People would be better off being their own Dr. I don’t even want Medicare, I’m not taking the B part. The healthcare system in the U.S. is a bloated ineffective cash cow to the corporate shareholders.
I am 80, and my wife is 81. I still drive, have hobbies, amateur radio 62 years, my wife 20 years, and active with Computer. I am also fluent in German, having grown up with it from my parents and in college I had 20 credits of German, just short of the Technology level. My wife has traditional Medicare, with a Supplement, and Part D plan. Moving back to NY state this November, I will switch to this too, even though more expensive than Medicare Advantage, and being a 100% Diabled American Veteran, with Community Care under the Mission Act, referrals are a pain with it, and I will go to a private Pharmacy in NY state, not Walgreens or CVS as they are not knowledgeable enough for 12 prescriptions and 2 Insulins. Nothing but trouble with the VA about my Insulins over the last 3 years. Luckily, Insulin is only 35.00 per month now at the pharmacy. I think it is poetic justice that so many Private pharmacies were driven out of business by the chains, and now.the Prescriptions they are closing locations. 😮
There are things I never agreed to that have been happening to me through the Medicare Advantage Plan. I think it's designed to line the insurance companies' pockets. Like now I receive about $100.00 less than I was before, and at that time I was getting about $870.00. Now it's $770.00. I had a hard time living on what I was getting before. Why they just took the money without notifying me is a big mystery to me.
Even if they still carry your prescription on the part D formulary, check to see if they've changed the way they calculate the paid benefit for that prescription. You might avoid an unpleasant surprise.
I converted back to straight Medicare and a drug plan two months ago. And I did this because I became fatigue with the Advantage plans 40 phone calls per day telling me about this test or that benefit or whatever else. I got tired of switching plans too. The United Health Care plans straight up lied about what was covered in my plan. So screw that. I have Extra Help and also Medicaid Share of Cost. At least that's something. But even those things change year by year. You might be qualified one year and not the next. I finally have peace of mind and no more phone calls. Plus I can choose my own darn doctors.
My senior neighbors and myself may miss this important letter as we haven’t had mail delivery since before July 4. Community mail box owned and maintained by the PO is broke. BTW how we going to receive and return our mail in ballots in a few weeks?
You left out one Type of Broker/Agent .... The advisor co. that is offered to you by a Co. you worked for that will PAY the Medicare recipient a Monthly "reimbursement" (usually $125/mth) if you use that specific company. They typically are Independent agents that carry MANY Plans. Why did you leave this option out?
They can change annually, not much information that we can provide. It would vary based on where you live. You can always review those to ensure you're still in the best plan possible. We'd be happy to help you can call our office at 1-800-864-8890.
So, does the last thing. the Rx formulary, mean that the drug insurance companies can stop covering those meds that fall into the donut hole now (the very expensive drugs)?
✅ To get 1 on 1 Help from our Team, Schedule a Call Here: medicareschool.com/talk-to-a-guide/?
✅ Watch the internet's #1 Online Medicare Educational Workshop for FREE: medicareschool.com/master-medicare/?
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Thanks for th3 info！
Just found your channel. Thank You for the information, especially for the immediately need to know... Very helpful! 👍
When people are older, more sick, less energy, maybe no one to help them and they get confused with all this. !!!
When they need the simplest system, they are forced with the most complicated system to deal with!
Yes and they don’t pay for anything when you get older in the 80’s. My grandmother has Medicare and she had cancer they refused to pay for it and told her that she is just going to go home and Pass on. Yeah no thanks for government insurance. I’ll pass
We are here to help, we understand it can be a daunting experience. If you ever need any help you can call our office at 1-800-864-8890.
Agreed
Exactly! My first year I was so overwhelmed. We need a Federal Health System that replaces our Pay-Every-Provider system we have now. I believe in a strong Military, but the budget could be cut enough to provide healthcare for all citizens who need or choose it.
These guys are the best help !!
This is more work and annoyance than when i did work. 🤔🥺😠. Why cant they just leave it all the same every year??? Life in the USA has become too much red tape. This is NOT RETIREMENT. We are being harrassed, about everything.
I agree - when you're older, they just make it more complicated when it should be easier.
I retired 2 years ago now. It's awful at first! So confusing! My advice is to work with an independent agent that you trust - there is no charge to you and they know all the complicated stuff. Medicare School gives excellent info and I have read comments by quite a few people who use them as their independent agent and are real happy.
Yes, I hate it! We all work for the "progressive" government now. That is what they define as progress.
It is what it is. Deal with it.
@@steveludwig4200 Thanks for your heartless reply.
Of all Western Countries....we have the most ridiculous and COMPLEX system in the developed world...how did we get here?
Politicians
@@Wawalsh1234 ..I will add... "lobbying".....legalized bribing of politicians for certain narrow-focus groups to get their way.... what senior citizen has the mental capability, especially in their later years....to plow through this horror, this mess? No other Western European developed country has the nonsense we go through. Tier levels....program differences, the 4 "phases" of drug costs throughout the year where what you pay one month does not match the other month, getting a plan and then find next year horrible price increases or dropping out of your state?....etc, etc....total idiocy.
Politicians without term limits
Democrats
Yep. It's the same with the metric system. Everywhere in the world except here.
Why can't we get the insurance that Congress gets? They are all millionaires. Give the middle class and the elderly a better system and not raise the prices all the time. I'm retired. Every year since I retired my insurance raised my supplement plan every year since 2022. It's ridiculous. Im on a fixed budget, and now I see why the elderly eat dog food for dinner.
You dint get because you dint demand!!
Everyone in Congress isn't a millionaire.
@blessings4381 no, not all politicians are millionaires but they get free health care along with their families
@@No.1CatWhispererIt’s not free !!! WE PAY FOR IT !!!
@@blessings4381 Yes they are. They all buy stocks using insider information. That's why none of the republicans bitch about Pelosi making hundreds of millions in the stock market because they all do it. If we did it we would be in prison.
What a nightmare! I just turned 65 last month, got a plan only because we are forced to ,now I have to worry about changes to a plan it took me weeks to choose,and understand..
You have to re choose your plan every fall beginning in October and ending in early Dec I believe- you can decide to keep the one you already have or change to a new plan - check it out because some plans will change the amount of money you have to pay every month. A booklet will be sent to you with all the insurance plans available in your area, check out the plan you have to see if there are changes, if it looks good you don't have to do anything - or you may see a plan you like more, if you want to change then call them and tell them you would liek to change
Hate dealing with this.
Very, very stressful.
If you need any assistance or have any questions you can always call our office at 1-800-864-8890, we're happy to help!
I'm pretty sure I already threw that letter away. 😮
This is so work-intensive. My understanding from your explanation is that Medicare, first started by our government, but now, has been handed over to big business so all of us on Medicare are really on a private
program and it’s so convoluted that most of us don’t even know where to begin to protect ourselves from financial obliteration.
Not entirely true. The policies are premiums are regulated by the government.
This is probably attributable to George W. Bush's plan to privatize Medicare and Social Security. Medicare Advantage is really private insurance, and they damage the actual Medicare system by charging extravagant amount of money, stealing money from original Medicare. Medicare Advantage can also deny service as can any private insurance whereas regular Medicare does not. There's a lawsuit in Congress to force them to stop using the Medicare name because it confuses the public. Just remember when you vote in November that Republicans love to monetize every government service by Privatizing it, making sure that one of their cronies will make money on it. It's not about "efficiency" as they love to tell you; it's just "efficient" to help their rich buddies to become even wealthier.
@@barneyfyfe8313And that’s part of the scam. Congress created loopholes and off-ramps for insurance companies to maintain profitability. At the end of the day, the insurance companies get their money. For the rest of us, it’s, “Get well or die. There’s more where you came from!”
@@barneyfyfe8313 The reason it is so damn complex is because the decades long process of privatization of Medicare by a monopolized greedy healthcare-denial-for-profit industry.
Only if you sign up for an Advantage plan-Part C. I still have straight Medicare A and B not by private insurance. I do pay for the supplement by UHC but never have to deal with them.
Starting in 2025 I will be going into my eighth year of Medicare and dealing with these drug plans.
I understand how they work so I generally can readily make a change during the annual enrollment period if necessary, and its usually necessary.
That being said I am currently on a generic med so this is much easier than some I know that are on several meds and some big dollar no generic meds and this becomes much harder each year for them to go through these gyrations of picking a plan.
Not only that, but imagine being say 87 years old and try dealing with this complicated BS.
There simply has to be a better way!!!
Hopfully they have family to help them...I know my mom would be freaking out
Last year I called the Medicare number and they were able to price compare various prescription plans and helped me find one that I could afford with the medicine I took. I was astonished this service was free. The fellow was so, so helpful and patient 👍
Thankfully I stayed with the original Medicare plan. It doesn’t cover all the extras, but it sure is easier to understand .
Same.
I retired two years ago. I worked for the Medicare fee for service (traditional Medicare) insurer for 47 years. When the government ruled that Medicare Advantage plans could be sold, Insurance became way to complex to understand. Currently my husband and I have traditional Part A and B, copay and drug coverage. Most of our services are covered. It’s straight forward and it works. The last thing I want to do is to haggle with an insurance company….
What this means is price goes up coverage goes down but don't worry the politicians are all taken care of with great healthcare plans we all pay for.
In otherworldly part C will go higher. More crap.😢
@@debbiemurphy5804 My husband went on Medicare advantage and regrets it. He went round and round haggling with the insurance company. He was on the phone for 3 solid days (thank goodness he's retired) and he freaking wore them down. He finally wrangled a procedure than he had been getting for 8 years and all of a sudden they no longer cover it because of medicare advantage.
Neither my husband nor I received any letter of change last year. Anyone who wants to sign up with Advantage need to know hospitals have been refusing that plan.
Advantage plans are chock full of disadvantages
When it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
It is sad that in a supposedly free country I am forced to pay for this government and insurance ponzie scheme my whole working life then pay for it after I retire
I agree totally. Why do no private companies offer insurance plans that we can use that aren’t tied to the govt ponzie scheme
Not me, I can barely get by on ss I can't afford 200 more each month taken out for crappy health care from the government.
@@Nana-zi9xq the government mandate is because the Private Insurance Corporations are a money making machine! In a society where women still do not work complete.y out of house like the men, the system is rigged.
I'm glad to be a retired medical insurance biller. It helps me understand & help my family understand our plans. When I worked, I dreaded the first few months of the new year because of rejected claims because patient insurance info wasn't updated in the system or they changed to a plan that the doctors weren't contracted with anymore or their insurance assigned a wrong doctor. I don't miss my job, at all.
Who is here watching for their 80+ year old parent who can't understand all this cr*p? We need to remind our parents to show us the letters when they come.
Even worse, who is watching out for those same 80-year Olds that are constantly bombarded with ads and worse calls telling them free groceries and eyeglasses, if you just sign away your medicare?
Huuuggggeeee thumbs up on this comment. Huge.
@@tomquillintq My mother says she doesn't answer the phone at all unless she knows who is calling. Good practice!
@@internationaljetsetguruI do the same,very smart.
THANK YOU!!! :-) As one new to this Medicare thing, I'd have had NO idea what's going on unless I'd been first and thereafter listening to you. I'm very grateful.
Glad it helped! If you need any assistance just give us a call at 1-800-864-8890.
Being a Medicare broker must be worse than being a CPA staying up on the tax codes!!!
former tax accountant, HAVE ALWAYS said: Insurance is MORE COMPLICATED than TAX!
I’ve had the same Medicare Advantage Plan for several years and have always been happy with it.
We're warning our patients to be SURE to read the letter. Many.of them suffer from advantage plans once they have a serious need and can't get it met.
The letter will just be a confusing mess so nobody can explain these plans and make any sense.
yeah, so don't be hoodwinked that's what they want you to do
What is your mind is failing and its too much for you to decide and no relatives to help? So what now!!! There are a lot of us out here!!!😟
We are here to help any way that we can, you can always call our office at 1-800-864-8890. Our team is here to help!
This ridiculousness had to be written by the insurance companies.
by lawyers
@@peteralvarez3039 Who work for insurance companies.
@@peteralvarez3039 lawyers of the insurance companies!
for us Regular people- this is the most ridiculous bunch of confusing garbage to deal with. I mean how many pit falls, rule changes, and pay increases are we going to have. Just leave it alone!
You covered a lot of information in a short time, you are a natural teacher.
We're happy to help, if you ever have any questions just give us a call at 1-800-864-8890.
The Supplement does change. Prices go up and up
I’m 67 in November I went with original Medicare with the supplemental United so far it’s been working great it was highly recommend it to just stay with the original Medicare. I would like your thoughts on that.
Great to hear! That is usually the route that we suggest to all of our clients, if it fits your needs and you can afford that on a month to month basis with no issues!
After 30 years of medical billing (commercial claims only) I retired. Then I met Medicare! At age 88 I'm still confused, bothered and bewildered by it all. I thank the Lord that finally Medicare School popped up on my screen and you have cleared up so much of my agita. Thank you.
It is our pleasure, if you have any questions or need help give us a call at 1-800-864-8890!
I’m 64 lived in the US for 22 years and am a highly educated professional……the more I watch or read I get so damn confused!
This is by design, the insurance wants you to make a mistake or just ignore the notice. This is to take advantage of you to make more money for them. I wish I didn't get the Advantage Plan when I signed up. Now it may be difficult or cost more money to get the "Original Medicare" part B plan. But, yes, it's way to much to take all these changes in all the time. Capitalism at its finest. 😣
It’s really not too bad. First, find a reputable insurance agent who sells Senior Products. You register with Medicare directly for parts A & B (hospital & doctor visits), then go to your agent to buy a Drug supplement (part D) and a good Medigap (part G). This combination provides you with the broadest coverage, best deductibles and premiums. You will only need to review the drug supp each year. Your agent will take care of showing you all the options available and make a recommendation. I would stay away from Advantage plans (part C); part E and part F. Again, start with an agent. They can explain the alphabet to you and help you work through which plans work for you.
I was born here and lived and worked here my whole life, and I'm confused, so pls don't feel bad. It's purposely confusing.
It's deliberate sorry😮
There are a bunch of fantastic generic drugs available in Europe (and Mexico), but aren't approved in the United States. Why? Because the FDA doesn't recognize European testing, and it didn't make business sense to test them in the United States. We would save a fortune on drugs if we could buy these excellent drugs in the United States. Often we end up having to buy expensive, branded drugs instead!
The US has no true 😢testing these days. Which is taking people out.
They decide what we can and cannot have. Always was and always will be!
Mexico has fentonal in too many drugs, don't trust them
What drugs are you referring to?
1). Doxophylline, a pill for asthma 2). BCG, a vaccine that makes the immune system work better. It was made for TB, but it decreases deaths among the elderly. 3). A blood thinner and there are many others. The companies never tested them in the United States because of the expense.
This is about the ever growing greed of these insurance,medical and pharmaceutical industries here in the USA.
Don't worry...not gonna be long before the country crashes and burns
Anytime Medicare Advantage has commercials and advertisements for 6 months straight one has to be wary. I get it’s “cheaper” upfront but, cheaper is not always better. I went with Part D and never regretted it, works wonderfully.
Same.
"so far" I have had no issue with my Advantare plan. I had a heart attack......was in hospital for 9 days.....had 5 bypasses and an ablation. I had to pay very little, no problems in ANY way. I have been on it for 4 years. Having said that, you never know what will change in the future. Just my 2 cents.
Sounds like bs to me, so our government can screw us
over some more.especially the idiots that want to give SS & medicare to everyone.
Great information. There were some things I still didn't understand the importance of, and you clarified all of them. Now I can make a better choice on the next enrollment period. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
i would love to have one hour with this man.... he's so helpful!!!!!!
Yeah and funny when you slow the playback speed down to 0.5x while taking notes 😂, he sounds completely wasted 😂, but at least I can take good notes!
Glad that we can be of help, if you have any questions you can call our office at 1-800-864-8890.
you made it so simple to understand a very complicated system.
Thank you sir 😊😊😊
You are most welcome, if you have any questions give us a call at 1-800-864-8890.
I have traditional Medicare. I am thankful for it and that I can afford the supplement. Am grandfathered in on the Plan no longer an option.
Great that you are getting the care you deserve!
We are, too. I listened to a program on TH-cam about the cons of the Advantage Plan they were "pushing" on us a few years ago. They almost made it sound that you "had" to go on it. I'm glad I did some research. They even told us that even if we went with Advantage, we could get off of it and go back on the original plan if we wanted to. I don't know if that was true or not.
Thanks for all the clear and easy to understand information about what will happen in a couple of months.
We're pleased that we can help!!
I just read that the donut hole is gone, and max out of pocket dropped from $8,000 to $2,000 per year because of Biden’s Inflatiron Reduction Act. This is huge. I only hope the insurance companies don’t hit us with some surprise cost increases elsewhere.
Yeah right
Has to be paid by someone so brace yourself
You pay full price for meds until you reach your deductible ,
Thank goodness donut hole is gone. My Mom’s med is 1200 a month. 😢
Because of this insurance companies will be reducing benefits I can assure you. Once again our government instead of dealing with that issue alone that affects the minority of people, they made a change that will affect everyone negatively.
People with chronic illnesses should be on Original Medicare. Advantage Plans are HMO’s better suited for healthy seniors who don’t anticipate major health problems. When in doubt, always choose Original Medicare.
I was going to try that again, but wasn’t sure about ROI. There wasn't any. Thanks for the info!
This massive level of stupidity is exactly what happens when government gets involved with medicine. Really anything, but medicine is the worst. You think the DMV and Post Office is bad, just put government completely in charge of your healthcare.
Education also.
Wow, thank you. I’m 63…need to start thinking about things now, although with so many changes that can and will happen, and having a mom in her 80s, there is no time like the present to begin to understand. Just subscribed. Again, thank you.
You are so welcome. If you have any questions just give us a call at 1-800-864-8890!
Marvin....this is a public "thank you" for the discussions we had off-line...... I will need to speak to you again in the upcoming days or weeks...., and hope to do so....cheers !!!!
You should inform the poor uninformed people that some Hospitals refusing to accept Medicare Advantage.
We have a video discussing that on our channel, we have tons of videos discussing various topics within Medicare.
The Affordable Care Act under Obama where Nancy said we have to pass it to see what's in it was designed to charge seniors more.
These yearly changes are CRAP ! Just a confusing mess. Screw all of it.
It's simple follow the money😂😂😂
Too much information. I'm more confused than ever. My brain has shut down.
What do you need to know. Call the Medicare School phone number and talk to someone there at your leisure. I've done it several times. It's a free call. It's a free consultation. Their information has saved my life.
So the government plan is working!!! Thanks Obiden!
We would be happy to help with your transition or any questions you have. You can contact our office at 1-800-864-8890.
@@MedicareSchoolto tell u the truth I'm so confuse u don't know what I have I'm scareto go the doctor to void bills that stress me since I took my retirement work for the city.that not right for seniors citizens it's torture 😭😭
I am about 13 months away from Medicare eligibility. I've worked in hospital or medical administration my entire career and thought we would have a single payer system long ago. If we got rid of all the bureaucrats and consultants and private insurance companies as well as the state offices that oversee the insurance companies, the savings to taxpayers would be enormous.... and would permit focus on keeping hospitals funded in rural areas and avoid over-construction in the wealthy areas of the country. What we have is the wild west with multiple forces pushing their way to the money trough ..... trying to find ways to suck money out of healthcare. Hospitals and physician practices are seeing lower and lower profits that they would normally re-invest to buy new equipment and for ongoing medical education of themselves and their staff. Make no mistake, the HHS / Medicare system and Congress have created the mess. There is no need for the many videos and publications except that Congress is funded in part by big pharma and by insurance companies that lobby for laws / regs that serve to perpetuate their access to tax revenue. This is another part of the SWAMP in Washington that needs to be demolished and replaced by a single payer system. Only Congress has the power to write the laws and change the $ appropriations to defund the administrative bloat and push money directly to health services. They could select a single vendor health record system while they are at it like Ireland did. Also could create sole source vendor contracts for high cost equipment and products so there is a standardized delivery workflow.....vs redesigning workflow one health system at a time with massive hours devoted to re-creating the wheel...... only to see everything abandoned when another system merges or acquires the hospital. I cannot imagine a system more complicated than what has come to fruition nor a system with more parasites sucking cash out of the taxpayer while delivering no added value to the delivery of care
A LOT of good, up-to-date information on coming changes in Medicare. Most of it is quite good news for those of us who are retired and on fixed incomes. I can quite imagine that, for Europeans, this is quite confusing! It is for U.S. citizens, too! This is one area where I differ from other conservatives. I'd like to see a "single-payer", or governmental, health care system. I'd like to see everything payed at the level of cash--or in other words, no inflated bills submitted to the insurance companies or Medicare, as is the case now. No premiums, no co-pays, no co-insurance, no insurance companies involved, etc. Of course, the latter would be screaming in protest!!!!
Thank you
You're welcome
This has been so confusing for us and you spelled it out clear and simple. Just know you are making a huge difference in making life better for real people
That is wonderful to hear! That is always our goal!
I’m thinking of retiring to Mexico where healthcare costs are much more affordable and the weather is conducive for a healthy lifestyle!
Outstanding and very informative THANKS MARVIN😊
Glad you enjoyed it. We're happy to help.
What this means is price goes up coverage goes down but don't worry the politicians are all taken care of with great healthcare plans we all pay for.
Thank You Marvin As Always. Your Knowledge Is Priceless . You Are AWESOME. 👍
You are very welcome
The big fat book we get drives me even more nuts. I am still a very competent individual and able to keep myself on track with everything but Medicare and all of the "alternatives", "exceptions", and specifics that may or may or may not now be available or allowed going forward. I'm looking forward to not having to worry about this help in the - please God - near future. I'm not sure what the "scam' is but there has to be something that goes back to the people who run these programs that benefit them without it being obvious to us.
Medicare advantage is wonderful ... unless you become sick and need high level care !
Yep. They will Deny the claims… every time.
Medicare advantage is for suckers. Total scam. Look at how hard they push their “benefits”.. Just ask a broker to start listing their disadvantaged.
If you are a illegal! move to the head of the line..!!
That is just utter nonsense. Stop listening to so much right wing propaganda.
And if you are.... everything is completely PAID FOR
That’s ridiculous.
Lots of corruption!
@@dianecernak7130 stop lying or show a trustworthy source! Illegals will get help only as an emergency or if it is a non-profit not subsidized.
The Advantage Plan is so disadvantaged to seniors.
My Humana Gold Choice plan is better than any I've ever had including Blue Cross, United Healthcare and regular Medicare. This is my 20th year with Medicare and I couldn't be any happier as all my meds are generic and free, no charge to see my primary care and $15 for specialists. I was in the hospital from COVID issues and my copay for the whole stay including all tests, meds and specialists was $200. My advice to other seniors is to find an insurance agent that specializes in Medicare and Medicaid and they will be able to expertly navigate and explain your options.
Yes. Most other plans are also unaffordable for seniors in the current hyper inflationary climate. Advantage is basically it if you are on a limited income
Advantage plans for the insurance company are disadvantaged for patients.
It's time for me to tell my friends and family to watch this important video. And follow up! (I even follow up with myself these days but for Part D only.)
Happy that we can help!
@@MedicareSchool I have friends who signed up for MA and are sadly regretting it. And the "perks" are now essentially useless.
The problem is that we the insured have to decide on a plan by December 7, but the providers have till the end of December to sign a contract or not. I worked in hospital billing and people would get stuck sometimes because the insurance company will say oh we’re in contract with your hospital, but then it fell through because of the money page and the insured is stuck with a plan that can’t be used at the hospital they use and sometimes the doctor that they’re seeing. I think i think should be changed. I think this by having the contracts signed earlier and the patients having till December 7. So there.
Clear as mud
Everytime we get our meager cost of living increase, 1/3 of it goses to a Midi-Care increase.
But didn't we already beat Medicare?
😂😂😂😂😂 good one
😅😅That's what Biden claims!
😅Yeah, they beat it to shreds! Lord, help us.
Beat back better and don’t worry Kommie will continue build back and broken!
More threats from our great government! This government would rather us old people just disappear.
I believe the United States has some of the best medical systems in the world but what good is it if you can't afford it.
So glad this is as clear as mud!
If you have any questions we're mor than happy to help. You can contact our office at 1-800-864-8890.
In short, the letter isn't from Medicare, but from Advantage.
How are the elderly supposed to do all this every year?
We know that this can be confusing and overwhelming, we can review every year with our customers to ensure they are still in the best plans for their needs. If you would like some assistance we are here to help. You can reach our office at 1-800-864-8890.
They don't care if they make it hard on you or me. That's the truth of the matter I'm sorry to say. It finally sunk in for me
Welcome to Medicare Madness for dummies!
Thank you for your clear and understandable explanation of the times we can make changes in our plans!!!
I am seriously considering stepping down to plan N to counter the inevitable premium increases to come to my husband’s plan F “ pool” due to numerous chronic health issues 😏
If you need any assistance with this, give us a call at 1-800-864-8890. We'd be happy to help!
I have done medical billing and have dealt with insurances for over 30 years, and when I retired, I was blown away at the process of attaining Medicare. Absolutely ridiculous the amount of time and research that I needed to do. Good luck everyone!! Getting my degree in college was easier then applying for Medicare! You make one mistake and you will have to pay more every month for that mistake for as long as you have Medicare. It happened to a friend of mine. Medicare is so expensive and then they can penalize you on top of it. Nothing like ripping off the old people who paid into the system their whole life. Where do the people who make up the rules, come up with this crap!!!!
Excellent information. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I cannot believe Any reputable Insurance Agent would advise someone to sign on with a Medicare Advantage plan. Advantage plans are Notorious for denying claims! And you are pigeon holed with Their specific providers.
As far as the Inflation reduction act. There maybe some really really bad changes coming. Time will tell but look very very closely at the drugs you take and where they will be in the Tiers as compared to where they are currently. Also, the drug negotiation program will probably be an issue. You maybe forced to switch your medication. Not all drugs are equivalent in outcomes for your health.
The games that the government and insurance companies play is just disgusting!!
As people get older, all these changes become harder to understand
We understand and we are here to help along the way. If you ever have any questions you can call our office at 1-800-864-8890.
Good to know. Thank you ❤
You’re welcome 😊
Having worked in various call centers most of my life, you are spot on with your assessment. Poorly trained and usually have an expected call time. Get the customer off the phone :(
I just recently got approved for Medicare…don’t have the card yet. I only signed up for Schedule A as I still have my Federal Employee Health Benefit.
I take it you are still working?
@@MedicareSchool Hell no…retired nine years ago at 56 and haven’t worked a day since.
I have Medicare part A and B. My supplemental plan was canceled for nonpayment which was fine but my stand alone prescription plan would not let me cancel and their rates had gone up from 30$ to $ 50 in 2024.
Because of the democrat Inflation Reduction plan which caused Inflation, is going up a lot more in 2025.
Thank you for the information.
Our pleasure!
I'm in a different class that seldom gets covered but lots of commercials are being aired. Dual enrollment. I'll get a letter from my Plan, in my case United Healthcare, and from my state about my combined coverage from Medicaid. And unfortunately, because it's different I've never seen anyone cover it.
People would be better off being their own Dr. I don’t even want Medicare, I’m not taking the B part. The healthcare system in the U.S. is a bloated ineffective cash cow to the corporate shareholders.
THEY MAKE IT SO COMPLICATED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ELDERLY. CRIMINAL
Yes, I received notice of premium increase for Med Supp plan. Costs just keep increasing.
I live in CT. My supplemental plan can be changed once a month forever without underwriting
You probably pay a higher premium for that privilege but I still envy you.
I have a plan D. It changes every year, and I usually also change every year. Nothing new here.
I am 80, and my wife is 81. I still drive,
have hobbies, amateur radio 62 years,
my wife 20 years, and active with
Computer. I am also fluent in German,
having grown up with it from my parents and in college I had 20 credits
of German, just short of the Technology level.
My wife has traditional Medicare, with
a Supplement, and Part D plan.
Moving back to NY state this November, I will switch to this too,
even though more expensive than
Medicare Advantage, and being a
100% Diabled American Veteran,
with Community Care under the
Mission Act, referrals are a pain with
it, and I will go to a private Pharmacy
in NY state, not Walgreens or CVS
as they are not knowledgeable enough
for 12 prescriptions and 2 Insulins.
Nothing but trouble with the VA about
my Insulins over the last 3 years. Luckily, Insulin is only 35.00 per month
now at the pharmacy.
I think it is poetic justice that so many
Private pharmacies were driven out of
business by the chains, and now.the
Prescriptions they are closing locations. 😮
There are things I never agreed to that have been happening to me through the Medicare Advantage Plan. I think it's designed to line the insurance companies' pockets. Like now I receive about $100.00 less than I was before, and at that time I was getting about $870.00. Now it's $770.00. I had a hard time living on what I was getting before. Why they just took the money without notifying me is a big mystery to me.
I'm wishing for Medicare for all.
Thank you for sharing this information
Glad it was helpful!
Even if they still carry your prescription on the part D formulary, check to see if they've changed the way they calculate the paid benefit for that prescription. You might avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Very good information I have original medicare plus supplemental high deductible G In NYC my plan D premiums is 3.75 I hope it doesn't go up.
I got a kick out of the Air Mail letter , Excellent Video 😂
Haha happy that we could help !
Very helpful!! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I converted back to straight Medicare and a drug plan two months ago. And I did this because I became fatigue with the Advantage plans 40 phone calls per day telling me about this test or that benefit or whatever else. I got tired of switching plans too. The United Health Care plans straight up lied about what was covered in my plan. So screw that. I have Extra Help and also Medicaid Share of Cost. At least that's something. But even those things change year by year. You might be qualified one year and not the next. I finally have peace of mind and no more phone calls. Plus I can choose my own darn doctors.
My senior neighbors and myself may miss this important letter as we haven’t had mail delivery since before July 4. Community mail box owned and maintained by the PO is broke.
BTW how we going to receive and return our mail in ballots in a few weeks?
Nice detailed presentation
Thank you!
Thank you for the Heads Up!!!
You bet! Always here to help!
Great information, 👍
Thanks for watching!
You left out one Type of Broker/Agent .... The advisor co. that is offered to you by a Co. you worked for that will PAY the Medicare recipient a Monthly "reimbursement" (usually $125/mth) if you use that specific company. They typically are Independent agents that carry MANY Plans. Why did you leave this option out?
What about Medicare/Medicaid plans. Can those change annually? I suspect that they do. Any info you can provide?
They can change annually, not much information that we can provide. It would vary based on where you live. You can always review those to ensure you're still in the best plan possible. We'd be happy to help you can call our office at 1-800-864-8890.
A healthcare system that does more than dispense drugs would go a long way toward simplifying things.
So, does the last thing. the Rx formulary, mean that the drug insurance companies can stop covering those meds that fall into the donut hole now (the very expensive drugs)?
Ok they won’t be calling will they because I had a call yesterday saying that they were from Medical, foreign accent. I hung up!
For your annual notice of changes they will always send a letter, so you have physical copies of what your changes are.
@@MedicareSchool when will they be mailed?