If you or a loved one are currently enrolled in Medicare, then you may or may not be aware of several changes that have taken place recently that may dramatically affect you and your healthcare.

As Medicare and Medicaid experts, please allow us to simplify these changes for you below via question and answer.  We have also set up links to our Medicare Advantage Carriers for your convenience.

What has changed?
In 2003, the U.S. Government changed the way Medicare is offered for millions of recipients.  For those who qualify, many services and charges are now paid directly through a private Insurance Company that has a contract with the Government and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  This means that many of the items you may be used to paying for will now be paid for you.  For instance, no longer will you be responsible for paying 20% of your doctor or hospital charges.  Additionally, in the unfortunate event that you are hospitalized for an extended period of time, you will be protected from a significant, life changing medical expense.  There are many additional benefits, including prescription coverage, transportation to and from doctors offices and in some cases eyeglasses and hearing aides.   We invite you to sit down with one of our Medicare experts who will help you find the right plan for you or your loved one.

Why haven’t I hear about this?
Don’t feel bad, your not alone!  Chances are you have read about it, but just didn’t know what you were looking at.  Each year every Medicare recipient receives a book from the Government titled:  “Medicare and You”.  All of this information is contained in that book.   Because this information can be confusing, many people simply don’t read the book or assume that nothing has changed.  When our experts sit down with you to do your benefits review, we invite you to open your book and read along with us while we explain these changes in terms that are easy to understand.

It sounds good, but I doubt I will be able to afford it because I am on a fixed income-can you help me?
Believe it or not, these plans were designed just for you.  Because these insurance companies have a contract directly with the Government, in most cases your monthly charge will be very minimal, if not completely waived.  This allows those who need it most to be able to benefit from these plans-regardless of whether they qualify for Medicaid or Special assistance programs.

Will I still be on Medicare part A and B?
You will not lose your Medicare Benefits. You earned them through years of hard work and sacrifice.  In most cases you will continue to pay your Medicare Part “B” premium which is currently $93.50 per month. Upon signing up for your Medicare Advantage Plan, you will receive an insurance card directly from your carrier. This card should be presented to your doctor or hospital upon checking in. Meanwhile, your doctor will file your bill for you directly to the insurance company. 

I currently have Medicare Part “D” which reduces my prescription drug costs, will these new plans interfere with that?
In most cases, these plans will either work in conjunction with your part “D” plan, or offer a prescription drug plan on their own.  Upon sitting down with one of our Medicare experts, we invite you to share your prescription drug concerns with them.  Each has been trained to fit the appropriate plan to meet both your health and prescription drug needs.

Will I be able to use the same Doctor or Pharmacy that I am used to?
Yes, in most cases.  These insurance companies pay at the standard Medicare rate, so as long as your doctor or pharmacist has been accepting you as a Medicare recipient, nothing should change.  However, some plans do require you to see certain doctors that are in “the network”.  If this is the case, your Medicare Expert will inform you of this while sitting down with you.

How do I schedule a Medicare Expert to sit down with me or a loved one?
Simply call our office at 678-205-2763 or send an email to info@ammerrit.com