Oct 4, 2024 | Insurance News
With 2025 approaching, changes to your Medicare plan might be happening—and you could miss them! The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) outlines important updates, like coverage changes, costs, and networks, but it’s easy to overlook these details.
In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is bringing even more changes, such as capped insulin costs and improvements to prescription drug pricing. Reviewing your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) can help ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.
Let’s review your plan and see if it’s still the best fit for your needs and budget!
Contact me, an independent licensed insurance.
Oct 4, 2024 | Insurance News
As we approach the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), it’s your moment to seize control of your Medicare path. Here are some essential questions to guide you through this critical enrollment phase:
What are my healthcare needs?
Have my healthcare needs changed since last year?
What do I value most in a Medicare plan?
Is my current plan still the best fit?
Are my doctors and specialists in-network?
Do I need prescription drug coverage?
What are my plan costs, including out-of-pocket expenses?
What were the highest categories of my healthcare costs last year?
Am I eligible for financial assistance?
By asking these questions, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Your health, finances, and peace of mind matter!
Aug 4, 2024 | Insurance News
Smile Bright in Your Golden Years Why Dental Insurance Matters for Seniors
Maintaining oral health is essential for everyone, but it becomes increasingly crucial as we age. The senior population, in particular, faces unique dental challenges that can impact their overall health and quality of life. This blog post will explore the importance of dental insurance for seniors, the benefits it offers, and provide practical tips for selecting the right plan. By the end, you’ll understand why investing in dental coverage is a wise decision for your golden years.
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Understanding the Connection
Numerous studies have shown a direct link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. For seniors, maintaining good oral health is not just about having a bright smile; but safeguarding their general well-being.
Common Oral Health Problems Among Seniors
Seniors are more prone to serious dental problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. These issues can be exacerbated by underlying health conditions, medications, and age-related changes in the mouth. Addressing these problems early with regular dental check-ups can prevent more severe health complications.
The Role of Dental Insurance
Dental insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring that seniors receive the necessary dental care to maintain their oral health. It covers preventive services like cleanings and check-ups, as well as restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and dentures. With dental insurance, seniors can access timely care without worrying about the financial burden.
Benefits of Dental Insurance for Seniors
Cost Savings
One of the most significant benefits of Dental Insurance for seniors is cost savings. Dental procedures can be expensive, and without insurance, many seniors may delay or avoid seeking care altogether. Dental insurance helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making essential dental treatments more affordable and accessible.
Preventive Care Coverage
Prevention is better than cure, and dental insurance emphasizes preventive care. Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays are typically covered at little to no cost to the insured. Preventive care helps catch dental issues early when they are easier and less expensive to treat.
Access to a Network of Dentists
Most dental insurance plans use a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at negotiated rates. This network ensures that seniors will have access to qualified dental professionals who meet the insurance provider’s standards. It also simplifies the process of finding a trusted dentist.
Maximizing Your Dental Plan Benefits
Scheduling Regular Check-Ups
To make the most of your dental insurance, schedule regular check-ups and cleanings. Preventive care is often fully covered, so take advantage of these benefits. Regular visits to the dentist can help catch potential issues early and prevent more extensive and expensive treatments in the future.
Utilizing Preventive Services
In addition to check-ups and cleanings, many Dental plans cover other preventive services such as fluoride treatments and sealants. These preventive measures can help protect your teeth from decay and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
Keeping Track of Annual Maximums
Most Dental plans have an annual maximum, which is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for covered services in a year. Keep track of this limit and plan your treatments accordingly. If you have major dental work planned, consider spreading it out over multiple years to maximize your benefits.
Maximizing Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Scheduling Regular Check-Ups
To make the most of your dental coverage, schedule regular check-ups and cleanings. Preventive care is often fully covered, so take advantage of these benefits. Regular visits to the dentist can help catch potential issues early and prevent more extensive and expensive treatments in the future.
Utilizing Preventive Services
In addition to check-ups and cleanings, many Dental plans cover other preventive services such as fluoride treatments and sealants. These preventive measures can help protect your teeth from decay and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
Keeping Track of Annual Maximums
Most Dental Coverage plans have an annual maximum, which is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for covered services in a year. Keep track of this limit and plan your treatments accordingly. If you have major dental work planned, consider spreading it out over multiple years to maximize your benefits.
Understanding Common Dental Procedures Covered by Insurance
Fillings and Restorations
Dental Insurance typically covers fillings and restorations to treat cavities and tooth decay. These procedures are essential for maintaining the integrity of your teeth and preventing further damage. With insurance, you can address cavities promptly without worrying about the cost.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are used to restore damaged or missing teeth. Dental coverage often covers a portion of the cost of these procedures, making them more affordable. Restoring damaged teeth not only improves your smile but also enhances your ability to chew and speak properly.
Dentures and Implants
For seniors who have lost multiple teeth, dentures, and implants are common solutions. Dental Coverage may cover part of the cost of dentures, while coverage for implants can vary. Having insurance can significantly reduce the financial burden of these restorative treatments.
Special Considerations for Seniors
There are many options on the market today. Here at Meyer Insurance Agency in Shawano Wis, we specialize in Dental coverage and offer a wide selection of plans to give you the coverage you need at an affordable cost.
Mar 18, 2024 | Insurance News
Understanding Medicare Advantage Costs and Coverage
Navigating the complexities of healthcare is not just a necessity; it’s a vital part of maintaining a high standard of living, especially for our senior community. With each stage of life, health insurance becomes increasingly integral, and for many Americans over 65, the choice between traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan dictates the kind of care they receive. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the intricate web of Advantage costs and coverage, providing clarity for seniors and health insurance shoppers alike.
The Importance of Knowing Medicare Advantage Details
Selecting a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions an individual will make regarding their healthcare. With long-term health and financial implications, understanding the nuances of Advantage plans can save you both money and stress. Let’s start at the beginning.
Medicare Advantage Overview
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer a combined approach to healthcare, bundling the features of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Definitions and Benefits
Unlike traditional Medicare, which is government-run and pays for a sizable portion of your health care bills, Advantage plans are designed to offer the same coverage as Original Medicare, but with added features and an alternative way to receive services.
Costs Associated with Medicare Advantage
Understanding the financial outlay associated with Advantage goes beyond the premium you pay. It’s necessary to unpack various costs, including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
Premiums
The monthly premium of a Medicare Advantage plan adds to the base amount you already pay for Medicare Part B. It’s a fixed cost and can range from zero to a few hundred dollars, depending on the features and the insurer’s pricing strategy.
Deductibles
Before your plan’s coverage kicks in, you may need to reach a certain deductible. Some plans have higher deductibles in exchange for lower premiums, so it’s important to factor this in when choosing a plan.
Copayments and Coinsurance
These are the out-of-pocket costs you pay when you receive particular services. A co-payment is a fixed amount, while coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost.
Coverage Offered by Medicare Advantage Plans
The crux of any healthcare plan is the services it covers. For Medicare Advantage, this includes a broad array extending beyond Original Medicare.
Hospital Services
Advantage plans are mandated to cover all the services Original Medicare does, which includes hospital care (Part A) for inpatient stays, including semiprivate room, meals, general nursing, and drugs as part of your inpatient treatment.
Doctor Visits
Outpatient care (Part B) is also covered under Medicare Advantage, encompassing doctor’s visits, preventive care, and medical equipment.
Prescription Drugs
While not universal, many Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage or the option to add it. This is significant as drug costs can be a substantial portion of healthcare expenses.
Factors Influencing Costs
Despite standardization, the costs you encounter with an Advantage plan can vary widely.
Plan Type
HMO, PPO, PFFS, and SNPs are types of Medicare Advantage plans, each structured differently, which results in distinct cost structures and network limitations. For example, HMOs often have lower premiums and less out-of-pocket expenses but are more restrictive in terms of out-of-network care.
Location
Where you live plays a part in the cost and availability of plans. Insurers calculate premiums based on regional costs of health care and the plan’s level of service.
Health Condition
Individual health concerns can significantly affect your overall healthcare and expected costs. Some Advantage plans may be better suited for those with chronic conditions or individuals who need frequent medical attention, while others may be more cost-effective for generally healthier seniors.
Reviewing Medicare Advantage Plans
When choosing an Advantage plan, a consumer should consider our approach.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
It’s advisable to list your current medications and healthcare needs, review the total costs of a plan (not just the premium), ensure your providers are in-network, and take advantage of resources like Medicare’s Plan Finder tool or independent Medicare insurance agents. For more information or a 30-minute free consultation Look Here.
Conclusion
Understanding Medicare Advantage costs and coverage is key to making informed choices that can ultimately enhance your health and well-being in your golden years. By taking the time to comprehend the nuances of coverage and the potential financial obligations, you’re not just purchasing health insurance; you’re investing in your future.
In summary, Medicare Advantage plans offer a flexible alternative to Original Medicare.
Mar 9, 2024 | Insurance News
The Health Matching Account Services (HMA) covers not only necessary medical expenses but also elective procedures that you may want. At HMSA, we are committed to providing you access to an average of $2 or more in medical benefits for every $1 that you contribute to the health matching account each month as the program progresses. Unlike the Health Savings Account (HSA), you can continue using your HMA after you reach 65.
In addition to helping you pay for the majority of your out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by your health insurance or Medicare. This Health Matching Account provides you with more freedom and purchasing power than any other medical savings plan available. The HMA is a medical savings program that guarantees substantial growth of your available medical benefits.
With the HMA, you have the freedom to opt for any medical services, including experimental and elective procedures. These procedures include LASIK, plastic surgery, and many others performed by licensed medical doctors, that you may not have been able to afford otherwise.
The Health Matching Account can provide you with the safety net you need to save money. The majority of your out-of-pocket medical expenses that your insurance or Medicare will not pay for. In addition, the HMA can also allow you to increase your medical deductible over time as your HMA accumulates. The benefits of this program increase every month, providing you with a comprehensive and reliable medical savings solution.
1. Superior Monthly Medical Benefit Matching and Health Care Saving
The HMA® program is designed to assist you in saving money on various out-of-pocket expenses that your health insurance or Medicare plan does not cover. These are doctor visits, prescription medications, dental care, vision care, and more. With the help of HMA®, you can enhance your healthcare purchasing power, making it easier for you to access the care you need.
2. Guaranteed Growth Of Your Medical Benefits
The monthly matching of medical benefits awarded into your HMA® plan above and beyond what you contribute is guaranteed to increase for you as you stay in the program as long as your plan is in good standing. Your HMA® will match your monthly contributions with an average of $2 in medical benefits for every $1 above and beyond what you contribute to your plan. This match will secure you significant medical savings along the way both before and after you reach your paid-up, target medical benefit cap.
3. Guaranteed Issue
You can easily enroll in the Health Matching Account plan of your choice in five minutes! Unlike health insurance, the HMA® requires no upfront underwriting and will also allow you to cover every member in your household under the age of 26.
4. Easy To Use
You can access your HMA® plan benefits to pay for your qualifying medical needs by presenting your HMA® Medical Benefits ID Card to your healthcare providers at the time of service. A digital version of the HMA® Medical Benefits ID Card will be available in each participant’s member portal. Your provider will then verify both the eligibility of the service and that you have a sufficient amount of medical benefits available in your HMA® plan to pay for this medical expense. No further action will need to be taken by the HMA® participant at their provider’s office.
5. Now You Can Afford Elective Procedures
With the HMA®, you now gain the freedom to opt for other medical services that you may have always wanted or needed but could not afford before because of the ever-growing amount of medical benefits that you will secure in your plan every month. Your HMA® can be used for any elective procedure with a medical doctor including for dental, Lasik, and even plastic surgery.
Feb 27, 2024 | Insurance News
Meyer Insurance Agency, located in Shawano, Wisconsin, is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to Health Insurance, which is vital to the well-being of both individuals and businesses. We understand the importance of fully comprehending the various options available, including the marketplace healthcare system, commonly known as ACA or Obama Care, and off-market options.
The Health Insurance Market place Market Place
The Marketplace is a healthcare program financed by the Federal Government and is available only during specific enrollment periods. The program is designed based on the individual’s income and affordability and offers lower premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for individuals with Lower income. Conversely, higher-income earners receive less government subsidy to aid with their premiums and deductibles. These healthcare plans are mostly in-network plans that provide limited choices for medical services. However, they can be advantageous for low-income individuals and those with serious health concerns.
We at Meyer Insurance Agency are committed to providing our clients with up-to-date information and guidance on the various healthcare options available to them. Our team of experts is available to answer any questions you may have and offer advice on the most suitable health insurance plan to meet your specific needs.
Off-Market Option
Apart from the Marketplace, there are other options available for both individuals and businesses, such as off-market options and ACA-compliant programs. We can help you explore these options further. These are just a few of the available choices.
Short-term health insurance programs are ideal for healthy individuals who are between jobs and require up to three years of coverage. There are many different options available, typically at a lower premium. Market Major Medical plans are regular major medical plans that are ACA compliant, offering more flexibility in the choice of medical services. The plans are not based on income.
Your Health Insurance Options
Most health insurance plans available in today’s market tend to have high deductibles and coinsurances and many different gaps in coverage. We offer the customer many different options to fill those gaps and to cover most deductibles and coinsurance, many times at a lower cost. We have partnered up with Compass Health Solutions to offer our clients the most comprehensive and highly rated list of companies and products in the health insurance space. These plans can cover people with preexisting conditions.
In addition to these plans, we offer Accident and Critical illness plans, Limited Health plans, Cancer Insurance, and Dental & eyecare. We can help you find the most comprehensive plan that both provides the coverage you need and at a cost that you can afford.
If you are carrying a high deductible and coinsurance on your health plans, be sure to ask us about our HMA matching services.
