Nearly 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease, and that figure is expected to climb to 1.2 million by 2030. While this disease can affect anyone, it is more common in older adults: it affects around 1% of the population over 60. If you are an older adult, especially if you have a family history of Parkinson’s disease, you might be worried that you could be diagnosed with this condition; you might also be worried about how you would pay for treating it. Medicare can help ease the financial burdens of paying for care, especially if you purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain, which causes tremors.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease that causes nerve cells in the area of the brain that control movement to weaken and/or die. It is the second most destructive degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, but unlike Alzheimer’s, which primarily affects memory and cognitive skills, Parkinson’s affects movement, balance, and mood.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra; scientists believe this loss of nerve cells is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. You might be at higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease if one or more of your family members has it: around 15 to 25% of people living with Parkinson’s have family members that have had it as well. In terms of environmental factors, studies have shown that Parkinson’s is more common among people living in rural areas, leading experts to believe that exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
There are four main symptoms to keep an eye out for when it comes to Parkinson’s:
Tremor or trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
Slow movements
Stiffness of the limbs and trunk
Impaired balance and coordination
Medicare Coverage For Parkinson’s
Medicare will help cover some of the costs of treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Medicare Part A will provide coverage for any inpatient hospital stays, which can be beneficial for people who have more advanced cases of Parkinson’s. It will also cover up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, as well as any surgery needed.
Medicare Part B will cover your doctor visits. It will also help cover the cost of physical therapy, injections, therapy for any accidents related to Parkinson’s, and any medical equipment needed to manage symptoms. Medicare Part B might also cover parts of Duopa therapy, an innovative procedure used to treat motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s. In this procedure, medication is delivered through a tube directly into the patient’s intestine.
A Medicare Supplement Plan can help cover any extra costs that Original Medicare does not cover, including the 20% coinsurance that you will have to pay out-of-pocket for every Part B expense. One of these plans could cover 100% of your Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as 100% of Part B coinsurance and copayments, for one low monthly premium price.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
Medicare Supplement Plans are an undeniably great way to save money on the medical expenses you incur throughout the year. Having one can help you save hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a chronic condition that requires a lot of medical attention. One important question, though, is if Medicare Supplement Plans are accepted by all doctors, since seeing a doctor who does not accept your plan could mean a huge bill that you have to pay out-of- pocket. And if you’re living on a fixed income, that’s the last thing you need! Find out just how Medicare Supplement Plans work with all doctors.
How Medicare Supplement Plans Work
Medicare Supplement Plans will cover the 20% coinsurance that Original Medicare does not cover.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans; each plan offers different coverage and rates. You’ll pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement Plan, and in return, the plan pays most of your expenses that are not covered by Medicare Parts A & B. For example, if you have a $4,000 ambulance bill and have already met your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the bill. This leaves you to pay the remaining 20%, $800, out-of-pocket. But if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan that covers Part B copayments and coinsurance, it will pay the remaining $800.
Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
Part B excess charges
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
Blood (first 3 pints)
Some will cover:
Foreign travel emergencies (up to plan limits)
Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?
Now onto the really important part! You should be aware that not all doctors accept Medicare Supplement Plans, so before you purchase one, make sure that your doctor and other providers will accept it. Fortunately, though, 95-96% of doctors and hospitals will accept Medicare Supplement Plans: the general rule is that if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment, they will automatically accept your Medicare Supplement Plan, regardless of your insurance company.
The important thing is not to fall into the trap that some people fall into, and assume that all doctors accept Medicare. Some do not, and those who don’t accept Medicare will bill you up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount, and you will have to pay for all of their services out-of-pocket.
If you are interested in finding out if the doctors or providers you see accept Medicare, speak to an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can make sure that the doctor you want to see is covered, so you don’t end up with any extra or unexpected fees. We will also compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area and find the one that is right for you. No obligation, and no hassle. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
It happens more often than you think: Medicare beneficiaries looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan work with an insurance agent who only wants to make a sale, and they end up with a useless or overpriced plan. While we’re definitely not saying you shouldn’t work with an agent – there’s a lot you need to know when looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan – we are saying it’s important you work with the right agent. The best way to find the right plan for your specific needs is by working with EZ; with us, you won’t have to worry about being steered wrong, because our agents are not only knowledgeable, but we genuinely care about helping you – and our services are always free!
We’ve Seen It Time & Time Again
Sometimes people will buy a Medicare Supplement Plan to cover their needs, but then receive a large medical bill in the mail.
We’ve seen it all before: people often come to us disheartened because they worked with another agent and ended up with a Medicare Supplement Plan that is actually too expensive for them, or that doesn’t have the coverage they need. For example, we recently helped a new client who had purchased Medicare Supplement Plan K on the advice of their former agent, who had said it was the right choice for them. It was only after they received an unexpected $1,000 bill from their gastroenterologist that they learned Medicare Supplement Plan K only covers 50% of Medicare Part B coinsurance, unlike other plans which cover it 100%, like Plans A,B,C,D,G,M, and N. Fortunately for the client, they were within the time frame of their Open Enrollment Period, and we were able to find them a better plan without them having to go through medical underwriting.
We’ve Got You Covered
You should be aware, though, that even if your Medicare Open Enrollment Period has passed, you can still switch your Medicare Supplement Plan, with a little help from EZ. You have the option to change your plan at any time, the only difference is you might have to go through the underwriting process – but don’t worry! This doesn’t mean that one of our agents won’t be able to find you an affordable plan. Unlike other companies, we can deliver this promise because we work with the top-rated insurers in the country, and we can compare plans to help you find the perfect one for you, no matter what plan you got stuck with before!
Our Promise To You
The whole reason we started EZ.Insure is that we got sick and tired of seeing innocent people get taken advantage of. We wanted to change the game by offering our customers highly-trained agents who will compare all available plans, as well as be totally transparent with you; that’s why we always allow you to see all the plans they have access to, while they explain the benefits, costs, and coverage options of each plan, so you can make an informed decision.
We know there are a lot of insurance agents out there, but it’s important not to trust the wrong people to help you, because this can end up costing you a lot of money. At EZ, our main goal is to get you the best plan possible; we’re not looking to make a quick buck off of you, which is why our services are always free! We will assess your needs, compare Medicare Supplement Plans, and sign you up at no cost to you. Finding the right plan will help you begin saving more money, and relieve some of the stress of worrying about medical expenses. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so make sure you work with the right agent to get the right one for you. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.
Original Medicare offers great health benefits for people ages 65 and older, but there are some expenses it does not fully cover. Medicare Part B covers 80% of most medical costs, leaving beneficiaries to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket. These out-of-pocket costs can add up, which is why many Medicare beneficiaries buy a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans pay for what Original Medicare does not, and can end up saving you hundreds of dollars each year. CMS has announced that Medicare Part B costs are going up next year, but luckily the costs for most Medicare Supplement Plans will remain the same, with only a few changing. Find out just how much you can save before Medicare Open Enrollment is over!
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement Plans cover costs not covered by Original Medicare such as help with nursing facility costs.
Medicare Supplement Plans are supplemental insurance policies sold by private insurance companies. They help pay for things that are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans, each with different levels of coverage. Some costs that might be covered include:
Parts A and B deductibles
Coinsurance or copays for parts A and B
Part B excess charges
Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Hospital costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Community rated- Monthly premiums are the same for everyone that purchases a plan, regardless of their age. Your premium is not based on your age.
Issue-age rated- Monthly premiums are based on the age you are when you first purchase the plan (younger buyers will have lower premiums). Premiums do not increase as you get older.
Attained-age rated– Monthly premiums are based on the age you are when you purchase the plan: the younger you are, the lower your premium will be. Your premium will go up as you get older.
2021 Price Changes
There will be changes to prices in 2021 for some Medicare Supplement Plans; these changes will mainly be to deductible amounts and out-of-pocket limits. Medicare Plan G, the only plan that has a high-deductible option (since Plan F is no longer available, unless you purchased it before January 1, 2020), will see a rise in its deductible amount. For 2021, the deductible for these plans is $2,370.
Medicare Supplement Plans K and L have out-of-pocket limits. This is the maximum out-of-pocket amount that you will have to pay for covered services. After you reach the limit, your plan will pay for 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. For 2021:
The best things about Medicare Supplement Plans are that you will save money on out-of-pocket Medicare costs, and that you will not be held back by network restrictions. With a Medicare Supplement Plan, as long as you see a doctor that accepts Medicare, you will be covered by your plan. If you are interested in looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan, EZ.Insure will explain all of them to you and compare plans within minutes. We will assess your health and financial needs, discuss all the options, and guide you in the right direction. Our goal is to help you find the best plan and save you the most money, which is why our services are free. To get instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to Medicare Supplement Plans. You not only have the choice between 10 different letter plans, but you also have the choice of multiple companies to buy your plan from. There’s Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, and so many more. But which one in this sea of companies should you go for? First you need to determine which companies service your area. Next, you need to check each company’s ratings. At EZ, we have agents who can find the company that best fits your needs, so you can get the best possible plan and service.
How Companies Are Rated
Organizations like the Better Business Bureau will sometimes evaluate multiple companies and give awards based on certain factors.
Ratings for insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement Plans are not based on the coverage that their plans offer. This is because Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized by Medicare, so each insurance company has to offer the same benefits for each letter plan across the board. Insurance companies can, however, set the premiums for their plans, so those vary from one company to another. Ratings aren’t generally determined by price alone, though. Insurance company ratings are based on:
The variety of plans offered. Many companies only offer a limited number of policies out of the 10 different letter plan types.
Their customer service. This is determined by customer reviews.
Awards received. Organizations like the Better Business Bureau will sometimes evaluate multiple companies and give awards based on certain factors.
How many states they offer plans in. Some companies only offer plans in a handful of states, while others serve more areas.
The Top Rated Companies
After evaluating all of the criteria above, we have determined that the top 5 Medicare Supplement insurance companies are:
Humana– Covers all 50 states, offers plans A,B,C,K,L,N, and has the best additional member benefits. This company generally uses attained-age pricing, meaning premiums increase as you age, and premiums depend on your location, age, tobacco use, and gender. They offer small discounts to those who are living with another senior member who has one of their Medicare Supplement Plans.
Aetna- Covers 42 states, offers plans A,B,G,N, and is rated best for customer service. Aetna generally uses attained-age pricing, so premiums increase as customers age. They also offer a 12-month rate lock, which guarantees that your premiums will not go up in the first year. They offer a 12% discount for customers who live with another senior who has one of their Medicare Supplement Plans.
Cigna– Covers 50 states, offers plans A,B,C,D,G,N, and has been rated the best overall value for the plans they offer. They do not require customers to use an in-network doctor, and they offer competitive premiums and some of the most affordable options. They offer a 7% discount for customers living with one other person that is enrolled in one of their Medicare Supplement Plans.
AARP– Covers 50 states, offers plans A,B,C,G,K,L,N, and is rated the most experienced in working with seniors. To qualify for a plan, you must be an AARP member. Their plan prices are community-rated. They offer an enrollment discount in most states of up to 30% for seniors aged 65, and they offer a 5% discount when more than one person in the household is enrolled in one of their plans.
Mutual of Omaha– Covers 50 states, offers plans A,G,N, and is rated the most experienced in working with the Medicare system; they have been offering Medicare Supplement Plans since 1966. Their plans usually use attained-age pricing, so premiums increase as customers age. They offer a 12% discount if you live with one other person (over 60 years old) that is also covered by one of their plans.
If you are interested in getting a plan from a top-rated Medicare Supplement company, EZ can help. We work with all of these companies, and more, and we will provide you with a highly trained licensed agent who works with these companies. Your agent will compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans to find the best one for you. You deserve the best, so we’ll make sure you get the best. To get free Medicare Supplement Plan quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or if you prefer to speak to an agent directly, call 888-753-7207. Our agents are ready to help!
