Medicare Help Archives - Page 23 of 28

How Medicare Scope Of Appointment Forms Protect You

Enrolling in Medicare can be overwhelming. In addition to all of the new terms that you will need to learn, you will also need to learn about what is covered and how much you will pay for different services. For example, Medicare covers Part A (hospital insurance) fully as long as you meet the requirements,while with Part B (medical insurance), you will have to pay 20% of bills out of pocket. A Medicare Supplement Plan can help make up the difference. With all of the different options you will need to sort through, you may find that you want to go to an insurance agent for help. However, you should not feel intimidated into enrolling in a plan or paying for extra coverage. This is where a form known as the Medicare Scope of Appointment will be your saving grace.

red and white private propery sign — **This form will protect you from scams and unwanted solicitation from high-pressure sales people.**

Medicare Scope Of Appointment Form

A Medicare Scope of Appointment form is a federal form that is required by law when an agent sells you Medicare coverage. If you have decided to reach out and meet with an agent, or work with one to find out what your Medicare options are, then you will need to fill out one of these forms detailing what you would like to discuss. Your answers will help your agent get a better understanding of what exactly you are looking for, so that they can present you with your options and nothing more. This means that this form will also protect you from scams and unwanted solicitation from high-pressure sales people.

This form was created specifically for in-person meetings; however, you can choose to have a telephone meeting and consent to an oral agreement. The recording of your conversation will serve as a Scope of Appointment.

Form Options

When you fill out a Scope Of Appointment form, you check off what options you would like to discuss with an agent. The list of options to choose from on the form are:

Medicare Supplement Plans
Dental/Vision and Hearing Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans
Hospital Indemnity Plans
Stand-Alone Part D Drug Plans

Once you check the boxes on what you would like to discuss, you will sign your name on the “Beneficiary Signature” line. Your agent will then only be allowed to discuss the items that you expressed an interest in.

Not Sure What You Need?

In the beginning, the process of signing up for Medicare can be quite overwhelming, and you might not know where to start. You might not know what kind of coverage you want exactly or which boxes to even choose. At EZ.Insure, our team of experts will provide you with knowledge of all the different types of coverage options and which ones will best suit your needs. You will be assigned your own personal Medicare agent, and that agent will prepare quotes for all available options, for free. All of our services are free, because we just want to make sure you get the help and coverage you need. No obligation, no hassle. To get started, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-753-7207.

How Does Medicare Work With Other Insurance?

Are you over 65, working, and on your employer’s insurance? Are you looking into enrolling in Medicare as well? You can have both employer-based health insurance and Medicare at the same time, as long as you are eligible to collect Medicare. However, when it comes to paying for medical services, it can get a little tricky. There are rules for how Medicare and other insurance plans work together. One has to be a primary and the other a secondary insurance.

Coordination Of Benefits

number one and number 2 in list form — *Insurers will have a coordination of benefits to decide which insurance pays a bill first. There is a primary payer, and a secondary payer.*

Insurers will have a coordination of benefits to decide which insurance pays a bill first. Your “primary payer” will cover the maximum amount your plan allows first, then your “secondary payer” will step in and pay the rest, or as much as your secondary plan allows. The rule of thumb when you have both employer insurance and Medicare is: if the employer has 20 or more employees, then the group health insurance plan will be the primary payer. If the employer has less than 20 employees, then Medicare will pay first. There are a few things to know about primary and secondary payers:

The second payer might not pay the rest of the uncovered costs.
If your employer’s insurance is the secondary payer, then you may need to enroll in Medicare Part B before your employer’s insurance will pay. This is because when Medicare is primary to your other insurance, your other insurance may not pay for costs until Medicare pays. Part B will help you avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs for your care.

Conditional Payment

If your employer-based insurance does not pay for services such as workers comp or liability claims first, then Medicare will make the payment so you do not have to pay the bill out of pocket. This is called a conditional payment on Medicare’s behalf. It is considered conditional, because the payment has to be repaid to Medicare if you get a settlement, judgement, or other kind of payment later.

hand with pen checking off a checklist. — *There is a checklist you must meet in order to qualify for Medicare and other insurance.*

The Standard To Have Medicare & Other Insurance

There is a standard to meet in order to have Medicare alongside employer-based insurance. If you do not meet the standard, then there is a penalty. In order to have both and avoid a penalty from Medicare, you must make sure that:

You are enrolled into Medicare by age 65- Generally if you do not enroll into Medicare Part B within the 7 month initial enrollment period (6 months before your 65th birthday, the month of, and 3 months following), you will face a lifelong penalty.
You are working and covered by your employer’s insurance- If your employer has 20 or more employees, then you can hold off on Part B, and will not have to worry about the penalty.

Medicare Supplement Plans

If you do not have employer-based insurance and are looking for extra coverage, then you may want to look into a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and are a secondary form of insurance that helps pay for Medicare Part B bills. Medicare will pay 80% of your Part B bills, leaving you to pay the remaining 20%.

Medicare and other forms of insurance can work together with a coordination of benefits rule. It can be confusing to understand how it all works. EZ.Insure will help make sure you are covered correctly without dealing with any unexpected penalties or bills. Whether it is to help deal with any issues related to Medicare, or to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan to sustain Part B costs, EZ.Insure has you covered. At EZ.Insure we are trained to be on your side and get you the best plan in your budget. Get an instant quote by typing your zip code in the bar above, or speak with someone now. You can contact one of our highly trained agents by calling 888-753-7207. All of our services are free, because we just want to help you save money. No gimmicks, or obligations.

Medicare Site Has Faulty Tool, Avoid Misinformation With EZ

Looking for Medicare quotes? Did you use Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool on their site, Medicare.gov? If so, you could’ve been given the wrong information, which could be costing you hundreds of dollars. The Medicare Plan Finder tool had some bugs that needed to be fixed, so, in August, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated it. However, the tool is currently still giving seniors incorrect price estimates, and wrong coverage information. You don’t have to worry about that with EZ. We give you accurate quotes, every time.

caucasian hands holding open an empty wallet. — *The misinformation the tool provides can lead Medicare beneficiaries to lose a lot of money.*

The Problem With The Tool

Even with the August revamp, Medicare beneficiaries have been just as confused as ever. The tool has been showing inaccurate premium estimates, incorrect prescription drug costs, and inaccurate coverage costs. Beneficiaries are at risk of choosing the wrong coverage because of this inaccurate information. They will then be stuck with this plan for the entire year, and will be losing money while they wait for the next open enrollment period.

One Medicare consultant in Wisconsin used the tool to research prescription drug plans for a client, and was shocked by the results. She started checking the plans’ websites, and came across two versions of the same high blood pressure medication. One was covered, while the other was not. The difference in price was $2,700 a month.

Accurate Quotes With EZ

red cartoon drawing throwing an arrow at a target towards the center. — *EZ.Insure uses state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate live quotes every time.*

Here at EZ, we make sure we do our research and homework. EZ.Insure uses state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate live quotes. This means that the quotes provided are the prices you would pay for the plan if you signed up today. Getting a live quote is important because as the market and personal situations change, insurance prices will also change.

Avoid all of the work of trying to find an accurate quote. Using the Medicare Plan Finder Tool can leave you with inaccurate quotes, and false information. If you’re not an expert in insurance, then errors, or simple ignorance, can cost you tons of money. It’s your health, and it’s important.

The CMS is currently working on fixing the issues with the Medicare Plan Finder Tool. In the meantime, if you are seeking Medicare advice, it would be best to contact a Medicare agent. An agent who is familiar with plans and the coverage they provide can help guide you in a better, more accurate direction. EZ.Insure has highly trained agents in your region that can offer you accurate quotes on plans available, and help you save. If you would like to speak to an agent, call 888-753-7207. Or if you would like an instant quote, enter your zip code in the bar above.

EZ Puts You First, That’s Why Customers Rate Us #1

Ever work with a company and feel like they are doing the bare minimum? We have been there, which is why EZ.Insure goes out of our way to make sure our customers come first, always. We value your needs before ours, because it is more than just making money. That is why our services are free!

It is all about your journey and experience. EZ aims to help you find the best insurance with the highest rate of savings. How? With a lot of research, our highly trained agents, and a secured site.

gold trophy with the number one on it — *EZ.Insure puts our customer’s needs before our own.*

Educated Agents

One of the ways we look out for our customers with the best experience, is by providing educated, trained agents that know their stuff. Our agents know all about the insurance companies and plans within your area. You will receive your very own agent and will not be bounced around from agent to agent. Your agent will listen to your needs and make sure you get what you are looking for and need. You will not be steered in the wrong direction just so they can make a quick buck.

You will be provided with the best plan for less. No need for confusion or mistakes, we will take care of you.

It’s All About You

EZ.Insure was solely created to provide for customers like you. We were tired of seeing people get taken advantage of, and scammed. Your needs are important to us, as well as your feedback. We want your experience to be the best, which is why you are provided with your own agent. They will find a custom, form fitting plan that meets your needs. And if there is ever an issue, the agent will make sure to fix it to meet your standards.

Speaking of standards, your privacy is high on our list. We value your privacy like it is our own. No need to ever worry about other people getting your information, or being hassled by telemarketers. Ever. We secure your information with state-of-the-art technology, so it’s just between you and us.

coins growing with plants on them. — *We promise to help you find the best plan, while saving money.*

Our Promise To Our Customers

Our service is focused on each customer and creating an atmosphere of support during your insurance shopping journey. We offer instant results along with our custom service.

We promise:

To make your shopping experience pleasurable.
To find you the best plan that meets your needs.
That you will never have telemarketers calling you after using our site.
That our services will always be free.
Your own personal agent to compare quotes for you.
No headaches, no hassles.

Are Humana & Medicare The Same?

Many people wonder if Humana and Medicare are the same. Simply put, no. Medicare is a government administered health insurance program, and Humana is one of the largest private insurance companies. People get these two confused because Humana sells Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans. Let’s go over what exactly the two are.

a picture of a balancer with green apples on onse side and oranges on the other. — *When comparing Medicare and Humana, it can be like comparing apples and oranges. They are two different things.*

Medicare

Medicare is the nation’s largest health insurance program for adults 65 and older. It is operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Medicare is used by over 57 million Americans, and it is not based on income, and it is not free. In order to be eligible for Medicare, you must meet some requirements:

You must be 65 and older.
You must have worked and paid at least 40 qualifying quarters, or 10 years, of Medicare taxes to receive Medicare Part A.
You must be a U.S. citizen.

Medicare benefits are divided into two parts, Part A and Part B.

picture of different medical equipments — *Medicare Part A and Part B covers a number of hospital and medical services.*

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) — covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, short-term nursing home care, hospice care, and some home health care. (100% of your costs for up to 60 days in a hospital or up to 20 days in a skilled nursing facility.)
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) — covers annual wellness visits every month, ambulance services, orthotics and prosthetics, medical equipment, and mental health care. (80% of costs covered by Medicare.)

Medicare will cover 80% of your Part B expenses, leaving you with 20% to pay out of pocket. If the expenses get to be too much to budget, you can look into additional coverage to pay for the 20%, such as Medicare Supplement plans. These plans vary by premium, deductible, and coverage. Additionally, they are helpful to those who travel, as some cover international health care costs.

Humana

Humana is a private insurance company that sells Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement plans for people looking for secondary insurance to help pay for Original Medicare.

Humana is contracted with the federal government to provide these Medicare plans under the Medicare program.

If you have Medicare and are interested in a Medicare Supplement plan, EZ.Insure can help! There are roughly 10 different types of medicare supplement plans on the market, and they all vary in coverage and cost. Figuring out which plans are best for you can be hard, but we are here to help. If you would like to gather more information on Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans, one or our highly trained agents are ready to help.

You can start by simply entering your zip code in the bar above to get a quote, or you can contact us by email at Replies@Ez.Insure or call 855-220-1144. There is no hassle and no obligation. We will help you answer any questions, go over all of your plan options, find the Medicare Supplement plan most suited for your needs and budget, and even help you sign up if you’re ready.

Does Medicare Cover Life Alert?

Medical life alert systems were created to help older adults in the unfortunate event of a fall, or a medical emergency. Generally, these alert devices are worn around the neck or on the wrist, so that seniors can have easy access to help 24/7. This can be life saving in dire situations. So how much do these life alerts cost? And does Medicare cover the cost?

different emergency vehicles parked next to each other. — *Medical alert systems can help direct emergency respondents when and where they need to go to help you.*

Is A Medical Alert System Necessary?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, approximately 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 experience a fall every year. These falls result in broken hips, bones, and more. If you are living alone, then these devices would be extremely beneficial. Especially if you experience physical weakness, poor vision or balance, medication side effects, or chronic conditions.

The Different Types

There are all kinds of medical life alert systems. If you do not want to wear one, you can have one on your phone, or activity tracker. You have the ability to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.

Bracelets, lanyards, or pendant– These are the usual alert systems that have an emergency button to push. You can wear it around your neck, and wrist. With some you have to push a button, while others sense a fall and call help for you.
Cell phone alert system– These systems are self explanatory. You can contact your alert monitoring center through the push of a button on your phone. They can use GPS on your phone with these systems so medical assistance will know exactly where you are when needed.
Activity tracker– These kinds of systems track your daily activity. If something is off, then the company will raise a red flag and check on you to make sure you are okay. These kinds of systems will help you improve your overall health by tracking sleep cycles, and more.

The Cost

The cost of an alert system is different among companies. For some, you will have to pay a one-time fee for rental, and then a monthly monitoring fee. Other companies will have you just pay the monitoring services, and ship the device for free. The monthly fees range for these systems range from $50 to $90.

So, Is It Covered By Medicare?

Unfortunately Medicare does not cover medical life alert systems. But don’t worry, there are some ways to get a discount on them. Some Medicare Supplement Plans might provide discounts, as well as organizations like AARP, AMAC, and USAA.

calculator and paper with hands pointing at both — *Unfortunately Medicare does not cover medical life alert systems, but there are some ways to get a discount.*

If you are not a part of any of these organizations, don’t lose hope. You can contact the local Department of Human Resources, or Department of Aging Services in your area, and they can help. Also, consider looking into Medicare Supplement Plans, since they can offer discounts towards alert systems.

If you need assistance searching and comparing Medicare Supplement plans, EZ.Insure can help! There are roughly 10 different types of medicare supplement plans on the market, and they all vary in coverage and cost. We will offer you a personal agent who will go over all the different kinds, and which one will suit you best, and offers a discount on alert systems. You can start by simply entering your zip code in the bar above to get a quote, or you can contact us by email at replies@ez.insure or call 855-220-1144. There is no hassle and no obligation.

Tag: Medicare Help