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Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment: Know Your Rights During Medicare Open Enrollment

Shopping for Medicare can be an exciting time; it is when you can find a plan that offers the coverage you need and saves you money. But it can also be a hectic and frustrating time, when you could get scammed or hounded by ads, calls, and mail telling you which plan to enroll into or which insurance company to use. Remember, you have rights during Medicare Open Enrollment, and knowing them will protect you from some of the nuisances that tend to happen at this time.

Limitations on Contact

Did you know that Medicare agents cannot call you without your consent? They can only contact you if you fill out a form agreeing to be contacted. You cannot be contacted:

If you do not have a relationship with the company.
By email unless you have agreed to receive emails from the agent.
With flyers, door hangers or visits to your home unless an agent has a scheduled appointment with you.

Limitations on Sales

If you do agree to be contacted by an agent, they can then talk to you about Medicare options that can help save you money. However, they are limited in what they can discuss with you. They cannot try to sell you all different kinds of Medicare plans; they can only speak to you about what you are interested in. You will fill out a Scope of Appointment form prior to the meeting, and this form will set limits on what they can discuss. For example, if you check that you are only interested in Medicare Supplement Plan options, then that is the only thing they will speak to you about.

person holding a cellphone with an unknown caller on the screen — Scammers will try to call to steal your information during the Open *Enrollment*, which is why it is important to never give out your information over the phone.

Be aware that no agent ever has the right to threaten you with taking away your benefits if you do not sign up for a plan. They also cannot try to bribe you with gifts to try and get you to sign up for a plan.

Side note: Scammers might try to call you and act as a representative from Medicare in order to try and steal your Medicare ID number and other personal information. No Medicare representatives will ever call and ask you for that information over the phone; if they do need to connect with you, they will send you something in the mail. Unless you specifically filled out a form to be contacted by a Medicare agent, hang up – and never give out any information over the phone!

Use A Professional Licensed Agent

With EZ.Insure, you will never have to worry about your privacy being compromised or your rights being violated. Our licensed insurance agents are highly trained and pride themselves on providing help in a professional yet caring manner. In order to protect you, EZ.Insure uses state-of-the-art technology to keep your information secure when you fill out our form. We go a step further by providing you with one and only one agent to work with- you will never get bounced around from agent to agent.

We work hard in order to make sure you save money. We’ll compare all available plans in your area, so you can find a Medicare Supplement Plan that will help pay for what Original Medicare does not. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

Will You & Your Spouse Be On The Same Medicare Plan?

You and your spouse are probably used to doing a lot of things together. While you were working, healthcare was probably one of the things that you participated in jointly. If you had an individual or employer-based insurance plan, you and your spouse were probably on one plan, which helped you to save money. So now that the time has come to enroll in Medicare, you might be wondering whether you can save money by being on the same Medicare plan. Because Medicare works differently from private insurance, the short answer is no. Medicare plans are issued on an individual basis, so you and your spouse cannot be on one plan.

How Medicare Works

medicare enrollment form with a pen laying on it — *You can delay Medicare Part B if you are working, and then enroll later without a penalty.*

Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, and others have to sign up for it manually. In most cases, this depends on whether you’re already receiving your Social Security benefits. If you are 65 and collecting Social Security, then you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare Part A. If you decide to hold off on collecting Social Security, then you will have to manually enroll in Medicare Part A when you turn 65.

Because Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, it is optional; this means you will have to sign up for it yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after you turn 65). If you do not enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, then you will face a late penalty for every year you push off Part B enrollment. If you are still working at 65, then you can opt out of Medicare Part B enrollment without facing a penalty fee, as long as your employer has 20 or more employees.

Both Medicare Parts A and B are plans for one individual person, offered by the government and paid for by the taxes you contributed while you were working. Even if your spouse is already enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare yourself, your plans will not be connected. As mentioned above, Medicare does not work in the same way as a private health insurance plan, which would allow you to join your spouse’s plan and receive the same benefits. Everyone enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B receives the same benefits; the differences in coverage comes when you choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans

money bills rolled up in a rubber band — *Medicare Supplement Plans will help you save on medical expenses based on your individual needs.*

Medicare Parts A and B are individually issued by the government; Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement Plans are private plans but are also connected to one individual beneficiary. Unlike Original Medicare, though, the coverage they offer differs from plan to plan and person to person. Each Medicare Supplement Plan will have different access to healthcare providers and different networks. What works for one person might not work for another. Because Medicare Part B only covers 80% of costs, many Medicare beneficiaries choose to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Supplement Plans are only sold on an individual basis, so you and your spouse will need to purchase separate plans, and may be offered different coverage depending on your needs. If you get a Medicare Supplement Plan through the same company, though, you might be able to take advantage of household discounts. Some companies will offer a discount if one or more members in your household have a plan from the same company.

When Choosing A Plan

Even if you could enroll in your spouse’s Medicare plan, doing so would not provide any extra benefits for you. All Original Medicare plans offer the same benefits, and the beauty of Medicare Supplement Plans is that there are 10 to choose from, so you can get benefits tailored to your needs. But in order to get maximum coverage and to save money, you will have to compare plans and research your options to determine which plan will best fit your financial and medical situation. For example, when looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you should talk to your doctors to make sure that they accept Medicare assignment and that they are in each plan’s network.

When you are ready to enroll in Medicare, contact an EZ Medicare agent. We want to make sure you can continue seeing your doctors, getting your medications, and being treated for any conditions. We also want to make sure that you can save money while doing so! We will research all possible options in your area and provide you with quotes so you can make an informed decision for your healthcare needs. All of our services are free, and there is no obligation to sign up. We want to help you get covered! To compare plans in minutes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Did you know that senior citizens over the age of 65 make up 14% of all chiropractic patients in the US? As people age, they can experience a loss of mobility due to bone and joint deterioration. This can lead to aches and pains that are felt throughout the body, especially the lower back. Some seniors experience frequent falls, which can be deadly. Approximately 9,500 deaths of older Americans each year are due to falls, and more than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or older. One of the treatments recommended by doctors for all of these issues is to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic visits might be recommended by your doctor, but are they covered under Medicare?

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a treatment system that is meant to help align your muscles and bones. Chiropractors will manipulate your spine by adjusting you with their hands. They do this in order to assess, diagnose, and treat health issues affecting the nerves, muscles, bones and joints, as well as to improve spinal motion.

Medicare Coverage

The only chiropractic service covered by Medicare is manual manipulation of the spine (spinal adjustment), if it is considered medically necessary. It is usually considered medically necessary if you have been diagnosed with a condition known as spinal subluxation, meaning that the bones in your spine are separated or have shifted out of position.

skeleton of the spine — *Medicare will only cover visits for the manipulation of the spine.*

Spinal adjustments are covered under Medicare Part B. With Medicare Part B, you can go to the chiropractor as many times as you need, as long as your visits are considered medically necessary. Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved rate for a spinal adjustment to treat subluxation. You will pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket, after you have met your Medicare Part B deductible.

It’s important to know that Medicare does not usually cover other services or tests that are ordered by a chiropractor. This includes x-rays, massage therapy, and acupuncture. The exceptions to this rule are acupuncture for lower back pain, and x-rays that have been ordered by your physician (not your chiropractor) to diagnose spinal subluxation.

Save More With A Medicare Supplement Plan

Chiropractic care can be beneficial, and sometimes even necessary to help ease your pain and save you from a bad fall that could lead to a broken hip or worse. But extra medical expenses can be difficult to fit into your budget when you’re living on a fixed income, even if it is just the 20% Medicare coinsurance. A Medicare Supplement Plan is a great way to save money on costs that Original Medicare does not cover. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and each will help you pay your 20% out-of-pocket costs; some even offer coverage for more services than Original Medicare.

If you are interested in learning more about these plans, an EZ agent can assist you. Our licensed agents will explain each plan’s coverage and costs, and will help you determine which is the best one to suit your specific needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-753-7207.

Preparing For Medicare Open Enrollment: 2021 Medicare Supplement Plan Rates

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?

older caucasian man with a button up on and a caucasian woman with lab coat checking on him. — *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
Health-related costs when traveling outside the U.S.
Blood (first 3 pints)

How Much Are Premiums?

The exact amount for monthly premiums can vary by individual policy. Insurance companies can set these rates in three ways:

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:

Plan K’s out-of-pocket limit is $6,220
Plan L’s out-of-pocket limit is $3,110

Finding The Best Plan

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.

Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacement Surgery?

With age comes wear and tear to your body. Knees are especially vulnerable to damage because of how much use they get over the years. As you age, the cartilage in your knees wears down, and can become almost non-existent, causing arthritis and leaving bone to painfully rub on bone as you move. Cartilage loss in your knees can often only be treated with knee replacement surgery. This type of surgery is very common, especially for people over 60: there are over 750,000 knee replacement surgeries performed annually in the United States, and over 3 million Americans have knees that have been replaced. If your doctor recommends knee surgery, it is important to know just how much Medicare will cover.

What The Surgery Involves

x-ray of a knee with plates in it — *During knee surgery, you can receive metal implants or plates between the bones.*

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is done to resurface any damage caused by arthritis. During this surgery, doctors:

Remove all damaged cartilage.
Use metal and plastic parts to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint along the kneecap, so that the two bones are not rubbing against each other when in use.
Put metal replacement implants into the knee.
Resurface the kneecap.

Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within 6 weeks after surgery, and drive within 3 to 6 weeks. Depending on the surgery, though, it can take as long as 6 months or up to a year to fully recover. Even with the long recovery time, most patients who have had the surgery say that it was worth it. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90% of people who have had knee replacement surgery experience significantly reduced pain and stiffness, and an increase in vitality.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare Parts A and B will cover knee replacement surgery as long as your doctor considers it medically necessary. Part A will cover in-hospital treatment, including the surgery and any inpatient recovery time, after you have met your Part A deductible of $1,408. If you are in the hospital for less than 60 days, then you will not have to pay a copay for your stay. Part B will cover medical costs before the surgery, any follow-up appointments, and outpatient visits. If you need physical therapy afterwards, Medicare Part B will cover the sessions at 80%. In addition, if you need any durable medical equipment, such as a walker or a cane after your surgery, Medicare Part B will cover the cost, again at 80%. You will be responsible for your part B deductible of $198 and 20% coinsurance.

Can A Medicare Supplement Plan Help?

Medicare Supplement Plans help you pay for your 20% coinsurance, co-payments, and, in some cases, your Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles. Different plans offer different coverage and price points, but having a Medicare Supplement Plan will most likely save you hundreds of dollars a year, if not more. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so you are sure to find the right plan for your specific needs. If you do not have a Medicare Supplement Plan, then you should consider signing up for one to save money on medical costs, and to have more services covered than are generally covered by Original Medicare.

If you have any questions about Medicare coverage options, or about the Medicare Supplement Plans available in your area, EZ can help. One of our licensed insurance agents will compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area, and will find the one that best fits your medical and financial needs. To explore your Medicare Supplement Plan options, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to a Medicare agent, call 888-753-7207.

Questions To Ask Your Medicare Agent

When it is time to enroll in Medicare, change your Medicare plan, or purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan, speaking to an agent is a great idea. But before you do, make sure you have all of your information ready and available; you should also have an understanding of exactly what your needs are and what you’re looking for so your Medicare agent can better assist you. Because the details that you give an agent will determine which plan is right for you, EZ has provided you with what information you should have prepared, as well as what questions to consider asking one of our Medicare agents.

What You Will Need

medicare insurance card — *Be prepared with your Medicare Insurance Card, a list of health conditions, and your budget.*

Before speaking to your agent, be prepared to provide the following information:

Personal information- Your agent will ask you what zip code you live in so that they can research and compare plans in your area.
Health conditions– Prepare a list of all your health conditions, concerns, and/or medical records. Providing an agent with your specific healthcare needs can help them decide what plans might be best for you, since each Medicare Supplement Plan provides different coverage options.
Your Medicare Card– You will need to provide your agent with your card number so they can verify coverage.
Your budget- If you live on a fixed income, or have a specific budget in mind, have that information ready so you can discuss it with your agent.

Questions To Ask

There are different Medicare plan routes that you can take. When enrolling in Medicare, you have the option to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan at the same time. There are 10 different plans to choose from that offer different coverage options at different price points. Here are some questions to ask your agent if you’re considering a Medicare Supplement Plan:

Popular plans– Premiums can sometimes be lower for policies that are more popular, because more people are enrolled in those plans. Ask your agent which plans are the most popular in your area so you can compare their costs and benefits with those of other plans.
Waiting Periods– If you enroll in Medicare when you first turn 65, and you enroll into a Medicare Supplement Plan at the same time, then you have guaranteed issue rights. This means that you won’t have to pay extra for any pre-existing health conditions. It also protects you from having to go through a waiting period. But if you are enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan outside of your Initial Enrollment Period, then there might be a waiting period while you undergo the Medicare underwriting process, and you may have to pay more because of pre-existing conditions.
Using EZ’s Medicare agent will save you time, money, while providing you with a quality Medicare plan for your needs.
When Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage Begins- When you buy your Medicare Supplement Plan determines when coverage will begin for the plan. Ask your agent for a timeline, so you are aware of when you can start using your plan.
Out-of-Pocket Costs– This is a very important question to ask, especially if you are living on a fixed income. Ask about the out-of-pocket costs you are responsible for so that you can prepare for what your medical costs could be for the year.

Why Use An EZ Medicare Agent

When signing up for Medicare or a Medicare Supplement Plan, you need to have the right agent by your side. EZ.Insure will offer you an agent who cares, listens, and truly has your best interest at heart. What sets us aside from other companies is that our services are completely free. Our main goal is to help you, so our trained licensed agent will do all the work for you and compare all plans to find you the best plan at the best price. We are ready to answer all of your questions and get you covered. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent call 888-753-7207.

Tag: medicare