MedicareToday

Joke of the Day

2009-08-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

A man rushes his limp dog to the veterinarian. The doctor pronounces the dog dead. The agitated man demands a second opinion.

The vet goes into the back room and comes out with a cat. The cat sniffs the body and meows. The vet says, "I'm sorry, but the cat thinks that your dog is dead, too."

The man is still unwilling to accept that his dog is dead.

The vet brings in a black Labrador . The lab sniffs the body and bar k s. The vet says, "I'm sorry, but the lab thin k s your dog is dead, too."

The man finally resigns to the diagnosis and as k s how much he owes. The vet answers, "$650."

"$650 to tell me my dog is dead?" exclaims the man.

"Well," the vet replies, "I would only have charged you $50 for my initial diagnosis. The additional $600 is for the cat scan and lab tests."

--And Medicare didn’t pay for any of it….

http://www.smartinsurance101.com

cogicsinger

Get An Insurance Quote Today

2009-07-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you have original medicare you need to get a medigap or supplement. Medicare will only pay 80% of the approved amount, leaving you with 20% to pay. You have to meet your deductible each year. For 1-60 inpatient days in a hospital the deductible is $1,068. For Medicare Part B your deductible is $135. Also you may to choose a prescription drug plan and any company will be glad to send an agent out to meet with you and enroll you into their plan.

http://www.smartinsurance.com

cogicsinger

"Do I Need Medicare Part D?"

2009-07-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

This question is asked so many times, I can't tell you enough. I know that we are all watching our spending and cutting back where we can, but some things simply take a priority. Part D is the part of medicare that gives you a prescription drug plan. If you are not on any medication and you are over 65, I want to congratulate you on staying healthy.

Many of us under 65 are on more meds than our grandparents, but I'm not here to lecture just state the facts. You may only be on a statin or hbp drug that you can get at your local pharmacy for only $4/mo. or $9 every three months. Whatever the case, you may feel you can save money without paying into a plan offered by medicare.

Now let me say here, the prescription drug companies you choose are private insurance companies that medicare allow to offer a policy to all beneficiaries in medicare. I say this to say that it is not Medicare that offers or controls your part D. This falls into the lap of companies like Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare, HealthSpring, or RxAmerica. Some companies offer mail order and have what is called part C or Medicare Advantage Plans.

get your quote today:
http://www.smartinsurance101.com

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or MA-PD, this is not a supplement this will become your Medicare all in one. It will include part A and part B and possibly part D aka (HMO or PPO). This is a familiar way of receiving your coverage if you work for any major company. I would look this over and find the plan that will best fit your need.

Back to the question, there is just so much to tell I get side tracked sometimes. Unfortunately, if you choose not accept part D at the time you were eligible for Medicare and you did not have other 'creditable coverage' you may access a penalty fee. This penalty will cause you to pay a higher premium cost, for as long as you have Medicare. You may appeal this decision, but it is in place to discourage bene's from going without coverage. I could tell you a true story but my session has come to an end on this report.

I can't stress it enough as an independent insurance agent KS,MO,OK - you need to do your due diligence and find a company that will cover all your prescriptions, if medicare allows, you pay a premium that you are comfortable in paying. One more thing, unless you receive extra help or just lost your 'credible insurance' or have a special enrollment... You will have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period which is November 15th to December 31st. This is extremely enforced, so don't miss out on the deadline, it could cost you a lot of money if miss out.

For a free quote today just click on this link below:

http://www.smartinsurance101.com

cogicsinger
cenexaglobal@gmail.com

COBRA - What is It?

2009-06-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

So I was going to have a video that explained everything in detail,
but the video would not upload. If you want visual detail go to Youtube and
type in 'staysmart-stayhealthy' and look for a white board presentation on
COBRA.

I will just try and explain it, but it can be complicated. Basically, a person
who was laid off or left a company can apply for COBRA. This is a continuation
of your health benefit you received while working on the job.

As everyone is aware you find out just how much this type of insurance really
cost plus and additional 20%. This is why the small companies of America are
upset with a new law that may pass forcing them to supply all the employees
with insurance. It is just too expensive to carry everyone.

Everyone would like to have health insurance, but the pocket book says NO. So
when you come to medicare and your spouse is not 65, he or she is left without any
coverage. Now you have to find a private insurer to cover your family members who
were under you in the group health insurance.

Do your research and plug in the numbers and see if it is beneficial to carry COBRA or
go with a private insurance company. Either way it is not going to be easy on your
pocketbook. This is just another fact to realize when you are deciding to retire. The big
question is really "Can I afford to leave my job?"

Again go to Youtube and look the various videos. You find a lot of educational videos,
will help you make a wise decision. Also talk to your benefit administrator at your current
work place and see when it is best to pick up part B Medicare. Remember it will cost most
individuals $97.40 for 2009 if you pick up part B. If you currently have group health insurance,
you do not have to accept part B. Wait until you leave your job and enroll during the 8 month
special enrollment period.

cogicsinger

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2009-06-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

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cogicsinger

How Much Will I Pay?

2009-06-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

In times like today we all want to count our pennies and wonder just how much it cost to be in any program. This only makes sense, since we know that insurance does not come cheap. Well unless you have been living on the government income system all your life or receive SSI or something.

Well it does cost if you have not worked at least 10 years or 40 quarters, and paid into medicare. In this instance one may pay for part A (hospital) inpatient care. Everyone has to pay for part B (medical). If you make less than $85,000 and single or less than $170,000 and married, your cost will be $96.40 for 2009. So this is only speaking of medical care which includes doctor visits, outpatient surgery, therapy sessions ect.

Also remember that Medicare only pays 80% of the approved amount. So if your doctor charges $100 for a visit medicare will decide the amount it will pay based on national office visit charges. This could be $60 will be the new approved amount and Medicare pays $48 leaving either you or your secondary insurance with 20% ($12.00).

Finding a Part D plan is something you will need to get a copay on your pharmacy drugs. There is a premium for the plan you enroll in and some plans have you pay an annual deductible before you get the discount price for the prescription. The average monthly premium for a part D plan is $30 for 2009. This cost may increase if the private insurance company finds it necessary to increase the price, but generally at the beginning of a new year. Again you can only change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period - November 15 to December 31st. So choose the plan you enroll into wisely, and make sure you do your homework and list all your medications to see if they are on the plans formulary.

Question of the week....

2009-06-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Okay the question for the week has been pretty repetitive. I have received call after call about medicare should be primary and not secondary. This is a big problem for the year 2009 and it has something to do with everyone losing their job or just leaving to finally retire. I don't think a day has gone by when I did not receive at least a handful of calls on this topic.

When you receive a bill and it is saying that medicare denied it because we are showing someone else is primary, you want to ask yourself a couple of questions. Did I fill out the paperwork with my former employer? Did medicare receive the finalized settlement for the liability or no fault accident? Did I switch companies and forgot to inform medicare I was changing?

It can be multiple situations that will cause a claim to be denied or rejected. Just remember this baby boomers, when you retire, things do not remain the same. You will need to call the COB (coordination of benefits) 1-800-999-1118 to make sure medicare has on file who will be your secondary insurance. Not all companies benefit administrators do their job properly or even know what to do in these situations.

I really could go on, but let me touch on this subject. When you are involved in an accident (fall, automobile) or whatever, this could cause your insurance payout to be altered. I mean if a no fault claim is on file with another company, medicare will not be your primary. If this is the case, you will simply need to call medicare and we will give you a number to the MSPRC. This is the medicare secondary payer recovery contractor. The contractor will handle the settlement cases before lifting the other insurance on file.

I know that insurance is all foreign to everyone, but it really is good to know some of the basics. You don't have to interpret every MSN (medicare summary notice) you get in the mail. Next time I should talk about the billing practice and providing authorization to spouse and family members, hot topic.

cogicsinger

My Review of Northwest Chicago White Sox Big Stick Royal Plush Raschel

2009-05-30T05:45:00.001-07:00

CBS Sports Store

A luxurious throw, super plush, super warm and super colorful

This material, made with 80%acrylic and 20% polyester is known for its rich saturated colors and exceptional durability

Printed with your favorite team logo

Measures 50"x60"

"It's All About The Logo"

cogicsinger Lawrence, KS 5/30/2009

Pros: Well Constructed, Durable

Cons: none

Best Uses: Sports

Describe Yourself: Enthusiast

I simply believe it doesn't really matter if the product is very durable if it has a logo you want to represent. I mean, I will buy a product on the logo alone. I think it is very important for any business or team to consider how the logo looks. I am a fan of the 'sox' for life. I will buy any product that has its logo on it. The fact it is a quality comforter is simply a bonus.

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When Will I Become Eligible?

2009-05-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

Okay the question of the day is "when will I become eligible to receive Medicare?" There only two way to receive benefits. Medicare is simply government funded insurance. It is to provide insurance for the elderly and the disabled. Let me stop and vent on the insurance part. United Healthcare Group is made up of many different companies, the largest being AARP. They provide group health insurance for workers and the retirees as a supplement or medigap. Have you heard of SecureHorizons? Well they too are part of the UHG conglomerate who provide insurance to millions of Medicare recipients.

Some of the other better known insurance companies are Humana, Aetna, Coventry Health, CIGNA, and Health Net. All insurance companies work together with Medicare to give Medicare beneficiaries the coverage they are needing. There is only one Medicare and as stated in my other blog it works hand in hand with Social Security.

Which this brings me back to the question, "When will I become eligible for Mecidare?" If you don't believe my blog call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) leave off the 'e'. You are eligible the first day of the month you turn 65 years old. This is the golden number when all people become eligible for Medicare. There is one exception to this rule. If your birthday is on the 1st of any given month, you will become eligible in the preceeding month. Let us say your birthday is May 1st, this means you start Medicare in the month of April.

If you are disabled and have been receiving Social Security benefits for 24 months, on the 25th month you become eligible to receive Medicare insurance. This is all decided with the Legislative body we call Social Security Administration. Your check is paid by either SSA or RRB (railroad retirement board).

So I hope this blog explains the way Social Security determines who will be eligible for Medicare. That's right the Social Security Administration will decide if who is eligible to receive Medicare and who is not. You may call your local SSA office or call 1-800-772-1213. Have a blessed day!

cogicsinger

How Medicare Works.

2009-05-20T01:50:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is David and I am posting some information at 4am (yes in the morning) about my profession, which for time being is Medicare. I just want to post some information that I think is vital to understanding how medicare works. Granted you can go to www.mymedicare.gov and find out all the information you need, but I would like to start a blog for citizens of States to answer some questions. I know that many times you can not get through the telephone lines at 1-800-Medicare and need some simple questions answered. That's what I'm here in this blog wanting to do.

Let me start by saying, medicare is far too complicated for the average person to understand let alone the retiree and disabled in our country today. Okay, we are all human and can and will make mistakes. So I just want to get it out in the open that no program is perfect. Secondly, Medicare works hand in hand with the government, specifically Social Security. Now, I just want to kind of generalize this blog at this time. Nothing specific will be listed, but if you have questions please post and send to me. If I get tens of thousands of comments I will obviously be swamped but I do want to help answer some simple questions anyone may have.

You may be asking yourself about now, "What makes this guy an expert on this topic?" Well I really don't consider my self an expert but I do know more than the average person simply because I am contracted by Medicare to take calls and submit answer questions to Medicare Beneficiaries. Speaking of beneficiaries, I know some people refer this name to maybe a family member or an executor of the estate to someone who has passed away. We at Medicare use this term as simply the person receiving Medicare Today.

The Medicare Number

What is this medicare number anyway? When you call in to medicare and give your number, you will have a letter at the beginning or the end. If you have a letter at the beginning than you have a connection with the railroad. When I went to apply for a job with Union Pacific, I learned that they are the originators of what we know today as social security. It was the railroad union that set up a funding for the workers to receive some type of income when they left the tracks.

If you can't tell by now, you will see I am just a simple person and will just try and write in layman's term, okay. I also have a southern accent but I really live in the mid-west, but I was raised on the border of Kansas and Oklahoma.

Back to the medicare number I was talking about earlier. If you see a letter at the end of your SS#, you simply do not have ties to the railroad. This is the majority of people receiving medicare at this time. So when you see an 'a' at the end, this is not indicating you have part A. If you see 'b' at the end of the number, that number is not your social security number, nor does it represent you have part B. Social Security will answer any question you may have about this, but I do not work for them I only work for Medicare.

The letter 'a' means you are the wage earner or worked and paid into medicare at some point in your lifetime. If you have 'b' you may have also worked but you are currently at home and receiving benefits from your spouse. So the letter 'b' simply means the [spouse] of a recipient. Then we many other letters like c1,d6 or even the letter 'T'. I can only say call 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.socialsecurity.gov and ask about your medicare number.

Okay that is about all my brain can handle at this time. I really do not consider myself a writer, but this could become an untaped gift. Share your comments and questions and I can only say I will get better as time allow.

cogicsinger