Medicare Advantage

In all states, except Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, insurance companies can only sell “standardized” Medigap policies, identified by letters (Medigap Plans A through L). Medigap Plans F and J also offer a high-deductible option. Insurance companies are not required to sell all plans. However, they must offer Medigap Plan A if they offer any other Medigap policy.

The benefits in any Medigap Plan A through L are the same for any insurance company. For example, the benefits in one insurance company’s Medigap Plan C are the same as any other insurance company’s Medigap Plan C. However, the cost for a policy may be different depending on the insurance company.

Some people may still have a Michigan Medigap policy they purchased before the plans were standardized.

When you buy a Medigap policy, you pay a premium to the insurance company. You still must pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium. As long as you pay your Medigap premium, your policy is automatically renewed each year. This means that your coverage continues year after year as long as you pay your premium; we say your policy is “guaranteed renewable.”

Note: In some states, insurance companies may legally refuse to renew Medigap policies that were bought before 1990.

A Medigap policy only works with Original Medicare. Medigap policies won’t work with Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans or other Medicare health plans. In fact, it is illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy if you:

•Are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (unless your enrollment is ending) •Have Medicaid (unless Medicaid pays for your Medigap policy or only pays your Medicare Part B premium), OR •Already have a Michigan Medigap policy (unless you are canceling your old Medigap policy)

If you have a Medigap policy and you join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, you may want to drop your Medigap policy. Even though you are entitled to keep it, it can’t pay for benefits you get under your Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan and can’t pay any cost-sharing under these plans.

If you are in Original Medicare in Michigan and you have a Medigap policy, you can go to any doctor, hospital, or other health care provider that accepts Medicare. However, if you have the type of Medigap policy called Medicare SELECT, you must use specific hospitals and, in some cases, specific doctors to get your full insurance benefits.

With original Medicare, most drugs are NOT covered, but with prescription Blue, you have wonderful coverage.    You may add prescription drug coverage to original medicare by joining a Michigan Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or you can get all your medicare coverage including prescription drug coverage by joining a Michigan Medicare Advantage plan.  

With  Prescription Blue options A and B you have the choice of a $20 yearly deductible, or a $0 deductible.  Plan B is popular because it will cover the cost of your generic drugs in the coverage gap.  After your total yearly drug cost reach $2700.00 you will receive benefits. 

If you are ready for a Michigan Medicare Plan, and take medications on a regular basis, consider Prescription Blue.

As a Medicare beneficiary in Michigan, you can choose from different medicare options.  One option is the Original (fee for service) Medicare plan.  But for many original medicare is not enough coverage, making a medicare advantage private fee for service plan very appealing.  Medicare Advantage Plans in Michigan are very affordable and offer various levels of options including part D benefits.  With the proper advantage plan in place, beneficiaries enjoy the piece of mind knowing they are covered, with low out of pocket cost. 

You will know that your assets will be protected in the event of a major medical event, keeping your retirement finances safe. 

If you are concerned what medicare does not cover, or if you can not afford the out of pocket cost that come with Medicare, look into a Medicare Advantage Plan to keep your cost low.

If you are turning 65, or qualify for Medicare under special circumstances, you don’t have to wait for Medicare’s annual election period.  How…With a Medicare Advantage Plan in Michigan with Blue Cross. 

We all know that Blue Cross gives you the piece of mind, and when it comes to Medicare, an Advantage plan in Michigan is a great option.  The Michigan Blues work hard to add value to your Medicare Plus Blue coverage, and now even offer preventive dental services.

More added value is that the Blues have teamed up with Michigan retailers to save your money on items that can help you save.  Show your Medicare Plus Blue ID card at Wright & Filipps and save 20% on home medical equipment not covered by your health plan, such as Blood pressure kits, diabetes supplies, and various durable medical equipment.

Medicare Advantage plans for Michigan have become one of the most popular, easy, and comprehensive way to make sure that Medicare works for you.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan for example offers four different MA options, available either as a HMO, or a PFFS.  Most people who select a medicare advantage plan, or MA plan, enjoy the piece of mind knowing that they have one of the best insurance options available. 

When you sign up for a Michigan Medicare Advantage plan, your get all your medicare benefits and more.   You will be able to choose your own doctors, or any doctor who accepts medicare advantage terms and conditions of payment.  no referrals needed to see other doctors and specialists, coverage for physicals, and preventive exams.   Perhaps the biggest advantage is that medicare part D prescription drug coverage is also included. 

Medicare Advantage plans combines coverage for hospital and dr visits with prescription drug coverage, and you only carry one insurance card. 

With a MA, you will enjoy the convience of only carrying one insurance card with you,

Michigan Medicare Supplements are design to protect your health and your finances.  Being on Medicare is a good thing for most who are eligible.  The cost to have medicare is low, the coverage is great, and when complemented with the right Medigap policy, the out of pocket costs are low to zero.

First think of how hard it was to earn, save, and grow your financial well being to the point of it’s current status.  And then think of your health, is it excellent, good, fair, or poor.  The two may come together quite a bit.  The more you are seeking medical treatment, them more co-pays, deductibles, and medication expenses occur.  All of which attack your finances. 

But when armed with the proper Michigan supplement plan, you can maximize your coverage and not have the out of pocket expense to go along with it, for a affordable price.

So now think of your finances, and then think of your health, and think of your medicare with a Medicare Supplement package….Enjoy the piece of mind!