Tag Archives: 2019 Medicare changes

Social Security Errs in Administering Medicare Premiums

The Social Security Administration recently announced that they failed to deduct certain Medicare Plan premiums from beneficiary checks.  Due to a software glitch since about January of this year, they were supposed to deduct premiums for some Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans and remit to the appropriate carriers.  This affected about 250,000 beneficiaries.   Many of those are now getting bills directly from their Plan carrier.

This is supposed to be a good way to pay eligible premiums for those already drawing Social Security.  I recommend to all of my clients who are drawing Social Security to elect this payment mode.

If you want to read more about this situation, you can click on the link below.

https://amp.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T039-C000-S004-medicare-premiums-snafu-affects-social-security.html

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email:  David@ChoicesInMedicare.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com

New 2019 Medicare Costs at a Glance

As I do every new year, I wanted to post the key, new Medicare numbers that will be in effect for 2019.   These are the key changes to Medicare’s premiums and coverages.  A couple of the highlights are that the Part B premium only went up $1.50 and the Part B deductible only went up $2.

  • Part A deductible – Will be $1364 up from $1340 (per 60 day Benefit Stay)
  • Part B Deductible – Will be $185 up from $183 (Annual deductible)
  • Part B Premium – Will be $135.50 up from $134.00
  • Part D Maximum Deductible – Will be $415 up from $405 (Some plans don’t have a deductible)
  • Part D Premium National Average – Will be $33.19 DOWN from $35.02 (Is used to determine Part D Penalty)

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance with selecting a Medicare Plan.  I don’t charge any fees nor increase your cost.

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email:  David@ChoicesInMedicare.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com

Medicare Open Enrollment – AEP

It’s that time of year, again.  We are coming up on the Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare.  That means you are going to be seeing a lot of commercials and receiving a lot of mail about making changes.  You may be wondering what you should do, if anything.

So, what do you need to do?  It depends.

The AEP is the Open Enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D drug plans that occurs every year from October 15th through December 7th.  This is the time for those that may want to make changes which will become effective January 1, 2018.  Remember that the insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D drug plans can change them from year-to-year.  You will receive a letter from the insurance company called an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that will describe any changes they are going to make for the coming year.  If you are happy with the plan and want to keep it, you don’t have to do anything.  Just continue to pay your premium (if applicable) and the plan will remain in effect for 2019.

If your prescriptions have changed, you can update them at Medicare.gov.  Also, if you have any changes in doctors, you can look to see if they participate with your plan.  All of the new Plan information will be available Oct. 1st in Medicare.gov.  You can’t make any changes until October 15th.  If you want to make any changes or have questions or need assistance, contact me.

Medicare Supplements aka, Medigap policies, are not impacted by the AEP. They are guaranteed renewable as long as premiums are paid.

As always, call me with any questions, any time about your Medicare coverages.  I will help you sort through the info and options.  Thanks, David.

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email:  David@ChoicesInMedicare.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com