Healthcare Reform & Your Medicare Decision

Healthcare Reform & Your Medicare Decision

04/25/2012 When I meet with someone, usually concerning Medicare Plans in Philadelphia,  who needs to make a Medicare decision, often times I am asked this question: what should I do in light of potential changes in Medicare? What happens if the Supreme Court strikes down the law? What’s going to happen to Medicare?” These are are good questions, and unfortunately, there is not a correct answer. The situation is extremely fluid, and the experts really do not know how things will shape out. I truly believe that there will not be radical changes, at least not for those seniors who will be turning 65 in the next several years. So if you are exploring an AARP Medigap Plan, or a Keystone65 Medicare Plan, you should make your decisions based on today’s information, and not based on future what ifs.

Annual Meeting- American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance

Annual Meeting- American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance

05/20/2012 From May 16-May 18, 2012, I attended, along with about 1,000 other professionals, this extremely informative meeting.  I also had the privilege to be a speaker and part of a three person round-table for two sessions. Over the next several days, I will provide several of my insights from this gathering. My biggest takeaway- Medicare is in deep, deep trouble and substantial changes are coming down the pike.  More to come.

Update on Annual Meeting- American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance

Update on Annual Meeting- American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance

05/21/2012 There were several takeaways from the conference I attended and spoke at last week. A recurring theme is Medicare is in trouble, and changes are coming.  One change is in the works is a redisgn to Medicare Supplements Plan C and Plan F. Uncle Sam believes that seniors with Medicare Supplement Plan that have “first dollar coverage” abuse Medicare because there is no cost sharing involved and that they are much more likely to see doctors, have treatment etc. It looks like these changes will go into effect sometime in 2015. I don;t believe the specific changes have been agreed upon yet, but it appears like there will be a deductible, somewhere along the lines of $600, and then co-pays on certain services, up to a maximum out of pocket. These changes will make the Plan G the new Cadillac plan after the redesign.  I will provide more insight during the week. Any questions, email or call.

Article from Philadelphia Inquirer

Article from Philadelphia Inquirer

05/21/2012 Medicare overspends $60 due to fraud and abuse. I suspect that number is significantly larger. Maybe, just maybe, Medicare Advantage Plans, such as Keystone 65 Select in Philadelphia or Bravo Health, in the hands of private insurance carriers, can do a substantially better job in monitoring this abuse. You can read the article here.