Virtual Medicare 101 training

If you are new to Medicare and confused about the information available, help is available.  If you have a computer, tablet or smart phone, you can now access Medicare 101 training online.  This training will discuss the basics of the types of coverage available, explain the differences and talk about when you can enroll.  Just visit www.altavistaben.com and look at the video on the home page. 

If you want a follow up conversation after you view the presentation, you can call our office at 614-889-0934 and talk with Lucy Grosz. Or, you can request an appointment with Lucy at lucy@altavistaben.com.

If you prefer, we can set up a virtual meeting with you, answer all of your questions and then help you enroll.  It is that simple and easy. We can do a full presentation with you without you ever leaving home.

Check it out!

Kaiser information on Medicare for All

There isn't a lot of credible information being published about the proposal for "Medicare for All".  Kaiser has published an article about it that is very helpful.
Here is the link:
Kaiser article

Medicare for all

We have been hearing a lot about "Medicare for All" in recent days.  How does this impact every American?  Listen to this brief video from Janet Trautwein about the impact to your tax burden.  Medicare for All is not free and it will completely disrupt our healthcare system.
Take a listen: https://youtu.be/OIVOkgCCFHg

Medicare.gov is not always accurate

Did you know that Medicare.gov is not always accurate?  Many of my clients try to look for drug and Medicare Advantage plans on their own during Annual Enrollment.  Doing so early in Annual Enrollment may cause you to choose the wrong plan. 

From personal experience, I can show that you can run the same drug list twice in the same day and get different results.  So, be extremely cautious and don't rely on those results.

The most reliable source is with the insurance companies.  Licensed and trained Medicare agents can check with the carriers to ensure all of your drugs and doctors are covered.  This is the most reliable way to ensure you make the right choice each year.

How Medicare billing works

If you are on Medicare and have any type of additional insurance, the way claims are processed can be confusing.  Providers send the bills for processing to different places, depending on the type of additional insurance in place.  In addition, billing systems often generate bills to Medicare eligible people, even though the bills are not owed. 

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, there is only one Explanation of Benefits from the insurance company.  With a Medicare Supplement, there is an EOB from Medicare and from the insurance company.  It is important to review the EOB(s) to make sure you know what you really owe the provider of medical services.

We can help navigate the confusion about this.  Let us know if you need the help of Alta Vista Benefits. You can reach us at 614-889-0934 or lucy@altavistaben.com.

What is balance billing?

Balance billing is another term for Part B excess charges.  What does that mean?
If you have outpatient surgery, testing and other Part B services and you have a Medicare Supplement, the provider is not allowed to bill you for what your supplement coverage does not cover. 

For example, let's say you have a Plan G Medicare Supplement.  A bill comes to you for $500.00 from a provider.  Plan G has an annual Part B deductible of $183.  So, you are only responsible for $183 each calendar year for Medicare approved expenses.  The provider is not allowed to bill for any more than that.

It is import to look at two pieces of documentation:  the Medicare Explanation of Benefits and the insurance company explanation of benefits.  Medicare indicates what you MAY owe and the insurance company indicates what you do owe.  You should not pay any bills until you look at the insurance company's documentation.  A provider can bill you but you may not really owe them.

For more information, you can contact us at 614-889-0934.

Does Anthem's withdrawal from Ohio affect Medicare clients?

Does Anthem's withdrawal from Ohio affect Medicare clients?
I have been getting a lot of questions since Anthem announced it was leaving the Exchange Market for under 65 clients.  The answer is No, it does not affect anyone who has an Anthem Medicare Supplement, prescription drug plan, or Medicare Advantage plan.  It is only for an individual plan for someone under 65.