Over age 64? Don’t Get Caught in the Plan F Death Spiral
The Most Popular Plan Over half of all people who enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) select Plan F. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan available and covers almost all out-of -pocket medical costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap plans are standardized, so a Plan […]
The Link Between Medicare and Social Security
It’s still early in the summer, but we have some solid information this year on what to expect in terms of rate increases for 2016. All individual (and many group) plans are now based on a calendar year. In other words, new plans and premiums will be available during Open Enrollment — starting November 1 — […]
Early Signs of HIGH Health Insurance Rates for 2016
It’s still early in the summer, but we have some solid information this year on what to expect in terms of rate increases for 2016. All individual (and many group) plans are now based on a calendar year. In other words, new plans and premiums will be available during Open Enrollment — starting November 1 — […]
Medicare Recipients and Identity Theft Protection
Yes, this post is geared mainly towards people on Medicare, but it’s good information you can share with a family member or friend regardless of your age. Almost every Medicare beneficiary carries their red, white and blue Medicare card with them. This card shows their social security number plus a letter — also known as […]
Paying Too Much For Your Medications?
People who have been prescribed expensive brand-name drugs know how much it can hurt their wallet. The good news is that close to 80% of all brand-name medications have a generic counterpart. Oftentimes, generics are perfectly fine; other times a generic isn’t available or is not recommended by your doctor. So, most people accept the […]
Georgia Hospitals Graded on Safety: Northside Hospital ‘A’, Piedmont Hospital ‘D’
A recent article by Georgia Health News reports on the patient safety ratings for Georgia hospitals. According to the article, the intent of the hospital safety report is to aid consumers in their selection of hospitals based on a very important measure of care: “the ability of hospitals to prevent errors, injuries and infections.” They […]
Is Medicare Open Enrollment Really That Confusing?
Open Enrollment for Medicare is quickly approaching. Otherwise known as the “Annual Election Period” or AEP, the season to make changes to Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), runs from October 15 through December 7. I read an article in the New York Times today that gives some good basic information about […]
Can Employers Pay for Employees Individual Health Policies Pre-tax?
The IRS recently issued clarification on whether or not employers can contribute money (or reimburse payments) for employees who have individual (non-group) health insurance on a pre-tax basis. The answer is no, they will not allow it. See this article for details. Many employers are sick and tired of the increasing costs of providing health […]
Short-term Medical Can be a Good, Money-saving Strategy
Short term major medical insurance, also known as temporary insurance, is a product worth considering for people who don’t have a good group plan available to them. Short-term medical provides coverage up to one year. However, in Georgia, there is only one decent carrier that offers this type of insurance for up to one year. […]
Buying Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment
The official Open Enrollment deadline to purchase personal health insurance was March 31, but there were a couple of extensions and exceptions made. Now, we’re well past the deadline and extensions, yet there are plenty of reasons why someone may need to purchase health insurance between now and the next Open Enrollment — which is […]