Medicare Supplement Insurance Changes in 2010

ushealthtalk — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:54:34 +0000

Changes are coming to Medicare Supplement Plans A thru J, know as the “Standard Plans”, effective June 1, 2010. As of that date the current plans will no longer be available for Medicare Beneficiaries. These “Standard Plans” will be replace with the new “Modernized Plans”. Here is a rundown on the plan changes.

There will be an elimination of 4 plans: Plans E, H, I and J.

The benefit changes will be as follows:

Elimination of the At-Home Recovery Benefit
Elimination of the Preventive Care Benefit – Medicare covers this anyway.
Replacement of the 80% Part B Excess Charges Benefit with a 100% benefit (Plan G).
Creation of a new Hospice Benefit as part of the Basic or Core benefits.

New Plan Options:
Plans M & N.
Plan M: has increased cost-sharing. 50% of the Part A Deductible, no coverage for the Part B Deductible.
Plan N: has a new co-pay structure. $20 co-pay for physician visits, $50 co-pay for the Emergency Room and no coverage for the Part B Deductible.

We are looking for marketing materials to be available December 1, 2009 for the new Modernized Plans. The Standard Plans will continue to be available with effective dates of coverage before June 1, 2010. Begining June 1, 2010 only the new Modernized Plans will be available.

We see this as a positive move for Medicare Beneficiaries since the Private Fee For Service Plans (PFFS) will no longer be available and funding cuts to Advantage Plans seems eminate.

Let us know what you think. We appreciate any and all comments.

Health Insurance Today

ushealthtalk — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:14:52 +0000

Since President Obama took office health care reform has been front row news. There is much speculation as to how to create reform and meet the needs of all americans.

There is talk of a National Health Care Plan (Single Payor System) much like Canada and GB. However, with this there is little talk about funding a national health plan or government run health care system. Think about it. We’re talking somewhere in the neighborhood of hundreds of millions each month. Where’s the money going to come from? Let’s see…. Taxes???. People in favor of a National Plan may not realize the full financial impact. You think taxes are high now? Hold on to your britches a single payor system is more costly than you may be thinking. It’s certainly not free.

This publisher believes a solution lies in a joint effort with the insurance industry and federal and state governments providing a portion of the funding. Something similar to the Medicare Advantage Program where insurance companies are paid for each individual enrolled in the plan based on age and health. The plan charges a small premium or no premium. The plan design imposes no deductibles only small co-payments or co-insurance amounts with a “maximum out of pocket” generally limited to $1200 to $5000. depending on the plan. For more information on Medicare Advantage Plans go to the Medicare Website, http://www.medicare.gov

Tell us what you think or ask questions. We are very interested in your opion. You can also visit our website at http://www.UShealthEsurance.com