B Medicare Aware

Most people think of Medicare Part D when you mention Medicare prescriptions. In this episode, I go over the prescriptions that are not covered by Part D because they are covered by Medicare Part B. Too often, Medicare beneficiaries look for a Part D insurance plan that covers their blood glucose test strips or some other prescription that is covered by Part B. Once you listen to this episode, you will know the drugs that are covered by the Other Prescription Plan. Like Episode 9, I make a recommendation for an improvement to Medicare. Let me know what you think.

Medicare has its share of restrictions. Special Enrollment Periods allow Medicare beneficiaries some flexibility to make the necessary changes when life throws a curve. There isn’t a solution for every circumstance but being aware that these Special Enrollment Periods exist and knowing a little about them can prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety. In this episode, I go over many of the Special Enrollment Periods that are there for our Medicare beneficiaries. I also added something new. Let me know what you think of it.

When choosing to supplement Original Medicare, beneficiaries fall into two categories. They are either Medigap or Medicare Advantage people. People make that decision based on different factors. Do they consider monthly premium or being able to keep their doctor? Maybe they consider what they pay or do not pay for doctor office visits. In this episode, I go through those factors and hopefully some that you did not consider before. This is an important decision, and when you decide can be crucial.

Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on their prescription drug plan for affordable prescription prices and premiums. What if having a plan is not enough? You still can't afford to fill some of your prescriptions. Maybe, you are filling enough for half of the month at a time or even taking less than prescribed. You might qualify for one of the numerous programs that can help you to save on prescriptions. In this episode, I talk about these programs and other ways of paying less for prescriptions.

We are in the middle of a Pandemic. The Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and think. Medicare beneficiaries make up a large percentage of the cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Why is that? What can we do to lower the risk of our seniors? Even though this podcast is Medicare focused, this episode has valuable information for all. Share it with everyone you care about. The saying, “It takes a village…,” pertains to raising a child. As a country, we need to apply this to the pandemic. Only together, by each of us staying safe, can we save lives and get back to some semblance of the life we had.

For many Medicare beneficiaries, few parts of Medicare affect their well being and daily life like Medicare Part D. This two part episode covers what you need to understand about your prescription drug benefits. Once you have listened to Part 2 of this episode and each episode before, you will have the foundation in Medicare that each beneficiary should have.  You will also have some additional knowledge, but you will definitely have a well rounded view of the puzzle called Medicare. Future episodes will build on that foundation and make more sense.

For many Medicare beneficiaries, few parts of Medicare affect their well being and daily life like Medicare Part D. This two part episode covers what you need to understand about your prescription drug benefits. Once you have listened to Part 2 of this episode and each episode before, you will have the foundation in Medicare that each beneficiary should have.  You will also have some additional knowledge, but you will definitely have a well rounded view of the puzzle called Medicare. Future episodes will build on that foundation and make more sense.

For years, Medicare beneficiaries had a "go to" Medicare Supplement plan. Their friends, families, and agents probably automatically recommended Plan F to them knowing they were getting the "best of the best." What do people who are new to Medicare choose now to supplement their Medicare  since Plan F is no longer an option. Why did Congress eliminate such a popular plan? I address these questions in this episode. 

I am Stephen Beck, and I've been on both sides of the equation. I've been employed by an insurance company, and I've been an Agent or Broker. Altogether, I have over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Most importantly, I enjoy helping people.

There are several misconceptions about Original Medicare Parts A and B. I address some of them in this episode. The main one is the cost of just having Part A and or Part B and no Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan. Parts A and B are the foundation of Medicare. To understand what you are buying to supplement or replace it, you need to comprehend what is and isn't covered.

I am Stephen Beck, and I've been on both sides of the equation. I've been employed by an insurance company, and I've been an Agent or Broker. Altogether, I have over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Most importantly, I enjoy helping people.