​It’s time for our annual Medicare update where we outline the changes to Medicare for 2024. But before we get into 2024 fees and deductibles, here is a reminder of a couple of major changes in 2023….
 
The new Prescription drug law that went into effect Jan. 2023 improved access to many drugs and made those such as insulin much more affordable. Also, individuals whose full Medicare coverage ended 36 months after a kidney transplant and who do not have certain other types of insurance coverage can elect to continue Part B coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by paying a premium.
 
For 2024, the standard immunosuppressive drug premium is $103.00.
 
This was and still is great news for people with ESRD (end stage renal disease)!
 
Now on to the never ending changes in premiums and deductibles for Medicare enrollees…

​Today’s post will cover a little bit about a whole lot. Let’s begin with Medicare…
 
As licensed agents, we receive information from the Department of Insurance. The latest was urging Seniors to “be vigilant against Medicare Scams during open enrollment (AEP) which ends on December 7th.”
 
We can’t stress this enough. 

​The newsletter also warned against “high pressure” sales tactics.

If you’ve been on Medicare for any length of time or have worked in the Medicare Insurance industry, you know that nearly every time Social Security has a Cost of Living Increase, your Medicare Part B premium goes up.

Well, not this year!

According to CMS.gov, the 2023 Medicare Part B premium will decrease from $170.10 in 2022 to $164.90. That’s $5.20 added to your Social Security check every month! ​

Well, it's that time of year again.... Time to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023!

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ended on December 7th but OEP (Open enrollment period -which allows you a one-time change in your MA plan) opens January 1st through March 31st.

If you're turning 65 in Jan, February or March 2023 or getting Medicare due to disability and/or Medicare & Medicaid, and you haven't already set up your Medicare Insurance plan(s) contact our Licensed Medicare Agent today.

We will be closed on December 26th and January 2nd in observance of Christmas and New Year's but look forward to meeting your Auto, Recreational Vehicle and Medicare needs in 2023.

Until next time.... Take care and enjoy a Happy & Blessed Holiday Season!
Tommy Curtis and Staff


Disclaimers:
ALL material on this blog is available for informational purposes only.
 
Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}
 
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency.
Calling this number will direct you to a licensed Agent/Broker.
 
*By contacting us and providing information, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, e-mail or mail to answer your questions and provide additional information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

When dealing with Medicare clients, the question is often asked whether or not they should have a Medical Power of Attorney and when is the best time to get/do one. Depending on where you live, medical POAs might also be called: Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Advance Directive, Advance Healthcare Directive or Medical Power of Attorney Directive.
​
​Before we address the benefits of having a Medical Power of Attorney, let’s establish what a MPOA is not….

The federal government (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also known as CMS) gives an annual rating to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans (Part D), based on categories such as: Customer service * Management of Member Complaints * Quality of care *Preventative Services * Plan Responsiveness * Managing Chronic Conditions

Plans are rated as follows….
5-star: Excellent
4-star: Above Average
3-star: Average
2-star: Below Average
1-star: Poor

In 2022 Medicare Advantage (MA) plans saw a huge boost in performance with 68% of MA-PD (Medicare Part C) plans rated 4+ Stars which is a great thing! Another thing to know is that if a plan in your area has five stars, you get a Special Election Period (SEP) to enroll in that plan.

Even though the star rating is important, it’s not the end all of your coverage. In order for the plan to be the best fit for you your doctors and hospital must be in the network (unless you’re willing to change your medical team), it includes prescription drug coverage and that your particular drugs are covered under the plan. Don’t be fooled into thinking every prescription is. Keeping these things in mind, it’s always better to work with a local agent to make sure every aspect of the plan you’re looking for meets your individual needs.
​
Want to know more about the 5-Star plans available in Calcasieu Parish? Give our licensed and knowledgeable agent a call: 337-310-2253

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Disclaimers:
Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}

Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency.
Calling this number will direct you to a licensed Agent/Broker.

*By contacting us and providing information, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, e-mail or mail to answer your questions and provide additional information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Medicare AEP officially began Oct. 15th and will continue through Dec. 7th. Whether you're new to Medicare or have been in the program for years, NOW is the time to review your coverage with your local agent. 

PLEASE beware of Medicare Scams and folks calling to "check or review your coverage." Unless the person calling is someone you know and trust, Do NOT give your information over the phone!

Most of the time these callers are telemarketers or agents out of state or out of your region and will change your coverage simply by your answers to the questions they ask. In many instances, these people have no idea, nor do they care, if your doctor or prescription medicines are in their particular network nor do they know if they are actually giving you the best benefits for your situation and budget!

Be even more wary of celebrities or sports legends touting Medicare benefits on  television or radio ads of which they are PAID endorsers who have no clue what they are talking about! Like the telemarketers mentioned above, the people on the other end of those "Medicare hotline" numbers have no clue nor do they care about your personal situation.

Why don't they care?

Because they don't know you.

Here at Curtis Insurance/Curtis & Associates, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and working with our clients to advise them on the best possible solution to their individual Medicare needs.

We understand changes to Medicare can be puzzling and we're here to help clear up the confusion and aid you in fitting the pieces of your Medicare plan together in the program that benefits YOU best.

So, give our Licensed and Trained Medicare agent a call today at: 337-439-7730

Until next time take care and remember ... we are here to serve you.

Tommy Curtis and Staff
​
Disclaimers:

• Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
• Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency

​Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}

  Happy Veterans Day _ We salute all Service men   and women.

 With Covid-19 and two hurricanes, most of SW LA residents have more on their mind than Medicare. Trust me, we understand.

 However, each year during AEP we strive to give you a heads-up on the changes to Medicare. Let's look at the upcoming changes for 2021.

 One of the biggest and most beneficial points to discuss for the 2021 Medicare plans it that patients with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) can now qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan! Up until now, this was the one question that stopped a Medicare beneficiary from joining most advantage plans, but for 2021 that is no longer a *determining factor.

Other changes are as follows:

*For those who pay Part A premiums, there is an increase from $252 to $263 OR $478 (in lieu of $458)

*Medicare Part A Deductible is $1452 (per benefit period) and up from $1364

*Part A Coinsurance for days 61-90 is now $353 per day (increase of $1) and lifetime reserve days the insured's responsibility is $726 per day instead of $704

*Fees for Skilled Nursing Facility have risen from $176 per day (days 21-100) to $181.50

*Medicare Part B Premium is $153.00 (up from $144.60)

*Medicare Part B Deductible is $203, a $5 increase from 2020's amount of $198.

Your Part D (prescription drug) Medicare benefits and coinsurance costs have changed also.

*Part D deductible is $445 in lieu of $435

*Part D initial coverage amount increased from $4020 to $4130

*MOP (maximum out of pocket) is $6550 annually - up from $6350 

*Your cost in the coverage gap/donut hole is a flat 25% of the cost of the drug in lieu of 31%

*Cost of drugs in the catastrophic category is $3.70 for generic (up from $3.50) and $9.50 for brand (up from $8.30)

Another remarkable change in the 2021 Medicare benefits is that select insulin medications will be available at the flat rate of $35 per month. This is great news for many diabetics!

If you have questions about your current Medicare plan or need help navigating the Medicare maze for 2021, give one of our licensed professional agents a call: 337-439-7730

Meanwhile, we appreciate your patronage and honor our Veterans!

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Disclaimers:

• Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
• Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency

*Guidelines vary by company/plan

​Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
​{A Life and Health Agency}