It’s Medicare Open Enrollment time again and there is a new commercial on television where a “specialist” is giving a presentation on the basics of Medicare. He (the instructor) explains Medicare 101 and then discusses Medicare Advantage Plans. During the course of this 60 second interval one woman asks the question:

“How do I know I’m getting the best plan?”

Of course, the goal of this infomercial is to get you to call the number on your screen, but I’m here to tell you that just like celebrity endorsed sites, these actors know little if anything about Medicare!

The best way to know you’re getting the right plan for your individual needs and budget is to contact a local Medicare agent.
​
As with the cost of everything, Medicare deductibles and premiums have increased. Here is your breakdown for 2022….

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}

Friendly, personable service is a rarity these days, even in service-related businesses. This is sad when you consider how important customer service is in the overall scheme of failure or success for businesses. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways to improve people skills and increase your level of customer service.

#1: SMILE! Your expression is the first thing a client will notice even on the telephone so turn that frown upside down and put a cheerful note in your voice. Act like you’re happy to be where you are and you want to help them.

We’re a quarter through 2021 – how are yo doing with your health, wealth and finance goals?

​Medicare Open Enrollment ended March 31st, but if you need to review your Medicare Insurance, please give us a call.

As the government moves forward in loosening Covid restrictions, don’t get ahead of them and keep your perspective. We’re all ready to get back to normal (whatever that means) but there is no sense in taking unnecessary risks with your, or your loved ones’ health.
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Winter is losing its grip, Spring is upon us and people will be getting outside more and more. Be sure and practice fun in the sun and safety measures, especially while travelling. Review your auto insurance policy before you hit the road for that vacation and above all, enjoy yourself!

Know what else comes along with Spring? Rain! And with waterways and drainage blocked from the recent hurricanes, it is always a good idea to think about adding FLOOD INSURANCE to further protect your home. Rates have changed since our post in 2017, but are still very reasonable for Zone X residents. Besides, you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

Until next time, take care and remember…. Life is too short to stress over petty stuff.

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}

   We’ve made it through January and February is nearly 
   half over, but did you know in old Roman times, when
   the calendar only had 10 months, February was actually
   the end of the year and March the beginning? It is still
  unclear when that changed to twelve months with
  January and February beginning the calendar year, but I
  thought it was an interesting fact to share. Which leads
  up to the actual topic of this post….

Changes Curtis Insurance is making in 2021.

Although we will continue to service our existing clients, Curtis Insurance will no longer sell Home or Flood insurance policies. There are many reasons for this decision, the main one being changes to our staff, two of which are in the early stages of retirement and we wish them the BEST in their endeavors.

With this in mind, we no longer offer Permit or Notary Bonds either.

However, we’d be honored to be your #1 choice for Auto, Recreational Vehicle and Renters Insurance and are continuing to focus on meeting the needs of our community by offering Medicare and Life Insurance through our sister company, Curtis & Associates.

If we may be of service to you in any, or all of these areas, please give us a call or come by our office at 509 7th St. in Lake Charles and let us help you!

Until next time take care and remember…. Change is inevitable, how you handle it is up to 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 New Year!

It’s that time when most people ring out the old (goodbye 2020!) and ring in the new with goals and resolutions to improve their lives. Not sure how you feel, but these first few weeks of January … well, I’m not so sure about 2021.

Despite the circumstances around us, we are still pretty much in control of our destiny. How?

By the thoughts we entertain and the decisions we make. With that in mind, here are a few areas you can focus on to take control of and improve your life….

#1: Your Finances: Yeah, yeah, yeah, easier said than done. Right? Not necessarily! Small changes to your spending and saving habits can reap real results. Check out these articles written by one of our agents to get easy and effective ways you can take control of your financial health.

#2: Your Insurance: Yes, insurance is a major part of everyone’s life, and it is important to make sure yours is up to date with your current circumstances. Medicare Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – March 31) is a chance for some Medicare recipients to review and revise their Medicare options. February is “Insure Your Love” Month and a good time to review your Life Insurance. Did the new year bring new changes to your household? Got a new car, new recreational vehicle or newly licensed teen driver? Review these insurance  policies and make sure you are properly covered. Many have learned the hard way their home insurance isn’t up to par so now, more than ever it’s imperative your home is properly insured. Make sure your repairs are complete before you apply for additional or new coverage though, as pre-existing conditions can hinder your policy.

#3: Your Health: Whether number one or last on your list, taking control of your health is important, and like with your finances, small steps toward overall improvement can go a long way. Healthy eating/lifestyle is a billion-dollar industry but there are many changes you can make yourself for little or no cost. Here are a few ideas to get you started….

     Get Moving! Studies have proven that frequent 10-minute walks are just as beneficial as longer jaunts 3-5 times each week. Too cold? There are walking videos you can do in the privacy of your own home. Like to dance? Check out the numerous dance-type exercise routines. With the many options out there (fitness centers, videos, online classes, etc.), all the excuses for not exercising no longer apply.

     Make one change to your eating habits (notice I didn’t say ‘diet’) each week or month. Give up that extra serving or slice of bread. Make a list of things you’d like to eliminate from your diet (okay, I said it LOL!) and give up one or two a month. Watch your sugar intake, especially “added” sugars.

     Celebrate the small victories! Need to lose 40, 50 or more pounds? Don’t look at how far you have to go, look at how far you’ve come. An easy way to do this is to journal your weight-loss journey and goals. Keep a positive outlook and appreciate the good things that come from the small changes you make.     
 
  Get on a good nutrition and/or vitamin regimen. Make an appointment with a nutritionist or naturopath and work out a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
               
   Quit Smoking: Again, this is an area many feel powerless to overcome but that’s not true!

We’ve all heard the old adage, “Mind over Matter” and nothing holds truer than this when it comes to healthy changes to improve your life. For the most part, changing your habits is more of a mental thing than physical so think about how you can change your thoughts. Here’s where investing in a therapist or life coach can help.

We spend hundreds of dollars each year entertaining ourselves, why not invest in a living a healthy life? 

We here at Curtis Insurance/Curtis & Associates wish your a blessed and prosperous 2021.

Until next time take care and remember.... What you don't control, controls 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}

​In 1999 President Bill Clinton proposed that prescription drug benefits be added to Medicare and this was accepted and added President Bush with the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Initially this was supposed to be optional coverage, however, if you do not get a Part D (drug) plan when you are initially eligible but decide to later, you may be subject to a Part D Late Enrollment Penalty.  This LEP is based on a percentage of the national average for drug plans and imposed for the rest of your life. Exceptions may apply if you’ve had creditable drug coverage through an employer/group plan.

Many people who don’t take prescription drugs at the time they sign up for Medicare A and/or B, will decline to get a Part D plan feeling it is money wasted. However, when their health changes and they are prescribed any type of maintenance drugs (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) they are surprised to find they are subject to this penalty. This is why it is important to speak to a local, licensed Health Insurance agent to help you navigate your options.

There are two ways to get a Part D drug plan:
Purchase an individual / stand-alone plan in conjunction with your traditional Medicare coverage, Medicare Supplement OR join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage (MAPD).

There are four stages to Medicare Part D:
Deductible Stage where the insured is responsible for up to $445 depending on the individual plan. Many companies impose this deductible on Tier 3-5 drugs in lieu of Tiers 1 & 2 which are normally the cheapest prescriptions one would take.

Initial Coverage Stage comes into play once the deductible is met. The insured and insurance company (combined) pay the full cost for prescriptions up to $4130 after which the insured falls into the coverage gap otherwise knows and the “donut hole.”

In the Coverage Gap Stage or donut hole, the insured pays 25% of the cost of the drugs until his/her MOOP (maximum out of pocket) reaches $6550 after which the insured falls into the Catastrophic Stage. While in the Gap Stage, only your out-of-pocket costs contribute toward the catastrophic stage.

During the Catastrophic Stage of your Part D Medicare coverage, you will pay $3.70 for generic and $9.50 for brand name drugs.

The Part D coverage is based on an annual/calendar year.

If you are new to Medicare, you may be wondering what the Tiers are. T1 are Preferred Generic Drugs, T2 Generic drugs, T3 are Preferred Brand name drugs, T4 are Non-Preferred Drugs and T5 are Specialty drugs. Again, this is where a licensed Health Insurance agent is your best friend!

For more information on Medicare in general, check out our FAQ and get up to date on Medicare changes for 2021 HERE.

If you’re in need of a licensed Health Insurance, give us a call: 337-439-7730
 
Until next time, we here at Curtis Insurance / Curtis & Associates wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Blessed New Year.
 
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}
 

  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}