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.
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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.

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.
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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}