 We are right in the middle of Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) where Medicare members can make a one-time change to their Medicare Advantage plan. Both Medicare AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) and OEP are fraught with television ads featuring celebrities--who, I'll bet my last dollar know absolutely nothing about Medicare--advising you to call some toll-free number and have your Medicare plan reviewed. Now, marketing companies have gotten creative showing men or women in scrubs or a lab coat urging you to do the same before March 31st when OEP ends. Do NOT Make That Call! These people are actors, not actual doctors, nurses or Medicare experts. They know absolutely nothing about Medicare nor are they familiar with Your Situation, or Your Provider Network in Your Parish. If you are new to Medicare or unhappy with the Medicare Advantage plan you joined during AEP, please give Connie, our local, educated, trained, and seasoned, Medicare Agent a call at: 337-310-2253 Until next time, be aware of those who proport to know more about what you need in a Medicare plan when they are usually operating from whole other state! Tommy Curtis and Staff Disclaimers:
ALL material on this blog is available for informational purposes only. Life, Health 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. Article © 2023 Pamela S Thibodeaux  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…  Although "Summer" isn't officially over until September 23rd (first day of Fall) here in SWLA and around the country many consider summer's end when school starts. That said, let's look at some things to stay aware of as we move into the end of 3rd and last quarter of 2023.
School is back in session in many states and communities so slow down and pay attention to your surroundings! Too many parents live the ultimate nightmare when their child is injured or killed while on his/her way to school or sports practice. Lots of teens get a license and/or new car which means more drivers on the road, many of them inexperienced.  Spring is in the air and we’re almost through the first quarter of 2023. How are you holding up in respect to the resolutions and goals you set for this year?
In previous posts we’ve shared Stress Busters, ideas on Taking Control of Your Life and how Healthy Acts of Kindness Benefit You. Today we’re going to share an article on creating balance in your life written by our former staff member Pamela S. Thibodeaux but before we do, we’d like to remind the Medicare Recipients out there that Medicare OEP (which allows you a one-time change in your MA plan) ends on March 31st so if you’re not happy with the Medicare Advantage plan you chose for 2023, contact our Medicare Agent, Connie Driskell today at: 331-310-2253. Continue reading for Simple Ways to Create Balance in Your Life...  Because Medicaid eligibility is based on income in ratio to the number of family members, people roll on and off the plan accordingly—usually on an annual basis. However, due to the pandemic in 2020, our Government passed the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act which increased the federal share of states’ Medicaid costs. This helped to stabilize state budgets and offset the healthcare costs states incurred in response to the pandemic. This also allowed thousands of families to have health coverage that may not have had it otherwise.
On December 29, 2022, Congress signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CCA) that ends the continuous enrollment provision set in 2020 effective March 31, 2023.  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.  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. |
Tommy Curtis
Is an insurance agent with integrity and your best interest in mind. Call to speak directly to him. Contact us Phone: 337-433-1683 Address: 509 7th Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 Office Hours: M-F 9a - 5p (CST) Follow Us
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