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Why a Medicare Blog?

by on Sep. 18, 2009, under Health

Since this is the first post on my blog, I suppose I should explain why I think you might be interested in this topic.  There are lots of changes coming to Medicare, and some of these changes will be announced in mid-October when Medicare Advantage plans release their 2010 benefits. Other changes are scheduled for 2010 when new Medicare Supplements will be introduced.  And the much-debated healthcare reform legislation will certainly have components that focus on Medicare and Medicare Advantage.  I will be writing about all of these developments and more.

Medicare Advantage, or private Medicare, is quite popular in Arizona, with over 32% of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in these plans.  Secure Horizons, Health Net, and Humana are the most popular of these plans in Tucson, and each October they must send an “Annual Notice of Change” to their enrollees to tell them how their plans are changing for the next year.  Anyone enrolled in these plans should be sure to read company materials closely to determine how changes might affect their medical costs in 2010. I’m sure I’ll be writing about these plans.

Seniors who have a Medicare Supplement policy may have the opportunity to lower their premiums in 2010 with changes that are being made to all policies, as well as the introduction of two new Medicare Supplement plans.  Details on these changes won’t be available until January, but I’ll write about them then.

With all the talk about healthcare reform, there should be lots of Medicare-related news and more to report in the coming months. I hope you’ll find this blog informative and helpful.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 2:38 pm and is filed under Health. Tags for this post: , , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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  • http://gowestins.com/medicare-supplement.html medicare supplement quote

    The new plans should be a great benefit to Medicare beneficiaries.  The Plan N plan will be simalar to anAdvantage Plan, but better.  You will not have the issue’s of HMO, PPO, and PFFS.  These are all types of Advantage Plans that are available now.  With a PFFS, you have no defined network, with HMO you have to get referrels and you have a limited network, with PPO you have a much smaller network than Medicare’s network.  The new Plan N will be a very nice addition and wonderful option for Medicare beneficiaries.  Plan F will still be the “old stand bye,” but new books of business will be opened and companies will get to come in with new low rates.  An exciting time. 

    • medicareblogger

      It seems like every year in the Medicare market there are changes that make it interesting. 

      I think Medicare Advantage plans (at least some of them) in Arizona are going to see significant changes for 2010, so this fall should be make for a crazy Annual Enrollment Period.  Even the OEP from January to March should be very active as people experience the changes in their plans in early 2010. 

      It’s too bad Medicare Advantage enrollees will be locked ito their plans for 2010 when the good news about Medicare Supplements breaks in June.  I think the Plan N is designed to compete with Medicare Advantage.  If Med Supp companies can lower premiums because of the changes, I can see lots of Medicare Advantage enrollees going back to Medicare.

  • http://gowestins.com/bcbs-medicare-supplement-quote.html medicare supplement quote

    You are right.  The Plan N will be a wonderful plan for those on Medicare Advantage.  I know that some folks like their MA plan, but, they have been a falure in my opinion, as they cost the government more (14%) than original medicare.

    Plan N will be the hotest thing going during the AEP (annual election period) of 2010.  Then MA enrolles can go from their MA plan to a Plan N Medicare supplement.  It will be interesting how stiff the underwritting will be for the Plan N.  It will also be interesting to see which companies choose to offer the Plan N. 

  • medicareblogger

    You’re right about fall 2010.  When the cuts to Medicare Advantage are put in place for 2011, some MA plans will exit the business while others will go from zero premium to who-knows-what. 

    Plan N should compete very well with MA plans next year – especially in 2011.   Something to look forward to, I guess!

  • Jean

    Will Medicare be charging me with the $20 copay if I choose the plan N?

  • Jean

    I am very confused and can not find the information I am looking for on the web.

  • http://medicarechoicesofarizona.com medicareblogger

    Jean- The info on Plan N isn’t available yet.  In January we should know who is offering Plan N and what premium they will charge.  Plan  will take effect in June 2010.

  • http://medicarechoicesofarizona.com medicareblogger

    Jean
    I’m not sure if you got my answer to your $20 co pay with plan N.  You would pay a $20 co-pay to your doctors if you get a plan N Medicare supplement.  Med Supps fill the gaps in Medicare and most people get Plan C or F which pretty much cover all the gaps in Medicare.  So if you have doctor bills, Medicare pays 80% and the Med Supp pays 20% and you pay $0.  If you get Plan N next June, you woud be generally covered for a the gaps in Medicare, but you would have $20 co-pays to see your doctors.
    I wrote another post about how Medicare Supplements are costing Medicare money.  Take a look at that post under my blog which is in the Health category here at tucsoncitizen.com

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