medicare | Brownell Insurance

January 15, 2019 By Brownell Insurance Center

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month – Will Medicare Have You Covered?

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month – Will Medicare Have You Covered? The new year is the perfect time to address medical needs and ailments, as most Americans resolve to be healthier and live better. If you are one of 44 million Americans currently covered under Medicare Insurance, you may have questions about the tests and treatments surrounding Glaucoma.

According to the Medicare.gov website: More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause permanent vision loss and blindness. Some forms of glaucoma don’t have any symptoms, so you may still have glaucoma even if you don’t have any trouble seeing or feel any pain. If you find and get treatment for glaucoma early, you can protect your eyes from serious vision loss.

You’re at high risk for glaucoma if one or more of these applies to you:

You have diabetes.
You have a family history of glaucoma.
You’re African American and 50 or older.
You’re Hispanic and 65 or older.

If you fall into this category, it is important to note that Medicare, under the Part B Coverage, will allow a glaucoma test once every 12 months. If you are unsure of your status, ask your eye-doctor or regular physician for help. It is important to understand that an eye doctor who’s legally allowed to do this test in NH (or your state, if you live elsewhere) must administer or supervise the screening.

Should you need treatment for glaucoma, or other assistive items like eyeglasses, check with your provider concerning your out of pocket costs. Typically, original Medicare coverage of routine vision care is limited, some Medicare Advantage plans may include additional vision benefits. For many, Medicare Advantage plan, vision benefits may include:

Preventive eye exams covered under Original Medicare
Routine eye exams
Eyeglasses (frames and lenses)
Contact lenses

Open enrollment has passed, but if you have an emergency situation you may still be eligible to apply for benefits. Regardless of your status, Brownell Insurance would be happy to provide information and expert advice on your options and financial responsibilities under Medicare.

Contact Marie today for details. Marie@BrownellInsurance.com

November 15, 2018 By Brownell Insurance Center

Is Your Medicare Plan Working for You?

Open Enrollment is the best time to review existing plans and consider new options.

Is Your Medicare Plan Working for You?

It’s OPEN ENROLLMENT season. Are you resting easy knowing that you have the proper coverage to meet your various needs? There are a variety of plans and add-ons for Medicare which may be an important part of your healthcare strategy.

This time of year, during open enrollment, is the best time to consider a review of benefits, or select new options, as your circumstances may change from year to year. Consider the following:

Basic Medicare coverage does include a variety of preventative tests and screenings, but certain things might not be included such as eye exams, hearing aids and some types of podiatry. So, if you need these types of items you will want to review other options.
You may be able to join a Medicare Advantage Plan. Many of these plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like vision, hearing, dental coverage, prescription drugs, or extended coverage when you travel.
If you rely on prescription medicines for your “healthy you” regimen be sure that you have selected Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as you may save up to 75% on many brand name pharmaceuticals should you hit the gap.

Act Now – Open Enrollment ends December 7th!

There is still time to review your plan. We want to help take the guesswork out of your Medicare planning. One of our experienced agents can assist you with plan comparisons and other options. Call 603-.437-1992 to set up your free consultation in the Greater Derry area, or 603-296-0077 to speak with our Seacoast team, or email Marie Brownell at Marie@BrownellInsurance.com.

October 8, 2018 By Brownell Insurance Center

Still confused about the difference in Medicare Part A and Part B?

Medicare Part A

This insurance covers things like hospital stays, nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care. You usually don’t pay a monthly Premium for Medicare Part A if you paid Medicare taxes throughout your career. You can get premium-free Part A at 65 if:

You already receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Are eligible to get these benefits but haven’t filed for them yet.
You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.

If you currently receive, or plan to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, different rules may apply. Be sure to speak with your provider about any services or procedures needed, as your plan must give you at least the same coverage as Original Medicare.

Medicare Part B

If you are not yet getting benefits from Social Security at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll need to sign up with Social Security to get Part A and Part B. This insurance covers medically necessary and preventative services, similar to the health insurance secured through employer sponsored, or exchange supported plans.

Some individuals may choose not to receive Part B benefits if they are still covered under an employee delivered insurance plan, or their spouses employee sponsored plan. This is different from Part A which will be provided upon turning 65. However, it is important to pay attention to enrollment dates for Medicare Part B and your eligibility as you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for missing the deadline.

Standard premiums for Medicare Part B are calculated based on your income. Tax returns from the previous two years will be used to establish the monthly premium payment. You’ll pay the standard premium amount if:

You do not currently get Social Security benefits.
Get billed directly for Part B premiums instead of deductions from your Social Security benefits.
Also have Medicaid, and Medicaid pays your premiums.

You will pay a higher amount if your modified adjusted gross income from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment is added to your standard premium. To review the income related adjustment levels, click here.

Brownell Insurance regularly offers Navigating Medicare – Workshop Series to help seniors and their families better understand the process and navigate the options. If you would like more information, or need assistance in enrolling for Medicare please email Marie Brownell at Marie@brownellinsurance.com.

September 24, 2018 By Brownell Insurance Center

Will Your Test, Service or Items be Covered?

Managing Your Care Using Medicare Insurance

Managing Your Care Using Medicare Insurance Open enrollment period is upon us, and so too are the questions about coverage. As consumers, it can be a challenge navigating the coverages and understanding what items are covered and those that are not. This can be especially confusing when it comes to testing and specialized services.

Medicare coverage for many tests, items and services depends on where you live. Certain items like: chemotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation and disease screenings, glucose control protocols and annual wellness visits, will be covered no matter where you live, which is especially important to “snow birds” as they may seek services in more than one location within any given year. These and many more items may be covered in part, or whole, its’ important to check on your responsibility prior to receiving service.

For example, chemotherapy is covered under Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B. Part A covers hospital inpatients, and Part B covers hospital outpatients and patients in a doctor’s office or freestanding clinic. You pay a copayment if you’re a hospital outpatient. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if you get your treatment in a doctor’s office or freestanding clinic. The Part B deductible applies.

Most importantly, within the first 12-months of enrolling in Medicare PART B, you may attend a welcome visit. You pay nothing for the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit or the yearly “Wellness” visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit. These additional tests or services aren’t covered under the preventive benefits.

There are times when specific tests, services or items are recommended by a physician and are NOT covered under Medicare. If you need certain services Medicare doesn’t cover, you’ll have to pay for them yourself unless:

You have other insurance that covers them
You have a Medicare health plan that covers them

Some of the items and services that Medicare doesn’t cover include: Long-term or custodial care, most dental care, eye exams related to prescribing glasses, Dentures, Cosmetic surgery, Acupuncture, Hearing aids and exams for fitting them and Routine foot care. If you are unsure about the coverage of a specific item check the list here.

For more information about Medicare enrollment, coverages or coinsurance options, please schedule a FREE consultation with Marie Brownell at marie@brownellinsurance.com or by calling 603-437-1992.