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What is really sad is that larger cities have more advantages to free health care through Medicare. They do not pay ANY monthly premiums, have better options to doctors, etc. While rural areas like I reside are charged monthly premiums, copays such as doctor visits, health procedures, and out of pocket costs. They also receive options of pre-health care tests and opportunities to manage their health such as free memberships to approved gyms, etc.
You do understand that actuaries (who determine the appropriate pricing) MUST consider CLAIMS PAYOUTS versus PREMIUMS RECEIVED in any given area, correct? So it only makes sense then that if you live in a larger population there are more people PAYING INTO the plans, versus the claims paid out. It's not sad or unfair, it's actually simple mathematical calculations...or else folks would be upset when the insurance company goes under or their claims are no longer being paid.
I have moved to Mexico and have permanent residency here. I would like to drop part B and part D since I qualify for medical care in Mexico. What do I need to do?
It depends. Do you have a PPO Medicare Advantage plan? Then yes, you can see an out-of-network doctor if: 1) the doctor agrees to see you and 2) the doctor is willing to bill the plan and accept the plan compensation. But no, you cannot use Medicare Part B to cover the out-of-network doctor co-insurance. If you have Medicare Advantage HMO, you only have insurance with that plan and use In-Network providers.
I have coverage with my employer and I am finding medicare as a secondary insurance is useless. What is the point? It no longer covers copays, which it did. I just got a bill for and keg interpretation which was paid by my primary but $32. medicare can't pick up. I am scared when I will no longer be working and have only medicare! When I had one of the supplemental medicare insurances for 3 months this year it was a very unfavorable experience. This idea of medicare being my only insurance is very concerning.
You are correct rick! Medigap Plans provide coverages for the 20% gap Medicare Part A & Part B doesn't cover. I think the big reason is because it is left up to the Insurance companies to Market those plans. What do you think about Medigap plans?
Awesome! Folks that like Medigap plans have a major advantage when you travel within the U.S. Studys shows that anywhere from 94%-98% of the U.S doctors and hospitals accepts assignment & payments from Medicare. Medigap plans are secondary to Part A and Part B which means that the same doctors and hospitals also accept those standardized and federally regulated Medigap plans from all 35+ companies that offer them in your area. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services states "There can be Big differences in the premiums that different insurance companies charge for exactly the SAME cover" - Choosing a Medigap Policy Guide booklet written by CMS. @Rick, Do you have any looming questions about Medigap Plans for your particular state( HDF, Medigap Select, Part B Excess Charges, Plan N Copays)?
The $135.50 in 2019 was most likely your Part B (original medicare/outpatient) premium. To change payment from quarter to monthly contact 1-800-Medicare
Medicare choices are ridiculously complex. No retiree (or any person) should have to go through this. I have 3 Masters degrees and still chewed on the available choices for several months until I found a consultant who helped me make the best choice for me (Medicare Original). The choices should be clear and simple (e.g. how much you pay and what your deductible is). It almost seems as if the system is designed in such a way that people underuse their insurance, making bad choices that are cheap for the insurers. Also, these Medicare Advantage Plans have the effect of ultimately privatizing Medicare, i.e. offering private insurance coverage with the ultimate aim of creating profit for insurance companies at the expense of providing adequate healthcare for the patients. Prove me wrong.
I find it abysmal that CMS has dismissed the need for LPNS in nursing homes. Nursing homes are predominantly LPNs. Us LPNs do everything from bedside nursing, wound nurses, shift supervisors, weekend managers, Unit managers, MDS coordinators, Medical Records Coordinators, Staff Development Coordinators, Infection Preventionists and Assistant Directors of Nursing. I myself have held all but two of those titles. CMS and President Bidens’ proposal for staffing ratios stating that LPNs are not included because only RNs and CNAs only provide quality care is the most atrocious thing I’ve heard said about LPNs. Us LPNs train RNs, guide RNs, manage RNs. Nursing homes can not run without LPNs. Beside the complete disrespect you have shown LPNs by this recommendation, this plan would bankrupt nursing homes. Currently, nursing homes struggle to entice RNs to work there. Nursing homes can not financially compete with hospitals. Most RNs do not want to work in nursing home settings. Nursing homes would be forced to close their doors. Where will all the residents go? What do you think would happen to the economy if you take the jobs of millions of LPNs. LPNs primarily work nursing homes…yes there are so many other settings we work in but Nursing homes is the most common. You will bankrupt nursing homes and shatter the careers of the LPNs who fearlessly risked their lives to protect our patients/ residents from COVID. The nurses who sat holding your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles hands while they took their last breaths. Stand by our Healthcare Frontline Heros who risked our lives for you and your families!!
Call local CMS office to pick one up or call 1-800-Medicare to speak with live Medicare Agent(From Federal Government) I hope this helps 1-800-Medicare Tip Video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4D1W8o8KdeI.html
Questions can be answered by a Medicare agent from the Federal governement at 1-800-Medicare 24/7 365 days out of the year. Call late in the evenings to get through. Here is a 1-800-Medicare Tip to get to a Live agent faster : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4D1W8o8KdeI.html
