more articles like this

Tell them you found them on Edhat!
www.edhat.com/referrals

Medicare Supplemental Insurance
updated: Nov 23, 2011, 4:04 PM

I need to purchase medicare supplemental insurance for my elderly parents. Does anybody have any recommendations re: which are best, how much it costs and if they can be rejected? (recent hospitalization, dementia, etc.)

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

Places People Are Talking About:

Bankers Life & Casualty Company	Bob Hopper	Eleanor K Van Buren
HealthNet	Medicare.gov	USAA

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 235508P	2011-11-23 04:33 PM
It is a big job and you may need to talk with an agent. On our own my husband and I were mowed down by too much information. We chose Anthem with the help of our agent and it serves us well. However everyone has different needs depending on prescription drugs etc. We have Humana for the prescription supplement. And we are insurance poor! Good luck. Agent Phil Kirkpatrick helped us last year. He has been in town for over 40 years.
SHOREBIRD	2011-11-23 04:43 PM
What does "insurance poor" mean?
SBSRFR	2011-11-23 04:59 PM
Call Karen Davis with Stevens and Associates Insurance Agency 805-455-4399. She is an agent for Anthem, Blue Shield, AARP and United American. It's can be a difficult decision and there's so much information that the average senior is bombarded with through the mail. Do yourself a favor and use a knowledgeable agent. You have until December 7th to chose a part D prescription drug plan.
COMMENT 235523	2011-11-23 05:22 PM
I went to a counselor at Adult Ed, no charge, to get an overview of what's available. Then I went to an agent after I knew what I wanted.
COMMENT 235536P	2011-11-23 06:30 PM
I chose Anthem through an agent and, despite being "insurance poor" too (pay lots for health insurance), there are no surprises or hidden costs. AARP has not been cost-effective for some of my friends.
COMMENT 235542	2011-11-23 07:12 PM
Anthem sent my mom a letter saying they are not offering her plan. It seems we have the option of AARP-Secure Horizons and Healthnet. Plus drug plans. AARP seems to have the cheaper price and higher total out of pocket limit. Healthnet has 2 plans. Healthnet has a brochure. AARP wants to read you what the website says.
COMMENT 235546	2011-11-23 07:34 PM
HealthNet is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! I've had it for 3 years and am still in awe of how easy they make things.
COMMENT 235558P	2011-11-23 08:29 PM
I know it varies depending on many things, but how much does supplemental insurance cost?
COMMENT 235563	2011-11-23 08:56 PM
I had the same project and did it all myself without using an agent. I went to Medicare.gov. Input the Rx they often used and then reviewed the plans offered with an eye toward costs and cost savings. The last step before calling the Part D provider and ordering a plan was to check with the drug store I wanted to use to see if they have any issues with the plan.
COMMENT 235564P	2011-11-23 09:42 PM
OP here.... It's the doctor/hospital coverage (parts A and B?) supplemental that I'm trying to figure out... They already have the Rx coverage, but can it be combined with the "medicare supplement" coverage?
COMMENT 235575P	2011-11-23 11:26 PM
It is my understanding that all the plans with the same letter A thru whatever, are the same no matter which company you use.You just need to decide what you want covered. AARP is the least expensive and we have used it for 8 years and have never had a problem. It is thru United Healthcare. We have Medicare part A and B and AARP supplemental.
COMMENT 235599	2011-11-24 07:53 AM
Thanks for your question. I too have Medicare A and B, plus Part D (mine is United Healthcare, under the AARP name). I've wondered whether getting a Medicare supplemental plan would be wise, and whether any of the supplemental plans can also help with the the Part D copays for medications. Have heard that independent insurance agents can help. Anyone know how their commission works? Are they paid in such a way as to be motivated to sell the most expensive insurance, rather than the best for the individual's situation? Thanks for wise words.
COMMENT 235606	2011-11-24 08:27 AM
Check out HICAP, a great resource for all things related to elder health care. I can't post the link directly because I'm not a subscriber, but here's the gist: cahealthadvocates.org/HICAP/santabarbara.html .
COMMENT 235614	2011-11-24 08:49 AM
Blue Shield Plan "K". Start there.
COMMENT 235622	2011-11-24 09:13 AM
It doesn't cost a penny more to use an agent. Save time. Call Ray Stevens' Agency...they are independent, represent all the companies and every year will help you shop for the right Part D plan because they change, and last year's plan may not be right for this next year. Service is outstanding. (805) 683-3636
ANDY	2011-11-24 09:25 AM
Do yourself a favor and call Bob Hopper, PHD. 805 966 4900. He is a very competent agent.
RICHBUSYWOMAN	2011-11-24 09:28 AM
If they are established with a doctor, ask him/her what insurance he/she accepts. This is a very important first step in the process. Hear me now, believe me later!
COMMENT 235628	2011-11-24 09:33 AM
There are Medicare supplements which cover the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay on Part B (physician and outpatient expenses) and Medicare risk plans, which take away your Medicare and replace it with a commercial plan. With traditional Medicare and a supplement, there is zero cost after insurance premiums are paid. AARP is one of the best supplements, as it is community rated, meaning premiums are calculated for the average of all people of the same age. My understanding is that you get the lowest premiums when you sign up for the supplement when you first become eligible for Medicare. With supplements costing more than $160, risk plans are cheaper, but there are copays with every visit and procedure. Also, HMOs require a referral for every new visit to a specialist, as well a requirement to see only specialists within the network, but with traditional Medicare you can see any physician without any barriers.
COMMENT 235630	2011-11-24 09:51 AM
Be sure to check out the insurance formulary to see if their meds are covered. AARP screwed us by going through part D for my infusion meds instead of part B like they are supposed to.
COMMENT 235633P	2011-11-24 10:01 AM
Second Stevens and Associates. I have my medicare supplement with Karen and my Long Term Care with Ray.
MA	2011-11-24 10:16 AM
Eleanor K Van Buren is another agent suggestion. She really helped me sort through it all. (805) 845-1693
COMMENT 235652	2011-11-24 11:40 AM
Go to Medicare.gov and register following the instructions. There are two types of supplements. Medigap covers medical expenses not completely covered by Medicare A and B. Neither Medicare A and B nor Medigap covers drugs, so you will need a Part D plan if you choose Medigap. The second supplement is Medicare Advantage, which typically covers both medical and drug expenses (you cannot purchase Part D if you choose Advantage). These plans are being phased out - I found only two available in our area this year. Some Advantage plans are basically "free," in that they accept the Part B payment for their premium, but they're harder to find, and may not have the coverage you need. I know it sounds complicated, but you need to understand it, even if you use an agent.
COMMENT 235741	2011-11-25 08:12 AM
The government is being very discriminatory in who they give Medicare to nowadays. Some things have changed like they don't provide in-home assistance anymore unless you were already receiving it before. There is no reason to hire someone to do it, I have done it for my Grandparents with ease. Go online and follow all instructions, but also instead of downgrading their health problems, asses it at it's worst. Be sure you have copies of all hospital records, treatment, medications, Dr,'s addresses, and anything else relevant. Letters from doctors also help in which they state their condition, what treatment they may need, ect. Good luck, and if you can't figure it out and want to save money they have social workers in SB that are experts at it.
DOUGBUCK	2011-11-25 01:56 PM
I would suggest Bankers Life & Casualty Company. Phone: 312-396-6000 There must be a local agent. Call them for an estimate and advice before you make a final decision. They have not had the ridiculous rate increases that Anthem/Blue Cross/Blue Shield has done.
COMMENT 235824P	2011-11-25 07:21 PM
USAA has this supplemental coverage and we have been happy with it, as with all things at USAA.
COMMENT 401379	2013-04-24 04:33 PM
I strongly recommend Stevens & Associates in Goleta at 683-3636. I just turned 65 and needed a good Medicare Supplemental Policy as well as Rx Insurance. I met with Ray Stevens and he convinced me to sign up with United American and with Humana. He really knew his stuff and his office support is great.