Important medicare supplement questions to ask

Help with choosing a medicare supplement
1. Medicare Supplement Plans (Also Known as Medigap)
Medicare.gov says:
"These policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn't cover. If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, you could get a Medigap policy to help cover the extra health care costs."
What many people don't realize about these plans is that all of the plans offered (A - J) have exactly the same benefits. Only the monthly premiums are different.
For example, you might get "Plan F" from one company and pay one premium and get the same "Plan F" from another company and pay another premium. But the benefits from either company will be the same.
2. Medicare Health Plans (Like HMO's and PPO's)
Medicare.gov says:
"These plans are approved by Medicare and run by private companies. When you join one of these plans, you are still in Medicare. Some of these plans require referrals to see specialists. They provide all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. They generally offer extra benefits, and many include prescription drug coverage. These plans often have networks, which means you may have to see doctors who belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get covered services. In many cases, your costs for services can be lower than in the Original Medicare Plan, but it is important to check with the plan because the costs for services will vary."
That last line is a very important statement… "it is important to check with the plan because the costs for services will vary."
3. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Also Known as Medicare Part D)
According to Medicare.gov
"These plans add prescription drug coverage to the Original Medicare Plan, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans."
One of the things many people are not aware of about Prescription Drug Plans is that every plan has a different approved list of medications (called a formulary). If you consider enrolling in a Prescription Drug Plan, It is important to know what plan best fits the medications you might need.

Please see our website - http://www.arizonamedicareadvantageplans.com

Arizona Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans

Here are some Medicare basics:

Vertex insurance is a contracted provider of both medicare advantage and medicare supplement plans. An overview of the two options is listed below: You can also visit our website. http://www.arizonamedicareadvantageplans.com/


Medicare Advantage

Monthly premiums usually lower.
Usually have to identify a primary care physician.
When getting medical attention there is usually a copay.
Visiting a specialist usually requires a primary care physician referral.
PFFS plans offer greater flexibility of doctors.
PPO plans will allow you to go to any medicare contracted physician but there may be an out of network charge.
Usually drug coverage is included in the plan.
Coverage for emergencies out of state.
Plan changes can be made during open enrollment.

Medicare Supplements

Medicare remains your primary and the supplement becomes your secondary insurance.
Greater flexibility of doctors to see. (Any doctor that accepts Medicare)
Out of state coverage.
Prescription drug coverage (Part D) needs to be purchased separately.
Usually minimal or no copays for services performed.
Requires a monthly premium.
Changes to these plans can be made anytime, but may require underwriting.
Plan benefits remain mostly the same with all companies. Pricing however is different.

Visit our website - http://www.arizonamedicareadvantageplans.com/