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AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan

January 24, 2019/in Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Companies /by Karl Paras

What is an AARP Insurance Plan?

An AARP Medicare Insurance program is a supplement insurance plan that supplements original Medicare by providing additional benefits to the policy holder. The plans, labelled A thru N, come in various shapes and sizes, and will be appropriate to you depending on factors such as premium costs and the degree of coverage you are looking for.

What makes AARP insurance plans different from other supplement plans is not hard to figure out — they are endorsed by AARP. If you are not familiar with this crucial organization, now is your chance to get acquainted with them. Their mandate is to empower people over the age of 50, promoting individual agency and quality of life for the older sector of the American population.

When choosing supplemental medical insurance, wouldn’t you want to go with an option that is endorsed by an organization that has your best interests at heart? AARP Medical Insurance packages provide exactly that — comprehensive cover backed by a group that genuinely cares for your well being.

So what exactly do AARP Medigap Plans offer you? To understand this, it’s important to first explore what a supplement plan is, how it can be an indispensable part of your healthcare plan, and why the AARP name should influence your decision.

First, let’s have a look at Medicare Supplement plans and how they are structured.

What is a Medicare Supplement / Medigap?

Remember the words Shakespeare put into Juliet’s mouth, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?” Although slightly less poetic, he may very well have substituted “rose” with “Medicare Supplement Plans.”

Known as both Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medigap insurance, these plans are standardized by the government and offered by Medicare-approved providers.

If you are already familiar with Medicare, you will know that Medicare Part A deals with hospitalization and Medicare Part B with medical insurance. Supplement plans are intended to fill out your medical coverage where Medicare Parts A and B leave off. To be eligible for Medigap insurance, you have to be enrolled in Parts A and B.

Medicare covers approximately 80% of medical expenses in exchange for a deductible of $1,340 for Part A per coverage period and $183 for Part B per year in 2018. The aim of Medigap is to keep you covered for that remaining 20%. The benefits of supplementing your Original Medicare are multiple:

Easy-to-budget medical expenses
Choice of doctor and hospital provided they are Medicare approved. (This is a big one. Medicare Advantage plans — an alternative for comprehensive coverage — typically restrict you to a tight network of doctors and hospitals. Going outside of these bounds can lead to unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses. Not going outside of them can lead to having to go to hospitals and doctors that are inconveniently located, or simply not your providers of choice.)
Ability to see a specialist without a referral from your family doctor
Government-standardized plans, meaning you will not be taken for a ride by a private company.
Lifetime coverage provided you keep up with your payments
Your plan travels with you no matter where you go in the country, and in some cases, includes medical insurance for travel abroad.

When choosing a Medigap policy, many people are gravitating toward the AARP-approved plans — and with good reason. With a decision as important as your own health, wouldn’t you want to go with a choice endorsed by a body as respected as AARP?

We are going to take you on a journey through the history of AARP and let you into the values upon which they were founded on.

The History of AARP

Once upon a time, there was a forward-thinking retired high school principal named Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. She saw the need to create an organization that would bind together retired teachers from all over the country based on her philosophy of productive aging. In this way of thinking, aging is not something to be feared. Seniors are important members of society with much to contribute. After all, aren’t they the ones with the life experience?

It was from this ideological basis that, in 1947, the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) was born.

Dr. Andrus was on a mission. She sought to bring healthcare to retired teachers who quite simply had none available to them at the time, either from government or private sources. Eventually, she found an insurance company willing to take on the task of insuring seniors.

Ten years later, and after numerous requests from people who had retired from other industries, Dr. Andrus realized the need for this service to extend beyond retired teachers. In 1958, she formed the American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP. Later, AARP blew onto the international stage, and ARPI (the Association of Retired Persons International) was formed.

Thanks to Dr. Andrus and her vision, AARP still serves millions of Americans today, with its numbers sitting at about 38 million members. It has offices across the country in 50 states. It remains committed to serving the aging population through an organization that is both nonprofit and nonpartisan.

The Core Principles of AARP

AARP’s mission is “to empower people to choose how they live as they age.”

While the structure of the organization has changed over the years, they still retain their initial commitment to promote independence and dignity for the elderly. They value the experience that older people bring into the world and believe it should be cherished.

Comprehensive medical coverage is a vital component of their mission, as their endorsement empowers people to make informed decisions about their coverage that will mean they are always in control of both their health and their finances.

Even if you decide not to join AARP, you can still enjoy the benefits of an AARP Medical Insurance package, as membership is not a requirement.

Let’s explore what joining the millions of AARP Medical Plan subscribers will do for you.

The Top 7 Benefits of AARP Medical Plans

Trusted expertise

The reality is, AARP has been in the game of medical insurance for seniors since its inception. They know the ins and outs of the specific needs of their focus demographic. What’s more, at the heart of their motives is your well being. The organization was founded on principles that value the autonomy of the older sector of the population and appreciate what they have to offer.

Peer Referrals

According to research conducted by AARP’s Medicare Supplement Plan division, 9 out of 10 plan holders were happy with their plans and willing to recommend them to family members. What a thumbs up!

Diversity of Plans

As we will explore further in a moment, there is a range of AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plans that suit a variety of needs. Whether you are looking for a plan with low monthly premiums and lower coverage, or are willing to pay high premiums for more comprehensive benefits, there is a plan that will match your needs set.

Fewer Health Questions

When you first sign up for Medicare, you have six months to sign up for a supplement plan in what is called an open enrollment period. If you do not sign up for Medigap in this phase, you will more than likely be asked a range of health questions before an insurance company takes you on as a client. AARP Medicare Supplement plans are less subject to health questioning compared to other policies.

No claim-forms to complete

If you have an aversion to bureaucracy, this may just be one of the biggest perks of a AARP Medicare supplement plan. Provided you stick to Medicare-approved healthcare providers, you will not have to spend your days filling out claim-forms that seem to go on for eternity in the hope that you will be compensated.

Available across the country

AARP is represented in 50 states. If you want to find out more about the organization, or speak to a representative about Medicare options, you will not have to travel very far. Medicare supplement providers are also located across the nation, so you can easily find someone to deal with in person.

Become Part of a Community of Shared Values

If you believe that seniors should be treated with respect and dignity, you will be among good company in the AARP community. This is not only about signing up for supplemental health coverage. It’s also about connecting to a network of people who believe in each other’s rights.

If you’re ready to dive into AARP Medigap insurance, we can almost bet what your next question is going to be — how much is this all going to cost?

AARP Insurance Rates

The best way to find out the exact rates for your specific situation is to contact SecureCare65 and one of our licensed agents. We offer a free quotation service that will consider all the factors that affect your life, from location, to medical conditions, to age, to how often you are looking to travel abroad.

Until you have that quote in hand, however, let’s take you through what each of the AARP supplement plans entails. That way, you can start to wrap your head around which option will be best for you.

What does an AARP Medicare Insurance Plan Cover?

Before we tell you what they do cover, it’s important to note that the following are NOT covered by any Medicare Supplement Plan:

Prescription drugs
Private nursing
Vision
Hearing
Dental
Long-term Care

If you are looking for coverage that includes these items, we would be happy to talk you through your various options.

There are seven AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans that offer varying degrees of coverage. As you will see, Plans K and L include an annual out-of-pocket spending limit, which the other plans do not.

Plan A	Plan B	Plan C	Plan F	Plan K	Plan L	Plan N
Part A (includes co-insurance + 365 hospital days after Medicare benefits end)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Part B (co-insurance / co-payment)	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	Co-pay
Blood (first 3 pints each year)	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%
Hospice Care (co-insurance / co-payment)	100%	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%
Skilled Nursing Facility Care (co-insurance / co-payment)	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%
Part A Deductible	100%	100%	100%	50%	75%	100%
Part B Deductible	100%	100%
Part B Excess Charges	100%
Foreign Travel Emergency Care	80%	80%	80%
Annual Out-Of-Pocket Spending Limit	$4940	$2470

The various plans are loosely grouped in four categories based on how comprehensive the coverage is. Of course, the more widespread the coverage, the higher the premiums will be.

Let’s take a glance at what the most appropriate coverage might be for you based on your personal needs.

Plans A and B

If you are looking for lower monthly premiums, Plans A and B might be your best bet. Be warned, though — with lower premiums come lower benefits and the potential for higher out-of-pocket expenses. Even if you are fit and healthy now, you may want to consider coverage that accounts for the unknown future. It’s hard to imagine yourself in hospital if you have been healthy all your life, but the reality is it can happen to anyone. The last thing you want is to add financial stress to a health scare.

Plans C and F

Opting for Plans C and F means choosing near-full coverage. The trade-off is higher premiums for lower out-of-pocket costs. If you foresee that you will require hospitalization and other medical services, we would advise that it is worth paying the additional premium. This way, you can easily budget your medical expenses and stave off surprise costs.

Plans G

AARP Medicare supplement Plan G is almost the identical twin to AARP Medicare supplement Plan F except that it requires you to pay the Medicare Part B deductible of $183 (2018) annually. AARP Medicare Plan G is typically a much better value than Plan F as the premium savings over Plan F is usually much greater than the $183 Part B deductible which it requires you to pay.

Plans K and L

Like A and B, Plans K and L mean a lower monthly premium. Of course, with that comes less coverage of out-of-pocket costs, with many of the services being 50% or 75% covered for Plan K and L, respectively. Only consider these options if you are confident that you will not require a high degree of treatment in the future.

Plan N

Lastly, there’s Plan N. Plan N sits in the middle of the various options, offering mid-range premiums and mid-range benefits. The co-payment option for Plan B is worth noting, as it gives you the opportunity to pay lower premiums in exchange for co-payment on some office visits and on emergency visits that don’t result in admission.

Is an AARP Medicare Supplement a Good Choice for You?

The only way for us to answer this question for you is to have a conversation about your unique healthcare needs. You can either call us directly or fill in the form on our website for a free quotation.

Everyone’s needs are different. We want to ensure that yours are taken care of in a manner that takes into account the details of your situation. While Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, your unique requirements are not. That is why we would believe in talking directly to you so that together we can come up with a solution tailor-made to you.

Get in touch! We look forward to talking to you soon.

What is the Medicare Annual Election Period

January 24, 2019/in Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Companies, Medicare Supplement States, Original Medicare Parts A & B /by Karl Paras

Before you sign up for Medicare, you have to consider what type of services you need before committing to a plan. The choice often boils down to choosing Part A and Part B or Part C (also called Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Medicare prescription drugs). However, this does not mean that you are bound to the policy that you chose forever.

There are circumstances that will make you want to change your Medicare coverage. Fortunately, the federal government offers a yearly window of opportunity for those who want to make the switch to do so easily. This is called the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP). During this time, you can dis-enroll from, change, or sign up for a plan.

The Medicare Annual Election Period happens only from October 15 to December 7 each year.

*Take note that AEP is different from the Open Enrollment Period, which applies only to Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap).

What Can You Do During the AEP?

You cannot just make changes to your Medicare coverage anytime you want. This is why it is important that you know the right schedules when you are able to do so. Here’s what you can do during the AEP.

– Switch from Original Medicare Parts A and B to Medicare Advantage

– Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare Part A and B

– Switch from one Medicare Advantage policy to another (regardless whether they offer drug coverage)

– Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

– Switch from one stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another one, and

– Dis-enroll from Medicare prescription drug coverage completely

When you avail of these changes during the October 15 to December 7 AEP, expect the changes to take effect beginning January 1 of the next year.

What to Do During AEP: A Checklist

Because the conditions of Medicare are ever-changing, it is advised that you consider the benefits on a per-year basis. After all, the AEP happens yearly. While you certainly wouldn’t want to keep switching every year, because that would be troublesome and stressful, getting advice from your doctor or qualified Medicare advisors will help you make an informed decision so that you don’t have any issues when the AEP approaches. Here’s a checklist that can help.

Discuss your current Medicare plan with your doctor.

If you have Original Medigap with a Medigap add-on policy, ask your physician if he or she will continue to take Original Medicare next year. If the answer is yes, then you may continue your current plan, unless you have a major reason to switch.

If you are currently signed up in Medicare Advantage, where the fees can change yearly, there are several things you should consider. Is your doctor still part of the Medicare network and is he or she happy with the service? Is there a possibility of your doctor leaving the network in the next year?

Pay attention to the Annual Notice of Change, which is sent out yearly.

If you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage or the Part D drug plan, you will receive an Annual Notice of Change in the mail before September 30 of each year. This packet contains information about changes that will be happening to your policy in the coming year. This package will be big, and people often neglect looking at its contents or put it off, until they do and they realize it’s too late to make any changes.

When you receive this envelope, just skim through what’s inside, take note of what is changing and decide if these are minor enough to stay with your current plan, or major enough to want to make a change. If it is the latter, it’s best to contact your Medicare agent right away to discuss your options.

Know if the AEP dates are still valid.

The October 15 to December 7 AEP window changes from time to time. It certainly was not the same a few years ago, so be sure to always be updated yearly so you don’t miss any schedules. This window is short so be sure to verify if the same is happening this year and mark it on your calendar.

Review you Prescription Drugs annually.

Have your prescription drugs changed in the past year? If so, you might want to re-evaluate your Part D prescription drug plan and see if it is still the best and most cost-efficient option for you. List them all down along with the frequency and dosage and have them ready for your agent to look over before October.

Talk to your Medicare agent.

While it’s protocol for your Medicare agent to touch base with you at least once a year, it’s best to make a call in September to make sure that you have everything prepared and all choices are laid out before AEP arrives. Even if it’s just the start of the year, just drop in or make a friendly call. Better yet, remind him or her that you would like to set an appointment when the Annual Notice of Change arrives in September. Just make sure your agent is reminded of you so that you stay in his or her radar.

Finding the Best Package for Your Needs

When you consider making changes during AEP, the most important thing to do is get a thorough assessment of your current and projected healthcare expenses. Although you might already be satisfied with your current plan, it wouldn’t hurt to check out the prices offered by other providers to see if you’re getting the most bang out of your buck. Take note that Medicare Advantage plan fees vary depending on the provider.

If you’re still unsure if you should be concerned that AEP is approaching and what you should be doing to prepare, it’s best to consult with a qualified agent so everything is laid out clearly and no stone is left unturned. After all, it’s your health we are talking about here and that reason alone should be good enough for you to be extra mindful and vigilant about Medicare.

Medicare and Dental Coverage for Seniors

January 24, 2019/in High Deductible Plan F, Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Companies, Medicare Supplement States, Original Medicare Parts A & B, Plan F, Plan G, Plan N /by Karl Paras

Does a Medicare supplement plan include dental care? It does not. While Original Medicare Part A and Part B do shoulder some dental procedures that are necessary when you are in the hospital as an in-patient, it does not cover any procedure or consultation outside of a hospital stay. Seniors who would like to expand their insurance coverage to include dental care will have to purchase private dental insurance.

The types of procedures that Medicare will cover when you are in the hospital are those that are necessary to protect your overall health, or are prerequisites to another procedure that Medicare actually shoulders. Here are some instances where Medicare does provide dental coverage.

When Medicare DOES Cover Dental

There are specific instances when you will need to undergo a dental procedure so the doctors can proceed to another treatment that is covered by Medicare. For example, it may shoulder:

– Dental services necessary for certain jaw-related ailments prior to radiation treatment, such as oral cancer

– Oral exams prior to a kidney transplant

– Surgical procedures to rectify fractures on the face or the jaw

– Oral exams in a Federally Qualified Health Center or rural clinic before a heart valve replacement surgery

– Dental wirings and splints necessary post jaw surgery

– Surgeries that involve ridge reconstruction during a facial tumor removal procedure

– Dental-related hospitalizations where you require observation due to a health-threatening situation

In the case of hospitalizations that are dental-related, Medicare may cover the likes of x-rays, anesthesia, and even room and board, depending on the condition. However, it will not shoulder the expenses related to dentist fees and the charges for other attending physicians, such as anesthesiologists and radiologists.

Options for Senior Citizens to Acquire Dental Coverage

If you need a dental care plan in your senior years, you will need to be prepared to have it as an out-of-pocket expense because it will not be covered by Medicare. While there are specific inclusions, mostly related to hospitalization, it’s better to count it as an additional coverage that you must pay for.

So how can a senior citizen obtain a dental plan? There are several options.

Enrol in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan

Medicare Advantage plans are another way to access Medicare benefits and may include dental care. While Medicare is administered by the U.S. government, Medicare Advantage is offered via private insurance agencies that are working under the rules set by the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). Medicare Advantage are required to offer the minimum benefits under Original Medicare Part A and Part B, they have greater leeway when it comes to what more they can offer because they are private agencies. Typically, the extra benefits included are vision and dental care, as well as hearing care.

Generally, Medicare Advantage plans that offer dental benefits will cover preventive and diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, cleanings, and annual exams. Many Medicare Advantage providers can also include fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures, bridges, and treatment of gum diseases. Take note, however, that these plans might require to seek dental care only from a pre-selected list of dental clinics. You can also expect to pay a certain set amount for these services regardless of how much they really cost, while some might put a cap on the dental benefits that you can avail in a year.

Check if your spouse has an existing dental plan and if you can enroll in it

If your spouse is currently employed and is enjoying a group plan that includes dental coverage, you might also qualify for this coverage. Ask your partner to inquire with his company on extended coverage for family members.

Join a club that offers discounts on routine dental procedures

There are organizations where you pay a fee to become a member and then be entitled to a range of services on discount. Look for those clubs that offer special rates for dental procedures or are partnered with clinics that offer cheaper rates, in addition to other healthcare and lifestyle perks.

Sign up for a stand-alone dental insurance policy

Most private insurance agencies offer dental coverage as an independent plan and you can certainly subscribe to a dental only policy. You will be asked to pay a monthly or quarterly premium, but the cost will generally be offset by lower out-of-pocket expenses. Many of the dental plans will require that you work only within a pre-listed network of clinics and healthcare professionals—and this list will vary depending on the private insurer you sign up with. Some plans will allow you to go outside of their network, although be prepared to pay a little more for their consultation fees and services.

What We Offer

At SecureCare65, we offer four types of dental care plans with features that range from routine checkups to the more advanced orthodontic care procedures. The maximum benefit of each also varies depending on the type of plan you sign up for and every package will have varying degrees of coverage for Preventive, Basic, Major, and Orthodontia procedures.

Plans *(For Year 1 only)**	Preventive	Basic	Major	Orthodontia
Spirit Choice 3500	100%	65%	25%	10%
Spirit Choice 1200/2500/5000	100%	50%	10%	10%
Spirit Choice 1200	100%	50%	25%	10%
Spirit Choice 750/1000/1250	100%	50%	10%	none

*The percentage of coverage increases as your subscription extends from year 1 to year 2 and to year 3.

For Spirit Choice 1200/2500/5000 and Spirit Choice 750/1000/1250, here is the distribution of benefits.

Spirit Choice 1200/2500/5000	Preventive	Basic	Major	Orthodontia
Year 1 (max. benefit $1,200)	100%	50%	10%	10%
Year 2 (max. benefit $2,500)	100%	60%	30%	25%
Year 3 (max. benefit $5,000)	100%	80%	50%	50%

Spirit Choice 750/1000/1250	Preventive	Basic	Major	Orthodontia
Year 1 (max. benefit $750)	100%	50%	10%	n/a
Year 2 (max. benefit $1,000)	100%	60%	30%	n/a
Year 3 (max. benefit $1,250)	100%	80%	50%	n/a

Preventive: 3 cleanings and 2 exams per calendar year

Basic: Sealants for 16 years old and below, 1 topical fluoride annually for 16 years old and below, basic fillings, 1 series of bitewing x-rays annually, and space maintainers

Major: Includes implants, simple extractions, oral surgery and restoration services, endodontic and periodontics’ treatments, 1 diagnostic x-ray in panoramic or full in any 3-year period, and prosthetic services such as dentures and bridges

Orthodontia: orthodontic care of proper teeth alignment for dependents under the age of 19 years; has a $1,200 lifetime maximum per child

Note: These rates are guaranteed for your first 12 months and may change in the succeeding years.

Some Reminders About Senior Dental Care

Dental coverage acquired as a stand-alone policy gives you the freedom to avail of any service you want at a price that it lower than the usual market rates. While you are paying a premium for these services, you will find that the healthcare providers included in the private company’s network will be more affordable, if not free. Should you want to obtain services of a dentists who is not part of the network, you will have to be ready to pay larger out-of-pocket fees.

To further illustrate the difference, let’s say you are having a crown installed. This is considered a Major procedure. Here is a sample of your possible fees.

Network	Usual Dentist’s Fee	Reduced Network Fee	Your Plan’s 50% coverage	Your out-of-pocket expense
Within the network	$985	$685	$342.50	$342.50
Outside the network	$985	$750	$375	$610

Before deciding on any dental care policy, talk to your preferred insurance agency about their inclusions and exclusions. For example, you might think that you can get veneers for aesthetic purposes and be able to get it for free because you have a dental plan, and then find out later that your policy does not cover it.

Be upfront with your queries and plans when it comes your oral healthcare, whether it’s for practical healthcare or aesthetic reasons. Better yet, talk to our team of healthcare plan experts so we can help you find the best and most cost effective policy that matches your and your family’s needs and budget.

Let us help you get an accurate quote before enrolling in any dental insurance plan by visiting us at https://securecare65.com/. You can also give us a call at 1-800-354-1078 so our customer service team can assist you immediately and answer any questions you might have