Garrett Ball, Owner, Secure Medicare Solutions

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Garrett Ball is the owner/president of Secure Medicare Solutions, Inc. SMS is a national, independent Medicare insurance brokerage that works with 40+ companies in 43+ states. SMS has been in business for 16+ years and worked with thousands of people going on to Medicare or already on Medicare.

As an independent, education-focused agency, our goal is to provide precise, easy-to-understand information about Medicare and Medicare plans, allowing potential clients to evaluate and ask questions on their own terms. Ultimately, this allows Medicare beneficiaries to make a prudent choice that fits their needs.

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Guardian Healthcare Medicare Advantage Bankruptcy – What To Do About It?

January 18, 2011 by Garrett Ball ·

Recently, the Medicare Advantage company, Guardian Healthcare, filed for bankruptcy. Because Guardian is, as of 2010, one of the top three Medicare Advantage plans in SC, this filing affects many individuals in the state who have this Guardian Medicare Advantage plan, as well as providers and agents who are owed money by the company.

Regarding the Guardian Healthcare members, the most important thing to note is that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has declared a special election period for many affected members of this health plan in most counties in the state. For those people who have been granted this “SEP”, they will be (or have recently been), notified by a letter from Medicare. Make sure you hold on to this letter. This “SEP” allows those who have Guardian Healthcare’s plan the opportunity to chose either an actual Medicare Supplement plan (also called Medigap) or another plan.

Although health care reform and other changes have greatly affected the number and quality of Advantage plans that are available, there are still a few Medicare Advantage plan options in the state (3 companies that are operating Advantage plans in the whole state). However, as an independent agency, our recommendation would be to use this one-time special enrollment period to choose a Medigap plan. The advantages of a Medigap plan (vs. an Advantage plan) are listed below:

First of all, Medicare Supplement plans don’t change each year, like Advantage plans do. The plans are Federally-standardized, so each company offers the same outline of coverage for their plans – the only variation is price and company reputation.
Secondly, Medigap plans, unlike all Advantage plans (as of 1/1/2011), do NOT have networks. Someone who has a Medigap plan can go to any doctor or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare.
Lastly, Medicare Supplement plans offer a “Guaranteed Issue” into a Medicare Supplement when you are involuntarily losing your Medicare Advantage plan (i.e. Guardian Healthcare). If you have any pending health issues or history of medications or health problems, you have this one-time opportunity to qualify for a Medicare Supplement without medical underwriting or pre-existing condition restrictions.

Overall, the bankruptcy of Guardian Healthcare has been, and will continue to be, a problem for many affected members, providers, and other affected groups. However, for members, because Medicare has granted this SEP, which allows you to choose a new plan without penalty or underwriting, you can take advantage of this one-time opportunity to either select the more comprehensive coverage of a Medicare Supplement plan or find a new Advantage plan.

To get more information about either, please visit South Carolina Medicare Supplements or call us at 877.506.3378.

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: bankrupt, guadian medicare supplement, guardian healthcare, is guardian medicare advantage bankrupt, Medicare Advantage, medicare supplement, medigap

Frequently Asked Question of the Month – What are the Enrollment Periods Associated with Medicare?

August 10, 2010 by Garrett Ball · Leave a Comment

Answering questions is a big part of my job. Many people on Medicare have the same general questions. In this section, I answer a question that I’ve recently been asked, for everyone’s benefit:

What are the enrollment periods for the various types of Medicare plans?
This is a very common question that can be easily answered; however, there is a lot of misinformation out about this (through other agents) and just through misconceptions. The easiest way to look at it is to break it down by type of plan:

Medicare Supplement (Medigap): There are NO set enrollment periods. You can enroll/disenroll at any time, as long as you have Medicare A & B.

Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage has a set enrollment period of Nov. 15-Dec. 31 each year. Then, you can also make some changes between Jan. 1-Mar. 31 (some restrictions apply – each case is different).

Part D: Part D is the same as Medicare Advantage. The annual enrollment period is Nov. 15-Dec. 31 then there is an additional enrollment period Jan 1-Mar. 31. During that additional period, you can neither drop or add coverage, only switch Part D plans.

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: medicare advantage plans, medicare advantage quotes, medicare enrollment periods, medicare enrollment questions, medicare insurance, medicare open enrollment, Medicare Part D, medicare part d quotes, medicare supplement enrollment, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare supplement quotes, medigap enrollment, medigap plans, medigap quotes, Open Enrollment

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans – When Can You Sign Up

July 12, 2010 by Garrett Ball · Leave a Comment

Medicare Supplement insurance plans have certain enrollment periods, during which you can sign up for a plan with no medical underwriting. What this means is that you do not have to answer any medical questions or have the possibility of having any pre-existing conditions excluded. However, even outside of these enrollment periods, you can still sign up for a plan at any time. The enrollment periods that allow you to sign up without having to answer the medical questions are: Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue. This article will elaborate on both of those periods.

Open Enrollment occurs when you first turn 65 or first enroll in Medicare Part B. This period lasts for six months from your 65th birthday or your Part B effective date. It is possible to have two open enrollment periods – one when you go on Medicare Part B (for disability) and a later one when you turn 65. However, you must have both Medicare Parts A and B.

Guaranteed Issue, on the other hand, is more complex. There are several Guaranteed Issue situations that can occur. To name a few, leaving/losing employer coverage, losing a Medicare Advantage plan, moving to a new state out of an Advantage plan service area, and many more. When these situations occur, you typically have 63 days from the qualifying event to sign up for the Medigap plan. It is very important to do so during this period, while you can still qualify under the Guaranteed Issue stipulations.

The advantages to signing up for a plan during one of these Open Enrollment or Guaranteed Issue periods speaks for itself. It is essential to do this if you are in one of these periods to avoid having to go through medical underwriting, which can cause problems if you have some pre-existing conditions.

If you have any questions about Medicare Supplement insurance plans or the eligibility or enrollment periods, you can find information on http://www.medicare.gov or by calling us toll-free at 877.506.3378. You can also contact us on our Medicare Supplement quotes page by entering whatever questions you have in the comments box.

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: medicare supplement, medicare supplement insurance, medicare supplement policies, Medicare supplement quotes, medigap insurance, medigap insurance plans, medigap premiums, medigap quotes, north carolina medicare, South Carolina Medicare

Medicare Supplement Insurance – Five Things 90% of Seniors Going on Medicare Don’t Know

June 17, 2010 by Garrett Ball · 1 Comment

Medicare Supplement insurance is something that everyone that goes on Medicare has to understand. Even if you have employer insurance or are electing to have only Medicare, you still must understand these supplements and the ramifications of having/not having one in order to make an informed decision on whether to get one, and if you are getting one, exactly which one to get. When looking at these supplemental plans, there are a few things to keep in mind that, from our thousands of conversations with individuals going on Medicare, we’ve realized that many seniors going on Medicare simply do not know. For your reference, we’ve listed a few of those things below:

Medicare Supplement plans do not cover prescription drugs.
Prescription drugs are covered under Medicare Part D NOT Medicare Supplement plans. Since supplemental plans are standardized (see #4 below), NO plans can offer drug coverage as a benefit to their supplemental plan.
Medicare Advantage plans are NOT Medicare Supplement plans. The two are completely different.
Many seniors make the small terminology mistake of calling Advantage plans “supplement” plans. This is simply not true. Advantage plans do not supplement Medicare; on the contrary, they replace Medicare and ALL benefits are provided through the private company. With a true supplement plan, you still have Medicare A & B, you just have a supplement to fill in some, or all, of the ‘gaps’ in Medicare.
Medicare Part D (Rx coverage) has a “donut hole”. This applies to all plans and there is no way to avoid it completely.
The Medicare Part D “donut hole” is one of the most troublesome (to many people) parts of Medicare, and unfortunately, there are no ways to avoid it completely. The best way to reduce your prescription drug costs are to ensure that you are on a Part D plan that most thoroughly covers your medications and re-evaluate this on an annual or bi-annual basis.
Medicare Supplements are Federally-standardized and they are portable across state lines.
All companies must offer the exact same standardized Medicare Supplement plans. There is no variation among these plans. A Plan ‘F’ with one company is the exact same as a Plan F with another. Also, all Medicare Supplements can be used anywhere in the U.S. – there are no restrictions or networks. As long as a doctor/hospital takes your primary coverage (Medicare), they will take your supplemental coverage.
Medicare Supplement rates change over time. All plans go up in rate and there is no way to avoid that entirely.
Regardless of what a company or agent may tell you, all Medicare Supplement plans do go up over time. There is simply no way to avoid this. They may go up at different time periods or using different methodology for increases, but overall, all companies are going to go up. And the best counsel is to have a plan that is the lowest cost possible when signing up (since plans are standardized).

Secure Medicare Solutions is a leading, independent brokerage that works exclusively with Medicare insurance. You can get a Medicare Supplement quote by visiting Medigap Quotes or Medicare Supplement Quotes. You can also reach us by phone, if you prefer, at 877.506.3378.

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: choosing a medicare supplement plan, choosing a medigap policy, medicare insurance, medicare supplement, medicare supplement comparison, medicare supplement insurance, medicare supplement plan, Medicare Supplement plans, medicare supplement quote, Medicare supplement quotes, medicare supplemental comparison, medicare supplemental insurance, medigap, medigap insurance, medigap insurance quote, medigap insurance quotes, medigap plan, medigap plans, medigap quote, medigap quotes

Medigap Plan N – The Solution to Your Coverage Problem

April 19, 2010 by Garrett Ball · 1 Comment

Have you ever been turned down for a Medicare Supplement plan? Are you paying more than you want to pay for your supplemental insurance? Do you have a Medicare Advantage plan and want better coverage?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions or many more, then get excited – Plan N is for you. Plan N is one of the two new Medigap plans, which are available for effective dates June 1 and after. Plan N should be the more popular of those two new options – Plan M is the other new choice. The June 2010 changes to Medigap plans are part of the Medicare Modernization, and the new plans are called the “modernized” plans.

Plan N is available from many companies in many states already, and it will continue to be a good choice. Plan N, with most companies, does not have any medical underwriting. What this means is that you do not have to answer any medical questions at all to qualify for this plan. There are no pre-existing conditions limitations. So, what does Plan N cover?

First and foremost, Plan N still covers the 20% that Medicare doesn’t cover at the doctor and hospital. However, it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible ($155/year) or any Part B excess charges (this rarely occurs as almost all doctors accept Medicare “assignment”). Additionally, it uses some cost-sharing to reduce the premium. There is a $20 doctor’s office co-pay and a $50 emergency room co-pay. Most companies are pricing Plan N approximately 75% of typical Plan F premium amounts. So, it definitely can be a good value.

For more information about Plan N and what it covers or to get rates for Plan N for your age and zip code, visit us at Medicare supplement quotes or call us toll-free at 877.506.3378. You can also get more information about Plan N at: Medigap Plan N

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: medicare supplement insurance, medicare supplement plan n, Medicare supplement quotes, medigap insurance, medigap plan n, medigap quote, medigap quotes

Medicare Supplement Rate Increases – Medicare Deductible/Coverage Changes Take Toll on Medigap Rates

March 4, 2010 by Garrett Ball ·

Medicare Supplement rates have taken a hit in recent months for South Carolina, with several large companies announcing rate increases. Typically, your rate only increases on your policy anniversary date, so if a company announces rate increases to start on 5/1, for example, the increase affects your rate starting on your policy anniversary date (not on 5/1).

Although reasons for rate increases are complex – one of the main reasons is that most policies go up based on your age – this year’s increases are likely due to two major factors – Medicare changes and the economic climate. Medicare has increased the deductibles from 2009 to 2010, as well as making other changes that enlarge the ‘gaps’ that Medicare Supplemental plans cover. When the gaps that have to be covered are larger, the increased costs are passed on to the end-consumer. With the ongoing uncertainty as far as health care reform and its impact on future Medicare changes, this is something to keep an eye on in future years.

One final factor that is sure to be having an impact on Medicare Supplement companies is the recent influx of people from Medicare Advantage plans and employer coverage, moving over to Medicare Supplement plans. Because of the reduction in benefits/increase in costs with the Advantage plans for 2010, many of those people elected to go to supplemental plans. Also, because many people have lost their retirement health insurance benefits, they have had to elect supplement plans. In both situations, the majority of these people are in ‘Guaranteed Issue’ situations, which means the insurance companies are required to accept them despite any poor health conditions. Unhealthier people equals more claims, which in turn, equals higher rates.

If you are getting a rate increase and want to avoid it, chances are you can do so. Over 85% of people can save money on their Medicare supplement coverage by getting Medigap quotes and comparing supplement options to save money. Visit us at: http://www.securemedicaresolutions.com/medicare-insurance-quote.php to find out if you are in this 85% or the 15% that can’t.

Filed Under: 2010 plans, Health care reform · Tagged: aarp rate increases, american continental rate increases, medicare supplement insurance, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare supplement quotes, medicare supplement rate increases, medicare supplement rates, medigap plans, medigap quotes, mutual of omaha rate increases

Medicare Supplement Quotes – Getting More for Less

February 2, 2010 by Garrett Ball ·

In the current economic climate, everyone wants to get more for less wherever possible. In most aspects of everyday life and finances, this is not a realistic possibility. However, with Medicare Supplement insurance, you often can actually get more (or at least the same) for less.

Medicare Supplements are Federally-standardized (since 1992) and each company is required to provide the exact same coverage plans. So, with that in mind, you can be assured that there is no variability in the coverage offered under a “like” plan or the way that plan is going to pay claims. Everything is standardized.

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan currently, you are likely in the 88% (SMS, 2009) of individuals who are eligible to save money on their supplement insurance for equal (or in some cases, higher) coverage.

The best way to find out if this is your situation is to get quotes online from a reputable brokerage that is going to provide a full, unbiased rate quote comparison. By getting this, you can compare all plans/companies in one place so that you can make an informed decision about the best option for you. In most cases, you will find that you can save money, and there is no reason not to do so. To get a Medigap quote from one Secure Medicare Solutions agent sent to you by email, go to Medigap Quotes or call toll-free 877.506.3378.

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: medicare supplement insurance, Medicare supplement quotes, medigap quotes, South Carolina Medicare Supplement, south carolina medigap insurance

2010 Medicare Changes – New Deductibles, Premium Increases Affect Everyone on Medicare

December 11, 2009 by Garrett Ball · Leave a Comment

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) recently announced the 2010 Medicare changes, which will have some affect on all Medicare beneficiaries. Despite the fact that there is no cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security for 2010 (for the first time in 20+ years), there are some significant changes to Medicare deductibles, plan premiums, etc that you should be familiar with.

New Medicare Deductibles
This is the area that affects the largest number of Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicare Part A deductible is increasing from $1060 (2009) to $1100 (2010), and the Medicare Part B deductible is increasing from $135 (2009) to $155 (2010). For those that have Medigap policies, which cover these deductibles, you will not have increased out of pocket costs at the doctor or hospital, obviously. However, if you do not have a Medigap plan to fill in these Medicare deductibles, you will pay these higher amounts beginning in January 2010.
Part B premium increase
In many cases, the Medicare Part B premium is NOT increasing for 2010. If you currently are paying the standard Part B premium (in most cases, deducted from your SSI check) of $96.40, your premium will likely stay the same.
However, if you are new Medicare Part B enrollee (as of 1/1/2010) OR if you have an income over $85,000 (individual) or $170,000 (married couple), you will likely pay a higher amount. For those new to Medicare Part B, the new standard premium is $110.50, which is a 15% increase from the 2009 Part B premium.
Changes to Medicare Supplement plans
The Medicare Supplement (Medigap) changes do not actually take effect until June 1, 2010; however, when they do, they will provide some new options and mark the end to some old options. Some plans, such as Plan J, will not be available to NEW applicants, whereas two new plans, M and N, will begin (Medicare Supplement Plans M and N). For a full outline of the new standardized plan chart, visit Medicare Supplements chart.
Changes to Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plans)
As you have probably already seen, if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan currently, the MA plans have changed a good bit for 2010. In most cases, premiums have gone up and there have been some reduction in benefits with some plans. Additionally, some of the major players in the MA marketplace have pulled out of the MA market. This is plan-specific and does not apply to all plans, but it makes it more important than ever to know what you have and know what else is available in your county.
Changes to Medicare Part D
The Medicare Part D premiums have changed, in nearly all cases, for 2010. In doing so, the plan that was good for you in 2009, may not be as good for you in 2010. Again, this is plan-specific, and the only way to get an accurate picture of how this affects you individually is to do an analysis of your current plan against other options.

Overall, the changes to Medicare for 2010 will be disconcerting to some, causing an increase in out of pocket costs. However, for those with a Medigap plan and who stay on top of their Part D coverage to ensure they have the best possible plan for their unique situation, the impact of these changes can be minimized.

For a full analysis of options available to you, visit Medicare Insurance Quotes.

Filed Under: 2010 plans, Medicare News, Part D, Rate Changes · Tagged: 2010 Medicare, 2010 Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part A Deductible, Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part D

Medicare Advantage 2010: Annual Enrollment Period Less than Two Weeks Away

November 4, 2009 by Garrett Ball · Leave a Comment

Although it may make things more difficult for those who are on Medicare Advantage plans and those who work with them, the annual 45-day enrollment period is what we have to work with. And, this year’s AEP is nearly here.

The 2009 period (for the 2010 plans) is expected to be especially interesting, as there are at least 4 major Medicare Advantage companies pulling out of the Medicare Advantage marketplace completely. This represents hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide that have to find a new company/plan. These individuals also have a special right to purchase a Medigap plan, if they so choose, which they would otherwise have to qualfiy for medically by answering medical questions. However, due to the involuntary loss of their current Medicare Advantage plan, these individuals can choose either a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan of their choice, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or ability to be turned down.

There are some very good Medicare Advantage plans still in South Carolina for 2010, despite many changes overall to the plans, which has led the aforementioned plans to drop out completely and other plans to raise premiums and/or reduce benefits.

To get information about the 2010 South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans or get quotes, visit South Carolina Medicare Quotes.

Filed Under: 2010 plans, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans · Tagged: 2010 Medicare Advantage, Annual Enrollment period, Medicare Advantage, South Carolina Medicare Advantage

South Carolina Medicare Advantage Plans: Still Some Good Options

October 15, 2009 by Garrett Ball · Leave a Comment

South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans for 2010 are beginning to be released. Despite much concern among seniors that there will not be any more good choices for the privatized version of Medicare, there appears to still be some South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans that will be advantageous to South Carolina seniors.

As always, Medicare Advantage plans may be a good option for you if you cannot afford a Medicare Supplement, qualify medically for a Medicare Supplement, or if you are in very good health with few medical expenses.

The 2010 South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans feature plans with premiums starting at $0. Many of these plans include prescription drug coverage, dental insurance and vision/hearing insurance also.

If you have had Medicare Advantage in the past, or have it now, this is the perfect time to compare your options. As you have probably seen (or will see soon), a good number of the plans are either leaving the Medicare Advantage program altogether or greatly increasing premiums. What was a good option for 2009 may not be a good option for the upcoming year.

To compare options and get information on the plans that are available in your specific county, visit South Carolina Medicare Insurance Quotes. For faster service by email, please enter “MA” and your county of residence in the “Comments” box. We will get back in touch with the relevant information about the plans in your area within 24 hours (usually within one hour!).

Filed Under: 2010 plans, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans · Tagged: SC Medicare Advantage, South Carolina Medicare Advantage, South Carolina Medicare Advantage plans

Garrett Ball, Owner, Secure Medicare Solutions

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