Health Insurance

[Jim Simmers]

So what is the difference between sups and advantage in a nutshell?

In a nut shell. Advantage plans can usually save you more money plus give you more benefits. Original Medicare is a fee for service and advantage plans in our area are mainly PPO.

 

[eyexer]

In a nut shell. Advantage plans can usually save you more money plus give you more benefits. Original Medicare is a fee for service and advantage plans in our area are mainly PPO.

So what new or more benefits do advantage plans give you that sups don’t

 

[Jim Simmers]

So what new or more benefits do advantage plans give you that sups don’t

Drug coverage. Dental, vision, hearing aids, over the counter allowance, fitness membership, an out of pocket max, observation stays are covered so you don’t need to qualify for skilled nursing. No referals to see a specialist. Annual physicals. Meal program, healthy rewards, $100 part B give back and up to a $250 visa flex card.
Not all benifits are on all plans but they are all part of the advantage program and most are together on each plan. Just depends on the plan you choose.

 

[eyexer]

Drug coverage. Dental, vision, hearing aids, over the counter allowance, fitness membership, an out of pocket max, observation stays are covered so you don’t need to qualify for skilled nursing. No referals to see a specialist. Annual physicals. Meal program, healthy rewards, $100 part B give back and up to a $250 visa flex card.
Not all benifits are on all plans but they are all part of the advantage program and most are together on each plan. Just depends on the plan you choose.

So your trying to tell us you can get all that shit that med sups don’t provide , plus what med sups provide, for way less money of free?

 

[deleted member]

Yes

 

[Jim Simmers]

So your trying to tell us you can get all that shit that med sups don’t provide , plus what med sups provide, for way less money of free?

At a zero premium yes. And yes to all those benefits. The federal government will give you a 12 month free look period if you are on one for the first time. So anytime within 12 months from your effective date, if you aren’t happy you can go back to your supplement no questions asked. If that plan is available. Exept if you have an employer group plan.
If you want to look into it further contact your agent to call or text me for a free no obligation consultation. 701-220-3251.

 

[Jim Simmers]

So you’re trying to tell us you can get all that shit that med sups don’t provide , plus what med sups provide, for way less money of free?

Also I should add that plans are available by zip code.

 

[wslayer]

Any idea why Medica has changed? There are 4 counties in ND that we are forced to take an Advantage plan now if wanting to stay with Medica , i am Stutsman and we are one of them.
Any truth that some of the advantage plans don't cover some of the more expensive drugs?
My cousin works in this field and she suggested stay clear of Advantage Plans. I am not on a bunch of drugs other than blood pressure and cholesterol so not a big thing for me.

 

[db-2]

Your cousin saying to stay away, my life insurance agent tells me to stay away, a doctor tells me to stay away, the last time i called with my zip code i was told there is nothing for me other than plan a and b.
Blue cross gave me a number to call in the letter about the rate increase so i will see what they say on Monday. Should of never made it to 77 but i am able to afford the premiums. Then on here an agent tells me advantage is cheaper and better coverage. ?????????????? db

 

[camper]

My insurance agent,who I get my homeowners and auto insurance from, told me to avoid anything that has advantage in it. He even sells those policies. He’s a good friend who I fish and golf with and I trust him completely. What to do? My Medicare has paid for almost all my medical expenses that I’ve incurred since I turned 65, I’m very happy with Medicare.

 

[Jim Simmers]

Any idea why Medica has changed? There are 4 counties in ND that we are forced to take an Advantage plan now if wanting to stay with Medica , i am Stutsman and we are one of them.
Any truth that some of the advantage plans don't cover some of the more expensive drugs?
My cousin works in this field and she suggested stay clear of Advantage Plans. I am not on a bunch of drugs other than blood pressure and cholesterol so not a big thing for me.

They were not forced. They knew when congress passed legislation putting cost plans into law that once advantage plans became more popular the cost plans would be going away.
Advantage is the best option for most people. Any insurance agent who works in this field who does not understand Medicare advantage isn’t going to be in the business long. And a life insurance agent who probably doesn’t work with Medicare benefits probably should not be giving advice. I just present the plans so the seniors can make an informed decision.

 

[Jim Simmers]

My insurance agent,who I get my homeowners and auto insurance from, told me to avoid anything that has advantage in it. He even sells those policies. He’s a good friend who I fish and golf with and I trust him completely. What to do? My Medicare has paid for almost all my medical expenses that I’ve incurred since I turned 65, I’m very happy with Medicare.

Then friggen stay! It’s simple.

 

[Jim Simmers]

Your cousin saying to stay away, my life insurance agent tells me to stay away, a doctor tells me to stay away, the last time i called with my zip code i was told there is nothing for me other than plan a and b.
Blue cross gave me a number to call in the letter about the rate increase so i will see what they say on Monday. Should of never made it to 77 but i am able to afford the premiums. Then on here an agent tells me advantage is cheaper and better coverage. ?????????????? db

Don’t just take my word for it, read what other advantage plan members have said on it. You want and can afford to pay those crazy premiums, do so. That’s your choice. I can just tell you what I know from 18 years experience. If I didn’t know anything I would not have made it as long as I have and been as successful as I am. So, get off social media and go live your life. Merry Christmas.

 

[db-2]

now, now.
I sold farm insurance and that gave me no knowledge on health insurance but as a salesman i learn how to control statements liked those that have been made by me and butthead camper (he pisses everybody off).
I have not doubted you on your belief it just why is there so much confusion out there? Why when i call with my zip code # he tells i have to stay with what i have? db

 

[Davey Crockett]

Not everyone is in the same scenario so what is best for one family isn't necessarily the best solution for the next family .

 

[camper]

Then friggen stay! It’s simple.

now, now.
I sold farm insurance and that gave me no knowledge on health insurance but as a salesman i learn how to control statements liked those that have been made by me and butthead camper (he pisses everybody off).
I have not doubted you on your belief it just why is there so much confusion out there? Why when i call with my zip code # he tells i have to stay with what i have? db

Now, now, db. You may speak for most, but I’m pretty sure I don’t piss everyone off. You need to learn to control your statements better.

 

[camper]

Then friggen stay! It’s simple.

Sorry, I was going to call you. Oh well.

 

[Jim Simmers]

Sorry, I was going to call you. Oh well.

No you weren’t.

 

[svnmag]

I wish I could just call a toll free number to get more information.

 

[Jim Simmers]

Now, now, db. You may speak for most, but I’m pretty sure I don’t piss everyone off. You need to learn to control your statements better.

I am not sure where your zip code is. The more populated areas have more options than less and northern counties have less, Minot has a couple, I think Williston has one, BC/BS but not sure. I have Medica cost plan members up here and I am not appointed with BC/BS. Pretty much most counties below hwy 200 have multiple plans. North is less. The reason is that it’s based on population. Medicare lays the rules, the private companies must follow the rules. Advantage plans are not rogue xxxompanies just doing what they want. Medicare(CMS) is very firm on these companies to do what the government wants.
If there is confusion it’s because you live in an area that had much experience with them. It’s taken a while for it to calm down here too. And it’s change. People hate change. Recently AARP stated that almost 52% of eligible Medicare members are on and advantage plan. They grow about 2% a year so by the year 2030, 60% will be on an advantage plan.
I specialize in Medicare Advantage. I am licensed to sell all lines in the health and life but I don’t. I won’t even give advice on other because that’s not my forte. Most doctors I know won’t give advise on insurance. Just like I won’t operate on you. I might get lucky but I might slip too!