| What's New For Medicare 2010? | | | | Because of the copay, it should cost about a third less |
| As we wind down 2009, it is time to look ahead. Some | | | | than Plan F. Plan M is also similar to the existing Plan F, |
| changes will take place that will affect some Medicare | | | | but only covers half of the Medicare Part A and B |
| beneficiaries. It is time to find out if your own health | | | | deductible. The premiums for Plan M should be about |
| plan will be affected so you can make the right | | | | 15% less than Plan F. |
| decisions. | | | | Some plans that were on the market in 2009 will not |
| Note that the US government provides one of the | | | | be sold after January 1, 2010. These include Plans E, H, |
| best online resources. You can always consult | | | | I, and J. In addition, the preventative care and at-home |
| Medicare.gov for the latest information. It allows you to | | | | recovery benefits will be eliminated from all medigap |
| look up and compare area plans, ask questions, and | | | | policies because the government did not feel this |
| find answers to common questions about the US | | | | benefit was justified in the current marketplace. |
| government health plan for seniors and disabled | | | | Concerns About 2010 Changes |
| people. | | | | Note that existing Medicare Supplement plans will be |
| Plan B Premums | | | | grandfathered in, so beneficiaries can keep them if |
| Most Americans do not have to pay a Part A | | | | they wish. There is some concern that less healthy |
| premium. Existing beneficiaries, who had Part B taken | | | | and older beneficiaries who belong to the closed plans |
| out of social security, will probably be happy to note | | | | may get rate increases, and will have a hard time |
| that their Part B premium, which is usually taken out of | | | | changing plans in some states. Please discuss your |
| a social security check, will not go up. It will still be | | | | concerns with a qualified Medicare health insurance |
| $96.40 a month. Some seniors do not even realize | | | | agent. CMS recommends that insurance companies |
| they pay this amount because it is automatically taken | | | | take in new business without health underwriting, and |
| out of social security for beneficiaries. | | | | some companies may follow this standard. These are |
| Keep in mind that some people with very high incomes, | | | | concerns to raise with your agent. |
| or who are new to the plans, will see a 15% increase | | | | Learn More About Medicare Supplement Changes in |
| next year. But the vast majority of recipients pay | | | | 2010 |
| $96.40 for Part B premiums. They paid that in 2009, | | | | If you are a new or existing Medicare beneficiary in |
| and will continue to pay it in 2010. | | | | 2010, you probably want to learn more. We mentioned |
| New Medicare Supplements and Benefits | | | | the government website above, and it is a good |
| A hospice care benefit will be added to all levels of | | | | resource. Of course, a qualified insurance professional |
| Medi-gap (Medicare Supplement) plans. | | | | who has been trained on the new products can be a |
| Some new plans (M and N) will be added. They are | | | | better resource. Since all insurance is local, it is simpler |
| similar to Plan F. But Plan N includes copays for | | | | to find an area representative who serves your city. |
| doctor's office visits and trips to the emergency room. | | | | |