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Right now there are many questions as to what the Social Security increase will look like for 2024.

Social Security COLA for 2024

Starting in January 2024 about 66 million folks receiving Social Security benefits will see a 3.20% increase. The cost of living increase (COLA) is calculated based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers from the 3rd quarter (of the last year a COLA was determined) to the 3rd quarter of the current year. Of course if there was no increase, then there will not be a COLA.

Cost of Living Increases for Social Security from 1975 -2024

While 3.2% might seem quite small compared to last year’s increase of 8.7% it is definitely not the lowest we have seen. In fact, there are several years starting in the 2000s that there was no COLA increase. Below you can see the Cost of Living Adjustments since 1975.

How Benefits Are Calculated

The Social Security Administration will compute your benefits by using your averaged indexed monthly earnings. The average is based on up to 35 years of a worker’s highest indexed earnings. Slated to receive Social Security benefits beginning in 2024? Read more on this, visit the Social Security website

Full Retirement Age for Social Security

Normal retirement age based upon the year of your birth will determine when you can receive full social security benefits. If you were born in 1937 or earlier, then your full retirement age is 65. Starting after year 1937 and up to year 1942 the full retirement age goes up by 2 month increments.

Those folks born between 1943-1954 will have a full retirement age of 66. From years 1955-1959 the full retirement age of 66 will increase by 2 month increments. For those folks born in 1960 and later, the full retirement age is now age 67.

Can you still take benefits at age 62?

So can you still take Social Security benefits at age 62. The short answer is…Yes! Choosing this option will significantly reduce your monthly social security income. You might be wondering how much would the payments be reduced. Lets look at someone who was born in 1953. Today they would be 70 years old, but for this example we are going to say that they started drawing their social security benefits at age 62. Those folks born in 1953 have a full retirement age of 66. By this person taking their benefits just 4 years prior to full retirement benefit age, they would reduce a $1,000 monthly payment by 25%. This means instead of getting the full $1,000 they are only drawing $750 per month.

Assuming a life expectancy of age 80 (without any COLA increases) this individual would receive $180,000 of benefits in their lifetime. If they had waited to full retirement age of 66 then they would receive $240,000 of benefits over their lifetime.

Should I Delay Social Security Benefits?

So if you were born in 1958 you would be age 66 in 2024 and qualify for full Social Security benefits at age 66 and 8 months. So should you delay? Only you can answer that question based on your income needs. If you are at full retirement age, but do not need the additional income, then you can choose to delay. By delaying you will see a noticeable increase in your monthly payments from Social Security.

In this example, we are going to say that a male born in 1966 has decided to not take benefits at full retirement age of 66. Additionally we are going to say that from years 2023-2032 he earned $50,000 per year (while years prior were less, but increased at about 5% per year. The estimated monthly income for this individual at full retirement age of 66 would be right around $1,775. If he were to wait until age 70 then the monthly amount would increase to $2,258 which is a 27% increase.

Some folks would argue that it is a big gamble to delay past full retirement age because you could pass away earlier and not collect as much. This is true, so this is another factor that you must weigh before making a decision.

Key Takeaway

Many of our articles lean towards humor, but lacking funds to cover retirement expenses is no laughing matter. Not only should you be maximizing your social security benefits, but your retirement plan as well.

Your Social Security benefits in 2024 may very well be your primary source of income so it is important to make sure that you are paying the lowest amount per month for your health insurance while getting the benefits that you need.

Always remember, that our advisors help you compare rates and benefits to ensure you get exactly what you need. Give us a call at (800)924-4727 or complete one of our contact request forms below. You can choose between Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage. If you would like information on both types of plans in your area, then feel free to submit requests for both.

Trying to determine the best Medicare Supplement rates for West Virginia (WV) can seem quite daunting when surfing the internet.

Great news! After you read this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the available Medicare Supplement plans and their costs.

We have compiled the best Medicare Supplement rates in West Virginia for different parts of the state.

If there is a particular area that you live in that is not referenced in this article, please feel free to click on any of the buttons throughout the article that will allow you to get a FREE, No-Obligation quote from our company.  If you are interested in rates for other states, we have a great article about Medicare Supplement Plans by State, also.

Medigap Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N

The three most popular Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia are Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.

Generally one of these three plans will fit a person’s needs and budget, but if none do, you may want to consider finding out about a Medicare Advantage plan and whether or not it would be suitable for your health insurance needs.

Before discussing pricing, note that those joining Medicare after January 1, 2020, cannot purchase Plan F.  If you pay close attention to the chart below, you will see the only difference between the Plan F and Plan G is that the Plan G does not pay for the annual Medicare Part B deductible.

With Plan G, you will be responsible for the annual Part B deductible which is currently $240 for 2024.

For lower monthly premiums, consider purchasing Plan N. The benefits on Plan N do not cover excess charges like Plans F and G. A small co-pay applies when visiting a doctor or hospital emergency room to help reduce costs.

Best Rates for Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia (WV)

It is important to keep in mind that the state of West Virginia does not allow what is called area factoring.  Insurance carriers use area factoring to charge higher rates in zip code areas where Medicare pays out the most claims.

Unlike Virginia, West Virginia residents don’t face higher rates based on their zip code.

West Virginia Sample Medicare Supplement Rates for Plan F, Plan G and Plan N.  Quotes below are for both Male and Female, that are 65 years old and do NOT use tobacco.  We do not include household discounts in the rates shown below, and we round them to the nearest dollar.

It is important to note that the rates for Plan F are for illustration purposes only.  People aged 65 or older who obtained Medicare after January 1, 2020, cannot purchase Plan F.

Do You Need Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage?

While seeking the best Medicare Supplement rates in West Virginia, be sure to consider other essential insurance products. Traditional Medicare and Medicare Supplements will typically not cover routine needs for these services.  To properly protect yourself your best option is to enroll in a stand-alone dental, vision, and hearing plan.  This will allow you to have coverage for anything from routine (cleanings, x-rays, etc) to major (crowns, inlays, oral surgery, and more).  Find out more about these plans here.

Take Action To Start Enjoying the Best Medicare Supplement Rates for West Virginia!

Senior Benefit Services, Inc. will be able to help guide you in your search for the best rates for Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia but one that covers all your needs.  Many factors influence your plan choice; let us simplify the process for you.

Call now at 1-800-924-4727 or fill out the easy and convenient ‘Get Your FREE Medicare Supplement Quote’ form below.

Are you turning 65 this year? Well let us be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday and provide a Welcome To Medicare! Believe it or not, this particular birthday will require you to make a few decisions that could impact you for years to come.

Hopefully you are reading this and have at least 3-6 months before becoming eligible for Medicare. The sooner you get started, the better off you will be. The last thing you want to do is procrastinate and wait until the last minute. Making a major decision in a rush is never a good thing.

Getting Ready

As you can see from the Enrollment Timeline chart that you can take advantage of enrolling into Medicare up to 3 months prior to the month you turn 65 in. Unless you were born on the first day of the month, your Medicare coverage will be effective the first day of your birth month.

If you were actually born on the first day of the month, then your Medicare coverage will be effective the first day of the prior month. To make this easier to understand, lets just say that you turn 65 on the first day of September. This means that your Medicare coverage will actually be effective on the first day of August (the month before).

Choices and More Choices

There are a number of choices that you are going to have to make when it comes to your Medicare coverage. Here are the most common choice folks going onto Medicare have to make:

• Choice 1: Go with just traditional Medicare Parts A and B with a Part D plan.
• Choice 2: Go with traditional Medicare Parts A and B. Enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D prescription drug plan.
• Choice 3: Go with a Medicare Advantage plan with integrated prescription benefits.

What’s Your Personality?

We are sure that you have a great personality! What we are really wondering is, are you the type that prefers to sift thru a ton of junk mail (which you will be inundated with), go online and try to learn everything on your own, and then do everything by yourself? There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, you can find quite a bit of information on Medicare right here on our website. In addition, you can get a jump on reading all about Medicare by reviewing the current copy of Medicare & You by clicking here.

Now if your personality is that you prefer to get information that is 100% dedicated to your specific needs and wants, then Senior Benefit Services makes it easy for you. We will assign you your own personal advisor, who will review your exact situation and needs, when you work with us. This information will be provided to you at no charge. That’s right, there is no cost for this information and guidance.

What To Do Next

Instead of taking any chances, simply contact Senior Benefit Services, Inc at (800)924-4727 and ask to speak to an advisor. Just let your advisor know that you are going to be turning 65 and want to know what your options are. If you would prefer to have one of our advisors reach out to you directly simply click on the box below and provide a little bit of information and we will take it from there.

The Inflation Reduction Act has lots of parts that help make prescription drugs more affordable, including closing the “donut hole” and changing how much money you have to pay when getting your prescriptions through this drug plan. “By 2025, this plan will expand its coverage to include more prescription drugs than today, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.”

So if you’re on Medicare donut hole or know someone who is, now you know a bit more about how the Inflation Reduction Act helps people save money when it comes to prescriptions – including closing the dreaded Medicare donut and making sure there’s Medicare drug coverage. This way, people with Medicare coverage can get the medicines they need without breaking the bank.

So if you’re dealing with the Medicare donut hole or using Medicare D, now you know a bit more about how the Inflation Reduction Act can help with donut hole coverage.

Part 1: Overview of the Medicare Part D Benefit in 2023

To comprehend the changes and donut hole explanation, let’s first understand how prescription drug coverage, and the Medicare Benefits work. The Medicare D benefit has four distinct phases, determining the share of prescription drugs paid by enrollees, Medicare Part D plans, drug manufacturers, and Medicare coverage. Here’s a breakdown of each phase:

1. Deductible Phase: The Medicare donut phase starts when enrollees pay 100% of their drug coverage costs, up to $505 in 2023. Some Medicare Part D plans don’t charge a deductible, under their prescription drug coverage, but most stand-alone plans do.

2. Initial Coverage Phase: During the Medicare donut hole phase, enrollees pay 25% of total costs, while Medicare D plans cover the remaining 75%, up to $4,660 in 2023. People commonly use copayments and coinsurance in this coverage gap Medicare phase.

3. Medicare Coverage Gap Assistance Phase (Donut Hole): The Medicare donut hole continues as enrollees pay 25% of total costs, including both brand-name and generic drugs. This Medicare Part D plan pays 75% of generic drug costs, 5% of brand-name costs, and drug manufacturers provide coverage gap assistance and a 70% price discount on brands.

4. Catastrophic Phase: The Medicare donut enters its final phase as Medicare pays 80%, while the Medicare D plan pays 15%. You will be responsible for paying 5% of the total cost. If your out-of-pocket expenses, plus any donut coverage on brand-name drugs offered by the manufacturer, add up to more than a certain amount, you may qualify for catastrophic Medicare drug coverage. This means that you won’t have to pay as much and your Medicare coverage can help cover some or all of your remaining costs.

Part 2: Changes Coming in 2024

In 2024, several Medicare donut hole and Medicare D modifications will be implemented to improve the Medicare drug coverage benefit:

1. Elimination of 5% Coinsurance: In this Medicare drug coverage enrollment, specific thresholds determine the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket for your prescription drugs. Beginning in 2024, the threshold for reaching catastrophic coverage is $8,000. This means that if your total drug costs for a single year hit or exceed this amount, you essentially cap them at $8,000, and don’t need to pay any additional amount. Additionally, before reaching the catastrophic coverage phase, enrollees no longer need to cover 5% of their drug costs as they previously did – they have eliminated this requirement. This change ensures that no one enrolled in this plan has to worry about paying too much for their medications during a single year.

2. Increased Plan Contribution: This Medicare Plan D plan will now be required to pay 20% of total drug costs in the catastrophic phase, up from 15% in previous years.

Part 3: Changes Coming in 2025

As prescription drug coverage evolves, the Medicare donut hole and Medicare D benefit will introduce these changes in 2025:

1. Out-of-Pocket Spending Cap: When you enroll, the amount of money that you will have to pay for your medications out of your own pocket each year is limited to $2,000. This means that no mater how much your medicines cost, you will never have to pay more than $2,000. Every year, this limit might change based on the average cost of medicines for everyone. That way, the limit stays up to date with how much medications cost and you can still get the help that you need.

2. Elimination of Medicare Coverage Gap Assistance Phase: The Medicare coverage gap assistance phase, where enrollees faced 100% of their drug costs, will be eliminated in 2025. Enrollees will no longer experience a change ni their cost sharing when transitioning from the initial coverage phase.

3. Adjustments in Cost Sharing: Medicare Donut Hole Part D plans will help cover the costs of your prescription drugs when they reach a certain amount. When your costs get very high, these plans will pay 60% of what you owe, and the drug companies will reduce the cost of their brand-name medicines by 20%. Before your costs get too high, these plans will still help out – they’ll pay 65% of the cost, and drug companies will reduce the price of their brand-name drugs by 10%. That way, you can get the medicine you need without spending too much.

Part 4: Additional Changes to Part D

1. Affordable Insulin: Starting in 2023, insulin costs will be capped at $35 monthly for all Medicare Part D plans, helping reduce Medicare drug coverage expenses.

2. Vaccination Medicare drug Coverage: The Medicare donut and prescription drug coverage plans will cover adult vaccines without cost sharing, expanding Medicare coverage benefits.

3. Full Benefits for Low-Income Individuals: Beginning in 2024, individuals with incomes up to 150% of the poverty level will be eligible for full benefits under the Part DLow-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program. The act will eliminate the partial LIS benefit for individuals with incomes between 135% and 150% of the poverty level.

4. Premium Adjustments: Starting in 2024, the amount of money that people on Medicare have to pay each year will not be allowed to go up by more than 6%. This means if it goes up at all, it can only go up by a maximum of 6%.

Part 5: Medicare Part D Improved Out-of-Pocket Costs

Starting in 2025, all Medicare donut hole enrollees will have the option to spread out costs over the year instead of facing high Medicare coverage gap assistance expenses in particular months.

Conclusion:

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is making changes that will help make prescription drugs more affordable for people with Medicare and prevent them from falling into the notorious medicare donut hole part . It sets a limit on how much you can have to pay out-of-pocket, ensuring your costs won’t be as high.

Additionally, it eliminates the Medicare coverage gap assistance in coverage, so you won’t have to put up with full price for medications when they are most needed. Finally, they are changing the way we share the cost of medicines. This means both Medicare and you will contribute less money towards medicine costs, providing relief al around. By implementing these changes, the Act aims to reduce healthcare disparities and ensure access for everyone.

The Medicare donut hole coverage part D is an issue that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 seeks to mitigate. People with Medicare donut hole will find prescription drugs more affordable due to its changes, and they wont’ have to worry about falling into the Medicare donut hole part D.

So How Much Will Medicare Cost in 2023?

Medicare cost for 2023 showed an increase to  Part A deductible, but a small decrease to the Part B annual deductible over 2022.

In addition, the daily co-payments under Part A of Medicare showed increases in each phase.  The Medicare Part B coinsurance still remains at 20% as it always has.

If you worked 40 quarters during your lifetime, you will not be charged the Part A premium listed above.  During your working years, the Part A premium was paid thru your Medicare taxes from each payroll cycle.

The deductible for Part A increased from $1556 in 2022 to $1600 for 2023.  For days 61-90 of inpatient hospital care the daily co-payment rose from $389 per day in 2022 to $400 per day for 2023.  This will be an increase of $11 per day.  The lifetime reserve days which are days 91-150 of inpatient hospital care rose from $778 per day in 2022 to $800 per day for 2023.  This will be an increase of $22 per day.

Finally under Part A of Medicare the daily co-payment for skilled nursing facility care will increase from $194.50 per day in 2022 to $200 per day in 2023.  This will be an increase of $5.50 per day.

To compare our current chart to 2022 numbers click here.  To see the Medicare Fact Sheet click here.

To read about the 3 Most Common Questions Asked About Medicare Part A click here.  To read about the 3 Most Common Questions Asked About Medicare Part B click here.

Wondering if you are paying too much for your current Medicare coverage?  Get a FREE, NO OBLIGATION quote by clicking below or call (800)924-4727 for immediate service.

Have you heard the big news that there is going to be a large Social Security Increase (COLA) in 2023? It is estimated that it could come in around 10.5% due to rising inflation. What does this mean for the average retiree?

The average retired worker receives about $1,665.00 each month.  If the full 10.5% increase takes place, then that same retiree will start receiving an extra $174.83 each month.  This would bring their payment to around $1,839.83.  As you can imagine this will be very beneficial in helping offset the rising costs of goods due to inflation.  This increase will be the largest increase since 1981 which was 11.2%.

To view the Automatic Cost of Living Adjustments since 1975 click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

If you are like me and really enjoy the old Clint Eastwood cowboy movies, you will remember the classic…The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.  While we have just discussed The Good about the increase, now we must take a look at the other areas.

The Bad

For those retirees that receive lower than the average Social Security payment each month and qualify for other benefits due to having a lower income, could be pushed out of those programs with a large Social Security increase to their check.  Here are just a few income based programs that could be impacted:

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which provides benefits for seniors to purchase needed food items.
• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which provides money to senior to help offset the cost of their monthly utilities.
• Property Tax Exemptions are offered in many states for low-income retirees.
• Prescription Assistance Programs thru the state to help pay for Part D prescription drug plans.

Finally, many states also have pharmaceutic assistance programs along with programs from drug manufacturers that offer assistance as well based on income.

The Ugly

The amount of Social Security benefits that are exempt from taxes is still the same since 1984.  This means that any increase above the payment threshold is going to end up being taxable.  So if the monthly payment increase pushes an individual above $25,000 or a married couple above $32,000 for the year then this will trigger a taxable event on the income above these thresholds.

While such a large increase (if the full amount goes thru) seems like there is going to be so much extra money going into a retiree’s pocket, that simply is not the case.  With the current inflation rate being around 8.6%, the increase is pretty much a wash.  In addition, while inflation is coming in at 8.6%, certain primary goods such as food costs have climbed at a much higher rate, so there really will not be any ‘extra’ money going into anyone’s pocket.

What Can You Do?

Maybe your concern is simply having as much money in your pocket at the end of the month as possible.  With the rise of inflation we have also started seeing the rise of interest rates.  While savings account interest rates are still extremely low, there are CD type annuities that are paying much higher interest rates.  Many of our 5 year multi year guaranteed annuities are paying out over 4.00% which can help bring in additional income if needed.  To get a personalized annuity quote click below.

Another way to increase your monthly income is by seeing if you can lower your current Medicare Supplement rates.  Many of our clients have been able to lower their older Medicare Supplement plan rates by a substantial amount.  As always with Senior Benefit Services there is no cost or obligation to get a quote from us.  It’s FREE and you have absolutely nothing to lose.

When we are in our very young years, we have the notion that we are invincible.  As we age, it becomes quite clear that we are not.  Once we are approaching our golden years it is imperative to understand how frequent doctor visits can benefit senior citizens.

As you reach retirement age, several changes will happen in your life. As you get older, you will have to work harder to maintain good health. Establishing a good relationship with a doctor you trust is crucial when trying to remain healthy as you get older. 

The average senior citizen will visit the doctor around four times a year. One of the main things you need to focus on when trying to stay healthy is scheduling frequent appointments with your doctor. These appointments provide you with an opportunity to express concerns about health changes and get some information about your existing health problems. Scheduling frequent doctor visits is beneficial as you get older and here are some reasons why.  

Get Help With Pain Management

As you get older, you might start to experience problems with things like degenerative joint disease or arthritis. When left unmanaged, these common health problems can cause lots of pain and discomfort. Living your life in severe pain can limit mobility and rob you of your joy. Instead of suffering in silence, you need to visit your doctor regularly to get help. 

During an appointment, your doctor will review the conditions that are causing you pain. Once they have an idea of what your ailments are, they can review a few different treatment options. Severe pain can also be an early warning sign of things like herniated discs, gallbladder disease and even spinal tumors. If these problems are diagnosed early on, you have a better chance of beating them and returning to a sense of normalcy. 

Your Doctor Can Help Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Every time you visit your doctor, they will check a few basic things. One of the first things most doctors will check during your visit is your blood pressure. The older you get, the more common high blood pressure issues will become. High blood pressure can be life-threatening if it is coupled with other serious ailments like heart disease or diabetes. 

The only way to have this condition identified is by routinely checking it. If your doctor discovers that your blood pressure is high during a check-up, they can prescribe medications to help you control it. However, if you skip an appointment with your doctor, this condition will only get worse. This is why you need to view attending these appointments as a priority. 

Addressing Cognitive Issues

Having cognitive problems can severely diminish a senior citizen’s quality of life. In most cases, cognitive problems will be caused by underlying problems like elevated blood sugar levels, infections and even brain lesions. The only way to find out the cause of your cognitive issues and get the appropriate treatments is to work with a trusted medical professional. If your doctor feels like your issues are something they can’t diagnose or treat, they may refer you to a mental health professional. 

Instead of trying to pay for the cost of doctor visits on your own, you need to find the right Medicare policy. With this insurance policy, you can get the care you need without going broke.

Often, people dream about how they will spend their retirement and never stop to consider the intricacies involved in living after leaving a career. As you are approaching retirement, you must plan for demands that may be placed on your budget. Unwelcome surprises are simply part of the realities of life, but these challenges can be reduced with the proper planning. 

Let’s take a look at some of the challenges that may arise during your retirement that you can ease the burden of by planning for them now. 

Longevity

Thanks to continuous advances in medical treatments and preventive medicine, people are living longer than ever before.  In addition folks today are living a healthier lifestyle which is proven to add years to your life.   

Living longer is something we don’t want to complain about, but we do want to plan for it.  By not taking this into consideration, we may outlive our savings. You don’t want to be fortunate enough to live longer yet not afford your lifestyle. 

Living Beyond Your Budget

We all tend to live a little beyond our means, especially when we first enter retirement. However, disaster can strike if we go too far outside our budget for a consistent period. Your budget should cover your current monthly expenses, but also be sure to plan for unexpected expenses. 

It may be difficult at first to admit if you are living well beyond your means.  Consider that you want to be comfortable in retirement and simply reduce your spending when possible. Your life will change when you retire, and you will have more time to enjoy travel, hobbies, or helping with grandchildren.  By simply decreasing your spending now, before approaching retirement, you can ensure you’ll have the funds necessary to cover these things. 

Costs Of Healthcare

Healthcare costs, therapies, wellness supplies, prescriptions, and surgeries have escalated in recent years with no end in sight. As these necessities continue to climb in price, medical costs for retirement years could multiply if you or someone in your household experiences a medical crisis.

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement  can significantly benefit you in your retirement. As you prepare and plan for this next chapter of your life, consult with a Medicare specialist to ensure you receive the right benefits for you and your financial future. 

Changes to Medicare that will impact you occur yearly. It’s important to understand what you can expect and what will be expected of you when using your health insurance. Being informed and trusting experts can help you to make decisions that will benefit you. Let’s explore some of the differences in Medicare for the year 2021.

Premiums and Deductibles

Those who paid their Medicare tax and worked more than forty quarters don’t have to pay the Part A premium. Those who worked between thirty and thirty-nine quarters will pay $259 per month. If a person paid fewer than thirty quarters of tax, they will be responsible for $471 per month. The Part B premium is standard at $148.50, although it can be adjusted based on larger incomes. The deductible for Medicare Part A has increased by $76 in 2021, now $1484. The Part B deductible is $203, only having increased by $5 in 2021.

Coinsurance

Patients needing care for a period longer than sixty days are subject to a coinsurance cost. Medicare Part A is charging patients $371 per day after the sixty days. After ninety days, the cost rises again to $742 per day. Both of these charges have increased from 2020 by $20-$40.

Prescription Drugs

Medicare part D plans vary and are income adjusted. Deductibles may also vary depending on your chosen plan. Participants pay a quarter of the cost of medications after meeting their deductible. They can pay much less after meeting an out-of-pocket maximum of $6550.

Positive Notes

One change that will positively impact many people is a decrease in the copay for insulin. Starting this year, over a thousand Advantage and Part D plans are charging $35 or less for the drug needed by so many diabetic patients. Another positive note is a result of an amendment to the 21^st Century Cures Act. Now, all end-stage renal disease patients eligible for Medicare will be able to enroll in Advantage plans. The growing need for telehealth in response to the coronavirus pandemic has led to increases in services offered. Now telehealth is being covered in specialties like dermatology, psychiatry, and cardiology.

Advantage Plans

There are more advantage plans available for 2021, nearly five thousand according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The premiums for these plans are much less costly than in recent years. In fact, these premiums are lower than they’ve been since 2007. The open enrollment period for advantage plans ends on March 31. Therefore, participants can change their plan if they wish to before that date.

Many factors must be evaluated to make the important decision about which Medicare supplement and advantage plan to enroll in. It’s important to make this decision with the help of someone who is knowledgeable about what is best for your personal situation. The agents of Senior Benefit Services are experienced experts in how these plans can affect you. Let one of our agents be your trusted source of information and assistance.