Medicare Stress Relief: Recent Episodes
William A. Simmons
Turning 65 may not be stressful for most individuals. However, becoming eligible for Medicare is another story. Every individual is required to make some type of decision about Medicare insurance. Plus, the newly or soon-to-be Medicare eligible person is going to be faced with several external factors that can cause stress. This podcast is about how to manage this potentially stressful situation and make confident decisions. If you want to know what actions you can take to alleviate Medicare stress, this is the podcast for you.
In this episode, I discuss the first action I recommend for individuals who are becoming eligible for Medicare-signing up for the Do Not Call Registry. I know it may seem obvious, but there is more to it than you realize.
In this episode, I finish the discussion about what creates Medicare stress for individuals who become eligible for Medicare. Specifically, I focus on the topics of misinformation and what I have labeled parts vs plans.
In this episode, I review my definition of Medicare Stress and discuss some of the external factors such as mail, phone calls and door-to-door salespeople who contribute to Medicare Stress.
This is episode one of season three. In this episode, I define Medicare Stress and begin to discuss what are the reasons people feel stressed about Medicare decisions.
In this episode I discuss why I believe a local broker is your best choice for a Medicare agent.
In this episode, I share information about the different types of insurance agents who assist individuals with Medicare plans.
In this episode, I share information about how to identify what Medicare plans are available in your area.
In this episode, I discuss the idea of managing risk when choosing between a Medicare supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan
In this episode, I discuss how purchasing indemnity insurance plans could provide financial protection if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
In this episode, I discuss how enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan is affected by pre-existing health conditions.
In this episode, I share information about why individuals choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans.
In this episode, I discuss two services that could create a high risk of out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.
In this episode, I discuss the benefits of considering a Medicare Advantage plan that does not cover prescription medications. You may be surprised by what you hear.
In this episode, I discuss the Maximum Out-of-Pocket limits for Medicare Advantage plans. The Maximum Out-of-Pocket is not a deductible. It is the maximum liability an enrollee can incur during a given year for in-network services. This amount varies by company, so pay attention when considering a Medicare Advantage plan. I hope you will listen to find out more.
In this episode, I share information regarding the functionality of Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans with have characteristics of an employer insurance plan and Original Medicare. Listen to find out more.
In the episode, I discuss the difference between HMO vs PPO Medicare Advantage plans. This would include networks of physicians, additional benefits such as dental/vision, and the out-of-pocket maximum. Listen to find out more.
In this episode, I begin introducing Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more popular among Medicare beneficiaries. This may be due to the fact they usually have lower premiums than Medicare supplements and offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and gym memberships. Listen to find out more as we start exploring this Medicare option.
In this episode, I discuss two components of a Part D plan; formularies and pharmacies. These are both important because they can both affect the cost of your prescriptions. Listen to find out more.
In this episode, I share information about how beneficiaries transition from the Coverage Gap (Donut Hole), into the Catastrophic phase of a Part D drug plan. The calculation is a little convoluted, but I hope this podcast will help clarify the issue.
In this episode, I explain the third phase of a Medicare Part D plan, which is known as the Coverage Gap phase. It is also known as the Donut Hole. Listen to learn when the Coverage Gap starts and how it affects drug costs.
In this episode, I discuss phase two of prescription drug plans (Part D)-the copay/coinsurance phase. This is part 2 of 4 in a series regarding the four phases of a Medicare prescription drug plan.
In this episode, I discuss Medicare Part D deductibles and what some Part D plans are doing to help beneficiaries avoid paying this often high out-of-pocket cost.
In this episode, I discuss Part D plan Medication tiers and how they affect your out-of-pocket costs.
In this episode, I discuss the two primary options for obtaining Medicare Part D coverage. Both options are through private insurance companies.
In this episode, I begin the discussion regarding prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D). Prescription medications have the potential to create high out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare individuals. Listen as we start the discussion on this topic.
In this episode, I answer questions about changing Medicare supplement plans and rate increases. If you want to know if you can change your Medicare supplement plan during the year, listen for your answer.
In this episode, I discuss the difference between a traditional Medicare supplement that provides national coverage vs the coverage of a Select supplement.
In this episode, I share the practical application of how Medicare supplements follow the lead of Original Medicare. Want to know who pays first when you are enrolled in a Medicare supplement? This episode will teach you.
In this episode, I discuss Medicare supplement premiums. Although enrolling in a Medicare supplement may create higher monthly premiums, you lower your risk for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
In this episode, I share how Medicare supplement benefits are standardized. I also share how companies may include other benefits to entice consumers.
In this episode, I introduce Medicare supplements. This is part of Action #5 that I recommend in my book, which is to learn about Medicare insurance products. Listening to this episode will help you gain a basic understanding of Medicare supplements along with learning how they are identified vs other parts of Medicare.
In this episode, I begin introducing the different types of Medicare insurance products that are available. These are the products that provide financial protection and reduce out-of-pocket risks for Medicare enrollees.
In this episode, I review the financial risks associated with Original Medicare Parts A & B. This includes deductibles, coinsurance amounts and lack of Rx coverage.
In this episode, I share information on services that are not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B.
In this episode, I cover the basics of Mediare Part B such as coverage, premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.
It should not surprise you that although Part A does not have a premium for most enrollees, it does not cover 100% of claims. Learn about Part A costs, coverages and copays in this episode.
When people talk about signing up for Medicare, they are referring to Medicare Parts A & B. This is known as Original Medicare. In this episode, I share why enrollment in Originial Medicare (Parts A & B) is so important.
Most individuals know that turning 65 creates an opportunity to sign up for Medicare. But, do you have to sign up when you turn 65? In this episode, I discuss some general rules about when to sign up.
As I progress through my book Medicare & The Stress of Turning 65, I recommend specific actions to reduce stress and create the possibility of making confident Medicare decisions. In this episode, I recommend learning about Medicare. This will be crucial if you want to make good Medicare decisions.
I know it is tempting to go online and look for Medicare insurance quotes. In this episode, I share information about the dangers or potential hazards related to this action. I also tell you where you can easily find this information. It is right at your fingertips!
In this episode, I complete the discussion of how to start managing the abundance of mail that is received by individuals who are turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare.
When someone becomes Medicare eligible, he/she will be bombarded with mail from insurance companies, agents and lead generation companies. One way to take charge and manage this is to create a filing system to organize the paper. In this episode, I discuss how to label the folders and begin to determine what to file in each folder.
If you want to take charge of your transition to Medicare, there are certain actions you need to take. In this episode, I discuss the first action I recommend, which is to sign up for the Do Not Call Registry. Listen to find out more!
This is the last episode discussing specific reasons individuals feel stressed about Medicare insurance. This episode discusses the confusion brought about by the identification of Medicare Parts vs Medicare Plans. You might call it semantics, but it's still confusing. Listen to find out more!
I thought door to door sales were a thing of the past. Apparently this is not the case. Medicare has created a new push for this type of salesperson. Listen to this episode to find out more.
Unfortunately, a lot of individuals who become Medicare eligible feel stress from telesales agents. The agents are often pushy and agressive. Listen to find out some of the tactics they use to encourage individuals to sign up for Medicare plans.
In this episode, I discuss one of the external factors that creates stress for individuals who become Medicare eligible. That factor is the excessive amount of mail that Medicare eligible individuals receive. Listen to find out who is sending the mail!
There are several factors that create stress for individuals who become eligible for Medicare. In todays episode, I am going to discuss the internal factors that lead to Medicare Stress. These are lack of knowledge and experience.
Over the last seven years, I have had thousands of conversations about Medicare. During that time, I have never met anyone in the process of transitioning to Medicare that did not incur some level of Medicare stress. Literally, not one person has every walked into my office without some level of uncertainty or questions about Medicare. So, in this episode, I clarify my definition of Medicare stress.
As part of the revision of my book Medicare & The Stres of Turning 65,I decided to rename the book and podcast to Medicare Stress Relief.Frankly, it is not only individuals who turn sixty-five that experience stress with Medicare, but also individuals who have been on Medicare. So, this podcast is an introduction to this process of revising and improving both the book and the podcast. I hope you enjoy.
We are at the end of season one of the podcast. In this episode, I discuss contacting a local agent. Local agents can be invaluable as you sort out your Medicare enrollment options.
In this episode, I complete this series on Medicare agents by discussing call center and telesales agents. I do not recommend call center or telesales agents because of the complexity of Medicare and the decisions that need to be made by the consumer. Also, I still believe that Medicare beneficiaries are best served by a local agent.
There are several categories of Medicare agents. In this episode, I discuss the Captive Agent.
There are several types of Medicare insurance agents working today. In this episode, I share information about "local" independent agents. The local independent agents are my first recommendation for anyone needing Medicare assistance. Listen for reasons why!
In this episode, I conclude the discussion about how to identify Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans available in your area.
There are several ways to identify Medicare plans that are available in your area. In this episode, I discuss the Medicare.gov website.
There is often a lot of confusion about what Medicare plans are available. In this episode, I discuss two options for determining what Medicare plans are available in your geographic area.
Last week, I shared the first set of questions designed to help individuals select between a Medicare supplement versus a Medicare Advantage plan. Here is the second set of questions that can be helpful in the process.
When deciding what type of Medicare product you want to select, there are several questions you need to ask. In this episode, I share some of those questions.
There are certain aspects or services rendered through Medicare Advantage plans that could create high copay amounts. In this episode, I discuss how indemnity insurance plans can help protect against high out-of-pocket costs for people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Over the past several years, I have spoken with several people who were afraid of enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans because they did not want to lose their Original Medicare., In this episode, I talk about what happens to Original Medicare when you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Everyone has the opportunity to change their Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. However, there are other times that certain individuals can change their plans as well. In this episode, I discuss other times individuals can change plans.
Prior to 2021, there was one pre-exisiting condition that prevented individuals from enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. In 2021, that changed. In this episode, I talk about Medicare Advantage plans and pre-existing conditions.
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer some type of extra benefit not covered by Original Medicare such as dental or vision. In this episode, I discuss some of those extra items.
Medicare Advantage plans do have premiums(one or two depending on the plan). In this episode I talk about the premiums you would pay if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
There are two areas that could create higher copays under Medicare Advantage plans; hospital stays and cancer treatments. In this episode, I discuss how those services are billed under the Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage plans may or may not cover prescription medications. This episode discusses how that can affect the plan benefits.
Every Medicare Advantage plan has a Maximum Out of Pocket limit for medical expenses. This is in contrast Original Medicare, which has no limit on what the beneficiary could be liable for in regard to medical expenses.
Medicare Advantage plans functions similer to employer plans. Listen to this episode to understand how!
HMO Medicare Advantage plans have different provider network requirements than Medicare Advantage PPO plans. This episode discusses the differences and new developments regarding HMO networks.
Many people are afraid of losing their Original Medicare by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. In this episode, I discuss what really happens to your Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans are identified as Part C of Medicare. This episode is an introduction to Medicare Advantage plans.
Most people will have prescription changes over time. This episode discussed how the Annual Enrollment Period is available to make changes.
Almost all Part D plans will have preferred vs standard pharmaces. In this episode, i discuss the reason it is important to know the difference.
Every Part D plan will have a different formulary. Make sure the plan you select covers your medications.
Medicare Part D plans often have deductibles. This plan shares information about which plans are likely to have deductibles vs plans that do not.
There are several options for receiving Medicare Rx coverage. In this episode, I discuss the options and how medications are put into different drug tiers.
Medicare covers routine prescription medications through Part D. This is an introduction to Part D coverage.
Medicare supplements have several convenient and practical aspects. I talk about ease of use in this episode.
All Medicare Supplements will have monthly premiums. This episode talks about factors that affect what the premiums may be.
Medicare supplements are identified by plans such as plan A, G or N. Each plan has a different benefit structure. Make sure you know what your supplement covers before enrolling.
Medicare Supplement benefits are standardized, which means the benefits are the same based on the plan. So, a plan G supplement will provide the same level of coverage regardless of the company offering the plan. Listen to the podcast to find out more.
In order to make a confident Medicare insurance decision, it is necessary to understand you options. In this episode, I introduce the different Medicare insurance options.
Original Medicare covers a lot of areas, but there are certain things that are not covered. That is what this episode is about.
Original Medicare Part B has a monthly premium. However, it is not the same for everyone. Listen to find out more.
In this episode, I discuss Original Medicare Part A deductibles and copays. What you could pay out of pocket might surprise you.
Original Medicare Parts A and B are the foundation for all Medicare decisions. You must have a solid understanding of Parts A and B to make confident decisions.
When someone turns 65 and is covered by an employer plan, there is a Special Enrollment Period that comes into plan.
What happens if you miss your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period? Well, you have the General Enrollment Period that is available. Listen for more information.
If you are not sure how to sign up for Medicare, this episode will explain what you need to know.
In this episode I continue with information from my new book with Action item #4-Learn About Medicare. I discuss who is eligible for Medicare as a starting point.
Although it may be tempting to go online and look up Medicare products and ask for quotes, but I hope you will think twice before you do. I tell you why to avoid this in my new episode.
I continue to speak about creating a filing system for all the mail that is received around the time someone turns 65. This episode is about mail connected to prescription drug plans (Part D)
How do you manage all the mail you will receive from insurance companies when you turn 65. Here is a tip for you. Create a filing system! In this episode I discuss how to identify advertising for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C).
In this episode. I share a little about how I got into Medicare insurance and how my new book originated.
Want to know how to handle all the mail you will receive when you turn 65. Listen for step # 1
If you thought the day of door-to-door sales were gone-think again. Medicare insurance agents are knocking on doors. So, watch out!
Does it stress you to have constant phone calls from strangers? Wait till you turn 65. This will happen to you.
The amount of mail Medicare beneficiaries receive is overwhelming. In fact, for the person turning 65. it is often more confusing than helpful!
One of the reasons that people have stress is because of having little or now experience making Medicare decisions. In fact, most people are not sure what decisions need to be made. In this episode, I discuss why this lack of experience and knowledge lead to stress.
There are several factors that cause stress when someone turns 65 and becomes Medicare eligible. This episode provides an overview of factors that create stress for individuals who are newly Medicare eligible.
This episode provides a brief introduction to Medicare and the Stress of Turning 65, Do you want to know how you can relieve your stress about Medicare insurance decisions. This is the podcast for you.