Why Purchase Medsups ???

[GreenSky]

That leaves 60% potential for Medigap.

Seriously, you jump me every time I make a broad statement about MA peddlers, and rightly so. As you have pointed out, each area is different.

90% or more of my clients are 50+ miles away, mostly in rural areas where the MA choices are limited and networks skinny. Some have medical issues and don't want to change docs or hospitals.

Medigap is perfect for them, and many buy plan N. They are also free to match the Rx plan with their needs vs taking whatever is paired with the MAPD offering.

Different markets. Different approach.

It's more like 30% who are Medigap potential when you take out the Medicaid and group recipients. But that's still a huge number and I might direct my telemarketer to call here for supps knowing most people won't be prospects.

Like many states, CA is both rural and urban. I've written a bunch of supps mainly in Northern CA because there are few, if any, MA plans there. With the exception of duals I would guess I'm about 90-95% med supp in the past 2-3 years.

I don't think HMOs are the best choice for most people, both Medicare or IFP/Group. But we live in the once free country of USA so I'll allow people to make the wrong choice. Unless you think Obama should decide what kind of coverage people can have.

Lastly, I'll continue to point out why you can't paint with a broad brush about agents who sell MA just as I will continue to tell you how disgusting sweet tea really is.

Rick

 

[somarco]

If you are referring to Florida (and likely other Issue Age states) you probably have the data too. Use Ritter, CSG or whoever. The policy rate cannot increase each year due to age, so the companies charge people turning 65 the same rate as an 80 year old ( or older) in other states. i.e. 65 year non smk old male in Palm Beach pays $236 /m for cheapest plan F. now..look up the same for your lovely state of GA ...kinda hard to get the Plan F price that high even at 80! Any questions? Need help looking up zip codes? ;-)

Yes, GA is an issue age state, except for the carriers that use community rating.

The community rated plans can and do raise rates when you age into a higher age/community bracket.

Comparing issue age plans against attained age plans in a different state doesn't work out very well. Actually, it doesn't work at all.

For chuckles and grins, plan F, male 65, zip 31647 is $139 vs $166 for the same plan with a community rated carrier.

At age 80 F is $179 for issue age vs $241 for the same plan with a community rated carrier.

That dismisses your comment about charging an 80 yr old the same as one who is 65 and vice versa.

Oh, just noticed you used tobacco rates. Add about 10% to the rates I quoted.

And FWIW the zip code was not random. Just happened to be on top when I opened up CSG. Somebody I quoted earlier this AM.

I appreciate your offer, but I do know how to look up zips and use CSG.

Just because I live in GA doesn't mean I am not educated or dumb. Don't let Honey Booboo and the Dukes of Hazard taint your view of the residents of this state. Some of us are quite sophisticated.

If you want to argue about why some states approve issue age plans vs attained age then take it up with the DOI, not here. No one really cares about what you think about issue age plans.

 

[MatthewC]

Just because I live in GA doesn't mean I am not educated or dumb. Don't let Honey Booboo and the Dukes of Hazard taint your view of the residents of this state. Some of us are quite sophisticated.

My wife was born and raised in Alabama. I believe if I even hinted anything derogatory about people of the Deep South I would be “fix'n for a bruis'n”

I actually learn a lot from these debates -- funny how even in an area as well defined as Medicare there are people choosing sides.

 

[somarco]

The only side I choose is the one that is best for the client. I ask questions, listen and take copious notes before ever making a recommendation.

Ultimately it is up to the client to decide what is best for them by picking a plan that fits their needs and budget.

 

[Ronnie Carter]

Is it 68 or over or having had Part B more than 3 years?

Touche! Got me. Gotta quit posting when I'm dog-tired.

More and more seem to be delaying Part B these days -- run into it all the time.

 

[yogooglethis]

The only side I choose is the one that is best for the client. I ask questions, listen and take copious notes before ever making a recommendation.

Ultimately it is up to the client to decide what is best for them by picking a plan that fits their needs and budget.

I am sure you don't let your bias towards Med supps show to your clients as you are presenting a fair and balanced overview of the different ways to receive Medicare benefits.

If you scare them with the possibility of large cost share on an MA plan then you should also scare them about the possibility( probability) of spending 50,000.00 in Med supp premiums over their lifetime for relatively little payment of claims by the carrier

 

[sman]

I am sure you don't let your bias towards Med supps show to your clients as you are presenting a fair and balanced overview of the different ways to receive Medicare benefits. If you scare them with the possibility of large cost share on an MA plan then you should also scare them about the possibility( probability) of spending 50,000.00 in Med supp premiums over their lifetime for relatively little payment of claims by the carrier

I can attest that Bob is "fair and balanced". If he weren't then I wouldn't get referrals from him on Medicare Advantage prospects.

Personally I tell every potential Medicare client that I prefer a Medicare Supplement over a Medicare Advantage plan, but also tell them there isn't anything wrong with a MA plan as long as they understand the potential negatives that goes with MA plans (i.e. - networks and potential max out of pocket). Just talked to a MA client last week who is frustrated because several specialists in his town no longer accept his plan. So instead of driving 2 miles to see a specialist, he now has to drive over 20 miles. He isn't happy about it.

What everyone needs to remember is that each person's situation is unique and from state to state and county to county there can be drastic differences. In several rural counties here in Georgia, there are only two MA carriers (CIP and Humana). The CIP plan is $29 per month and the Humana plan is $74. In many instances a Med Supp is the better option for these people.