2023 Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) October 15 until Dec 7
It is the time of year when:
- If you are not currently enrolled in either a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) you can enroll, and you cannot be declined.
- If you are already enrolled in a plan you can switch to a different plan or company.
Please note with Medicare Advantage (Part C) there are no restrictions regarding pre-existing conditions.
Medicare is Medical Insurance for people age 65+ and people who’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for longer than 2 years.
You’ve probably seen the Joe Namath & Jimmie “Dynomite” Walker commercials urging you to “Get all the Benefits you are entitled to”
You want to make sure there isn’t something out there that you might be missing out on, and I don’t blame you. Personally, I love those commercials because so many people called me asking am I getting “all the benefits I deserve”
As you may already know there are many different companies which offers Medicare Advantage Plans. They offer similar benefits because they are regulated by Social Security. In fact, Medicare is one of the most regulated industries and likes to protect our seniors. If you have a $0 premium plan your insurance company is paid by the government and all companies are paid the same amount. Since Medicare puts similar requirements on all the companies the benefits are very similar.
Where they differ is the extra benefits:
- 1. Drug Tiers & Copay
- 2. Dental
- 3. Vision
- 4. Over the Counter Items
- 5. Fitness Program
- 6. Alternative Medicine (Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Naturopathic)
- 7. Massage
- 8. Transportation
- 9. Flex Card (extra money for Dental, Vision or Hearing)
- 10. Part B premium refund
No plan offers all these benefits. Some offer more on of one and less of another, or the provider network is different, or it requires referrals, etc. So, the question isn’t am I getting all the benefits I deserve. The question is am I getting the benefits I need and will use.
In 2023, companies have improved Dental, Vision, and Hearing benefits. Plans that did not cover comprehensive dental will and more.
One of the most frequently asked questions is how I get my $170/mth Medicare Part B premium back. ($170 times 12 is $2,040/year) If you qualify for Medicaid (financial assistance for low income) then your Medicare Part B premium is covered. You can contact DSHS to see if you are eligible.
HMO & PPO? There are plans specifically designed that include Utility payments, Healthy Foods and more.
There are also plans that refund a portion of your Medicare Part B premium. You know that $170.10 that is deducted from you Social Security. (In 2023 that amount is $164.90). These plans are not income dependent.
Many plans have added the Flex Card, this is a great benefit. It gives you an additional pool of money that can be used for Dental, Vision, and Hearing, so if you plans says you have $200, for glasses and you have a $400 Flex Card, now you have $600 for glasses.
Instead of calling the 800# (that is a good commercial), just call me and take advantage of my knowledge or experience. You know I return phone calls. Or go to to see your 2023 plan https://allstarfinancialinsurance.com/shop-for-insurance-medicare choices.
