By Tom Russell

This important article in the December 2011 issue of Money Magazine reveals how Medicare Advantage Plans often get pushed by aggressive agents, resulting in a poor fit for the Medicare beneficiary. Our agency carries the Advantage plans offered in Gila County, and we can help prospective clients compare plans side by side, along with the traditional supplements from several major companies. Sometimes an Advantage plan can work well, especially for Medicare Disability beneficiaries under age 65 who do not yet have the choice of a traditional Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. As a Medicare beneficiary, you need to know the downsides of ANY plan you choose. We’ll help you be clear.  Click here to Read Now.

Tips for 2012

1. Annual enrollment for 2012 health plans begins October 15 & ends December 7. Annual enrollment applies to Prescription Part D Rx plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans can usually be changed anytime during the year.

2. Do nothing and your coverage automatically renews for 2012. If you’re okay with your coverage at this time, there’s no need to call. Contact us for personal assistance if:

a.) A new brand name drug has been added to your Rx list or you just want to compare Rx plans to other options for 2012. Ruth would be glad to assist you. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, go online to: www.medicare.gov

b.) Your Medicare Supplement premium has increased, and you wish to see different options and/or companies. We work with insurance companies like Mutual of Omaha, Blue Cross, Equitable Life, and Standard Life. We’re also authorized to offer all of AARP’s United Healthcare Medicare Supplements. No company is immune from rate increases. They all go up. As your independent broker, we’re here to assist you, and always easy to reach at 474-1233.

c.) Do you wish to compare Medicare Advantage plans? Medicare Advantage plans can be an acceptable fit for some. They have a lower premium, but you pick up co-pays and out-of-pocket costs. If you wish to investigate this option, or compare your current MA plan to others, we can help you. We carry the MA plans offered in Gila County. You can also visit online at www.medicare.gov

In our work as your health insurance broker, we prefer personal meetings, not seminars, since one plan never fits all. We work with over 40 health and life insurance companies now. It’s important to go slow, be clear, and check a plans’ Rx cost. We strive to make it easier for you. We can meet in our office behind Fargo’s Steakhouse, and we also make house calls.
Cordially,
Tom Russell

P.S. Please call us anytime if you have ANY questions at: 474-1233. Outside Payson area: 800-745-3570

Delta Dental is a high quality, nonprofit provider of dental insurance.  Enjoy competitive rates on your dental insurance and their extensive provider network.

This Brochure describes the various plans.

Please Use this link to apply Online. It’s very easy.

Call us with any questions at 474.1233 or (800) 745.3570

by Tom Russell

Medicare offers several enrollment periods for Beneficiaries: Read More »

Tom Russell & Associates, Inc based in Payson, Arizona is fully licensed by state and federal insurance regulators to offer all types of Medicare Plans to Medicare Beneficiaries. We are independent brokers and like all agents, or any particular insurance company, we have no official endorsement by Medicare. Read More »

“Coyla and I admire and respect Tom Russell’s approach to helping seniors with their health insurance needs, without personal agenda or manipulation.”  Coyla and Byron McKean – Payson, Arizona

As a Medicare beneficiary, you have choices on how you receive your Medicare benefits. Fundamentally, you can choose one of three directions: Read More »

William M. age 76 wanted to get a Medicare supplement, having not been entirely satisfied with his Medicare Advantage plan. However, his health history created some problems on the application. I recommended a Medicare supplement Plan N. This is a new option as of June 1st, 2010.

Plan N has a $20 co-pay for doctor visits, a $50 co-pay for an ER visits. However, one remains in original Medicare and simply adds the Plan N supplement. This means much less concern over networks, as any doctor who takes Medicare will take the Plan N.

One very well known company makes their Plan N available without any underwriting, meaning no health questions. We were able to secure the Medicare supplement Plan N for Bill, with a start date of June 1, 2010.

Tom Russell
Senior Health and Life Insurance Specialist