Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1187370
by KAreN rIce you AT your beST The Medicare Annual Enrollment period is coming to an end on December 7 and some folks may be still wondering which choice is best for them. Should they go with original Medicare? Do they need a Medigap supplemental plan? Should they enroll in a Medicare Advantage Health plan? Dave Mersky, a retirement planner with an office in Fayetteville says that you can choose only your red, white, and blue Medicare card as primary insurance. However, folks should keep in mind that their responsibility for Part B expenses is 20%. For example, if you accrued $100,000 in cancer treatment bills, you would owe $20,000. "I don't recommend having ONLY original Medicare, because of financial risk if something catastrophic happens," Dave advises. If you want to keep original Medicare as your primary insurance, Dave recommends adding a Medigap supplemental policy. In 2020, a plan covering excess charges above original Medicare is designated as Plan G. Prices for these policies vary, but Dave believes that an agent who shops around should be able to find one in the $120/month range. "I like to choose companies with low claim to revenue ratios because they are less likely to receive permission for rate increases from insurance commissioners," he explains. A Medicare Health Advantage plan is popular among many Medicare enrollees. These plans are available for low or $0 premiums. Most of these Advantage plans use provider networks. That means enrollees usually are required to make payments when they use their insurance. There is a maximum out of pocket threshold, and once this is reached, companies pay 100% of medical expenses (excluding prescription drugs from the pharmacy). Medicare choices and supplements can be confusing, but there is still time to sort it out. Dave will be offering a Medicare sales seminar at the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education on December 2nd from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. The address is 2422 N. Thompson in Springdale. If you have more questions about Medicare, Social Security, personal pension, investments and more, feel free to contact Dave Mersky at 479-442-8585, or email dave@talkretirement.net. You can also visit his web pages at www.talkretirement.net, or www.talkmedicare.org. Medicare Annual Enrollment: Time is running out! SATURdAY, nOvEmBER 30, 2019 | dEcEmBER - SEniOR HEAlTH nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 11 A F A m i l y - C e n t e r e d A p p r o A C h t o m e m o r y C A r e Magnolia Place is a completely unique community, dedicated to enriching the lives of those living with memory loss. We are committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our residents, while honoring the experience of aging. 2000 S. Hampton place • RogeRS, aR • 479.636.0799 • magnoliaplacealz.com