Just for Seniors Q&A

Q: I’m a senior and am confused about the “Special Election Period” and “lock-in” provision that will affect my health insurance. Will I be able to change my health plan during the year if I am not satisfied with it?

A: It depends a lot on which type of health plan you currently have. In some cases beginning January 1 you will be “locked-in”, with only one chance to change plans during the “Special Election Period” which is between January 1 and June 30 of each year. As senior health insurance specialists we are studying the fine print in all of the upcoming changes, including the new prescription drug plans, so if you are uncertain how you will be affected, just give our office a call.

Q: I’m a senior citizen and am really confused about the new prescription drug plans coming out. How can I possibly compare all of them?

A: We can do that for you. There will be several new options for health and prescription coverage available to seniors the beginning of the year. Some decisions will actually need to be made as early as November in order to get the plans in place by the first of the following year. As independent senior health insurance specialists, we have taken in-depth training courses on all the plans available and can compare them all for you in one easy appointment. Based on the information you give us about your health conditions, your use of prescription drugs and your financial situation, we’ll be able to get you enrolled in the plan that’s best for you. Just give our office a call.

Q: I’m considering taking out a “Plan F” Medicare Supplement. I see most companies offer a Plan F. Do the benefits vary from company to company?

A: No. A “Plan F” is a “Plan F” no matter which company it is with. The benefits are identical since being standardized nearly ten years ago. The only thing that will be different will be the premiums. As an independent agency, we have access to nearly every Plan F offered in Oregon. We can compare the plans and make certain you are getting the best price. While the plan designs are the same, claim processing can be different from company to company. Our office is the one of the few agencies in the valley that handles claims for free for our Medicare clients. Medicare claims can be confusing so it’s important that you have someone local to take care of all the paperwork.