BUSINESS STATUS

FYI - I do apologize for not keeping this Blog current. In the spring of 2014 my own health issues continued to interfere with my ability to practice my business, and I therefore have not been actively engaged in business since that time. I may yet re-engage my business, but, the odds of doing so are 50-50 at best. Good luck to everyone going forward, and thank you for your interest.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Spring has finally arrived after a brutal winter. As we all come to life again, I am pleased to be available to assist Medicare Beneficiaries in any way that I may do so. Are you just becoming eligible for Medicare by aging in (attaining age 65) or by disability (the eligible Beneficiary is in his or her 24th month of Social Security Disability)? Are you already a Medicare Beneficiary and eligible by Special Circumstance to switch your Plan or to sign up anew for a Plan? A Special Circumstance may be: you suffer an eligible Chronic Illness; you have newly joined NYS EPIC prescription drug coverage; you have dual eligible status (you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid); you have an eligible economic hardship; you have relocated your address outside of the coverage area of your current Plan; your Plan coverage has been terminated either voluntarily or involuntarily. I can help you enroll into a Medicare Supplement Plan, Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Reach out to me and I will reach back to you. Contact information is in the adjacent column of this Blog. Happy Spring!

2014 MEDICARE AEP

The 2014 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts on October 15 and ends on December 07. Okay... so I am a little late this year in mentioning this important detail. On the plus side three weeks still remain in the current Annual Enrollment Period for 2014. Call me for an appointment (315-481-1736) or send me an email (medicare.choices.caz@gmail.com). There is never a charge for a consultation, and with your permission, I may help you to determine a good choice for Medicare coverage going forward and to enroll the appropriate coverage that you choose. Best wishes to everyone for a Happy Thanksgiving!

INTO WHAT CONTEXT DO MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PLAY A PART, WHEN PLANNING A "SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST" FOR A DISABLED LOVED ONE?

A "SUPPLEMENTAL NEEDS TRUST" MUST HAVE A PROVISION ALLOWING A STATE TO RECOUP MEDICAL EXPENSES THAT THE STATE MAY HAVE PAID OUT ON BEHALF OF A BENEFICIARY. The specific recoupable medical expenses may vary from State to State, so make sure you work with your attorney, when and if setting up a Supplemental Needs Trust for your loved one, so that you cover all the bases; make sure that your intent towards your loved one may be carried out in a the ways that you make clear (a) in the Trust, (b) according to your Letter of Intent regarding the purpose of the Trust, and (c) consistent with the laws and regulations of your State!

2013 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7 For those of you, who are already Medicare Beneficiaries, the AEP is the designated time of year to choose the type of Medicare coverage you think will serve you best in 2013. If you have a Plan, you may keep it or switch to another Plan. You may switch to or from Original Medicare. You may keep or switch your Prescription Drug Plan. You may perhaps obtain a Medicare Supplement (also known as a "Med-Supp" or "Medi-Gap" Plan). Keep in mind that if, after January 01, 2013, you are not happy with a decision to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C); then, you you may exercise your "buyer's remorse" by dis-enrolling from that Plan before mid-February 2013, and you must then only proceed with coverage in 2013 by Original Medicare and you must choose a Part D Prescription Drug Plan for which you will be granted an SEP (Special Enrollment Period).

CATCHING UP TO THE PRESENT: A Brief Synopsis

Much has occurred since I last posted to this Blog, not the least of which has been passage of the "Obomneycare Legislation" and it's judicial "ratification" by the Supreme Court. There are many kinks to work out in the implementation of healthcare reform as legislated by Congress, signed by the President, and upheld by the Supreme Court last week. Despite the contentious process that has brought us to this day, it is the opinion of this independent insurance agent that much good may come of this legislation. As the healthcare industry stabilizes, as the healthcare infrastructure modernizes and expands, as access to healthcare equalizes, as capital and discretionary income become available for economic growth and improved living standards, then the negatives propagandized by the Left Wing and Right Wing demagogues will fade into oblivion. On a personal note I underwent major cardiovascular surgery in April of 2011. This experience has been and continues to be a major change to my life. On the plus side I cannot say enough to express my love, admiration, and gratitude to the two hospitals, their physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and entire staffs, all of whom work so hard and with so much love, and who saved my life. "My cup runneth over...," thanks to the Love of God as granted to me through them. The impact of surgery and recovery on my personal and professional life has been great. My spiritual heart opens to the world more and more every day, as do my eyes and my ears. Even though I must now rebuild my fledgling business, like a bird fallen from it's nest learning to fly again, I do so with a greater sense of the realities of life that center so importantly on healthcare and so specifically on the importance of proper and appropriate health insurance. It is already summer 2012. The 2013-AEP (annual enrollment period) for Medicare is close enough now that insurance providers are now making 2013 training available. More on that next time I post, and for now, may the Good Lord shine His Countenance upon you, protect you, and infuse your soul with His Peace.

MANY CHANGES AND SHORTENED OPPORTUNITY TO SWITCH PLAN ENROLLMENTS FOR 2011 !!

THE OEP (Open Enrollment Period) FOR SWITCHING PLANS (in previous years the period from January 1 - March 31) HAS BEEN ELIMINATATED!!!

This means that for 2011 Medicare Plan coverage, you must make your best decision during the AEP (Annual Enrollment Period), which is the period November 15 through December 31 of 2010. Call to make an appointment for a housecall to review your present coverage and/or your coverage options for 2011. There are many Plan changes for all Plans going into 2011. Some of the changes are dramatic. Let me help you make your best decision for your Medicare Plan. Remember that, as an Independent Agent, I may represent Plans from multiple companies, and that you therefore may have a wide selection of coverage options. There is no one-size-fits-all Plan, only the Plan that is best for you!