Gene Page, Medicare Insurance Broker
Gene Page
Medicare Broker Licensed in UT
Contact Details
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Location
Millcreek, UT
About Me
Hello! I'm Gene, your trusted Medicare agent in the area. My specialty is Medicare, and I'm passionate about helping you select the ideal plan that caters to your individual needs and budget. I'll efficiently sort through plans from reputable national and local companies, saving you time and effort. Best of all, my services are provided at no cost to you. Contact me to discuss your Medicare choices and don't forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Gene Page
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: Many people have asked me, "What is the best Medicare Plan?"
That has more to do with you, and less to do with the plans that are available. Do you have more than one place you call home? Do you see providers in multiple states? Do you have any chronic conditions? Do you qualify for Extra Help or Medicaid? Do you currently pay a premium for your health care? Do you feel things like Dental, Vision and Hearing are of great importance to you? Are you able to pay additional for those added benefits? Do you have an employer subsidy? Are you currently part of a managed care program, (HMO/PPO)?
The bottom line is, there is no "Best" plan. There are many good options that depend on your personal needs, finances, and location. Not all plans are available in all locations. Not all members qualify for all plans. A good agent will take the time to have that conversation with you so that you are able to make an informed decision. Call centers tend to believe one size fits all. They want to get you through the process as quickly as possible so they can move to the next call. Some agents look at commission rates while others look to put you in something more permanent but will have annual rate increases. Ask questions and work with someone who knows those answers. There is never a fee you pay to the agent, so don't feel like you need to navigate the maze on your own.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: CMS, (The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) does not allow the use of the word "FREE". There may be plans that are low cost or NO COST to you (the consumer) yet the plans are definitely not free. Clients frequently ask how this is possible? Medicare Advantage Organizations (carriers with a CMS contract) are paid by the federal government for each member they have enrolled. Contract levels vary depending on the specific county location, average cost of services, and the quality of the service provided (star levels) by that carrier. It becomes the responsibility of the MA provider to manage those dollars. They must provide a level of service equal to, or better than, the coverage offered through original Medicare. Some plans may offer certain rebates (food cards, gym memberships, Part B premiums, etc.) to entice more enrollments. They may also provide additional services like Dental, Vision, or Hearing, that are not covered under original Medicare.
What is the main benefit of Medicare Part D?
Answer: Medicare Part D is the drug component. It is a stand alone with Original Medicare but is frequently included with Medicare Advantage plans, also known as MAPD. Plans vary as to which drugs are available within their formulary, as well as the level of coverage for each drug (known as tier levels). Not all drugs are available on all plans but there are rules that require a minimum of 2 similar drugs in each category. There may be limitations or other controls allowed (step therapy) and it may be possible to request a formulary exception if the standard formulary is determined to be unable to meet your need. Currently, there is a maximum out of pocket cost of $2000 annually Certain medications that are administered by a medical professional may be covered under Part B and not subject to the Part D Drug program.
I picked a Medicare Advantage plan based on the low premium, but now I'm facing high copays. Did I make a mistake?
Answer: Its a little bit like picking out car, it all matters on your personal preferences. Any car will get you there but you have to consider all costs, like gas consumption, cost of repairs, comfort, how much you drive, and so forth. Not any one car fits everyones personal budget or preferences.
Many people like the cost-free premium. Some plans may include cash back on your part B premium, healthy food allowance, Dental,Vision and Hearing benefits, no-referral networks, more inclusive Rx coverage, or many other possibilities. To afford all these additional benefits, your plan is likely to balance it with higher co-pays, higher out-of-pocket limits, and more exposure on hospital/day costs and other areas. Each plan is given a budget and they hope to customize it to be most attractive to potential members. A good agent will assist you in reviewing the areas of need you are most concerned with and help you make the best choice for those needs. Sometimes, needs or preferences change and during the Annual ebrollment each year, you will be able reasses what is a comfortable risk level for you.
Sometimes, you have other options as well. If you are within the first year of having an Advantage plan, you may wish to return to original medicare and purchase a Medicare Supplement plan. You will have a considerably higher monthly cost, but most things during the year will be covered. It will not have all the "extras" that an Advantage plan may offer, but it will cover your medical costs better. You may also be able switch to a different Advantage plan mid-year if you meet certain cryteria. If you qualify for Medicaid, if you are going into or out of a care center, if your plan is not rated as 5-stars and there is a 5-star plan in your area, or maybe you have moved.
Talk with a qualified agent. It will never cost you anything to use that service.