Medicare expert Toni King now writes a syndicated question and answer column helping retiring workers transition to Medicare benefits. Starting with this article, the Guilford Gazette is posting her work weekly.
Morning, Toni:
I am turning 65 in October and noticing a difference in the premiums between many of the Medicare Supplement plans and companies. F is considerably higher in premium than G.I’ve heard a rumor that Plan F was being discontinued. Is this true?
I need a little clarity on this subject for me not to make a major mistake. I understand the Medicare Advantage plans and know that my doctor is not in anyone’s network. I’ve seen his sign in his office. Thanks, Sam from Clear Lake, TX
Sam:
Yes, Sam, this is not a rumor, but is a fact.
In 2015, Congress decided to pass 200 billion dollars of Medicare expenses over a 10-year period to the Medicare beneficiaries by eliminating Medicare Supplement plans F and C, which pay for Medicare’s Part B deductible. Medicare Plan G will then be the less out of pocket Medicare Supplement plan with the Medicare Part B deductible not covered.
The new legislation which Congress passed is called“Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015” (MACRA) to help the medical industry by correcting the “Doc Fix” proposal, ending both Medicare Supplement’s plans F and C in 2020.
Doctors were concerned about the Medicare cuts to the medical profession and were threatening to leave Medicare.
To keep doctors from bailing out of Medicare,Congress had to come up with that money somewhere and they found it in the Part B deductible that Medicare Plans F and C pickup.
The new law of 2015 (MACRA) ensures doctors will be adequately paid for Medicare services and that those enrolled in Medicare have the healthcare professionals they need.
During a Toni Says Medicare consultation, those who are new to Medicare or wish to apply for a new Medicare supplement are made aware that Medicare Plans F and C are available until January 1, 2020. For more information about Medicare supplements and the changes being made, please email the Toni Says® team at info@tonisays.com or call 832/519-8664.
After January 1, 2020, no one will be able to enroll in either plan and those who are already enrolled in either Plan F or C can keep them, which is what “grandfathered” is.
Americans might want to explore what other Medicare Supplement plans are available in the Medicare alphabet soup and what the out of pocket will be.
Let’s discuss the difference in Plan F and G:
• Plan F: offers the most coverage with less out of pocket but may have higher premiums. Those who wish to enroll or currently have Plan F will be grandfathered. This change only affects newly eligible beneficiaries with effective dates of Jan. 1, 2020 and Medicare Plan F will no longer be available.
• Plan G: offers lower rates and the same Medicare benefits as Plan F except the Medicare Part B deductible is not covered and will be paid for by the enrolled Medicare beneficiary. Currently the 2018 Medicare Part B deductible is $183, making one’s out of pocket $183 for 2018. Medicare Plan G willbe available after Jan. 1, 2020 for all newly enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
Take your time when searching for your Medicare option such as Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans and ask which option would best fit your specific medical needs.
Toni King, author of the 2018 Medicare Survival Guide® Advanced edition which is available for sale at the www.tonisays.com. The wait is over… ABBS (American Baby Boomer Society) is now available at www.abbs4u.com.