Get Your Questions Answered About Medicare Health Insurance Plans

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is an association of 35 different health insurance companies which operate at the State level. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association companies may use different names in each State, such as Anthem, Horizon, Regence, Empire, Highmark, Premera, and CareFirst.Blue Cross Blue Shield...

What is Cigna?

Cigna is a global health services company that offers health, dental, prescription drug, disability, and life insurance products, as well as other related services such as health coaching and wellness programs. The company serves individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes, and is...

What is WellCare?

WellCare is a healthcare company that provides government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans. The company is based in Tampa, Florida, and serves more than 5 million members in the United States. Its services include...

What is Humana?

Humana is a health insurance company that provides a range of insurance options for individuals, families, and businesses. The company offers Medicare and Medicaid plans, as well as private health insurance plans. It also provides additional services such as prescription drug coverage, vision and...

What Questions Should I Ask a Medicare Agent?

Medicare agents are licensed to give advice and enroll people in Medicare health insurance plans. Medicare agents are expected to look out for the best interests of enrollees, offer unbiased advice, and help people find the right Medicare plan for their needs.Common questions to ask Medicare agents...

What is the Medicare Giveback Benefit?

Medicare Part B typically carries a monthly premium regardless of whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare. This monthly premium ($164.90 in 2023) may be automatically deducted from your social security check.The Giveback benefit refers to certain Medicare Advantage plans...

What is the Medicare Premium for 2023?

The standard Medicare premium for Part B is $164.90 per month in 2023. This amount is typically automatically deducted from your social security check each month.High income earners may have to pay more for their Part B premium. Note that there is usually no premium for Part A hospital insurance....

What are Medicare Agents or Advisors?

Medicare agents or advisors are required to be licensed health insurance agents in order to advise and enroll people in Medicare health plans.Only licensed health insurance agents are allowed to enroll people in Medicare health plans - Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D Prescription...

What is Original Medicare (Traditional Medicare)?

Original Medicare refers to Medicare Part A and Part B and is sometimes called “Traditional Medicare” because it is administered by the federal government and it was the original form of Medicare coverage. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance while Medicare Part B covers other medical...

Why am I Receiving Medicare Open Enrollment Flyers in the Mail?

You may be receiving a lot of Medicare marketing flyers in the mail during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15th through December 7th.During this time any Medicare beneficiary enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D...

Which Medicare Health Insurance Plans Include SilverSneakers?

The SilverSneakers fitness program can be included in a Medicare Advantage or other Medicare health plans as a wellness extra benefit.In general, Medicare health plans can include gym membership and fitness program benefits. SilverSneakers is not the only available fitness program. Check your...

What is the SilverSneakers Fitness and Wellness Program?

SilverSneakers is a free gym membership and wellness program for seniors which is included in many Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. SilverSneakers membership includes access to over 15,000 gyms including exercise classes and use of equipment and amenities.You must be enrolled in an...

What Are Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans?

Medicare Supplement insurance plans (also known as Medigap) provide extra coverage in addition to Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans help lower the out-of-pocket costs you may incur with Original Medicare Part A and Part B.Supplement plans must be combined with Original Medicare Part A...

What Are Medicare Advantage Health Plans?

Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) are health insurance plans which combine different kinds of Medicare coverage and benefits into one plan. All Medicare Advantage plans include Original Medicare, Part A - hospital insurance and Part B - doctors visits and other medical.  Medicare...

What are the Extra Benefits Mentioned in Medicare TV Commercials?

Medicare TV commercials are primarily advertising Medicare Advantage health plans. Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, combines Original Medicare coverage for Part A and Part B into one plan and also include other benefits.Common extra benefits included in Medicare Advantage plans are Part D...

What is the Medicare Coverage Helpline?

You may have seen TV commercials from the Medicare Coverage Helpline. They are NOT a government helpline or resource.Medicare Coverage Helpline commercials are from a private company representing an insurance agency (broker).The official Medicare helpline phone number is 1-800-MEDICARE...

Why Do Medicare Commercials Say to Check My Zip Code?

You may have seen Medicare commercials on TV which say to “check your zip code”. This is because availability of Medicare Advantage plans and Part D Prescription Drug plans can vary by location.When considering your Medicare health plan options, it is important to evaluate plans which are available...

Why are Joe Namath and Other Celebrities on Medicare TV Commercials?

Medicare health plans are primarily for people 65 years and older (some younger people with disabilities may also be eligible). As a result, many Medicare TV commercials feature older celebrities to target this senior audience.Joe Namath is one of the most featured celebrities in Medicare TV...

Why Are There So Many Medicare Commercials on TV?

Medicare commercials are shown on TV more frequently October 15th through December 7th, during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) also commonly known as the Open Enrollment period.During this time of the year, any Medicare beneficiary can make changes to their Medicare health insurance...

Are Medicare TV Commercials Legitimate?

Medicare TV commercials are legitimate in the sense that they are run by legitimate companies. In order to enroll someone in a Medicare health insurance plan, a company must be a licensed insurance agency which has been certified by the government.However, Medicare commercials have received a lot...