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Since 1989 I’ve been serving Medicare beneficiaries in choosing their Medicare supplements and more recently Medicare Advantage plans.  Most important… we are here throughout the year when issues arise.  From claim problems to coverage issues, lost premiums to getting your address changed, we are still here. Sam Schoppenhorst  PLEASE call or email your questions. 520-318-4800 / sam@123411.com

We represent and Service the following for Medicare beneficiaries who reside in Arizona... Which plan is best for you? Our goal is to show you the parts of Medicare and different options available so you can choose. Medicare / Medigap  Supplements  AARP                   Medicare Advantage Plans and PDP Drug plans       AARP                 For HealthNet providers click logo, choose guest, zip code and select plan AZ Medicare HMO For UnitedHealthcare providers click logo, key in zip code and select plan. For CareMore providers click logo, choose type of provider, key in zip code.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription coverage, Medicare Supplements do not.  If you are enrolling in a Medicare Supplement or if you have a lot of medications, we suggest you run the Medicare program (link below) and key in all of your prescriptions.  It will give you a non-biased analysis showing your cost for each plan.  Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Other Health Care Option links

In my opinion… a brief overview of Medicare by Sam Schoppenhorst.

Going on Medicare, or if you are already on Medicare… I recommend you read the official government handbook “Medicare & You” Some of the following information has been taken from that handbook.

 In most cases, when you first get Medicare, you are in the Original Medicare Plan. Part A helps cover hospitalization, as well as blood, home health services, hospice care and skilled nursing care. Generally there is no premium for Part A, because either the recipient or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working.  Part B helps cover medical services like doctors’ services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover. Part B is optional, it helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary it also covers some preventive services. Generally Part B covers services out of the hospital such as doctors, clinical and laboratory services, emergency room services, durable medical equipment, diabetic supplies, eye and foot exams, some well exams in screenings, physical therapy etc.

Part A is basically hospital coverage, we believe it is extremely important for you to opt for and pay the extra premium for part B coverage. Without part B coverage you cannot purchase a Medicare supplement policy or enroll in a Medicare Advantage part C plan or a PDP  part D plan.

In addition to original Medicare, you may want to consider a Medicare supplement/Medigap policy.  A Medigap policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Medigap policies can help pay your share (coinsurance, copayments, or deductibles) of the costs of Medicare-covered services. Additionally for drug coverage a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan/PDP (Part D).  These are two different insurance policies, each of which has premiums. Generally speaking in original Medicare you have the freedom to see any provider who accepts Medicare beneficiaries.

 Or, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that provides all your Part A, Part B, and often Part D coverage.  You make a choice when you are first eligible for Medicare. Each year you can review your health and prescription needs and switch to a different plan in the fall.  Many Medicare advantage plans have little or no monthly premiums. This is possible because Medicare pays an amount of money for your care every month to these private health plans, whether or not you use services.

 When considering which options are best for you, please consider…

• Is your doctor, specialist, preferred hospital, pharmacy etc. in the plans network of providers? Ask your doctor/provider to be sure.
• Ask your doctor/specialist under which options they can best treat you if you develop or have a serious health condition.
• Are your prescriptions covered and what will your cost be under the plan?
• Do the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs fit your budget?
• Are additional benefits and lower premium worth being confined to a network?
• Under most circumstances, once you choose a Medicare Advantage or PDP plan you will be locked in until the following January 1^st.

 Copyright ©2012 [A  Insurance Shoppe] All rights reserved. Last revised: January 18, 2012