Podcasts about prescription drug plans

Market volatility is inevitable—but it doesn't have to be a setback. In this episode, retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods join host Molly Nelson to help you rethink volatility as an opportunity. They explain how two proactive strategies, dollar-cost averaging and Roth conversions, can turn down markets into powerful moments for long-term retirement growth.Clint breaks down dollar-cost averaging with a five-month example, showing how a consistent $1,000 monthly investment during a volatile market could result in purchasing more shares at lower prices—lowering the average cost per share to $37.45 compared to a $50 lump sum investment. It's a clear demonstration of how strategy can outperform timing when it comes to building long-term value in your retirement portfolio.The episode also covers what a recession-resistant retirement plan really looks like and how it can offer you stability, confidence, and control. --Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4dldSPN to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/45fhnoK

Health care is one of the most misunderstood—and potentially costly—parts of retirement. In this episode of Retiring Today, we analyze three common health care traps that can affect your income, confidence, and quality of life in retirement. From Medicare premiums to long-term care expenses, these health care traps can be avoided with proactive planning. Here's a quick look at each trap and how to prepare for it:Trap #1: Failing to Plan for Extra CostsMany retirees overlook out-of-pocket expenses like copays, dental, and prescriptions. Planning for these costs within your income plan helps avoid stress when unexpected bills arise.Trap #2: Underestimating Medicare PremiumsMedicare premiums are based on income from two years prior. A sudden rise in income can push you into a higher premium tier—sometimes over $600/month. Coordinated planning helps avoid these surprises.Trap #3: Ignoring Long-Term Care NeedsAbout 70% of people over age 65 will need some form of long-term care. Medicare covers only limited days of skilled nursing care, and extended care needs can quickly drain savings. We cover options that can help manage this risk.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/3SwjxIU to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3Z7bF4k--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/AnnaMarie MorrowDirector of Medicare & Long-Term Carehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/-- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

A common misconception is that retirement always brings a lower tax bill, but without proactive planning, taxes can quietly become one of your biggest retirement expenses. In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, we clear up this myth and walk through four tax traps that could lead to unnecessary tax bills in retirement.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/3EXgxlJ to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/4k6l4S1--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Chawn HonkompCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/-- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Are you focused too much on your investments as you approach retirement? In this episode of Retiring Today, we dive into three critical investment traps that retirees should avoid when planning for retirement:Investment Hyperfocus: Over-focusing on day-to-day market fluctuations or portfolio balances while overlooking other areas of retirement planning. Taking Unintended Risk: Failing to assess and manage risk or update allocations to meet retirement goals can lead to unintended investment risk.Making Return Assumptions: Relying on overly optimistic investment return projections can impact decision-making and affect the long-term strength of a retirement plan.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4iza5ze to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3YkiM9q--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint HuntrodsCertified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/-- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

What if the way you withdraw your money in retirement matters just as much as how you saved it? The truth is, not all retirement income is taxed the same—and how you take distributions can dramatically impact how much you actually get to keep.In this episode, we break it all down with a hypothetical case study that follows a woman named Sherri and shows how thoughtful tax planning gave her over $10,000 more in annual retirement income—without saving another dime. We also walk through three strategies that can help lower your tax bill in retirement and potentially leave you with more in spendable income each year. Lowering your tax bill in retirement doesn't happen by accident. It takes planning, strategy, and the right timing. This episode shows you how to take control—and keep more of what you've worked so hard to save.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/3RdY2w6 to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3Yx3ONf

Are you 10 years or less from retirement and wondering where to begin with retirement planning? We walk through your essential retirement checklist to help you get organized, reduce risks, and gain lasting confidence in your retirement journey. If you're ready to feel more organized and more confident as you transition into retirement, this episode is a great place to start.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/3XLjVqf to get answers to your retirement questions. Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/3YkJM8A--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/-- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Your 401(k) is a significant part of your retirement savings—but what should you do with it once you retire? In this video, we'll break down your options, highlight potential risks, and help you make informed decisions about your 401(k).Every retirement journey is unique, and your 401(k) strategy should align with your personal goals.--Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call now at https://bit.ly/4c4cq3A to get answers to your retirement questions.Get the tools you need to prepare for retirement with our complimentary toolkit: https://bit.ly/4hN2mx7--Loren MerkleCFP®, RICP®, Certified Financial Fiduciary®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/Clint HuntrodsCertified Financial Fiduciary®, PhDhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/Molly NelsonHost of Retiring Today with Loren Merklehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/-- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Most retirees don't realize it, but RMDs aren't just mandatory—they can be a tax time bomb waiting to happen. Without planning, they could push you into a higher tax bracket, costing you more in taxes than expected. Today, we break down the latest RMD rules, penalties, and tax strategies to help you keep more of your money in retirement. We also walk through a hypothetical case study featuring Paul, a 57-year-old with a $1 million IRA. We compare two scenarios for Paul at his RMD age of 75:

Will your retirement savings last as long as you do? Many retirees worry about running out of money, especially as life expectancies increase. Retirement planners Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp discuss creating a retirement strategy that accounts for longevity. According to the Social Security Administration, a man turning 65 today is projected to live until 84, while a woman is expected to reach 86 1/2. One in three retirees who turn 65 will live to age 90, and one in seven will reach 95. These numbers highlight the need to account for longevity in your retirement plan. In this episode, we talk about building retirement plans that last until age 100. While many retirees may not expect to live that long, building a plan that accounts for longevity can help you make your retirement savings last throughout all phases of retirement. Whether you're five or ten years away from retirement, now is the time to take control. With a customized retirement plan, you can enter retirement feeling confident, secure, and excited about the years ahead.--

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4h5HnWq Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/all-online-events/ Did you know that 48% of people retire earlier than they expected? A recent study reveals surprising reasons why, ranging from unexpected health issues to changes at work and even financial readiness. In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, we dive deep into the findings and what they mean for your retirement journey.We also answer two common viewer questions: “How do I get my money in retirement?” and “How difficult is it to start getting the money?” Loren Merkle and Chawn Honkomp give clear, straightforward answers to help you feel confident about your retirement income plan. Don't leave your retirement to chance! We share actionable steps to help you prepare for an early retirement— whether it's by choice or unexpected circumstances. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3Pq2l6C Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://merkleretirementplanning.com/all-online-events/ Ready to unlock the full potential of your Roth IRA? In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, we explore the essential rules, limits, and strategies you need to know to create a purposeful and comprehensive retirement plan. Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or refining your retirement plan, this video is your complete guide to navigating the complexities of Roth IRAs. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3ZW4ZpA Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Just like you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, you should put your retirement plan through a trial run. Discover how to simulate your retirement lifestyle, stress-test your financial strategies, and make any adjustments before you actually retire. Test driving lets you check comfort and performance. Try living on your projected retirement budget and see if that fits your lifestyle needs. Test drive in different conditions. Stress-test your portfolio against different market scenarios and assess the right level of risk for you. Test drive multiple scenarios to compare options. What should you do for Social Security or health care? Comparing your options allows you to make the best choice for your retirement plan. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3Zqh7i3 Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Collecting Social Security benefits is an important part of every retirement income plan, but the process can be complicated and confusing. In this episode of Retiring Today with Loren Merkle, we examine seven Social Security headlines and determine whether they are fact or fiction. These seven statements are vetted out in this episode. 1. Fact or Fiction: Social Security will run out of money before I retire. 2. Fact or Fiction: The surviving spouse, at full retirement age, generally gets 100% of the worker's basic benefit amount. 3. Fact or Fiction: An ex-spouse's benefit comes out of your own benefit. 4. Fact or Fiction: Social Security is all I need in retirement. 5. Fact or Fiction: I won't pay taxes on my Social Security benefit. 6. Fact or Fiction: Social Security is based on my top 35 wage-earning years. 7. Fact or Fiction: The annual COLA is guaranteed. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/49mxO2z Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1BOverwhelmed with all the options when it comes to Medicare in 2025? In this episode of Retiring Today, we break down the most critical Medicare updates that will help you make the best decisions for your retirement plan.Key topics:- A comprehensive breakdown of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D- IRMAA and its impact on your Medicare premiums- Your Medicare options if you work past age 65- The triple tax advantage of HSAs- Complete explanation of the $2000 out-of-pocket maximums for Medicare Part DLoren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicarehttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Todayhttps://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/Chapter  00:00 Introduction00:29 The Inflation Reduction Act01:06 Medicare Part A, B, C, D02:33 Modified Adjusted Gross Income and IRMAA05:23 Medicare Planning in Your 50's06:22 Insulin Changes and Out-of-Pocket Maximums08:34 What To Do If You're Working Past 6510:30 The Triple Tax Benefit of HSAs12:10 What To Do If You Have Dependants on Your Insurance13:22 Out-of-Pocket Maximums Breakdown15:03 Annual Enrollment Period15:41 Medicare is not Set-It and Forget-It17:09 Inflation Reduction Act Section 155718:00 Outro--  This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4eC5nPh Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B April 15th is an important tax date, but it may not be the most important when it comes to tax planning. In this episode of Retiring Today, we give you 5 strategies to think about when it comes to year-end tax planning. Learn why December 31st is so important when maximizing your tax benefits and retirement savings. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Haley Gutschenritter, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/haley-gutschenritter/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In this episode of Retiring Today, host Molly Nelson and retirement planner Loren Merkle discuss the basics of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Learn about the evolution of IRAs since their creation in 1974, the tax advantages of making contributions, and the significance of rollover strategies from employer-sponsored plans, like a 401(k) or 403(b). They also discuss the impact of the sequence of returns risk for retirees, required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their tax implications, and the potential tax benefits of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3AByl3Q Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B  In this episode of Retiring Today, we explore how inflation affects your retirement savings and discuss strategies to protect your nest egg. Learn essential retirement planning concepts to maintain your purchasing power throughout your retirement. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ --   This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation.  Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4eaBLrW Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this week's episode of Retiring Today, host Molly Nelson and retirement planners Loren Merkle and Clint Huntrods, discuss the six essential pillars of a comprehensive retirement plan. They dive into the "RetireSecure Roadmap," a visual representation of the retirement plans we help families and individuals build. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Clint Huntrods, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, PhD, Retirement Planner https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/clint-huntrods/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3Uq21rg Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today, Dorothy (Molly Nelson) is looking to retire and needs some help from her friends, the Lion (Loren Merkle) and the Scarecrow (AnnaMarie Morrow). Join Dorothy as she discovers the six essential pillars along the yellow brick road - lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy - to create her retirement plan. Dorothy eventually goes beyond the Emerald City with confidence in her plan and excitedly clicks her heels together saying, "There's no place like retirement." Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

In this episode of Retiring Today, Dorothy (Molly Nelson) is looking to retire and needs some help from her friends, the Lion (Loren Merkle) and the Tin Man (Chawn Honkomp). Join Dorothy as she discovers the six essential pillars along the yellow brick road - lifestyle, income, taxes, investments, health care, and legacy - to create her retirement plan. After a long journey, Dorothy eventually reaches the emerald city with confidence in her plan and ready to retire. Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/3YwoIfR Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ Chawn Honkomp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY®, CPA® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/chawn-honkomp/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ Chapter 00:00 Landing in Oz 03:00 The Lifestyle Plan 04:26 The Income Plan 07:42 Commercial Break 09:45 The Tax Plan 13:00 The Investment Plan 19:32 The Healthcare Plan 21:51 The Legacy Plan -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC.  MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Learn more about how you can prepare for retirement by downloading the complimentary Retire Your Way Toolkit - https://bit.ly/4gXJY5o Register for our next Journey to Retirement Online Workshop to learn more about building a comprehensive retirement plan. - https://bit.ly/4aeNR1B In this episode of Retiring Today, Molly Nelson and Loren Merkle, along with AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare at Merkle Retirement Planning, dive into the critical Medicare changes coming in 2025. - Understand Medicare Part D and its significance. - Important updates for 2025 Medicare Part D plans. - Key Medicare legislation changes from 2022 to 2029. - Strategies to avoid unexpected prescription drug costs. - How to account for health care as part of your overall retirement plan. Loren Merkle, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY® https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/loren-merkle/ AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/annamarie-morrow/ Molly Nelson, Host of Retiring Today https://merkleretirementplanning.com/staff-members/molly-nelson/ -- This video does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other product or service by Merkle Retirement Planning LLC, Elite Retirement Planning LLC, MRP Insurance LLC, or any other third party regardless of whether such security, product or service is referenced in this episode. Furthermore, nothing in this episode is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this episode should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. Merkle Retirement Planning, LLC does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this episode are suitable for any particular investor. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax and accounting advisor regarding your specific business, legal or tax situation. Medicare services provided through MRP Insurance, LLC. Any and all other services related to insurance are an outside business activity and are not offered through or supervised by Elite Retirement Planning, LLC. MRP Insurance, LLC, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is an advertisement for insurance. By responding to the ad, you will be put in contact with a licensed insurance agent offering Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [5] organizations which offer [22] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

The entire episode is a discussion of the process for selecting the best Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) for you. Master this skill without any annoying insurance agents pestering you. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)   Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

#BRN #Wellness #1852 | Millions of People on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Will See Savings | Leigh Purvis, AARP | #Tunein: broadcastretirementnetwork.com | #Independent. #GetTheFullStory. #JustTheFacts. #Everyday. #AllInOnePlace.

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. We'll break down what Part D covers, its benefits, and key factors to consider when selecting the right plan. Plus, we'll discuss upcoming changes in 2025 that could impact your coverage and how to navigate them. Join us for a clear and informative discussion, and learn how to sign up for our local events in La Pine, OR, to get personalized guidance. Don't miss out—tune in now!

In this episode of Insurance Talk, Cheri Martinen from Bancorp Insurance dives into the Medicare Annual Election Period, explaining the ins and outs of Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Learn how to navigate your Medicare options, avoid unexpected medical costs, and make informed decisions about your health coverage. Don't miss out on valuable tips for saving money and protecting your financial future during this critical enrollment period!

In the ever-evolving landscape of Medicare, brokers play a pivotal role in guiding their clients towards optimal healthcare solutions. Uncover the most critical insights into Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D), while learning about the integration of technology, personalized insurance solutions, and more in this exclusive podcast. The podcast covers: • Expert recommendations: Gain insider knowledge on how to select the best Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for your clients, with a focus on the needs of Medicare-eligible individuals • Digital mastery: Learn the ins and outs of Humana's user-friendly digital tools for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members, including how to engage clients who may be hesitant about technology • Personalization techniques: Uncover strategies for building personalized Medicare Prescription Drug Plan products that align with your clients' needs, complemented by Humana's suite of services Don't miss this highly informative podcast – hit play now.

The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show | www.Sharvette.com With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Vinara Mosby has honed her expertise to cater specifically to the evolving needs of Virginia's mature population since 2009. Her impressive track record includes enrolling over 600 individuals in various insurance plans, ranging from Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans to Medicare Supplemental, Life, and Individual Health insurance. Additionally, Vina Vinara is adept at navigating dental, vision, and hospital plans, ensuring comprehensive coverage for her clients. Beyond enrollment, she extends her assistance to guiding clients through 401k rollovers, demonstrating her commitment to their financial well-being. Vinara's dedication to client education and advocacy is evident in her passion for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their insurance needs. She believes in fostering lasting relationships built on trust and transparency, sharing invaluable information to ensure her clients receive the benefits they deserve. www.maxamus.insure www.Facebook.com/vinara.mosby Instagram: @vmobetta

Beginning in January 2024, many Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) plans will be offering a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to their members. The Foreign Service Benefit Plan will be among them. This program will result in savings for our members aged 65 and older. Join us for a detailed discussion of PDPs generally and the specifics of the FSBP PDP. Mark your calendars for two upcoming discussions of the FSBP PDP: October 31, at 12 noon ET - We will offer a live webinar with an overview of the PDP and a chance for you to ask your questions. November 30 at 11 am ET - Our monthly AFSPA Talks program will focus on the PDP and offer another opportunity for you to get answers about this program. You can learn more at www.afspa.org/fsbp/pdp. If you have questions about the benefits under the PDP, please contact the dedicated Express Scripts line at 855-690-8353, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on Medicare Part D premiums, please visit https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/monthly-premium-for-drug-plans. Please see the 2024 chart at the bottom of the page (based on 2022 income). 

Tune-in NOW to our live, fun, informative, and popular radio show! This will be a great show that you don't want to miss! Today's topic: "The Income Reduction Act and Prescription Drug Plans". We share important info with you about Health Insurance, Medicare, Life, Disability, Long Term Care, Accident, and other insurance solutions. Sure, we know that insurance is confusing and doesn't sound sexy, but we make our show fun, informative, and quite simply we provide, "Insurance Straight Talk" - No BS! Catch our show every Tuesday at 10am on WSTU1450 AM & WPSL1590 AM and FB Live @ Quality of LIFE Radio Show.

Tune-in NOW to our live, fun, informative, and popular radio show! This will be a great show that you don't want to miss! Today's topic: "The Income Reduction Act and Prescription Drug Plans". We share important info with you about Health Insurance, Medicare, Life, Disability, Long Term Care, Accident, and other insurance solutions. Sure, we know that insurance is confusing and doesn't sound sexy, but we make our show fun, informative, and quite simply we provide, "Insurance Straight Talk" - No BS! Catch our show every Tuesday at 10am on WSTU1450 AM & WPSL1590 AM and FB Live @ Quality of LIFE Radio Show.

  Eligibility doesn't mean ideal, help your clients find the coverage best suited for them. The ASG team gives you the breakdown of what makes someone an ideal client for Prescription Drug Plans. Read the text version   Follow Us on Social!   Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim Twitter, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Resources:   Four Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG391 Getting Started Selling Medicare Supplements: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG154 How to Help Clients Avoid Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG413 More People Working Past Age 65: What It Means for Agents Selling Medicare Plans: https://link.chtbl.com/ASG418 Sign Up for Your Free Medicareful Site: https://www.ritterim.com/agent-tools/medicareful/ The Survivor's AEP Checklist: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/the-survivors-aep-checklist/ The Complete Guide on How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans eBook: https://www.ritterim.com/pdp-ebook/   References:   A Record 3,834 Medicare Advantage Plans Will be Available in 2022, While the Numbers of Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Plans is Decreasing:

Matt Schulte, Principal of the Schulte Insurance Agency, chats about the agency's 47-year history of helping seniors navigate through the complex Medicare Annual Election period. Schulte addresses Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug Plans

If you use my drug plan selection process to pick the best plan for you, you will be able to amaza and mystify your friends by looking like a genius! Remember, the best plan for you is ALWAYS the one that costs least $$$ out of your pocket. You may change to a different plan each year. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)   Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2022; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com

The Insurance Dudes are on a mission to find the best insurance agentsaround the country to find out how they are creating some of the top agencies. But they do not stop there, they also bring professionals from other industries for insights that can help agents take their agencies to the next level. The Insurance Dudes focus on your agency's four pillars: Hiring, Training, Marketing and Motivation! We have to keep the sword sharp if we want our agencies to thrive. Insurance Dudes are leaders in their home, at their office and in their community. This podcast will keep you on track with like minded high performing agents while keeping entertained!About Jason and Craig:Both agents themselves, they both have scaled to around $10 million in premium.  After searching for years for a system to create predictability in their agencies, they developed the Telefunnel after their interviews with so many agents and business leaders.  Taking several years, tons of trial and error, and hundreds of thousands of dollars on lead spend, they've optimized their agencies and teams to write tons of premium, consistently, and nearly on autopilot!LEARN MORE BY Registering for TUESDAY's LIVE CALL With The Insurance Dudes!Bio of Tony Merwin:Tony Merwin is a proven agent, broker, product marketer and team builder in the Medicare space, an online influencer and educator, writer, public speaker, master of ceremonies and master networker. He began his adventure over 20 years ago when promoted as the #1 Team Builder within the DS-Max and Granton Marketing family of companies by building a close-knit team that produced more than double the average office.For the past 11 years Tony has served, and continues to serve, as Executive Marketing Director for Precision Senior Marketing (PSM), a National Marketing Organization serving independent agents, agencies and FMO's in the Medicare space. Through his passion for helping agents succeed along with his influence and experience, Tony has helped grow PSM into a powerhouse producing over $50 million in annual insurance premiums.As one of the nation's leading wholesale brokers in the fast-growing Medicare market, PSM provides its agents with only the market's best products that include Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Prescription Drug Plans, Final Expense Insurance, Annuities as well as ancillary health insurance products that provide security and a peace of mind for the nation's exploding senior population.With more than 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the market will continue to experience rapid change and growth, thus it is imperative, now more than ever, for an independent insurance agent to have a knowledgeable, valuable and influential support base in order to succeed. Tony Merwin and PSM would like to be that support base for you.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymerwin/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCp7t_nYiUjQqsI_rM-oG2Q/

The Insurance Dudes are on a mission to find the best insurance agentsaround the country to find out how they are creating some of the top agencies. But they do not stop there, they also bring professionals from other industries for insights that can help agents take their agencies to the next level. The Insurance Dudes focus on your agency's four pillars: Hiring, Training, Marketing and Motivation! We have to keep the sword sharp if we want our agencies to thrive. Insurance Dudes are leaders in their home, at their office and in their community. This podcast will keep you on track with like minded high performing agents while keeping entertained!About Jason and Craig:Both agents themselves, they both have scaled to around $10 million in premium.  After searching for years for a system to create predictability in their agencies, they developed the Telefunnel after their interviews with so many agents and business leaders.  Taking several years, tons of trial and error, and hundreds of thousands of dollars on lead spend, they've optimized their agencies and teams to write tons of premium, consistently, and nearly on autopilot!LEARN MORE BY Registering for TUESDAY's LIVE CALL With The Insurance Dudes!Bio of Tony Merwin:Tony Merwin is a proven agent, broker, product marketer and team builder in the Medicare space, an online influencer and educator, writer, public speaker, master of ceremonies and master networker. He began his adventure over 20 years ago when promoted as the #1 Team Builder within the DS-Max and Granton Marketing family of companies by building a close-knit team that produced more than double the average office.For the past 11 years Tony has served, and continues to serve, as Executive Marketing Director for Precision Senior Marketing (PSM), a National Marketing Organization serving independent agents, agencies and FMO's in the Medicare space. Through his passion for helping agents succeed along with his influence and experience, Tony has helped grow PSM into a powerhouse producing over $50 million in annual insurance premiums. As one of the nation's leading wholesale brokers in the fast-growing Medicare market, PSM provides its agents with only the market's best products that include Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Prescription Drug Plans, Final Expense Insurance, Annuities as well as ancillary health insurance products that provide security and a peace of mind for the nation's exploding senior population.With more than 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the market will continue to experience rapid change and growth, thus it is imperative, now more than ever, for an independent insurance agent to have a knowledgeable, valuable and influential support base in order to succeed. Tony Merwin and PSM would like to be that support base for you.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymerwin/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCp7t_nYiUjQqsI_rM-oG2Q/

What is the very best Part D prescription drug plan? It is the one that covers all of your drugs at all of your preferred pharmacies. That, sports fans, will always be the cheapest plan out of the 25 or so available in your location. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+ )   Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2022; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com

The Modern Medicare Agency (1-800-219-0453) understands how confusing prescription drug coverage can be for seniors, and aims to simplify every element. Find out more at: https://www.paulbinsurance.com/prescription-drug-plans.html (https://www.paulbinsurance.com/prescription-drug-plans.html)

It's Medicare Open Enrollment Season! Michelle Juhanson (aka Ms. Medicare) shares some tips for anyone aging into Medicare, enrolling in a new plan, or even staying with a current plan. Check out these resources discussed in the episode: Medicare Resources 2022 "Medicare & You Handbook Preview 2022 Health & Prescription Drug Plans

If we're going to retire, we want to seriously ROCK that retirement! But many of us have fears and worries when retirement begins to draw near. Such as... will there be enough money to do the things we want to do? Will our money outlast our years? What about budgeting health insurance such as Medicare Supplements and Prescription Drug Plans? Social Security! Thinking of all these things can definitely feel overwhelming. But to the rescue is today's guest who definitely brings peace of mind to this conversation and quells our fears with sensible approaches and answers that relieves fear and put us in the driver's seat! Meet Murs Tariq, a Certified Financial Planner™ and Partner at Peace of Mind Wealth Management. With over a decade of expertise in retirement planning, Murs is dedicated to helping clients pursue their ideal retirement. Murs Tariq knows all too well what people most commonly fear when planning for retirement. In this episode, he shares the top 3 things someone should do when they are ready to retire, how they can invest and not have to worry about a market crash, how to plan for the future -- without a crystal ball -- and even the pitfalls people should avoid regarding their retirement plan. In this power-packed hour, we cover a lot of ground, including Murs advice on how to vet your advisor to ensure he's not the next Bernie Madoff. As a co-author and co-host of the Secure Your Retirement show and book, Murs speaks on investing with risk management, income planning and tax planning for and during retirement. As a first generation American, Murs was brought up with a different perspective on the value of the dollar and the importance of proper budgeting, saving, and overall financial planning. It is this upbringing that led him to his Finance degree from North Carolina State University and eventually finding his passion in shaping the financial future of others. Passionate about his profession, Murs values education as an important component of working alongside his clients and encourages them to get very involved in the process of investing their money. He discusses investing on your own verses with a professional, and even shares his philosophies on investing. Listeners will love how he defines the difference between being rich and being wealthy! A must-listen, power-hour of enlightYOUment from beginning to end for everyone that appreciates the value of the money they earn, wonder if money makes their world go around, and is looking forward to one day retiring or is already to that point and ready to embark on their next many adventures that await!Secure your retirement is a ready, set, GO-FOR-IT-episode...that every Aging GreatFULLy listener will appreciate!To connect with Murs Tariq and his amazing team at Peace of Mind Wealth Management regarding any questions you may have on investing, financial advice, or retirement planning, purchase a copy of his Secure Your Retirement book, co-authored with POM Wealth Founder, Radon Stancil, CFP® or listen to their Secure Your Retirement podcast visit www.POMwealth.net. Thank you, amazing Aging Rebels, for tuning into the show from all over the world! It is you the amazing listener and awesome guests like today that make the show what it is! We appreciate every one of you! If you enjoy this episode or feel someone you know may benefit from it please share it with your friends and family and leave us a positive show review on your favorite platform. We love recognizing listeners on the show who do! We strive to be The Listener's Show! To connect, share, download, stream or find more ways to listen, including Audible, Amazon Music, Ask Alexa, visit us at www.CTRNetwork.com/holleykelley or www.HolleyKelley.com. Remember, YOU Rock and YOU Role Model!

  Just starting out in Medicare sales? Get three of our sales training eBooks FREE when you register with Ritter! You'll learn how to sell Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Prescription Drug Plans!   Register with Ritter and Claim Your Free eBooks!     Mastering Medicare Sales:   Are you just starting out in Medicare insurance sales? Become a Medicare sales champion with our eBook series! How? Simply register with Ritter and you'll get our FREE Mastering Medicare Sales eBook Trio. How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans How to Sell Medicare Supplements How to Sell Prescription Drug Plans Inside these three eBooks, there are hundreds of pages of info to help you get your footing! Our tips and tricks can help you succeed as an insurance agent selling Medicare. But that's not all! When you register with Ritter Insurance Marketing, you get complete access to our FMO's benefits. We're talking industry-leading CRM, quoting and enrollment tech, competitive contracts, regular training, annual Summits and so much more. Even better? Our friendly 200+ expert staff is here to help with all your insurance agent needs. And we can't wait to help you get started! So, what are you waiting for?! Claim your FREE eBooks now!   More episodes you'll like:   June 4, 2021 | The Friday Five The Friday Five for June 4, 2021: The Medicare Plan Finder reviewed, CMS and Medicaid value-based price agreements, Amazon pharmacy rumors, How Medicare works on vacation, and Twitter news and rumors. Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Great Insurance Agent? Searching for a new career? Get the details on becoming an insurance agent and learn why the industry could be your next career move! How to Check for Your First Looks Get your First Looks and get ready to succeed this AEP! In this episode, we talk carrier first looks, how to find them on the Ritter platform, and what you can do with the info you learn! Selling Medicare Products – Why It's Definitely Worth Your While Why sell Medicare insurance products? We outline the reasons to start a career as an independent insurance agent in the Medicare market. Listen now to learn more! The Pros and Cons of Selling Insurance Becoming an insurance agent is a big decision. If you're thinking about joining the insurance industry, this is the episode for you! We weigh the pros and cons of selling insurance, so you'll have a better idea of what you're getting yourself into before you take that leap. Ways to Get Medicare Leads How do insurance agents get Medicare leads? Find out in this episode of our ASG Podcast. We outline the best practices to help you stay compliant. What an FMO Can Do for Your Business Why work with an FMO? What is a Field Marketing Organization? Whether you're just starting out or on the fence about joining an FMO, this can't-miss episode has all the details!   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   All About Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccination There are many questions surrounding the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination. When can you get one? Where? Is it safe? We're giving you some answers and resources where you can find additional information! Dealing with Allergies Allergies are very common and can be a real drain on your quality of life. In worst cases, they can even be deadly. How can you go about life dealing with allergies? Stay Fit, Even When You're Stuck at Home If you want to get fitter, but the gym isn't an option, what are some equipment-free workouts or exercises that you can do at home?   The latest from Ritter's Blog:   2021 State of the Senior Market: In Review Craig Ritter, CEO of Ritter Insurance Marketing, recently gave his annual State of the Senior Market address to 412 agents, who attended from all across the U.S. Advertising Medicare Through Facebook In a world where social distancing has become the norm, we've all turned to social media to stay connected with others. Why not advertise Medicare on social media and grow your insurance business digitally? Prospecting for Clients for Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Sales If you're considering selling dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) plans, where would you find leads? You might be surprised to learn that your DVH prospects could already be in your Medicare book of business!   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Instagram Sarah's LinkedIn Sarah's Instagram  

  Get ready to improve your PDP selling strategy! We cover 7 best practices for insurance agents selling Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. These tips will help you save time and they're easy to implement.   Read the text version.   Mentioned in this episode:   2 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Missing Out On Discounted Drug Coverage 4 basic health insurance terms 96% of Americans don’t understand 4 Steps to Finding the Perfect PDP for Your Client 4 Tips for Making a Better Insurance Sales Pitch Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs How to Save Your Clients Money on Prescription Drugs Medicare’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Program Medicare.gov Official Site No Itch to Switch: Few Medicare Beneficiaries Switch Plans During the Open Enrollment Period Safe, Easy Medicare Enrollments Online! Learn more about Medicareful The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention The Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEP The Ritter Platform Launches New Drug Cost Estimator and Prefilled Applications To Switch or Not to Switch: Are Medicare Beneficiaries Switching Drug Plans to Save Money? Why are Part D Prescription Drug Plans So Different?   More episodes you’ll like:   How to Save Your Clients Money on Prescription Drugs Master the art of selling Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Use these tips the next time you're pitching PDP. Medicareful 2020 Year-in-Review: Here’s What We Accomplished What is Medicareful? How does it work? If you've been looking for a tool that combines online enrollment, client-facing plan quotes, drug cost estimates, a free CMS-compliant website, and more... don't miss this episode! We review updates to the Medicareful platform over the past year, and what our agents achieved while using it! Why are Part D Prescription Drug Plans So Different? Become an expert on Part D Prescription Plans! We break down what these plans include, tips on how to sell them, and more!   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   Internet Safety Tips for Seniors The internet can be an entertaining and informative place, but there's also a darker side to it. It's easy to fall prey to scams, identity theft, or bad information. Here are a few internet safety tips so you can protect yourself online. The Benefits of Healthy Proteins Proteins are an important part of any meal, but too much can be unhealthy for our hearts. Here's why proteins are so healthy for us and sources of lean protein to incorporate in your diet. The Coverage Rules for Medicare Part D Plans You've come to rely on your Medicare Part D plan to give you coverage for your prescription drugs, but there are rules that govern this coverage and its limits. What are they?   The latest from Ritter’s Blog:   Medicare Advantage Trial Rights Explained for Agents If you have a client who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but wants to go (back) to Original Medicare, they may qualify for a Medicare Advantage trial right! This would allow them to update their coverage outside of the Annual Enrollment Period. Ritter Continues Expansion, Acquires Ohio-Based Quick Insured Brokerage Ritter has announced its merger with Ohio-based Quick Insured Brokerage (QIB), an independent wholesale brokerage agency. Ritter and HTA Financial Services Merge Medicare Wholesale Businesses Ritter Insurance Marketing is excited to announce the merger of HTA Financial Services (HTA) and Ritter’s wholesale Medicare business.   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn  

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Chris Brown, Director of Business Development of RX Benefits, a national prescription drug optimizing firm, who shares the best ways to keep costs down in your RX plan. They discuss how to design your RX plan, implement the best cost containment provisions in your contracts and how utilization management and data analysis can help employers to understand and mitigate high cost prescriptions, opioid issues, and how to use rebates to lower your overall prescription drug benefits within your health plan. If you’re self-funded, learn how to design and manage your RX plan for the greatest cost savings.

This episode talks "dollars to donuts" about Part D plans or stand-alone prescription drug plans. Why you need a drug plan to avoid a penalty? How do you get one? Did you know the cheapest plan premium doesn't mean your medications will cost the lowest! Did you review your plan for 2021? Did it change on you?

Medicare Insurance expert Randy Schrupp reviews the benefits of having a Medicare Part D Drug Plan (as well as the drawbacks of not having one). Listening to this short conversation will provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Robert Shelly, PBM Consultant from LeafWing, who shares ways you can lower your health plan RX costs by finding the best PBM contracts, improving plan design and employee communications.

Hey Medicare Nation! You are getting ready for Thanksgiving and you haven't even looked at Prescription Drug Plans for 2019. Don't panic!  I have your back :) There are Prescription Drug Plan changes for 2019.  Listen to this episode to learn about the NEW changes and make a confident decision to enroll in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that fits your unique needs. Here is the link to the Medicare.gov website as an additional resoure: www.medicare.gov Have a question about Prescription Drug Plans for 2019? Ask me! If I can answer your question in ONE PARAGRAPH, I will! If I need to do "any" type of research or the answer to your question is longer than ONE paragraph, you may have to hire me as a consultant. I answer ALL emails personally. I'm the expert and I make sure you receive my expertise in answering your questions. Send your questions to - Support@TheMedicareNation.com   I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Diane

Learn how selling Medicare Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans will make you a more full-service Agent for your clients.

  Improve your PDP selling strategy. Our best practices help you save time and are easy to implement. Read the text version. Mentioned in this Episode: 4 basic health insurance terms 96% of Americans don't understandBuilding Client Loyalty: More than Just a PlanExtra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plans CostsHow SPAPs and Their SEPs Can Bring You New BusinessMedicare.govMedicare's Extra Help ProgramMedicare's Pharmaceutical Assistance ProgramTo Switch or Not to Switch: Are Medicare Beneficiaries Switching Drug Plans to Save Money?Why are Part D Prescription Drug Plans So Different? Related: 4 Ways to Keep Your Medicare Business Warm This WinterEvery 'Second' Counts: Why Sell Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke Insurance?How Medicare Helps Your Clients Stay Healthy Subscribe Here: Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsOvercastPodbeanSpotifyStitcher Connect With Us: FacebookTwitterYouTubeLinkedIn

  Become an expert on Part D Prescription Plans! We break down what these plans include, tips on how to sell them, and more! Read the text version. Mentioned in this Episode: 10 Essential Facts About Medicare and Prescription Drug Spending2018 Medicare Part D OutlookCDC: Health, United States, 2016Facts About Seniors and Senior CareIt Pays to Shop: Variations in Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare Part D Enrollees in 2016Retail Prescription Drugs Filled at Pharmacies (Annual per Capita by Age) Related: 7 Powerful Practices for Selling Prescription Drug PlansThe Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEPWhat Seniors Value Most in an MA Plan Subscribe Here: Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsOvercastPodbeanSpotifyStitcher Connect With Us: FacebookTwitterYouTubeLinkedIn

Hey Medicare Nation! It's Medicare Annual Enrollment Time! The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th through December 7th, each year. Many of you are looking at different Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans for 2018. Some of you are staying with the Medicare Advantage Plan you're already on. What many of you don't know.......is that the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added a Special Election Period for individuals affected by weather related disaster's since September. Anyone that resides in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina or the U.S. Virgin Islands, may qualify for this special election period, due to hurricane Irma. Anyone residing in Louisiana and Mississippi may qualify for the Special Election Period, due to Tropical Storm Nate. Residents of Texas may qualify due to Hurricane Harvey. To determine if you qualify for this special election period, CMS has deferred the locations affected by Weather Disaster's to FEMA. Go to the FEMA website - www.fema.gov/disasters and click on the weather related emergency, to see if your location was declared an emergency by FEMA. If your county or State has been declared an emergency due to the unique weather event, you will be granted an SEP by CMS, to change your Medicare Advantage Plan or stand alone Prescription Drug Plan.  In addition, the weather related special election period is available to..... those individuals who don't live in the affected areas but rely on help making healthcare decisions from friends or family members who live in the affected areas. Go to www.fema.gov and click on the link for the weather related disaster in your State, to see if you qualify for this special election period. You can call Medicare if you have questions regarding the "weather event" special election period. Call 800-633-4227. The "weather event" special election period runs till December 31, 2017.  

In this episode, you'll hear about how prescription drug costs work for Americans with Medicare and Medicaid and a bit about how someone might seek information about different health plans. We also discuss some about the current drug pricing complexities and hope to offer some solutions for consumers to be savvy. Guest, Ryan McCostlin, is a member of the Bernard Health team that specializes in helping individuals and employers find affordable insurance solutions.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Reviewing Medicare prescription drug plans.

Reviewing Medicare prescription drug plans.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Part D covers prescription drugs, and is provided by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare. You must have Medicare Part A or Part B to join a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan. For more information on Medicare Part D & what it entails, download our New to Medicare Guide: https://www.trustedseniorspecialists.com/updated-2017-new-to-medicare For immediate Medicare questions or concerns, feel free to give our licensed agents a call at 1-855-474-6234 TTY 711 or set up an appointment https://www.trustedseniorspecialists.com/schedule-your-appointment

Hey Medicare Nation! I'm so happy to be here and tell you the latest, regarding Cigna-HealthSpring (Cigna) Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). In January of 2016, CMS suspended Cigna from enrolling NEW Medicare Beneficiaries into their Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans. The following States were affected by the suspension: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennesse. ON June 16, 2017, CMS released the suspension of marketing and enrollment sanctions on Cigna.....with a big BUT. On March 17, 2017, CMS received an attestation from Cigna, stating Cigna had corrected all  the violations that were listed in the CMS sanction notice. Quoted from the letter CMS sent to Cigna interim CEO & COO Mr. Shawn Moore - "CMS required Cigna to hire an independent auditor to conduct a validation audit provide CMS with the results of the audit. CMS used the information in the audit report to determine whether Cigna corrected the deficiencies that formed the basis for the sanction." Based on the results of the audit report, CMS determined that......"Cigna's deficiencies have been sufficiently corrected." Therefore, effective June 16, 2017, CMS is lifting the intermediate sanctions for Cigna's contracts and Cigna will return to normal marketing and enrollment status." Further down in the CMS document, on page 2, paragraph 1, line 3, it states...."In addition, during the independent validation audit, several findings were indentified, none of which prevent CMS from releasing Cigna from sanctions, but some of which merit additional monitoring and reporting. .......For up to one year, CMS will also conduct targeted monitoring in certain areas to ensure that Cigna continues to improve its operations.  What does that mean if you are currently a Medicare beneficiary on a Cigna-HealthSpring MAPD or PDP Plan? First of all, you are completely covered. Your benefits are intact and current. What you need to do now is become more "diligent" in reviewing your "explanation of benefits" (EOB) statement. Your EOB statement will contain information regarding prescription drugs, medical visits, diagnostics etc.  You should be ensuring the prescriptions listed on your EOB are the ones you received and that each doctor, diagnostic tests & procedures, hospitalizations etc. were actually done! Mistakes happen more than you know. Human errors and computer errors happen frequently. When you look at your EOB Statement every month you help eliminate these errors.  It is soooo important to review your EOB statement each month. If you find an error on your EOB statement, you have several options to rectify it. #1. Call Cigna Customer Support (800-668-3813)        Explain to customer support the "discrepency" you          found on your EOB statement. That may easily              correct the issue you found.  #2. Call your Medicare Consultant, Medicare                  Advisor or Agent.        Your Medicare Agent, who "sold" you this             policy, should be available to assist you with questions  or issues with your Cigna plan. #3. Contact Senior Medicare Patrol        Go to the Senior Medicare Patrol website to look up resources in your area.         Senior Medicare Patrol #4.  Contact your State Dept. of Aging          Every State has a Department of Aging or Department of Elder Affairs, which will assist you with many types of issues.          The "Healthy Aging" website has a list of each State's contact information for their Department of Aging or Elder Affairs.            Here's the link:           Healthy Aging List of State Agencies #5.   Contact Medicare          As a last resort, call Medicare directly. Government "downsizing" has caused delays in telephone correspondence, but it is still a reliable source.          Expect to be on hold from ten minutes to an hour, depending on the day and season.   Expect to see Cigna hit the airwaves and your mailboxes with advertisements regarding their Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans. If you are not sure if you should remain on a Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan for 2018 and you have no one to speak to for assistance, call me! I am available for consulting and I do so on an hourly basis. I charge $150.00 an hour and I assure you, I am very honest in my time. If you have an interest in contacting me for consulting, send me an email to: Support@TheMedicareNation.com You can also visit my website for more information. www.CallSamm.com   I thank each of you for listening to Medicare Nation and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions you have regarding Medicare.   Until next time, have a happy, peaceful and prosperous week! Diane              

How to Find a New Prescription Drug Plan Welcome Medicare Nation! Many clients have been contacting me the last several weeks to tell me their Medicare plan has dropped one or several of their prescription drugs from the plan’s formulary. MAPD plans and Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) may change their formularies during the calendar year. Two examples of when they can do this, is if a prescription drug is found to be unsafe by the FDA. If a prescription drug may cause serious injury or death, they will remove the drug from the market. All Medicare plans would be forced to remove that drug from their formulary. Another reason a drug may be removed or added is when a generic of the brand drug comes out. This year Crestor, a brand drug for high cholesterol, became generic. With generic drugs available, the cost of the drug to the Medicare plan goes down. The plan adds the generic to their formulary and either keeps Crestor in addition to the generic, or removes Crestor from the formulary and keeps the generic versions. If you are on a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD), you are locked in the plan, until the open enrollment period which begins on October 15th this year, or you have a special enrollment period. You can go to www.Medicare.gov to look up special election periods, or you can listen to episode #36 published on April 15, 2016. Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plans and MAPD plans, which have prescription drugs included, will be announcing their 2017 plans and formularies by October 1, 2016. Several Medicare Advantage Plans or Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plans may be available in your area. How do you compare plans to find the right one for you or your loved one? Use the official Medicare Website Plan Finder’s database. Go to www.Medicare.gov You’ll see a Dark Blue Bar under Medicare.gov Hover your cursor over the tab that reads “Drug Coverage.” Click on the last item in the column labeled “Find Health & Drug Plans.” Add your zip code & click on “Find Plans.” Check the box that pertains to you. Original Medicare? Health Plan (MAPD)? Check the box that pertains to you in regards to assistance. Do you receive extra help? I Don’t Know? Click “Continue.” Now enter your drugs. All of them. When you enter a brand drug, a box will come up asking you if you’d prefer to check the “generic.” If you take the brand, keep the brand drug. If you use the generic – choose the generic. If you don’t know…..choose the generic for now. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor later. Select “My Drug List is Complete.” You’ll see on the right side a grayish box that has a Prescription ID# Copy that number and the Password Date. You will be able to come back and edit the drug list in the future, without having to add all the previous drugs again. What a timesaver! Now select a pharmacy you use. Then select “Continue to plan results” On this page, you’ll see a summary of your search. Select the box that pertains to your plan.    Either Prescription Drug Plan with Original Medicare or    Health Plan with Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD).       All the drug plans in your geographical area available to you will be displayed.       Now you can look at each plan to determine which plans have all your prescription drugs and which ones do not.       You can enroll directly from the Medicare.gov portal, call Medicare directly or call your insurance agent or better yet – your Medicare Advisor.       You have several options.       With your Prescription ID# and the Password Date,  you will be able to come back at a later date and edit your list.       Start getting your list together, so it will be easier for you to check out 2017 plans!  Here's the link to read the guidelines your Primary Doctor uses in prescribing you scheduled drugs. www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prescribing/guideline Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it! I may answer one of your questions on the air! email me: support@themedicarenation.com        Go to the Contact page and send me an email or “click” on the “Speak” button and talk to me! No other equipment is needed! Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)     Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website! www.CallSamm.com    

Ron Siegel of Anaheim Hills CA, Robert Mott of La Quinta CA and Rosalie Puleo of Newport Beach CA discuss current events, financial markets, politics, and even poking fun at the rest of the media in a live radio broadcast from Anaheim CA. Ron, Robert and Rosalie will discuss: What is Picpoul de Pinet; Why is cologne / perfume detrimental to Wine Tasting; The Difference Between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements; Should Medicare beneficiaries be concerned about state health care exchanges; What do we need to know about Prescription Drug Plans; Tips for Selling an Unusual Home; A New Challenge for Veterans who Want to Buy a Home; Why Retirement Ain't what It Used to Be; Mortgage Minute; Your Credit Matters; Real Time Real Estate; Word on Wealth; and so much more. Ron Siegel, consumer advocate and mortgage lender, discusses anything that affects the roof over your head, your bank account or other items that will benefit you / your family. Reach Ron at                   800.306.1990 Ron@RonSiegelRadio.comwww.RonSiegelRadio.comwww.SiegelLendingTeam.comTwitter: @RonSiegelwww.Facebook.com/RonSiegelRadio         

For this episode, I read the entire Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The following is a resource for finding information within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. My goal was to highlight the portions of the bill that will most directly affect our lives and put them into plain, understandable English. I'd also like for you to be able to find the text that makes these rules within the bill. The easiest way to search within a bill is by section number. You'll have to read a bit to find exactly what you're looking for, but this outline will tell you which section you can find the different provisions in. Anything "in quotes" is exact text from the bill. There are two versions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) you can read. This version is 906 pages. This version is 2,409 pages (the margins and the font are bigger). If you are going to attempt to read the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, you must know that Title X amends the first nine titles and The Reconciliation Act amended the whole bill. This means that the law is often not what the text says. Here is a section by section summary of the changes made by Title 10 and the Reconciliation Act. This document was provided to the United States Senate for clarification. TITLE I: "QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS Subtitle A: "Immediate Improvements in Health Care Coverage for All Americans" Section 1001: Rules on health insurance minimums that became effective immediately Insurance company can't drop you when you get sick, unless you committed fraud Health insurance plans have to provide - at no extra charge: All of the preventatives services on this list Immunizations Preventative care screenings for kids Kids can stay on their parent's insurance plans until their 26th birthday Insurance companies must cover at least 60% of medical payments The health insurance companies need to provide customers with a summary of benefits, which can only be 4 pages long with a minimum of 12-pt font and must include limitations, co-payments, deductibles, and percentage of medical costs covered by the insurance company. If they fail to provide the summary, the health insurer has to pay $1,000 for each customer who didn't receive it Employers are not allowed to only offer coverage to their high-paid employees Section 1001 as changed by amendment (See Section 10101): No lifetime limits or "unreasonable annual limits" on the value of benefits for any customer They can place limits on things that are not essential health benefits Gun ownership health dangers must be ignored: Prevention programs can not collect information related to the presence of guns or ammunition in someone's home Premium rates can not be affected by the presence of a gun in someone's home Medical Loss Ratio Health insurance companies covering large groups must spend 85% of your premiums on you, or they have to issue a rebate check. Health insurance companies covering people in the individual market or small groups through exchanges have to spend 80% of your premiums on you or issue a rebate check. Hospitals must publish a list of standard charges for their services. Health insurance companies have to let you go to any primary care doctor that you choose and who can accept you The insurance company must have an appeals process for customers and must continue coverage while claims are in appeals If you get treatment in an out-of-network emergency room, your health insurance has to pay for those services. Health insurance companies can't require prior approval for emergency services. Health insurance companies can not require advance approval to go to get gynecological services. Section 1003: Premium Increase Reviews The Federal government and the States will review annual premium increases. States can recommend that a health insurance company be excluded from the exchange for unjustified premium increases. Subtitle B: "Immediate Actions to Preserve and Expand Coverage" Section 1101: Creates the "high risk health insurance pool program" to cover people with pre-existing conditions until January 1, 2014 Could only be run by non-profit private insurers or States Insurer had to cover at least 65% of customer's medical costs Could vary premiums based on age no more than a 4:1 ratio Only open to United States citizens or lawful residents who had no health insurance for the 6 months prior to enrollment Provided $5 billion (this money ran out & the government stopped accepting new applicants on February 15, 2013 - the House Republicans would have added money only if the Public Health fund were defunded, as explained in episode CD026) High risk pool ends on January 1, 2014 and customers will then buy their insurance on the exchanges, when health insurers will not be allowed to deny them coverage anymore Section 1102: Reimbursement for employers who give health coverage to "early retirees" Employers who provide health insurance to people over 55 years old but under 65 (when Medicare kicks in) will be reimbursed for a portion of that expense. Payments will be 80% of the amount over $15,000 up to $90,000. Payments must be used for health care expenses & can not be used as general revenue or count as income. Provided $5 billion for this program Program ends on January 1, 2014, when everyone can buy insurance on the exchanges Section 1104: Orders the Secretary of Health & Human Services to develop "uniform standards" for health information electronic data entry The rules will be for communication between hospitals/doctors and the health insurance companies. Allows for the creation of "machine readable identification cards" Penalty fee will be assessed beginning on April 1, 2014 for health insurance companies that don't comply Fee is $1 per customer covered until they've completed the electronic information requirements. The fee is imposed for each day the plan is not in compliance. The fee is increased annually and capped at $20 per customer or $40 per customer if the insurance company purposely provides false or incomplete information. Penalty fees are paid to the Treasury Department and are due November 1 of each year starting in 2014. Subtitle C: "Quality Health Insurance Coverage for All Americans" Section 1201: Health Insurance Market Reforms Health insurance companies can not exclude someone for having a pre-existing condition This law became effective for children starting six months after the Affordable Care Act was signed Premium rates are allowed to vary based on the following factors only: The number of people covered by the plan (individual or family) Location Age, but the rate can not vary more than a 3:1 ratio for adults Tobacco use, but the rate can not vary more than a 1.5:1 ratio Health insurance companies must accept every employer or individual customer who applies for coverage during their open enrollment periods. Health insurance companies can not deny a customer coverage due to health status, mental or physical illnesses, history of claims, medical history, genetic information, domestic violence history, disability, or any other health-related factor. Health insurance companies also have to renew your insurance policy Health insurance companies can offer rebates or premium discounts as a reward to customers' participation in wellness programs including: Reimbursement for fitness center memberships A disease testing program that does not base the reward on outcomes Waiving co-payments or deductibles for preventative care visits (prenatal care & well-baby visits) Reimbursement for programs that help people quit smoking, regardless of whether or not they can actually quit A reward for attending health education seminars Waiting periods can not be longer than 90 days This does not apply to the individual market  (added by Section 10103) Section 1201 as changed by amendment (See Section 10103) Health insurance companies can't deny coverage for approved clinical trials for treatment of cancer or another life-threatening disease. Section 1251: Grandfathered health care plans Nothing in the Affordable Care Act forces an individual to cancel the coverage they currently have. Grandfathered plans are exempt from the provisions of Subtitle A and Subtitle C, except for the provisions specifically listed below. New employees and their families can be enrolled in health plans that existed before the Affordable Care Act was enacted. Section 1251 as changed by amendment (See Section 10103) Grandfathered plans must provide the easily understood summary of benefits from Section 1001 to their customers. Grandfathered plans must issue rebate checks under the Medical Loss Ratio just like new plans Health insurance companies covering large groups must spend 85% of your premiums on you, or they have to issue a rebate check. Health insurance companies covering people in the individual market or small groups through exchanges have to spend 80% of your premiums on you or issue a rebate check. Section 1251 as changed by the Reconciliation Act (See Public Law 111-152) Grandfathered plans are prohibited from enforcing waiting periods over 30 days. Grandfathered plans are prohibited from enforcing lifetime or annual limits to coverage (group plans only). Grandfathered plans can not drop you when you get sick. Grandfathered plans will also have to cover children until their 26th birthday. Grandfathered plans can not refuse an employee with pre-existing conditions. Subtitle D: "Available Coverage Choices for All Americans" Section 1302: Essential Health Benefits Requirements Essential health benefits to be included in all "qualified health plans": Ambulances Emergency room services Hospitalizations Maternity and newborn care Mental health Substance abuse treatment Behavioral health treatment Prescription drugs Rehabilitation services and devices Laboratory services Preventative care Chronic disease management Pediatric care, including dental and vision Health insurance companies are allowed to cover more than these minimums Coverage for emergency services  can not require prior authorization Health insurance companies can't limit coverage because the ambulance took you to an out-of-network emergency room Out of pocket expense caps In 2014, an individual can not be charged more than $5,000/year for out-of-pocket expenses (not including premiums); after that, it can be increased by the same percentage as premium increases. Deductibles for employer-paid plans are capped at $2,000/year for individuals or $4,000/year for family plans. After 2014, these numbers can be increased by the same percentage as premium increases. Out-of-pocket caps do not include amounts for non-network providers or non-covered services Levels of Coverage Bronze: Covers 60% of medical costs Silver: Covers 70% of medical costs Gold: Covers 80% of medical costs Platinum: Covers 90% of medical costs Catastrophic Coverage available only on the individual market Plan provides no benefits until the person has spent the $5,000/year out-of-pocket limit (or whatever the limit is for that year, adjusted for inflation) Available only to people under 30 years old Available only if a monthly premium would exceed 8% of that person's income Section 1303 as changed by amendment (See Section 10104): Abortion Rules States can prohibit abortions from being offered by health insurance plans offered through the exchange. States must pass a law to do this. Health insurance plans do not need to include abortions. No Federal funds can be used to pay for abortions. No hospital or doctor's office can be discriminated against by insurance companies for not providing abortions. Section 1311: Health Insurance Exchanges States will be given Federal grants to set up their own health insurance exchanges, which are websites where people will compare and purchase their insurance plans. Grants will stop being awarded on January 1, 2015. Exchanges will include an "enrollee" satisfaction system for plans covering more than 500 people. Secretary must determine yearly open enrollment periods Stand-alone dental plans will be allowed on the exchanges. States are allowed to require more benefits than the Federal government requires, but must make up cost to individuals for extra costs if they're eligible for a tax credit. By 2015, exchanges must be self-sustaining and can charge user fees. Exchanges have to publish all payments required by the Exchange & the administrative costs. Interstate and regional exchanges are allowed. Creates "navigator" positions They will inform the public on the health plans, help people enroll, and help people understand their tax credits. Navigators are not allowed be employees of the health insurance industry Section 1311 as changed by amendments (See Section 10104) Health insurance companies need to publicly disclose - in plain language - information on claims payment policies, enrollment, denials, out-of-network charges, and customer rights. Section 1312: Health Insurance Eligibility & Members of Congress All customers in with a company's individual plan will be considered part of a one risk pool. All customers enrolled as employees of small businesses will be considered part of one risk pool. The individual and small business pools may be merged if the State determines it appropriate. Starting in 2017, States can permit large employers (over 101 employees) to offer insurance through the Exchange. Health insurance companies can offer insurance outside of the Exchanges. Only United States citizens and lawfully present foreigners will be allowed to purchase health insurance on the Exchange. Prisoners will not be eligible to buy insurance on Exchanges while they're still incarcerated The Federal Government can only offer health plans to members of Congress that are offered through an Exchange. Section 1312 as changed by amendment (See Section 10104) Agents and brokers are allowed to enroll employers and individuals in health insurance plans and help them apply for tax credits and out-of-pocket reductions. Section 1321: States Must Create Exchanges or Federal Government Will Do It For Them Department of Health and Human Services will provide an exchange for a State if the State will not have it's own operational by January 1, 2014. Section 1322: Grants for Creation of Non-Profit, Member-Run Health Insurance Companies The goal is to have at least one non-profit, member-run health insurance company in each State offer insurance on the individual and small business exchanges. If a State doesn't have a non-profit, member-run option, they will be loaned money to create one or to have one from elsewhere expand into their State. The loan must be repaid within 15 years (added by Section 10104) The non-profit, member-run health insurance companies are not allowed to use Federal funds for marketing. A health insurance company will not count as a non-profit, member-run insurance company unless "any profits made by the organization are required to be used to lower premiums, to improve benefits, or for other programs intended to improve the quality of health care delivered to its members." Non-profit, member-run health insurance companies will be tax exempt. Section 1323: Optional State Public Option (Killed by amendment: See Section 10104) States are allowed to offer a public option, labeled "community health insurance", but they are not required to. Section 1331: States Can Buy Insurance for Low-Income People Who Don't Qualify for Medicaid or Medicare To qualify for this program, if offered by your State: Must be a resident of the offering State Must be under 65 years old Your income needs to be between 133%-200% of the poverty level Section 1332: Waiver for States That Develop A Better System States that develop a system that covers as much and costs the same or less than the Federal system can apply for a waiver. If granted, they can enact their own system. The new system could begin on January 1, 2017. Section 1333: Allows Health Insurance Plans to Be Sold To Multiple States Health insurance companies would have to be licensed in all the States where its plans are sold. Health insurance companies would have to "clearly notify consumers that the policy may not be subject to all the laws and regulations of the State in which the purchaser resides." Plans sold in multiple states - "health care choice compacts"- can begin on January 1, 2016. Section 1334 as added by amendment (See Section 10104): National Health Insurance Plans The Director of the Office of Personnel Management will contract with at least two insurance companies to offer insurance to the individual and small group markets in every state. At least one of these companies must be non-profit. Plans need to be licensed in each State where they offer coverage. States can require health insurance companies to offer additional benefits but must pay the additional cost. The multi-state insurance plans will be nationwide within four years. Section 1341: Insurance Companies Will Have Insurance for "High-Risk" Customers for First 3 Years Subtitle E: "Affordable Coverage Choices for All Americans" Section 1401 as amended by Section 1001 of the Reconciliation Act: Tax Credits Taxpayers Making Between 100% - 400% of the Poverty Level Get Tax Credits To Pay for Premiums The tax credit is for the amount the health insurance plan exceeds a percentage of a person's income, based on the poverty level. The premium used for calculation is the second-lowest silver plan in the individual market where the taxpayer lives. Section 1402: Out-of-Pocket Limits Reduced Only applies to people who have purchased Silver Level coverage on an Exchange The standard out-of-pocket limits ($5,950 for individuals and $11,900 for families) would be reduced for people making under 400% of the poverty level. Reduction Levels: People making 100%-200% of the poverty level will have their limit reduced by 2/3. People making 201%-300% of the poverty level will have their limit reduced by 1/2. People making 301%-400% of the poverty level will have their limit reduced by 1/3. No health insurance company will ever pay more than 94% of medical costs (increased by Section 1001 of the Reconciliation Act). The Federal Government will pay the health insurance companies for the amount they reduce out-of-pocket limits Illegal immigrants are not eligible. *Tax Credit / Premium Calculator Section 1411: How Government Will Determine Eligibility & Grant Individual Exemptions People or employers who disregard regulations and provide false information are subject to a $25,000 fine. People or employers who purposefully provide false information are subject to a $250,000 fine. No property can be taken away if the person or company doesn't pay the penalty. Section 1412: Advance Payment of Tax Credits and Out-of-Pocket Reductions Premium tax credits can be claimed in advance to help pay for premiums. Section 1415: Premium Tax Credits Don't Count As Income Section 1421 as changed by amendment (See Section 10105): Small Business Tax Credit Eligible employers must: Have fewer than 25 employees and Pay average annual wages of less than $50,000/year. Pay at least 50% of total premiums. Eligible employers who purchase coverage through the State exchange can get a tax credit of up to 50% of their health insurance costs. Tax-exempt eligible employers can get a tax credit of up to 35% of their health insurance costs. Subtitle F: "Shared Responsibility for Health Care" Section 1501 as changed by amendment (See Section 10106): The Individual Mandate Individuals must ensure that they and their dependents have health coverage every month starting in 2014. If individuals fail to get themselves and their dependents covered, they will pay a penalty for each month they and their dependents were uncovered. (see Section 1002 of the Reconciliation Act) The penalty in 2014 will be $95 or 1% of income, whichever is higher The penalty in 2015 will be $325 or 2% of income, whichever is higher The penalty in 2016 and after will be $695 or 2.5% of income, whichever is higher. Penalties are capped at the cost of the national average for a bronze plan premium. Exemptions are allowed: For people in an exempt religious sect For members of a health care sharing ministry For Native Americans For people below 100% of the poverty level who can't afford available health insurance options People who have a coverage gap of less than three months (if the gap goes longer than three months, they get no exemption for any of that time) People who have proven to the Department of Health and Human Services that they have an extraordinary hardship. You can not be criminally prosecuted, thrown in jail, or have your property taken away if you fail to pay the penalty. Section 1502: Health Insurance Companies Will Report Your Coverage Status to the Government Every year, the Treasury Department will send notices to people who didn't get coverage telling them what is available to them on their State's exchange. Section 1503: Automatic Enrollment for Workers with Large Employers Companies with over 200 employees will automatically enroll their new full-time employees in one of the health plans they offer. Employees are allowed to opt out of their employer provided coverage. Section 1512: Workers Must Be Informed of Better Options If a company's health insurance plan doesn't cover at least 60% of medical expenses, the worker might be eligible for premium tax credits and out-of-pocket limit reductions. Companies need to inform their workers about the exchanges and provide a description of the exchange's services. Section 1513 as amended by Section 1003 the Reconciliation Act: Employers With Over 50 Employees Starting January 1, 2014, they must offer their employees health insurance. If one or more of their employees received tax credits or an out-of-pocket limit reduction on the exchange, the employer will be fined $2,000 per full-time employee. They will not have to pay the penalty for the first 30 full-time employees. If the employer offers health insurance but the employee claims tax credits and/or out-of-pocket limit reductions on the exchange, the employer will be charged either $3,000 per employee receiving tax credits or $2,000 per full-time employee minus the first 30 employees, whichever is less. Employers can not have waiting periods for health coverage of over 60 days. (Eliminated by the Reconciliation Act) Fines are not tax deductible. Seasonal workers - that work less than 120 days per year -do not count as full-time employees. Section 1514: Large Employers Must Report Your Coverage Status to Government Section 1553: No One Can Discriminate Against Anyone Else For Not Providing Doctor Assisted Suicide Section 1558: Protection For Employees Employers may not fire or discriminate against any worker who reports, testifies, or helps the government prosecute an employer that has violated the Affordable Care Act. Section 1560: Hawaii Can Keep Its Health Care System Section 1563: CBO Estimates The Affordable Care Act Will Reduce Budget Deficits TITLE II: "ROLE OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS" Subtitle A: Improved Access to Medicaid Section 2001 as amended by Section 10201: Medicaid for Poor People Starting in 2014, anyone making under 133% of the Federal Poverty Level will be eligible for Medicaid's health benefits. Medicaid's health benefits will include the essential benefits required of all health insurance plans on exchanges, prescription drugs, and mental health services. The Federal Government will pay States for the new Medicaid expenses at the following rates (changed by Section 1201 of the Reconciliation Act): 100% for 2014-2016 95% for 2017 93% for 2019 90% for ever *The June 28, 2012 Supreme Court ruling effectively made the Medicaid expansion optional for the States. The result is that unfortunate souls making under 133% of the Federal Poverty Level and living in States that have turned down the Federal Government money will not have health care coverage. Via: The Advisory Board Company Section 2004 as amended by Section 10201: Medicaid for Foster Children Beginning in 2014, States must cover former foster children in their Medicaid programs Subtitle B: "Enhanced Support For the Children's Health Insurance Program" Section 2101: Federal Financing of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Federal Government will increase its contribution to States' CHIP programs by 23%, funding up to 100%. Subtitle C: "Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Simplification" Section 2201: Electronic Enrollment By January 1, 2014, States must create websites that allow individuals to apply and enroll in Medicaid and CHIP States that fail to create the website will lose their Federal Medicaid money. Section 2202: Hospital Enrollment in Medicaid Allows hospitals to determine whether a person qualifies for Medicaid based on preliminary information in order to provide them with medical assistance. Subtitle D: "Improvements to Medicaid Services" Section 2301: Free-Standing Birth Centers Requires Medicaid cover services from free-standing birth centers. Section 2303: Family Planning Services States can, but don't have to, provide family planning services as part of Medicaid. Subtitle E: "New Options for States to Provide Long-Term Services and Supports" Section 2401: At Home Services Option Allows States to cover at home services - the kind that would usually be offered in an institution - to people under 150% of the poverty level. Subtitle F: "Medicaid Prescription Drug Coverage" Section 2501: Prescription Drug Rebates Increases rebates for prescription drugs up to 100% of the cost of the drug. Section 2502: Additional Drugs Covered Drugs to help quit smoking, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines will be covered by Medicaid starting on January 1, 2014. Subtitle G: "Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments" Section 2551: Payment Reductions Reduces Federal payments to certain hospitals. Subtitle H: "Improved Coordination for Dual Eligible Beneficiaries" Section 2602: Medicaid and Medicare Coordination Creates a Federal Coordinated Health Care Office to coordinate the benefits of individuals who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. Subtitle I: "Improving the Quality of Medicaid for Patients and Providers" Section 2703: Care for Medicaid Patients with Chronic Conditions Gives States the option to create teams of health professionals to manage care for Medicaid patients with chronic conditions. Chronic conditions include: Mental health disorders Substance abuse issues Asthma Diabetes Heart Disease Obesity Subtitle K: "Protections for American Indians and Alaska Natives" Section 2901: No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Certain Indians Indians at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level will not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for insurance they get through a state exchange TITLE III: IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF HEALTH CARE Subtitle A: "Transforming the Health Care Delivery System" Section 3001: Links Hospital Payments to Performance Starting in 2013, a percentage of hospital payments will be tied to performance in treating common high-cost conditions (cardiac issues, surgeries, pneumonia, etc.) Section 3007: New System for Physician Payments Secretary of Health and Human Services must create a new budget-neutral payment system that will adjust Medicare payments to physicians based on the quality of care they deliver. New system will be phased in over two years beginning in 2015. Section 3008: Penalties for Poor Performance Hospitals in the top 25th percentile for rates of diseases caught inside the hospital will have a payment penalty through Medicare. Section 3011: National Strategy Secretary of Health and Human Services has to establish our national strategy to improve health care delivery and overall population health. Section 3025: Readmissions Reduction Ties Medicare payments to hospitals with the hospitals percentage of potentially preventable readmissions to the hospital. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will make readmission rates for certain conditions at every hospital available to the public. Subtitle B: "Improving Medicare for Patients and Providers" Section 3112: Eliminates "Medicare Improvement Fund" Saves over $22 billion Rest of Subtitle creates new systems and changes the way Medicare charges paid for by the government. Subtitle C: "Provisions Related to Part C" Section 3201: Limited Medicare Advantage Payments (Killed by Section 1102 of the Reconciliation Act) Section 3202: Prevents Private Medicare Advantage Plans from Overcharging Prohibits private Medicare Advantage plans from charging more for basic Medicare services than actual Medicare charges. Medicare Advantage plans that offer extra benefits must prioritize reductions in out-of-pocket expenses and preventative care over their extra goodies. Section 3204: Seniors Can Return to Actual Medicare Seniors will be allowed to unenroll in their Medicare Advantage plans and return to real Medicare from January 1-March 15 of every year. Section 3209: Medicare Advantage Plan Denial Allowed Secretary of Health and Human Services now has the authority to prohibit Medicare Advantage plans that significantly increase cost to customers or decrease benefits offered to seniors. Subtitle D: "Medicare Part D Improvements for Prescription Drug Plans and MA-PD Plans" Section 3301: Donut Hole Discount Program Medicare Part D private insurance plans pay 75% of drug costs up until $2,970 is spent and then start paying 95% once the senior has spent $4,750. Between $2,960 and $4,750, the insurance company pays nothing. This window is known as the "coverage gap" or "donut hole". This section requires drug manufacturers provide a 50% discount for brand name drugs for seniors while paying out-of-pocket for drugs in the coverage gap. Even though they only pay 50% of cost, the full price of the drug will count as paid so that they get out of the coverage gap sooner. The Secretary of Health and Human Services was put in charge of implementation. Section 1101 of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act Provides a $250 rebate to seniors who enter the "coverage gap""donut hole". Closes the Medicare Part D "coverage gap" "donut hole" by 2020. Section 3308: Reduces Medicare Subsidy for High-Income Seniors Section 3311: Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D Complaint System Secretary of Health and Human Services will create a system so that seniors can submit complaints about the private Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug plans Subtitle E: "Ensuring Medicare Sustainablity" Section 3401: Changes Payment Structures for Medicare Payments Section 3402: Freezes Premiums for High Income Seniors at 2010 Levels until 2019 Section 3403: Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) Creates a 15 member board to propose ways to reduce the growth of Medicare spending. The board's recommendations will not go into effect during years that the Medicare growth rate is under control. The board will make non-binding recommendations during years when the Medicare growth rate is under control (added by Section 10320). The board is not allowed to propose anything that rations care, raises taxes, raises premiums for actual Medicare, increases out-of-pocket expenses for seniors, or reduces benefits. The board's suggestions will take effect unless Congress enacts alternative legislation that achieves the same level of  savings. Subtitle F: "Health Care Quality Improvements" Provides funding for a variety of programs. Subtitle G: "Protecting and Improving Guaranteed Medicare Benefits" Section 3601: Nothing in This Law Can Cut Medicare Benefits Section 3602: Nothing in This Law Can Cut Medicare Advantage Benefits TITLE IV: PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH Subtitle A: "Modernizing Disease Prevention and Public Health Systems" Section 4002: Prevention and Public Health Fund Will provide $2 billion a year (starting in 2015) for public health programs that include research, health screenings, and immunizations. Subtitle B: "Increasing Access to Clinical Preventative Services" Section 4103: Free Wellness Plan for Medicare Seniors Seniors will get a physical their first year on Medicare and risk assessments every year following without having to pay a co-pay or deductible. Section 4107: Help to Quit Smoking for Pregnant Women on Medicaid States must provide counseling and products to help pregnant woman on Medicaid quit smoking with no out-of-pocket costs. Subtitle C: "Creating Healthier Communities" Section 4205: Nutrition Labeling at Chain Restaurants Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations have to provide the number of calories (or a calorie range for combo meals) on menus, boards, and drive-thru boards. Upon request by a customer, they must be able to provide calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein. Section 4207: Break Time for Nursing Mothers Employers must allow nursing mothers break time to milk themselves. The employers do not have to pay the mothers for that time. Employers with under 50 employees are exempt. Subtitle D: "Support for Prevention and Public Health Innovation" Funds research and other programs. TITLE V: HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE Subtitle A: "Purpose and Definitions" Subtitle B: "Innovations in the Health Care Workforce" Creates a commission and provides grants. Subtitle C: "Increasing the Supply of the Health Care Workforce" Section 5201: Federally Funded Medical Student Loans Federal government will help pay medical student loans if the student agrees to practice as a primary care physician for 10 years. Decreases the penalty for students who don't comply. Section 5202: Increases Student Loan Amounts for Nursing Students Section 5203: Federal Government Loan Payback for Pediatric Medicine Students If the student agrees to work full-time providing pediatric services, the Federal government will help pay their student loans up to $35,000 a year. Section 5204: Federal Government Service in Return For Loan Repayment If a medical student agrees to work for the government for 3 years or longer, the government will pay up to $35,000 of that student's loans. Subtitle D: "Enhancing Health Care Workforce Education and Training" Subtitle E: "Supporting the Existing Health Care Workforce" Subtitle F: "Strengthening Primary Care and Other Workforce Improvements" Subtitle G: "Improving Access to Health Care Services" Section 5601: Provides Funding for Community Health Centers TITLE VI: TRANSPARENCY AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY Subtitle A: "Physician Ownership and Other Transparency" Section 6001: New For-Profit Doctor-Owned Hospitals Can Not Participate in Medicare Section 6002: Reporting on Industry Payments to Doctors Starting on March 31, 2013, pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers must report any kind of payments that they make to doctors. Manufacturers must report any ownership or investment relationships their doctor customers have with the company. Penalties for not reporting Between $1,000 an $10,000 for each payment that was not reported, capped at $150,000. If the manufacturer knowingly failed to report a payment, the penalty is $10,000-$100,000 for each payment that was not reported, capped at $1,000,000. The payment information reported on by manufacturers must be posted on a searchable website by September 30, 2013 (this has been delayed one year). Section 6004: Reports on Prescription Drug Samples Drug manufacturers and distributors must report the identity and quantity of drug samples requested and distributed every year. Section 6005: Pharmacy Reports Pharmacies need to report on their generic drug dispensing rate, rebates, discounts, and price concessions. Subtitle B: "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement" Section 6103: Nursing Home Comparison Website The Department of Health and Human Services will operate a website that will allow customers to compare nursing homes by providing staffing data, certifications, complaints, and criminal violations. Section 6105: Creates a Standard Complaint Form Section 6111: Penalties Reduced for Self Reporting Secretary of Health and Human Services will be allowed to reduce penalties by 50% for facilities that report their own violations Subtitle C: "Nationwide Program for National and State Background Checks on Direct Patient Access Employees of Long Term Care Facilities and Providers" Section 6201: Background Checks Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish a system for doing background checks that include fingerprints on employees of long term care facilities. Subtitle D: "Patient Centered Outcomes Research" Subtitle E: "Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP Program Integrity Provisions" Section 6401: Provider Screenings Secretary of Health and Human Services must establish procedures for screening providers and suppliers for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP All screening will include license checks Secretary can impose additional screenings including fingerprinting, background checks, and random visits. Providers and suppliers will have to report shady affiliations, suspended payments, if they're excluded from other Federal programs, and/or if they've had their billing privileges revoked. There will be an application fee of $200 for individual doctors and $500 for institutions every five years. Section 6404: Medicare Claims Must be Made Within 12 Months Section 6407: Physicians Must Have Face-to-Face Meeting With Patient Before Certifying Home Services Section 6411: Recovery Audit Contractors Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish contracts with auditors who will identify under and overpayments and collect overpayments for Medicaid services. The Secretary is required to include Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D. Subtitle F: "Additional Medicaid Program Integrity Provisions" Section 6501: Medicaid Termination States must terminate a Medicaid program if they were kicked out of Medicare or another State's Medicaid program. Section 6502: Medicaid Exclusions Medicaid must exclude an individual or company that owns or manages something that: Has unpaid overpayments Is suspended or excluded from participation Is affiliated with someone who is suspended or excluded from participation Section 6505: No Payments Can Go Outside of the United States Subtitle G: "Additional Program Integrity Provisions" Section 6601: Prohibits False Statements Insurance company employees can be prosecuted and sentenced up to 10 years in prison and fined if they lie about the plan's financial solvency, benefits, or regulatory status. Subtitle H: "Elder Justice Act" TITLE VII: IMPROVING ACCESS TO INNOVATIVE MEDICAL THERAPIES Subtitle A: "Biologics Price Comparison" Subtitle B: "More Affordable Medicines for Children and Underserved Communities" TITLE VIII: "CLASS ACT"(Repealed) TITLE IX: "REVENUE PROVISIONS" Section 9001 as amended by Section 1401 of the Reconciliation Act: Excise Tax on High-Cost Employer Paid Insurance Plans Starting in 2018, there will be a on insurance companies for any health plan that costs more than $10,200 for single coverage and $27,500 for family coverage. The tax is 40% of the amount of the premium above $10,200 and $27,500. The tax begins at $11,850 for individuals and $30,950 for families for plans covering people over 55 and in high risk professions. The tax does not apply to plans sold on the individual market; it only applies to employer paid plans. The tax does not apply to stand alone dental or vision plans. Section 9002: Employer-Paid Health Benefits Will be Included on W-2 Forms Section 9008 as amended by Section 1404 of the Reconciliation Act: Pharmaceutical Industry Fee A fee of at least $2.8 billion a year will be divided by market share and paid by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Section 9009 as amended by Section 1405 of the Reconciliation Act: The Medical Device Tax There will be a 2.3% deductible tax on the sale of medical devices to be paid by the manufacturer or importer. The tax is not applied to items sold directly to the public such as eyeglasses, contacts, etc. Section 9010 as amended by Section 1406 of the Reconciliation Act: Tax on Health Insurance Companies A non-deductible fee will be divided amongst all health insurance companies based on market share every year. The fee will not apply to insurance companies that make less than $50 million in net premiums. The fee will not apply to government or employers. Non-profits who get more than 80% of their money from government programs are exempt. The fee is: $8 billion in 2014 $11.3 billion in 2015-2016 $13.9 billion in 2017 $14.3 billion in 2018 2019 and beyond: The previous year's fee increased by the rate of premium growth Section 9012: Eliminate Incentives For Employers to Enroll in Medicare Part D Section 9013: Raises Threshold for Medical Expenses Deduction Increases from 7.5% to 10% Individuals over 65 can claim the deduction at 7.5% until 2016 Section 9014 as changed by amendment (See Section 10906): Tax on Wealthy Increases the hospital insurance tax on people earning over $200,000 a year individually or $250,000 married couples filing together by 0.9%. Section 9014 as changed by Section 1402 of the Reconciliation Act: Tax on Wealthy Wall Street Income The hospital insurance tax will include a 3.8% tax on income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and certain rents on people earning over $200,000 a year individually or $250,000 married couples filing together. Section 9017 as changed by amendment (See Section 10907): Tax on Elective Medical Procedures Indoor Tanning There will be a 5% tax on elective cosmetic surgery There will be a 10% tax on indoor tanning services. TITLE X: STRENGTHENING QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS Buried in Section 10104: Dismissal of Fraud Cases Changes Section 3730(e) of title 31, United States Code which determines how we prosecuted people who commit fraud, by eliminating this paragraph: In it's place, they put this: Section 10108: Free Choice Vouchers If a worker's health insurance contribution through their employer will be between 8%-9.8%, their employer has to offer them a voucher that will pay the employee's share if the worker would like to pick their own plan on the exchange. Section 10330: Update Computer Data Systems for Medicare and Medicaid Secretary of Health and Human Services must make a plan and determine the budget for modernizing the computer and data systems for Medicare and Medicaid Additional Provisions from The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act Section 1103: Stops Medicare Advantage Excessive Profits Medicare Advantage plans must spend 85% of their revenue on medical costs rather than profit and overhead. Additional Information: Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Music: Begging for Change - Healthcare Blues by Peter Alexander Is Obamacare Enough? Without Single-Payer, Patchwork US Healthcare Leaves Millions Uninsured, Democracy Now, October 7, 2013. Treasury Department Memo (describes why the large employer reporting requirements are delayed for a year), July 2, 2013. Obamacare Medical Loss Ratio Saved $1.5 Billion in 2011, Insurance Journal, December 5, 2012.