Kevin Knauss: Health, History, Travel, Insurance
Posts related to Medicare Supplement or Medi-Gap plans that cover the health care costs that Original Medicare does not.
When searching for supplemental health benefits like dental and vision insurance, be cautious of paying additional fees or joining membership associations tied to the insurance. VSP vision insurance, Delta Dental and AARP all have marketing agreements that mandate the purchase of an association membership or one-time fee. These associations may offer little value to the member and only serve as another revenue stream for the issuing company.
Blue Shield of California sent notices to their appointed insurance agents that the agent’s Social Security number had been displayed during the course of member’s online payment. The letter from Blue Shield, dated February 18, notifying agents of the breach to their private personal information does not mention how many agents had their Social Security number’s compromised. While I was not shocked to receive the letter informing me that my personal information was displayed, I was angry that Blue Shield let this happen.
Thousands of Medicare Advantage plan members in California are receiving letters that their health plans are closing from carriers such as Anthem Blue Cross and Health Net. Some of the health insurance companies will be leaving some counties completely while others will be offering new Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to their members. Regardless of the reasons, the plan closure triggers a Special Enrollment Period for Medicare beneficiaries to select a new plan offered in their county.
Anthem Blue Cross announced that it will issue rebates to members enrolled in their Medicare Supplement plans in five different states. The rebates are a result of the Medicare supplement or Medigap plans failing to meet the medical loss ratios (MLR). Rebate checks being sent out in September will range from $3.51 to $487.08 per member.
Medicare Supplement rate comparison for Sacramento and southern Placer counties, @ age 65 and/or Part B enrollment, guarantee issue.
