We Help You With Medicare.
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• More paperwork; member receives statements from four directions: Medicare, the Supplement company, the provider, and the prescription drug company.
and network, NOT from Medicare. HMOs or “managed care plans” require referrals from the network or medical group to see specialists and receive services beyond their Primary Care Physician. I refer to this approach as the “all on one card” plan because the member uses the healthplan ID card for all medical services and prescription drugs. Which approach is best depends on each individual’s situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s review the pros and cons of each approach.
Pros of Medicare Advantage:
• Low monthly premium (Ventura County, 2018, $41 or less) and out-of-pocket expense (copays) only if you have medical activity.
• “All on one card” simplicity, meaning less paperwork.
Pros of Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D Prescription Drug Program:
• Plan may provide additional services, such as optometry, hearing, dental, and transportation.
• Member has “go anywhere” flexibility without needing a medical group approval or network referral.
Cons:
• Monthly costs are more predictable. While Medigap premiums are higher, out-of-pocket expenses at time of service are greatly reduced (G & N) or eliminated (F).
• Member must receive medical group/network approval for all services beyond Primary Care (Preventative services not included). • Out-of-pocket expenses; copays vary month to month with an annual Maximum Out-of-Pocket limit. Medicare Advantage plans may not be available in all areas. Thank you, Elaine, for asking these questions! This article may have answered some questions and raised others. Never hesitate to contact Lyndon Thomas Insurance for a personal benefits consultation.
Cons:
• Monthly Supplement premiums are higher, are age-rated, and increase each year.
• No coordination of services; duplicate or conflicting treatments may result from using multiple doctors.
SUDOKU
KIELBASA KABOBS
This take on the classic Italian sausage and peppers uses fully cooked Polish kielbasa so you can prep the kabobs and bring them to your next cookout.
Ingredients
• • • •
3 red bell peppers
• • •
2 pounds fully cooked smoked kielbasa
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large onions
1/4 cup olive oil
2 green bell peppers
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
5. Brush with oil mixture and grill, covered, 10–12 minutes. [NOTE: If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.]
1. Heat grill to medium. 2. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 3. Cut pepper, onion, and kielbasa into 1-inch chunks. 4. Thread onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
Inspired by Good Housekeeping
3
CA# 0D96309
805-646-6409
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