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Medicare Updates For 2011/2012

myfreeforum — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:06:27 +0000

Medicare Changes For 2011/2012

Medicare Updates May Concern You! Check The Dates.

Even though Medicare has been established in the USA for a few generations, it is still evolving as an institution. In fact, over the last decade or so, the pace of change has increased. Change can be a good thing because this evolution gives beneficiaries a lot more choices. However, it is more important than ever to keep up with these changes so you do make the best use of the health benefits!

How To Keep Up With Medicare Changes And Updates

In this information age, a lot of information is posted online. This makes it fairly easy to find the most current updates if you know where to look. These days, a lot of seniors do spend time online. They have Kindles, Smart phones, laptops, etc. like everybody else. If you help care for an elderly person who is not online regularly, please take the time to help them.

The Official Medicare Website – This site makes good uses of its funding and resources by providing most of the basic information that anybody could need. You can visit the official Medicare website at Medicare.gov.

Here is a sample of what you will find there:

Compare local Medicare Advantage, prescription, and supplement plans.
Register and log in to check your own enrollment. You can also find important Medicare dates you may need to know.
Find out what medical services Medicare covers, and exactly how the plan will cover these services. Of course, if you have an MA plan or supplement, your plan may vary.
Enroll in Medicare online!
Learn more about the plans. You can find out exactly what Part A, B, C, and D cover!

What’s New For 2011/2012?

One thing that has changed over previous years is the timing of the open enrollment periods. Get updated information on 2011 and 2012 Medicare Open Enrollment Dates here. It also covers the actions you can take during the different periods.

The periods have grown shorter, and they end earlier. This gives you less actual time to make changes, but you should still be able to get advance information so you have plenty of time to make a decision. The earlier end dates also give companies, the government, and individuals more time so all the materials and ID cards can be distributed by the start date.

Why Stay Updated On Medicare Health Plan Changes?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription (Part D) plans change, are developed, or even pull out frequently. Your current plan may have added or removed some benefits. The premiums may have changed too.
Medicare supplement plan levels are standardized across companies, but these private insurers may raise or lower rates. Sometimes, new Medicare supplement plans levels are added, and sometimes old ones get taken away.
It is important to be sure that next years Medicare health plan will satisfy your needs the way last year’s plan did.

You can also get private help understanding your benefits. A highly trained, local agent or company representative can be a huge help. Consider getting Medicare Supplement Quotes so you can compare different options and prices.

If you are not sure which plan will meet your current health needs the best, you can compare Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Prescription plans too.

Today’s Medicare Recipients

Today’s beneficiaries do have many choices to help them make the best use of their benefits, get good health care, and pay the least in premiums. However, there is never one right plan for every beneficiary. It is important to consider your options, find help when you need it, and make sure you understand when you need to take action!

Medicare 101 – The Basics Of Medicare

David — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:47:08 +0000

What Is Medicare Health Insurance?

What Is Medicare?

Have you been following the news or the current budget discussion? If so, you have probably heard a lot of discussion about some large federal programs like Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid. Many Americans are actually confused by these programs, though many millions of Americans rely upon services, payments, or benefits from one of them!

Why Is Medicare Important?

The US health insurance plan that gives benefits to qualified senior citizens and disabled people is called Medicare. Over 45 million people in the US rely upon this as the basis for their health plan. In the current market, it would probably be impossible for most of these people to get or afford private medical plans.

The plan does not pay for everything, and it does include co pays and deductibles. Some people purchase supplemental insurance form private companies for more complete benefits. Others just rely on the basic plan and pay for costs out of pocket.

The Basics Of Medicare Health Insurance

Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. Most people do not have to pay an extra premium for Part A, but a Part B premium usually comes out of social security checks.
Some beneficiaries may supplement with a Medicare supplement plan from a private carrier. Others may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from a private company to maximize benefits and minimize out of pocket costs.
There are also extra Medicare prescription plans, sometimes called Medicare Part D. These help recipients manage the costs of prescriptions.
Learn more about Medicare Health Insurance alternatives and choices here.

Why Is Medicare A Sensitive Issue?

Medicare has been around since the 1960′s, and it has become a familiar US institution. You may wonder why the subject is up for so much debate today!

Millions of Americans have paid into the system, and almost 50 million of us are qualified for benefits. However, the costs of this plan are a large part of the benefit and they keep rising. This is why this is such an important and sensitive issue today when the government starts to try and manage the federal budget.

Concierge Medicine: Health Crisis Symptom or Problem?

FinanceGuy — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:03:32 +0000

What is concierge medicine?

Does Concierge Medicine Make Doctors and Patients Happier?

A concierge medical practice charge patients a yearly fee in order for patients to belong to a medical practice. Sometimes these are also known as retainer based medical practice, similar to having a lawyer on retainer.

Typical fees may range from $1,500 to $1,800 a year. Fees and care levels do vary though. Some practices may only charge a $500 fee while others may charge $5,000. Sometimes this type of practice is also known by other names like boutique or retainer-based medicine.

Right now, only a few thousand doctors belong to membership based practices, but the number is increasing. All sorts of medical practices, from dentists to pediatricians, may adopt this business model. However, in response to lower Medicare payments and tighter restrictions, there have been more Medicare doctors who have begun to impose a yearly membership fee on their patients.

Advantages of Retainer-Based Medicine

Doctors defend this practice by saying they can see fewer patients and deliver higher quality medical care. Lower payments, by health programs like Medicare and private insurance companies, have encouraged more practices to adopt this business model. Instead of rushing through appointments in order to generate revenue, the membership fees allow medical service providers to reduce the number of patients they see. This allows them to spend more time with each patient.

Most of the medical practices also argue that their membership fees are modest. Middle class people can afford the fees if they see their health care as a priority.

Controversy over Membership Medical Practices

Critics claims this promotes a 2 tiered medical system, and that it aggravates problems for doctors who do not charge a membership fee. People can afford the fee may get faster service and more time with a medical professional. Those who cannot afford the fee may find they are waiting longer for less service.

For example, a medical practice with a lot of Medicare patients may impose a concierge fee. This office will still accept this government health insurance, but only for patients who pay the yearly fee. While these patients can still get their medical services covered by Medicare, they cannot get the membership fee covered.

Note that I used Medicare as an example. You could make a similar comparison with other health insurance plans too. I do not know of any medical plans that will cover the membership fee.

What happens? Patients who can afford, and see the value of, the yearly fee will remain. They may be very pleased because they will not have to wait as long for appointments and can actually talk to the doctor on the phone between visits. When they do visit the doctor, they may find that the doctor can spend more time with them.

Doctors can concentrate on delivering better quality medical care too. They get to spend more time with each patient, and they find that this type of practice is less exhausting and more rewarding.

Here’s the problem. Many people do not have the extra income to pay for a membership, and they will need to seek another doctor. Senior citizens are making do on fixed incomes. Almost 50 million Americans do not even have health insurance!

The membership practice gets to increase revenue with fewer patients. Other doctors that still accept patients without an extra fee, could see their practices becoming a lot busier. These doctors may not want to abandon patients who cannot afford the fee, but find that they are struggling to keep their practices afloat because of lower insurance payments and higher expenses.

Will Concierge Medicine Hurt Health Reform Efforts?

Right now, membership medical practices are still a small minority, though the concept is becoming more popular with doctors and some patients who do not mind paying more for extra care.

Actually, the increase in these practices is more of a symptom of a problem than the actual problem. Some hybrid or very efficient membership practices provide very good benefits with a very modest fee (like $25.00 a month). The practices make use of nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants to see patients with routine complaints and reserve doctors for more complex issues. Others have a membership program with a higher service level, but still accept non-membership patients.

Health reform needs to address the issues that are making concierge services more popular.

Does Medicare Cover Dental or Vision?

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:39:46 +0000

Dental and Vision with Medicare

Lots of people want to know if Medicare covers dental work or vision care. After all, these medical services can be very expensive too, and no less in aging people. But while some Medicare Advantage plans may have some dental coverage, most of these services are not covered by Medicare. Retirees may also have these benefits covered through their job’s retirement plan.

Medicare Dental

Here is what Medicare.gov has to say about Dental care under Medicare.

Medicare does not cover routine dental care or most dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions or dentures. In rare cases, Medicare Part B will pay for certain dental services. In addition, Medicare Part A will pay for certain dental services that you get when you are in the hospital. Call your local Medicare Carrier for more information.

So most routine dental care will not be covered. Under certain situations, usually if dental work is needed because of an accident or illness, some services may be covered. Go ahead and check first. Good resources are your Medicare office or a supplemental Medicare health insurance company you are a member of.

Vision (Optical) Services Under Medicare

This is similar to Medicare Dental Coverage in that routine treatment like vision exams, eyeglasses, etc. are not normally covered. Surgery, or other treatment by an M.D. should be covered under Medicare Part B. If you are unsure, check with a Medicare office or your supplemental health insurance.

Save Money on Dental and Vision

Medicare beneficiaries, or other people without dental plans, may enjoy some great savings with a national dental (vision) discount plan. While these plans are not insurance, they admit you into network discounts, which is similar to a benefit provided by many insurance plans.

There are dozens of good quality dental discount plans, and you can perform a simple zip code search to find the best ones in your local area. Find Dental Discounts.

Medicare Health Plans

Some Medicare Advantage Plans or retirement health plans may provide dental and vision benefits. If you are interested in seeing if you have the best plan for you, or for somebody you care for, you can compare Medicare Health Plans here.

Medicare at 55 – The Latest Health Reform Rewind

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:15:05 +0000

Is a Lower Medicare Age Limit a Good Idea for Health Reform

I feel like a cartoon character today. You know, the type who sputter expetives like $#&! and stomps around. Why? Well, I am really disappointed that we are close to losing the health reform public option even though a majority of Americans say they favor it.

People, this is not about free health isurance. This is about having any access to health care at all for many people. Lots of Americans would be happy to pay a premium if they could get accepted. But they cannot get accepted because they have a health condition which cause insurers to decline them.

And yes, there are lots of Americans who cannot afford premiums which can average about $1,000 a month for an average family. Many people get help from their jobs so they do not pay that whole price tag. But millions do not have this luxury, and this is a real problem.

Drop The Medicare Age to 55?

But I have written before about how hard it is for middle aged people to get accepted by private health isurance companies. Learn more – health insurance over 50. So lawmakers thought they could reduce the problem of uninsured and uninsurable Americans by simply lowering the standard age limit for Medicare from 65 to 55.

Let’s think about this. The plan would allow uninsured Americans who are aged 55 to 64 to buy into Medicare. These would be people who do not have a group medical plan through their job or other private options. However, estimates put premiums at well over $600 a month, and that will still price out many of the 4 million people who might be eligible. Government subsidies are considered, but probably won’t be put in place right away.

Beyond that, many health providers are concerned because they already claim they lose money when accepting Medicare patients. They are not sure if they can continue in business if even more of their patients are using a Medicare card. On the other hand, many other medical providers rely on Medicare for most of their patient load, and these claim they will be happy to accept more patients.

The New Public Option?

We probably won’t be seeing Medicare for All any time soon. But instead of an actual public option, a private, non-profit insurance plan is being considered. This would be administered by the US Office of Personnel Magagement which already runs the federal employee’s health care system. This does not mean that lower wage earners would get the same level of benefits that your congressman does though.

So What is Health Reform Today?

I guess you should not to be ashamed to admit that you are confused by the current state of US health reform. It seems to have gone through so many changes in the last few months. And even if it was the same, it is complex, and as time passes it is hard to remember what was being proposed in the first place.

My hope is that our government can provide a way for every American to purchase affordable health insurance. Is that so complicated? I guess it is. I am not exactly how this new version of the health plan does that. Would somebody care to explain it to me?

Medicare Changes for 2010

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:30:46 +0000

Will Medicare Change Much in 2010?

Some beneficiaries will not notice a big change while others may be affected. That is because the documented differences between 2009 and 2010 will only affect certain members, and not all of them.

Online Medicare Health Plan Information Sources

Of course, you have a couple of ways to find more information online. The US government keeps medicare.gov as a very good resource for consumers and agents all across the USA. You can also use a Medicare health plan quote form to find the plans and professionals in your local area.

Changes to Medicare Supplements

You probably have heard about all of the different levels of Medigap or Medicare Supplement health insurance plans. They have letters, like Plan A, B, C, etc. This should not be cofused with Part A, Part B, which are the parts of original Medicare that most seniors and many disabled people use as their public health option.

Some plans will no longer be marketed to new business, though apparently existing members can keep them. And two new plans (Plan M and Plan N) are being introduced. These are both similar to Plan F, but either require copays or high deductible payments, and so they should have lower premiums.

All Medicare Supplement plans will include hospice care, but some preventative and home recovery benefits are scheduled to be removed.

It is important for Medigap members to understand these changes so they know how their health care will be affected. If any of the affected people are unhappy with these changes, it is also important to be able to explore options.

Medicare Part B Premiums

Almost all beneficiaries do pay a premium for Part B. This will not change for most people who already had this sum deducted from their social security checks. New Medicare beneficiaries, and those with a high income, may see a 15% increase. I am sure that the fact that this premium will not increase in 2010 will be welcome news new social security recipients who learned they will not get a raise this year.

Get More Help Understanding Your Health Benefits

As we wrote above, Medicare.gov is a good resource. For a simpler summary you may want to refer to this article – Compare Medicare Health Plans.

Medicare Supplements or Medicare Advantage Plans?

admin — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:35:12 +0000

Medicare Advantage Or Medicare Supplement – How to Choose a Medicare Health Plan?

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplements

Do you know the difference between these two types of health insurance for seniors in the US? They are different, and it is important for you to understand it so you can find the best coverage for you!

What is a MedSup?

Medicare supplements are also called Medi Gap or Medsups. They cover the “gaps” in coverage that original Medicare may not cover. They also come in different levels, from A – L, which of course, provide different amounts of supplemental coverage. The price will vary as well.

Since these medsups are provided by private health insurance companies, they do have a monthly premium. This price tag varies by level of coverage, zip code, and age the same way other health insurance does. Most plans are also subject to yearly price increases. So a 65 year old may purchase a policy at one price, but will probably expect to pay more at age 75.

There are periods when a beneficiary gets guaranteed enrollment, but during other times, that person may also be subject to normal health insurance underwriting as with any other individual policy. It is important to understand this, especially if you are considering dropping a plan for another plan.

The important thing to remember is that an insured person will still use their government issued card, in addition to an id card from the insurer. The two parts work together to provide the coverage that a person gets for their health.

What is Medicare Advantage?

These are different because they actually take over the health coverage for a person. A member will put their government id card in the back of their wallet and use their MA plan card to verify coverage. These plans come in different types too, and they are also provide by private insurers.

You may choose a PPO, HMO, or Fee For Service (Any Doc) plan depending upon what is marketed in your zip code and your preferences. Some plans my come bundled with Part D (Prescription) coverage while others do not. Some plans require an additional premium, but others will not. Some MA plans even rebate part of the Part B premium most Medicare beneficiaries have taken out of their social security checks.

What About RX Coverage?

Again, your options will vary. If you health plan does not come with prescription drug coverage, you can purchase PART D plans which work on their own. Some plans, especially MA HMO and PPO plans come with RX coverage, and so you will not need to buy another plan.

Which is the Best Health Insurance For Seniors?

No one plan is right for everybody. Many people are very happy with Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plans because they like the network health providers and benefits. Others like the flexibility of a Medigap plan or Any Doc MA. A person’s budget will also affect their choice. As we wrote above, medsups come with a premium, but some MA plans have no additional price tag.

We want to help you Compare Medicare Health Insurance plans in your local area. We provide more information and free online health quotes.

Visit us to Compare Medicare vs Advantage plans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marilyn_Katz
http://EzineArticles.com/?Medicare-Advantage-Or-Medicare-Supplement—How-to-Choose-a-Medicare-Health-Plan?&id=2725344

Top Medicare Advantage Companies

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:31:40 +0000

Top Medicare Advantage Companies by Revenue, by State

When you choose compare Medicare Health insurance, you need to consider many things. And the plan, or combination of plans, that provide the best coverage at an affordable price will be a major consideration.

In addition you need to weigh the pros and cons of Medicare Supplements vs Medicare Advantage. Is this type of plan right for you. If so, which plan meets your needs well?

But people still like to know which companies do a lot of business in their state, and so we are providing a list of top MA plans by state by revenue. This list is certainly not inclusive, and is NOT meant to influence your decisions.

LARGEST MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INSURERS BY STATE

(Premiums are in millions of dollars.)
Alabama
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF ALABAMA INC 85,412,589
HEALTHSPRING OF ALABAMA INC 71,101,904
VIVA HEALTH INC (AL) 54,802,611
Alaska
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) 31,327
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 2,176
Arizona
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
PACIFICARE OF ARIZONA INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 251,030,986
HEALTH NET OF ARIZONA INC 90,716,139
CIGNA HEALTHCARE OF ARIZONA INC 82,548,320
Arkansas
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
ARKANSAS COMMUNITY CARE INC 8,562,662
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) 3,714,066
CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS SOUTH CENTRAL (AR) 2,991,044
Colorado
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
KAISER FOUNDATION HP OF CO 156,150,969
PACIFICARE OF COLORADO INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 151,018,229
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH MAINT ORG (CO) 12,188,774
Connecticut
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HEALTH NET OF CONNECTICUT INC 106,368,380
WELLCARE OF CONNECTICUT INC 6,563,632
OXFORD HEALTH PLANS (CT) INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 3,893,751
Delaware
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) 2,712,471
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 24,376
DELAWARE PHYSICIANS CARE – MEDICARE 1,837
D.C.
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
KAISER FOUNDATION HP MID-ATL STATES (MD) 10,771,088
AETNA HEALTH INC (A MARYLAND CORP) 152,425
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 30,439
Florida
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HUMANA MEDICAL PLAN INC (FL) 747,048,274
CAREPLUS HEALTH PLANS INC (FL) 182,366,006
WELLCARE OF FLORIDA INC 168,601,956
Georgia
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE INS CO INC (FL) 32,426,981
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 9,885,229
CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS SOUTH CENTRAL (AR) 6,986,670
Hawaii
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
KAISER FOUNDATION HP INC HI 57,624,108
HAWAII MEDICAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION 18,789,933
ALOHACARE 2,334,690
Idaho
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
BLUE CROSS OF IDAHO HEALTH SERVICE 39,354,862
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) 14,594,727
REGENCE BLUESHIELD OF IDAHO INC 5,233,717
Illinois
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HUMANA HEALTH PLAN INC (KY) 73,400,941
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 24,075,932
HEALTH ALLIANCE MEDICAL PLANS (IL) 20,125,848
Indiana
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
M PLAN (IN) 6,677,616
ARNETT HMO INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 6,543,178
ANTHEM INS COMPANIES INC (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 6,358,431
Iowa
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
WELLMARK INC (IA) 5,782,319
MEDICAL ASSOCIATES HEALTH PLAN INC (IA) 3,816,989
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF THE MIDLANDS (IA) 3,309,638
Kansas
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HUMANA HEALTH PLAN INC (KY) 20,252,972
COVENTRY HEALTH & LIFE INS CO (DE) 7,106,653
COVENTRY HEALTH CARE OF KANSAS INC (KS) 4,557,727
Kentucky
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE INC (KY) 29,960,289
ANTHEM HEALTH PLANS OF KENTUCKY INC (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 26,646,871
STERLING LIFE INS CO (AN AON COMPANY) 6,066,130
Lousiana
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HUMANA HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN LA 153193269
TENET CHOICES INC (LA) 98051534
STERLING LIFE INS CO (AN AON COMPANY) 27431787
Maine
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
FOX INS CO (AZ) 794,579
MARTINS POINT GENERATIONS LLC (ME) 425,392
ARCADIAN HEALTH PLAN INC (WA) 113,549
Maryland
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
BRAVO HEALTH MID-ATLANTIC INC (MD) 31,504,921
KAISER FOUNDATION HP MID-ATL STATES 19,111,946
AETNA HEALTH INC (A MARYLAND CORP) 10,849,681
Massachusetts
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
TUFTS ASSOCIATED HEALTH MAINT ORG (MA) 213,933,148
BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD MA HMO BLUE 97,634,939
FALLON COMMUNITY HEALTH PLAN (MA) 92,536,265
Michigan
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN 138,979,068
HEALTH ALLIANCE PLAN OF MICHIGAN 58,629,169
BLUE CARE NETWORK OF MICHIGAN 19,501,950
Minnesota
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
MEDICA HEALTH PLANS 71,370,583
MEDICA INS CO 56,749,052
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MINNESOTA 14,669,877
Mississippi
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 4,212,288
WELLCARE HEALTH INS OF ARIZONA INC 3,186
Missouri
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF THE MIDWEST INC 103,686,140
GROUP HEALTH PLAN INC (A COVENTRY COMPANY) 45,816,110
MERCY HEALTH PLANS OF MISSOURI INC 41,239,709
Montana
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON COMPANY) 13,777,791
NEW WEST HEALTH SERVICES (MT) 2,223,323
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MONTANA 870,178
Nebraska
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF THE MIDLANDS 11,707,100
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA 2,752,685
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON COMPANY) 363,077
Nevada
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HEALTH PLAN OF NEVADA INC (A SIERRA HEALTH SERVICES COMPANY) 145,115,315
PACIFICARE OF NEVADA INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 62,800,769
HOMETOWN HEALTH PLAN INC 10,511,524
New Hampshire
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HARVARD PILGRIM HC OF NEW ENGLAND (MA) 2,954,376
ANTHEM INS COMPANIES INC (IN) (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 558,365
FOX INS CO (AZ) 126,647
New Jersey
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HORIZON HEALTHCARE OF NEW JERSEY INC 156,931,261
AETNA HEALTH INC (A NEW JERSEY CORP) 79,251,882
OXFORD HEALTH PLANS (NJ) INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 49,840,056
New Mexico
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
LOVELACE HEALTH SYSTEMS INC (NM) 52,140,025
PRESBYTERIAN HEALTH PLAN INC (NM) 39,004,578
HCSC INS SERVICES CO (IL) (A HEALTHCARE SVC CORP COMPANY) 1,904,837
New York
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN OF GREATER NY 518,624,364
OXFORD HEALTH PLANS (NY) INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 276,575,956
EMPIRE HEALTHCHOICE HMO INC (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 197,495,189
North Carolina
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
PARTNERS NATIONAL HEALTH PLANS OF NC (A BCBS OF NC COMPANY) 95,201,245
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF NC INC 82,224,059
WELLCARE HEALTH INS OF ARIZONA INC 4,255,413
North Dakota
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
NORIDIAN MUTUAL INS CO (ND) (A BCBS COMPANY) 169,209
MEDICA INS CO 98,160
FOX INS CO (AZ) 41,857
Ohio
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
COMMUNITY INS CO (OH) (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 213,934,621
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF OHIO INC 130,527,886
MOUNT CARMEL HEALTH PLAN INC (OH) 60,343,395
Oklahoma
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
COMMUNITYCARE HMO INC (OK) 51,779,943
PACIFICARE OF OKLAHOMA INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 46,315,952
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON COMPANY) 12,059,880
Oregon
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
KAISER FOUNDATION HP NORTHWEST (OR) 96,565,042
PROVIDENCE HEALTH PLAN (OR) 94,843,620
REGENCE BL CROSS BL SHIELD OREGON 73,267,475
Pennsylvania
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
KEYSTONE HEALTH PLAN WEST INC (PA) (A HIGHMARK COMPANY) 536,310,248
KEYSTONE HEALTH PLAN EAST INC (PA) (AN INDEPENDENCE BC COMPANY) 441,428,033
UPMC HEALTH PLAN INC (PA) 139,619,009
Rhode Island
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF RI 108,330,477
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF NEW ENGLAND INC (RI) 48,293,492
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 9,113
South Carolina
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE INS CO INC (FL) 23,852,353
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON COMPANY) 6,901,387
CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS SOUTH CENTRAL (AR) 4,855,143
South Dakota
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
WELLMARK OF SOUTH DAKOTA INC 1,393,545
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON COMPANY) 102,806
FOX INS CO (AZ) 42,016
Tennessee
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 118,628,615
CARITEN HEALTH PLAN INC (TN) 96,386,844
UNITEDHEALTHCARE PLAN RIVER VALLEY (IL) 75,133,825
Texas
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
PACIFICARE OF TEXAS INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 330,245,398
SELECTCARE OF TEXAS LLC 101,039,883
TEXAS HEALTHSPRING LLC 97,866,085
Utah
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
REGENCE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF UT 23,396,441
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF UTAH 7,943,958
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE INS CO INC (FL) 5,573,782
Vermont
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON COMPANY) 12,111
HEALTHSPRING OF TENNESSEE INC 4,101
Virginia
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
KAISER FOUNDATION HP MID-ATL STATES (MD) 13,175,458
OPTIMA HEALTH INS CO (VA) 4,055,944
WELLCARE HEALTH INS OF ARIZONA INC 1,660,599
Washington
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE (WA) 161,409,275
PACIFICARE OF WASHINGTON INC (A UNITEDHEALTH GROUP COMPANY) 104,842,338
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) ( AN AON CORPORATION) 45,040,867
West Virginia
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
COVENTRY HEALTH & LIFE INS CO (DE) 16,676,827
HEALTH PLAN OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY(WV) 11,272,373
UPMC HEALTH BENEFITS INC (PA) 3,903,488
Wisconsin
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF WISCONSIN (A WELLPOINT COMPANY) 57,775,448
UNITED HEALTHCARE OF WISCONSIN INC 41,780,297
SECURITY HEALTH PLAN OF WI INC 33,953,623
Wyoming
Company Name (Domicile State) Premiums
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF WYOMING 82,651
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH MAINT ORG (CO) 37,531
STERLING LIFE INS CO (IL) (AN AON CORPORATION) 32,952
(Based on premiums as of 3/31/07)

Source: tba

Medicare Health Insurance Plans Explained

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:13:59 +0000

Still Don’t Understand Medicare Health Insurance?

It is sort of ironic, that now that we get older, we have to go back to the Plan A, B, Cs, and Ds of Medicare Health Insurance! In fact, now that we have even more health insurance choices for Medicare beneficiaries, it can be even tougher to select the right plans.

Get Help and Find Medicare Plan Quotes by Zip Code: Compare Medicare Health Insurance Policies

Original Medicare Health Insurance

Original Medicare, active since the 1960′s consisted of Plan A and B. These are hospital and medical insurance plans that were designed to help seniors and disabled people control their medical costs, but not to pay for everything. Most qualified Americans will not have to pay an extra premium for part A, but will have a premium for Part B. This premium is often deducted from social security checks so many people are not even aware of it.

Medicare Part D and Part C

A few years ago, another Medicare plan called Part C (Medicare Advantage) was allowed. Private insurers can offer policies to qualified Medicare beneficiaries. Just recently, Medicare part D (Prescription Coverage) was announced. These are also private plans, subsidized by tax dollars, that should help seniors and disabled people control their prescription medicine costs.

Medicare supplements are different, as they supplement the gaps in original Medicare. Part A and Part B both have deductibles, limits, and copays so covered people can still have out of pocket expenses. The different levels of Med Sups (Medi Gap) policies pay for some of these expenses.

Learn More : Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantags vs. Medicare Prescription