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Medicare Part B Premiums Rising: What You Need To Know

The standard monthly premium for Medicare is set to see an increase. As we approach the upcoming year, it’s crucial to stay informed about changes in healthcare costs, particularly regarding Medicare. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we recognize the significance of understanding these adjustments. Here is what you need to know about the Medicare Part B premiums rising.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, responsible for annual adjustments to Medicare cost benchmarks, have also raised the deductibles for both Part B and Part A. These adjustments are attributed to the swift escalation of healthcare costs, contributing to a nationwide surge in health insurance premiums. Every year Medicare “looks back” two years to your tax return to determine what you will pay the following year for Medicare Part B.

While Medicare Part A does not have a premium, the Part B premium amount is contingent on income. The monthly premiums for 2024 are as follows:

 

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B

 

In terms of the Part B deductible, beneficiaries can expect an annual deductible of $240 in 2024, reflecting a $14 increase from the previous year’s deductible of $226.

Medicare Part A

 

As for Part A out-of-pocket costs, the inpatient hospital deductible for 2024 stands at $1,632, a $32 increase from the previous year’s $1,600. For stays exceeding 60 days, Medicare recipients in 2024 will face a daily coinsurance amount of $408 for the 61st through 90th day of hospitalization (compared to $400 in 2023) in a benefit period. Additionally, the coinsurance for lifetime reserve days will be $816 per day (compared to $800 in 2023).

Medicare Part D

 

In the realm of Part D, CMS projects that the standard monthly premiums for Medicare Part D will be $55.50 in 2024. Similar to Part B, higher income earners will incur higher premiums, with approximately 8% of Part D beneficiaries facing upward IRRMA premium adjustments ranging from $12.90 to $81 per month.

Medicare Advantage

 

Looking at Medicare Advantage, the average monthly premium for all plans, including Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug plans, is expected to slightly increase from $17.86 in 2023 to $18.50 in 2024. Notably, nearly 73% of enrollees opting to retain their plans will experience little to no premium increase for 2024. Many plans remain at a zero monthly premium.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions remains committed to keeping you well-informed and empowered in managing your healthcare coverage. Understanding the dynamics of these adjustments is integral to making informed decisions about your well-being. Our aim is to be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of healthcare, offering clarity and expert guidance. As the landscape evolves, Hilgerman Insurance Solutions stands ready to assist you in securing the coverage that aligns with your needs.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions of Camarillo is an independent insurance agency that specializes in the senior market, while also offering health insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. We are contracted with most of the top insurance providers to offer you plans that best suit your needs, all with personal hands-on service and support.

Our commitment is to provide expertise, friendly service along with a timely response. Please feel free to contact us today for a quote and/or no-cost consultation. 

 

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
(805) 279-5482

Medicare Part B Premiums Rising: What You Need To Know

Medicare Part B Premiums Rising: What You Need To Know

The standard monthly premium for Medicare is set to see an increase. As we approach the upcoming year, it’s crucial to stay informed about changes in healthcare costs, particularly regarding Medicare. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we recognize the significance of understanding these adjustments. Here is what you need to know about the Medicare Part B premiums rising.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, responsible for annual adjustments to Medicare cost benchmarks, have also raised the deductibles for both Part B and Part A. These adjustments are attributed to the swift escalation of healthcare costs, contributing to a nationwide surge in health insurance premiums. Every year Medicare “looks back” two years to your tax return to determine what you will pay the following year for Medicare Part B.

While Medicare Part A does not have a premium, the Part B premium amount is contingent on income. The monthly premiums for 2024 are as follows:

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B

In terms of the Part B deductible, beneficiaries can expect an annual deductible of $240 in 2024, reflecting a $14 increase from the previous year’s deductible of $226.

Medicare Part A

As for Part A out-of-pocket costs, the inpatient hospital deductible for 2024 stands at $1,632, a $32 increase from the previous year’s $1,600. For stays exceeding 60 days, Medicare recipients in 2024 will face a daily coinsurance amount of $408 for the 61st through 90th day of hospitalization (compared to $400 in 2023) in a benefit period. Additionally, the coinsurance for lifetime reserve days will be $816 per day (compared to $800 in 2023).

Medicare Part D

In the realm of Part D, CMS projects that the standard monthly premiums for Medicare Part D will be $55.50 in 2024. Similar to Part B, higher income earners will incur higher premiums, with approximately 8% of Part D beneficiaries facing upward IRRMA premium adjustments ranging from $12.90 to $81 per month.

Medicare Advantage

Looking at Medicare Advantage, the average monthly premium for all plans, including Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug plans, is expected to slightly increase from $17.86 in 2023 to $18.50 in 2024. Notably, nearly 73% of enrollees opting to retain their plans will experience little to no premium increase for 2024. Many plans remain at a zero monthly premium.

 

 

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions remains committed to keeping you well-informed and empowered in managing your healthcare coverage. Understanding the dynamics of these adjustments is integral to making informed decisions about your well-being. Our aim is to be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of healthcare, offering clarity and expert guidance. As the landscape evolves, Hilgerman Insurance Solutions stands ready to assist you in securing the coverage that aligns with your needs.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions of Camarillo is an independent insurance agency that specializes in the senior market, while also offering health insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. We are contracted with most of the top insurance providers to offer you plans that best suit your needs, all with personal hands-on service and support.

Our commitment is to provide expertise, friendly service along with a timely response. Please feel free to contact us today for a quote and/or no-cost consultation.   

 

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
(805) 279-5482
deb@hilgermanins.com  
www.hilgermanins.com

Why You Should Work With a Health Insurance Broker

What is the difference between an insurance Broker and Agent?

There is a difference between working with a health insurance Broker like Deborah of Hilgerman Insurance Solutions and buying health insurance direct from a sales Agent. While both are experts in benefits, an Agent represents just one insurance company, sometimes called a “Captive Agent”, and a Broker is an independent, neutral, third-party producer. That means that as a Broker, we are not tied to any specific health insurance carrier and our focus is on providing quotes, reviewing plans, comparing pricing on premiums and medications, and examining a mix of insurance companies to help you find the best overall product, pricing, and value for you or your organization.

 

What are the benefits of working with a Broker to buy Individual, Group, or Medicare Health Insurance?

The best part is that collaborating with a Broker does not cost you anything extra as the rate of the plan does not increase or decrease by using a Broker. The insurance carrier pays commission once you purchase the product.

 

Does it cost extra to work with an insurance Broker?

The short answer is no. When you work with me as your Broker, I can provide more personal service that most insurance companies can’t provide. As a Broker, I will spend the time before you purchase a plan researching, analyzing, and comparing plans considering your specific needs. This can equate to many hours of work. That is why, when it comes time to pick the plan and enroll, the expectation is that you will enroll with me. This gives you a more personalized service.

As an example, I have had a situation in the past where I have spent a considerable amount of time with a client only for them to go ahead and enroll directly with the insurance company I recommended. Then later, when they needed help, they called me, but since I was not their Broker of Record, I was not able to help. This does not happen often, but when it does it is upsetting. 

 

Questions to ask your health insurance Broker

How long have you been in the business?  Experience matters! Avoid “newbies” unless they are working under the guidance of an experienced Broker. I have been a Broker in the health insurance industry for 14 years. 

How many insurance companies do you represent? Brokers representing a few health insurance companies are limited in the value they can offer and their ability to connect clients to comprehensive market solutions I represent.

  • 11 Organizations in Ventura County and 64 plans
  • I am licensed and certified to sell in 11 states currently:

CA, AZ, NV, OK, TX, NC, SC, MO, CO, ID, MA

What do you do to stay on top of the latest industry news and trends? With the health insurance marketplace constantly shifting, you want a Broker who stays up to date on the industry. This is what I do:

  • Attend sales presentations, Medicare seminars and Medicare Summits, carrier trainings, webinars, zoom training and conference calls.
  • I Belong to the National Association Benefits Insurance Professional (NABIP), which provides ongoing training and keeps us up to date on the current events surrounding our industry. I belong to the County, State and Federal divisions of NABIP.
  • I am appointed with every carrier for most every product they sell. The certification process begins in June and ends in October every year. This equates to well over 60 hours of training annually and could be more. There are volunteer organizations out there that can assist in completing the application, however they are not licensed or certified.
  • I also am trained on fraud, waste, abuse, and ethics annually.

What additional support do you offer to your clients, outside of shopping for rates? I am an advocate for my clients. This means I do not just enroll them in a plan and disappear. I am their “Broker for Life”.

  • When a need arises where they have an issue with an insurance company, they know they can call me and together we will find a solution to their problem. I know who to call and if I do not, I have resources that help me find answers. 

  • Every year during the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare, I concentrate on my current clients. Some Brokers only work on obtaining new clients during this time. I do not focus on this. I reach out to all my clients to obtain their current medications so I may process a plan Review for them to show them the changes in their current plan. Often, this saves my clients quite a bit of money on their medications and costs for the following year.  The changes in the insurance company coverage, their formulary and the pharmacies can be astronomical. I had a lady this year that we saved $2000 by moving her from her current plan to a more reasonable one. There is no reason to not have the review done each year.
  • I also review my individual client’s insurance plan for the coming year during the enrollment period to be sure their income is correct on Covered CA, so they are not in danger of a tax penalty for understating their income thus giving them more of a tax credit and subjecting them to a tax penalty. This is what sets me apart from many Brokers. 

  • I am available to meet with, conference with, or zoom with clients to go over any questions or concerns they may have. I pride myself in being available for you.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions of Camarillo is an independent insurance agency that specializes in the senior market, while offering health insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. We are contracted with most of the top insurance providers to offer you plans that best suit your needs, all with personal hands-on service and support. 

Our commitment is to provide expertise, friendly service along with a timely response. Please feel free to contact us today for a quote and/or no-cost consultation.   

 

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
(805) 279-5482
deb@hilgermanins.com  
www.hilgermanins.com

Get Ready For Medicare Open Enrollment 2024

Medicare Open Enrollment (also known as Open Election) is an important period for individuals eligible for Medicare, as it offers the opportunity to review and make changes to your existing coverage. Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024 will begain October 15th, 2023 and end on December 7th, 2023, With coverage beging on January 1st, 2024. During this time, you can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans for the upcoming year. You can also switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan. If you need to make changes to your coverage At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we believe in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare. 

Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can review, make changes, or switch their Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. This period provides an opportunity to reassess your healthcare needs and explore new options to ensure your coverage aligns with your evolving requirements.

Key Dates for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment generally takes place from October 15th to December 7th each year. It is important to mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity if you need to make changes to your Medicare coverage.

Essential Steps for Medicare Open Enrollment:

  • Evaluate Your Current Coverage:  Take the time to review your current Medicare coverage, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D). Assess your healthcare needs and consider any changes in your circumstances that may impact your coverage requirements.
  • Explore Your Options: Different Medicare plans are available in your area. Compare the benefits, costs, and network of providers offered by Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). Ensure the plans you consider cover your prescription medications, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers you prefer.
  • Consider Changes in Your Healthcare Needs:  Evaluate any changes in your healthcare needs, such as new medications, upcoming surgeries, or additional healthcare services required. This assessment will help you determine if your current coverage adequately meets your needs or if adjustments are necessary.
  • Seek Expert Advice:  Medicare options can be complex. Reach out to Hilgerman Insurance Solutions for professional guidance. We can help clarify your options, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances.
  • Enroll or Make Changes:  You can take action during the Open Enrollment period to enroll in a new Medicare plan or make changes to your existing coverage, or switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, if desired.

What are some tips for getting the most out of Medicare AEP?

There are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of Medicare AEP. Be on the lookout for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that will be sent out by your current insurance carrier.  This will alert you to any changes the carrier is making for the coming year that may affect you.  Then watch for my email and respond with your updated medication list by October 15, 2023, so I may review your medications with the plan options available for 2024.  

If you’re not sure what changes you can make during open Election, let’s visit.  I can help you understand your options and assist you in securing the plan that suits your unique situation.

Navigating the complexities of Medicare eligibility and coverage can be challenging, which is why it can be helpful to work with a knowledgeable professional like Hilgerman Insurance Solutions. Our team can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the most out of your Medicare benefits.

CMS Medicare Regulation effective 10-1-2022 – Recorded Calls: Every phone call that relates to Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans, that will lead to an enrollment, must be recorded in its entirety and stored for 10 years in case there is any allegation of misconduct reported against the Agent or carrier, and to make sure the client understands the plan in which they are enrolling.  You will be asked to Opt In or Opt Out of Recorded Calls when we first connect by phone.  If you do not wish to be recorded, we will discuss other methods of communication, such as Email communications.

 

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
(805) 279-5482
deb@hilgermanins.com  
www.hilgermanins.com

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