Hello from The Medicare Family,

We're reaching out to share some Medicare updates for 2022. We represent all of the plans, so don't hesitate to call, email, or text me and my team with any questions you may have.
Part B Costs for 2022
The price increase for Medicare Part B won’t be official yet, but it is expected to be a 5% increase to $168 per month for the average American. Last year, Congress imposed a cap, which kept Part B artificially low (only a 3.8% increase. Part B is expected to go up over 50% by 2029. Many of you remember there was no increase in Part B from 2012-2015 due to health care costs and those days are long gone. Here is what the government expects Part B to cost in the future for average earners not paying a surtax (IRMAA): 2022 = $157.70 and by 2029 = $234.10.
Part D Drug Deductible 2022

The initial drug deductible is going up from $445 to $480 for 2022. This varies by insurance company.

You might think that plan X is better because it has $300 drug deductible, but your plan might not charge the deductible on tier 1 and 2 drugs. Just because a plan has a deductible, doesn’t mean you will incur it. Companies are tricky and they change this around each year, so stay on your feet and understand how your plan works for 2022.
Making Your Rx Plan
Insurance, Discount Cards, Local Pharmacy and Overseas Pharmacy
Just because you have a good Rx insurance plan doesn’t mean you should always use it. Savvy consumers have noticed that some drugs are cheaper when insurance isn’t used.

Stretch your dollars by comparing the options for all your prescriptions. Some might be cheaper buying from Canada (you’ll still need a prescription) or by presenting a Glic Rx discount card. Typically if your drug copay is over $40, this discount card can save you. If you'd like a Glic Rx card ask me!

Glic doesn't sell your personal information, unlike it's competitor - GoodRx. GoHealth has partnered with GoodRx and if you use a GoodRx card, an insurance agent from GoHealth will contact you!! Don't let this confuse you.
Doctors Are FIRING Patients
Doctors get paid more when their Medicare patients get annual check ups. Since doctors have a limited number of slots for people on Medicare (because Medicare pays so much less than insurance for those under 65), doctors across the country are terminating patients who refuse to get certain exams. If your doctor asks you to get a flu shot, mammogram, PSA or colonoscopy for preventative wellness, you can say no thanks, but you might be terminated as a patient.
Why Do you Never Get a Pay Increase from Social Security?
I had a client complain that she has never gotten an increase in her monthly Social Security payment in 10 years. This is untrue. Everyone, regardless of income, gets the same Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) each January. This year there is a lot of press around the forecasted 6.1% increase. In reality, the government giveth AND taketh away: your Medicare Part B premium also goes up each January, so you never realize a net gain. Everyone gets the same COLA “raise” but the cost of Part B depends on your income.
Will Medicare Members get a Dental Benefit?

Yes, but not anytime soon. After 55 years, it looks like this will pass. However, no one knows how good the benefit will be and it’s likely still better to own your own dental insurance plan with more coverage (contact me if you’d like pricing.) If Congress passes a dental, vision and hearing benefit, that will be available to every Medicare member, regardless of type of supplemental plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans already include some of these extra benefits--but by law they would have to exceed the benefit offered in Original Medicare.
FEMA is Reimbursing for Covid-19 Funeral Costs

Agents are not allowed to assist you, but you can call FEMA to apply for up to $9K in after funeral expenses.
NOW is the Time to Book Your Annual
Medicare Insurance Check-Up
Contact The Medicare Family for an appointment

It's easy to call and let my team determine if you need to make any changes to your Medicare insurance.

Prices never go down! It pays to give us a call to see what has changed with your health and see if you are still on the right plan for 2022.