Discussing what's good and what's not so good
for over 30 years
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If you are approaching retirement, medicare, or social security you most likely have a dozen questions.
When do I need to enroll in Medicare?
What if I plan to keep working?
What if I took early social security?
What if my spouse is younger?
Do I need both parts of medicare?
Do I need a prescription plan?
What are Part C & D?
Do I need a supplement?
What if I have VA benefits?
When is open enrollment?
What if I have retirement benefits?
At what age am I eligible for medicare?
I can help you. Call me at 805-928-7372
It's my job to educate you so that you can make the decision that best suits your needs
Everybody's needs are different. Billie Jo Cravello will be happy to discuss
your individual needs and present the best options available.
your individual needs and present the best options available.
Individual Health Insurance
Don't qualify for subsidies with Covered CA? You do have choices! Healthcare rates don't have to equal your mortgage. So call me, I can help you. (805) 928-7372
Supplement Insurance
Going on Medicare? Don't get caught up in some supposed "Money Saving" deal". That probably won't happen. The donut shop is probably not the best place to get the information you need. Find out all the facts before you jump into something you may regret. I can help you, call me at (805) 928-7372
Do All Seniors Need a Drug Plan? »
Submitted by admin-6 on Wed, 2011-02-16 23:37
As seniors we have many decisions to consider. One such decision is whether or not to participate in "Part D" of medicare. It makes us a little crazy during "Open Enrollment"!
Only you know your health habits. Though we don’t have a crystal ball we can pretty much know whether or not we are prone to prescriptions.
Questons you may want to ask yourself are:
1. What is the cost of my drugs if any?
2. Are they generic?
3. How much is the premium for an Rx plan?
4. What are the co-pays for each Rx?
Penalties will apply at 1% per month of the average national premium cost for every month not enrolled. THOUGHT! How many months of penalties will it take to be upside down? For example: Three years savings of $1,728 by not purchasing a PDP plan.
Although PDP (prescription drug plan) is part of the "Advantage Plan" family you will not necessarily be disenrolled from medicare when participating in a plan offerred by any insurance company.
However, there are always extenuating circumstances regarding advantage plans. Be cautions when entertaining these "Advantage Plans". If you have a PFFS, HMO, PPO or other alternative to original medicare it’s important to understand how they work. You could end up spending more out of pocket than a year of premiums for standard medicare supplement.
This is Billie Jo Cravello. I can help you, Call me at 928-7372
As seniors we have many decisions to consider. One such decision is whether or not to participate in "Part D" of medicare. It makes us a little crazy during "Open Enrollment"!
Only you know your health habits. Though we don’t have a crystal ball we can pretty much know whether or not we are prone to prescriptions.
Questons you may want to ask yourself are:
1. What is the cost of my drugs if any?
2. Are they generic?
3. How much is the premium for an Rx plan?
4. What are the co-pays for each Rx?
Penalties will apply at 1% per month of the average national premium cost for every month not enrolled. THOUGHT! How many months of penalties will it take to be upside down? For example: Three years savings of $1,728 by not purchasing a PDP plan.
Although PDP (prescription drug plan) is part of the "Advantage Plan" family you will not necessarily be disenrolled from medicare when participating in a plan offerred by any insurance company.
However, there are always extenuating circumstances regarding advantage plans. Be cautions when entertaining these "Advantage Plans". If you have a PFFS, HMO, PPO or other alternative to original medicare it’s important to understand how they work. You could end up spending more out of pocket than a year of premiums for standard medicare supplement.
This is Billie Jo Cravello. I can help you, Call me at 928-7372
Insurance Premiums going up & up? »
Submitted by admin-6 on Thu, 2011-02-17 00:05
One of the first questions I ask my prospective clients is “Are you taking any expensive, well-advertised medications?” One recent caller’s response was, I don’t understand that question, I have a $5 co-pay. The caller may only pay $5 co-pay but guess who’s paying the balance? We, the consumer, with higher premiums.
Prescriptions are the #1 inflated expense for insurance companies.
Here’s some food for thought. Though very simplistic thinking, I generally place prescriptions in one of two categories. “Life- sustaining” or “feel good” drugs.
With drug companies spending billions on advertising the benefits of these wonder drugs it is important to know exactly who’s footing the bills. Also, ask yourself the question “Who prescribed my last medication, TV or my physician?” I also suggest you discuss generics with your doctor. You will save on co-pays and possible help control companies will
Generally, Health Insurance plans include a prescription benefit requiring that you to satisfy a separate deductible and co-pay putting some of the responsibility back on us, the consumer.
Health insurance companies don’t have the option of canceling your policy because you take too many prescriptions.
Consequently, the insurer considers the risk before approving an application. Be sure you know what your medical records tell about you because the insurance company is very interested.
Insurers consider medications as well as the conditions for which they’re prescribed. Taking those designer drugs just may cause you problems down the road when attempting to enhance your existing plan, change carriers or worse yet, may render you uninsurable.
This is Billie Jo Cravello. I can help you, call me at (805) 928-7372
One of the first questions I ask my prospective clients is “Are you taking any expensive, well-advertised medications?” One recent caller’s response was, I don’t understand that question, I have a $5 co-pay. The caller may only pay $5 co-pay but guess who’s paying the balance? We, the consumer, with higher premiums.
Prescriptions are the #1 inflated expense for insurance companies.
Here’s some food for thought. Though very simplistic thinking, I generally place prescriptions in one of two categories. “Life- sustaining” or “feel good” drugs.
With drug companies spending billions on advertising the benefits of these wonder drugs it is important to know exactly who’s footing the bills. Also, ask yourself the question “Who prescribed my last medication, TV or my physician?” I also suggest you discuss generics with your doctor. You will save on co-pays and possible help control companies will
Generally, Health Insurance plans include a prescription benefit requiring that you to satisfy a separate deductible and co-pay putting some of the responsibility back on us, the consumer.
Health insurance companies don’t have the option of canceling your policy because you take too many prescriptions.
Consequently, the insurer considers the risk before approving an application. Be sure you know what your medical records tell about you because the insurance company is very interested.
Insurers consider medications as well as the conditions for which they’re prescribed. Taking those designer drugs just may cause you problems down the road when attempting to enhance your existing plan, change carriers or worse yet, may render you uninsurable.
This is Billie Jo Cravello. I can help you, call me at (805) 928-7372
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