You have a major medical plan - and the deductible is a worry.  High deductibles and co-pays are a problem for most people.

And the answer can be simple.

We recommend to our clients that they consider 2 things - an accident policy and critical illness coverage.

What are they:

An accident policy is designed to provide you cash if you or a covered family member has an accident.  It can pay for deductibles.  Co-payments.  Time off work - whatever you need and it is paid directly to you.

A critical illness policy is designed to pay you cash if you have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious illness.  So often when these conditions strike, you're out of work and need money to pay bills, deductibles and co-pays.  A CI policy can fill the gap.

Give us a call at 1-888-565-9556 and let us tell you about the options for these essential coverages.  In today's era of high deductibles, it is something you shouldn't be without.

Tom Blanchard & Jessica Hotchkiss

Most of us have insurance on our cars, our houses, health insurance to pay for medical treatment and life insurance in case we pass away - but what happens to you - and your income - if you're sick and unable to work for an extended period?

Your employer may provide sick leave, but it's usually pretty short-term.  What if you can't work for months?  How do you pay the bills? 

An income replacement policy can provide the income you'll need - and at a very affordable cost.  Properly designed, it can cover you for income loss while you recover - it's one less stress while you're trying to get well.

You insure the big things in your life - it's time to think about insuring the BIGGEST thing - your financial security.

Give us a call today at 888-565-9556 or 575-956-6394 and let's sit down and talk about your options and find a plan that will work for you.

Tom

Here are a couple of useful websites for consumers - one gives you an idea of what medical services cost and the other provides discounts and pricing information on prescription drugs.

This information is important if you have copays and coinsurance expenses - and it's interesting to note how different the charges for medical services can be.

www.healthcarebluebook.com  shows pricing for different medical services and

www.goodrx.com can provide savings on prescription drugs.

Another useful tip - how often have you needed your prescription information (dosage, name, etc) and not had it?  If your phone will take pictures (and most will these days), take a picture of each of your prescription bottle labels and keep it on your phone.  You'll always have a record if you need it.

Tom

You may have heard something on the news about Medicare Supplement Plan F being discontinued in 2020.

THIS IS NOT TRUE.

Anyone who is enrolled or eligible to enroll in Medicare before 1-1-2020 will be eligible to keep or purchase a Plan F Medicare supplement.

The new rules apply ONLY to people who are eligible to enroll in Medicare after 1-1-2020 and for them, Plan F will not be available.

So if you currently have a Plan F - nothing changes.  If you are eligible for Medicare before 1-1-2020 - nothing changes.  These new rules will only apply to people eligible after 1-1-2020.

There's been a lot of talk and confusion - but we work hard to keep up with all changes to laws affecting our clients.  Please call us at 575-956-6394 anytime you hear anything on the news and have questions - it's our job to know!

 One thing we are frequently asked is - do I have to wait until October if I want to change Medicare Supplement companies or plans?

The answer is NO - if what you have is a supplement.  The open enrollment period at the end of the year applies to Medicare Advantage Plans and prescription drug plans.  If you have a supplement, you can apply to another company at any time.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to make a change, you must wait until the Open Enrollment between October 15 and December 7, unless you qualify for a Special Election Period.  If you think this might apply to you - give us a call at 888-565-9556 and we'll be happy to provide information to see if you qualify.

There is also a Medicare Advantage disenrollment period from Jan 1 to February 14.here to edit.