Veronica Klocinski Medicare Products Advisor

08/11/2023

As an agent going over all of the Medicare coverage options with people, I often get asked, "Well, what do most people choose?" and my honest answer is, "It doesn't matter, because everyone's needs are so individualized.

However, it's a good question, and here is a very interesting article about the trends in Medicare coverage choices over the years and today.

As always please feel free to shoot me a message with any questions. I do not represent every plan in your area, and I encourage you to turn to Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare, or contact your local SHIP Program for more information about all your options.

05/09/2023

It's bird watching season! I don't know about y'all, but the birds are out at my house. If you like to feed them, are some helpful tips to keep the squirrels out of it!

Learn the 8 tips that deter and prevent squirrels from climbing on your bird feeders! Did you know there are foods that squirrels won't eat?

05/04/2023

https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/bd5568fa0e8a59c2225b2e0b93d5ae5b/aspe-insulin-affordibility-datapoint.pdf

10/03/2022

Medicare Part B Premiums are going DOWN for 2023!

Standard Part B Premiums will be $164.90 in 2023, down from $170.10 this year.

The Part B Deductible will be $226 in 2023, down from $233 this year.

Your coverage may change in other ways going into next year, depending on what plan you have. If you have questions about your 2023 coverage options, please feel free to send me a message of give me a call.

But you don't have to take my word for it. The full CMS 2023 costs update can be found here:

On September 27, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2023 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2023 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible

09/27/2022

Important disclosures about Medicare Plans: Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information. Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency. I do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans I do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

08/18/2022

Another great Consumer Reports article on the ins and outs of Medicare options! Whether you have a standalone Part D Prescription Plan or a Part C (Medicare Advantage) Plan which includes prescription coverage, your total yearly spending at he pharmacy counter can very vastly depending upon your plan choice, and can change from year to year even if you stay with the same plan. It is a good idea to check on your prescription coverage options annually to be sure you are not spending thousands more than you have to. Medicare.gov is a great tool to use for this. An independent agent can also help you use the tools available and navigate all of your options, or you can talk to your local branch of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or call Medicare directly. It's so important to stay plugged in on your coverage!

https://www.consumerreports.org/medicare/how-to-find-the-best-medicare-part-d-drug-plan-a6788874634/

Consumer Reports shows you how to find the best Medicare Part D drug plan and save hundreds of dollars a year on prescription drugs.

05/31/2022

Donut Hole Hacks
1. Extra Help- Have you checked to see if you qualify for federal Extra Help?
2. Insulin Savings Programs: If insulin is one of your highest priced drugs, is there a plan with an Insulin Savings Program that you could switch to?
3. Drug Manufacturer Savings Programs- Often easier to qualify for than Extra Help. Your doctor or your Part D insurance carrier may help you apply.
4. SeniorRx- Your local Agency on Aging can help you apply for the SeniorRx Program, which works with manufacturers to provide branded drugs at no or low cost to bridge the donut hole.
5. Online Pharmacies- Check to see whether there may be a lower cost way to get some of your medications and avoid hitting the donut hole next year. Consumer Reports has a great list of alternative pharmacy options, some of which do not take insurance and thus don’t contribute to your initial coverage limit. Talk to your doctor before making any changes. https://www.consumerreports.org/online-pharmacies/online-pharmacies-can-help-you-save-big-on-prescription-drugs/

If you have questions about the Donut Hole or about any of these programs, please feel free to give me a call or send me a message!

05/18/2022

Come see me Thursday at the Bibb County Summer Kick-Off Picnic for Seniors! It's going to be a blast!

05/13/2022

A GREAT overview of common Medicare coverage choices from Consumer Reports. It is so, so important to use all of the coverage comparison tools available ,to do the math on your coverage, stay plugged in on updates to doctor networks, prescription coverage, and benefit changes.

Healthcare coverage can get more complicated after 65. Staying engaged on your benefits and your options, either by yourself or with an agent you trust, is the best way to avoid pitfalls and get the most from your coverage.

Consumer Reports fills you in the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage as Medicare open enrollment draws near, noting that there can be hidden risks to this health insurance coverage.

05/13/2022

A reminder to protect your skin when you enjoy the great outdoors. Sunscreen isn't only for the beach!

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

03/24/2022

My absolute FAVORITE easy dessert snack recipe! They taste like cookie dough!

THE VERY BEST BLONDIES

INGREDIENTS:
1 CUP DARK BROWN SUGAR
1 CUP SELF-RISING FLOUR
A PINCH OF SALT
1 CAPFUL VANILLA EXTRACT
1 STICK UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
1 LARGE EGG
(OPTIONAL) 1/2 CUP NUTS OR DRIED FRUIT

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. MIX INGREDIENTS TOGETHER AND STIR UNTIL BATTER IS SMOOTH.
2. POUR INTO AN 8 OR 9 INCH SQUARE DISH.
3. BAKE IN A PREHEATED 350 DEGREE OVEN FOR 25-30 MINUTES.
4. ENJOY!