Medicare Planning
Medicare planning news and analysis, including coverage of the Medicare Advantage program, Medicare supplement insurance, the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly plans.
April 06, 2009
Medicare Advantage Rate Fight BrewsMedicare Advantage program supporters in Congress are gearing up to fight for an increase in the newly proposed 2010 reimbursement rates.
March 30, 2009
Washington announces new terms for Medicare AdvantageThe details of rules governing private Medicare Advantage insurance supplement programs were announced Tuesday, setting in motion the beginning of sweeping changes dictated by the Obama Administration, the Wall Street Journal reported.
March 08, 2009
CMS Clashes With Insurers Over CodingThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it will be adjusting for private Medicare plan operators' tendency to "upcode" the severity of plan members' health problems.
January 09, 2009
Highmark Wins Medicare ContractA Pennsylvania company will be creating 480 jobs to handle a new assignment to process 78 million Medicare fee-for-service claims per year for the Centers ...
January 01, 2009
Open Enrollment PeriodThe OEP is Jan. 1- March 31 of each year. During this period, beneficiaries can join any Medicare Advantage plans that are accepting new enrollees, or they can switch to another Medicare plan. Find out what your plan of action should be during the
January 01, 2009
Annual Election PeriodThe AEP, Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, is the time of year when beneficiaries can opt to join any Medicare plan. Here, you will learn the basics of the AEP, along with a list of the action you should be taking during this critical period of the Medicare sales
January 01, 2009
Marketing PeriodDuring the marketing period, which begins on Oct. 1, producers who sell Medicare products are allowed to advertise using any materials that have been approved by CMS. View CMS' marketing guidelines, see examples of CMS-approved material, learn how
January 01, 2009
Initial Coverage Election PeriodThe ICEP is different for every senior. Every older American who turns 65 can join any Medicare program in the three months before, the three months after, or during their birth month. Find out why it is so important for seniors to choose a Medicare
January 01, 2009
Off-seasonDuring the off-season, agents should be doing everything they can to get ready for the marketing period, including preparing advertising materials and making sure their training is up-to-date. Make sure that you are ready when the Medicare season
January 01, 2009
Medicare PrimerThere are a variety of Medicare products that agents can offer to their clients. Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Advantage programs provide excellent alternatives to original Medicare. For an outline of the different plan types,