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.
CMS Clashes With Insurers Over Coding
By Staff WriterThe 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 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,
January 01, 2009
Understanding Medicare's Annual Election PeriodMedicare's annual election period -- the time between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, when all Medicare Advantage health plans are open and accepting new members -- is an important opportunity, especially for those who have recently lost their job or retired and
January 01, 2009
The Resurgence of Medicare SupplementMedicare supplement, once thought to be going the way of the dinosaurs, is making a strong comeback. Sales of the product -- also known as "Med supp" or "Medigap" -- are experiencing growth as 34 percent of seniors