Health Insurance Matters: Medicare Summit

Each year in August, a group of insurance agents meets to discuss and learn about Medicare.

Ten years ago, three insurance agents started this program for San Diego, Orange County as well as the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino). As the premier agent in Kern County, and then president of our Health Underwriters Association, I was invited to participate. About 80 agents attended this two-day event in Ontario.

This week, there were about 800 agents and providers learning about Medicare and related products in attendance for a three-day event (four if you count the golf tournament). Even during the COVID-19 years, we met, but virtually, as health and safety are our principal concerns for our senior clients and ourselves.

The event could run for a week if there was only the available time. In the past years, Medicare rules were the major emphasis. This year, thanks to the exhibitors and sponsors, the agents present were able to see a glimpse of what 2023 is going to look like.

The major emphasis was on Medicare Advantage, and in Southern California, that means HMO! Most if not all of the insurance companies provided speeches and information about their products for the coming year. As the law does not allow the distribution or even discussion of the product portfolio, we were only given a little taste as to what to expect in 2023.

I am looking forward to Oct. 1, when this will be public and allowed to be discussed. What I found interesting is some of the options these HMO plans will offer. One company has an option to perform an extermination of your home if you have little critters. Obviously, for some that is a health risk. Other plans will provide meals, help pay utilities and provide nutritious meals. There is even a credit for groceries each month, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medications and household needs.

There will be several plans available for people who typically use the Veterans Administration (VA) for their health care. People pay into Medicare, but seldom use the Medicare benefits. So, there will be Medicare Advantage plans providing benefits like dental, vision and cash back. Since you are not covered by prescription drugs on these special plans, they will refund part of your monthly Part B premium – as much as $150!

Living in the Kern River Valley makes seeing a specialist in Bakersfield or Ridgecrest very difficult regarding transportation. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer trips to approved locations. I have discussed the 50-mile one-way limitation with the plans, and many will make special accommodations for a longer trip beyond the typical 50-mile maximum.

Above, I mentioned just a few of the benefits available from an assortment of plans. Each plan has its menu of benefits. Then comes the television and radio and newspaper and magazine and who knows what else will be advertised. Joe Nameless will be back on the tube touting a list of benefits, while on the bottom of the screen, it will state that the advertiser does not provide all the plans and you should seek further information from 1-800-MEDICARE or by going to Medicare.gov for a full list of plans. Joe Nameless and JJ Runner as well as other former "stars" do not say if the benefits they tout will be on your plan. Call 1-800-You R SCREWED for more information from a licensed agent.

The licensed agent has never been to California, has no idea of what plans are offered here, other than those that he has been certified with, and has no knowledge of the doctors, hospitals or needs of our community.

I bring this to your attention, as in the past years, every Jan. 1 to March 31, there is one opportunity to change plans, and I am busy helping people undo what they did to themselves. The people representing the national advertisers, including the insurance companies, are out there to sell you something. That is how we all get paid. My office is no different in wanting to provide you with a plan, but we are located here in the Kern Valley. We meet in the market, restaurants or other places. I provide a service and remain accountable. Your costs are the same using us or a representative from the insurance company. As I often say, if you walk into a Ford dealership to buy a car, you will drive off with a new Ford. What if Chevrolet had a better vehicle? We look at all the plans and assist in finding the best option for your current needs. Future needs? Annually we review every policy. Lots of work, but it pays off in satisfied clients.

Harry P. Thal, the Medicare Guru in Kernville, is available for free phone consultations. Call 760-376-2100 or 800-498-8425 for a phone appointment or send an email to harrythal@aol.com.