Testimonial

"I am very pleased with everything with Humana, Silver Sneakers and you. Silver Sneakers has given me the opportunity and encouragement to use the Conditioning Spa in Greeley two or three times a week. I have lost 15-20 pounds. I am stronger and conditioned. I walk 1-4 miles a day and I feel GREAT!"

Lanny Clary
Retired
Pierce, CO

Full Text

Testimonial

"Pete has been a great help pointing us in the right direction with our health insurance. He advised us in the transition form COBRA, to Cover Colorado, to the best plans for us with Medicare.

We would have been lost without his help and probably would have made some wrong and very costly decisions.

Thanks, Pete for all you have done for us.

PS. Pete, you are a really neat guy."

Chuck and Betty Park
Retired City Employee
Fort Collins, CO

Full Text

Testimonial

"We now have our Social Security supplemental health insurance and Parts A, B, and D. We particularly liked your approach of not pressuring us into buying a particular product, but rather, you presented programs that you recommended, explained the pros and cons and then allowed us to decide."

Ardin L. Wright
Retired Psychologist
Windsor, CO

Full Text

Seniors & Medicare

Congratulations, Colorado Senior, you've reached the milestone age of 65! Many things are changing for you, not the least of which is a change in your health insurance as you go on Medicare. Many people are filled with worry, questions and confusion. "Will Medicare be enough?" "What kind of Medicare supplement should I get?" "What about drug coverage?" "Will pre-existing conditions be covered?" "How much will all this cost me?" Well, we've got good news for you! You have many choices, and they are good—really good! It's just a matter of figuring out which is the best option for you! Just keep in mind that there are strict open enrollment deadlines that must be observed. Some occur yearly, while others occur only once in a lifetime. Contact us about three months prior to age 65 as soon as you get your Medicare eligibility notice.

We can also help if you are UNDER 65 and on Medicare due to a DISABILITY. It is crucial that you contact us immediately after qualifying for Medicare under disability as you will have a ONE TIME open enrollment for a Medicare Supplement.

Plan ahead! Call us today at 800-553-1444!

Companies We Currently Recommend
Authorized Agent for the following carriers:
	Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
	American Republic
	Humana
	Mutual of Omaha

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT (aka "Medi-Gap")
Original Medicare coupled with a Medicare Supplement is considered the "gold standard" when it comes to your health coverage. Medicare Supplement policies are standardized, meaning all insurance carriers offer the same benefits. The only difference will be the price and service of the insurance company. Plans are named with a letter and go from A to L. Although there are several good options, the most popular plan by a long shot is called "Plan F". Plan F covers 100% of Medicare deductibles and coinsurances, meaning you have zero out of pocket costs on all Medicare eligible expenses. (Exception: The only Medicare eligible expense that is not supplemented by plan F is inpatient hospice care. This should not be of concern since Medicare pays for virtually all hospice expenses leaving patients with only a tiny co-insurance for outpatient drugs and inpatient respite care.) Plan F even pays up to $50,000 if you travel outside of the USA which is important since Medicare does not cover you outside of the United States. For a quick overview of what is covered by plans A through L click here. For a fuller description, on a specific plan, contact us.
Premiums for Plan F will generally range from approximately $110 to $160/month for a 65 year old, depending on where you live and what company you select. The big item that is not covered either by Medicare or by the supplements are prescription drugs. (See below for a discussion on Part D Drug plans.)
We offer Medicare supplement plans from Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, American Republic, and Mutual of Omaha.
Advantages: You can see any doctor, anywhere in the U.S that participates with Medicare—which is virtually every doctor. This is especially important for those who do a lot of traveling or do not have a permanent place of residence. No worries about the 6 month residence rule. Medigap policies are especially well suited to those who do a lot of RV travel, live in rural areas, or simply want the very best coverage available so they don't have to worry about paying for any deductibles, copays or coinsurances.
Disadvantages: None, other than the slightly higher price, so long as you pick one of the comprehensive Medi-Gap policies, such as plan F or J.
Click here to view a 56-page booklet published by Medicare called "2009 Choosing a Medigap Policy".

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are part of the Medicare program. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally get all of your Medicare-covered health care through that plan. This coverage can include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans include:
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
- Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs)
When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you use the health insurance card that you get from the plan for your health care. In most of these plans, generally there are extra benefits and lower copayments than in the Original Medicare Plan. However, you may have to see doctors that belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get services.
To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You will have to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium to Medicare. In addition, you might have to pay a monthly premium to your Medicare Advantage Plan for the extra benefits that they offer.

PART D DRUG PLANS
What is Medicare prescription drug coverage?
Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have high drug costs or from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future.
How does Medicare prescription drug coverage work?
Your decision about Medicare prescription drug coverage depends on the kind of health care coverage you have now. There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage:
1. You can join a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan, or
2. You can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage.
Whatever plan you choose, Medicare drug coverage will help you by covering brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies that are convenient for you.
Like other insurance, if you join, generally you will pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible of between $0 to $275 in 2008, depending on the plan you have selected. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a copayment or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose.
If you have limited income and your drug expenses are especially high and you are in danger of going into the coverage gap (or what some have dubbed as the "donut hole"), click here to see if you can qualify for extra help with Rx expenses.

"Can I Switch Plans Once I Make a Decision?"
Sometimes you can, sometimes you can't. The rules are complicated, so call us with any questions that are specific to your situation.