Longevity Life & Medical

JODI VIREA

Independent Insurance Advisor

I help my many clients select the best products that will help them and their family in their time of need.

I can assist with

Medicare

(ACA)/Obamacare

Final Expense/Burial Insurance Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Term Insurance

Long-Term Care

I have been Licensed in the insurance industry since 2002.

I am here to help you.

Give me a call!

Hi, there.

I'm Jodi.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a popular alternative to

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, these plans provide an all-in-one solution for healthcare coverage, often including additional benefits not available with Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans bundle the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) into a single plan.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D (prescription drug coverage), as well as extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care.

These plans operate within a network of healthcare providers, similar to the structure of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans:

1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: Require members to use healthcare providers within a specific network and often require referrals for specialist visits.

2. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: Offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and specialists, both within and outside the network, usually at a higher cost for out-of-network services.

3. Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans: Allow members to see any Medicare-approved provider who agrees to the plan's terms and conditions.

4. Special Needs Plans (SNPs): Designed for individuals with specific diseases or characteristics, providing tailored benefits and provider choices.

5. HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) Plans: Allow members to use some out-of-network services at a higher cost. 6. Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans: Combine a high-deductible health plan with a medical savings account that Medicare deposits money into for healthcare costs.

Key Features of Medicare Advantage Plans:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Includes all benefits covered under Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and often additional benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing.

2. Network Restrictions: Typically require members to use a network of doctors and hospitals. Out-of-network care may be covered at a higher cost or not at all.

3. Cost Structure: Premiums, copayments, and coinsurance amounts can vary by plan. Medicare Advantage plans usually have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, providing a cap on what members have to spend on covered services each year.

4. Additional Benefits: Many plans offer wellness programs, fitness memberships, transportation to medical appointments, and over-the-counter medication allowances.

Pros of Medicare Advantage:

1. All-in-One Coverage: Simplifies coverage by combining hospital, medical, and often prescription drug benefits into a single plan.
   
2. Extra Benefits: Offers additional services like dental, vision, and hearing care, which are not covered by Original Medicare.
   
3. Cost Predictability: Annual out-of-pocket maximum limits the total expenses for covered services, potentially offering more predictable healthcare costs.
   

Cons of Medicare Advantage:

1. Provider Network Limitations: May restrict access to specific doctors and hospitals, and out-of-network services can be costly or not covered.
   
2. Plan Changes: Benefits, premiums, and provider networks can change annually, which might require re-evaluating plan choices each year.
   
3. Prior Authorizations: Some services may need prior approval from the plan, which can delay or limit access to certain treatments.
   

Conclusion:

Medicare Advantage plans offer a comprehensive and often more convenient alternative to Original Medicare, with added benefits and potential cost savings.

However, they come with network restrictions and the possibility of annual changes to coverage.

Carefully evaluating the specifics of each plan and considering personal healthcare needs and preferences is crucial when choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan.

What is Medicare Medigap?

Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not. These costs can include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and provide a way to reduce the financial burden of healthcare expenses.

What is Medigap?

Medigap policies are supplementary insurance plans that work alongside Original Medicare. They help fill the "gaps" in coverage, making healthcare expenses more predictable and manageable. Medigap policies are standardized, meaning the benefits for each plan type are the same across all insurance companies, although premiums may vary.

Standard Medigap Plans: There are ten standardized Medigap plans available in most states, labeled A through N. Each plan offers a different combination of benefits. Here’s a brief overview of the most common plans:

1. Plan A: Covers basic benefits, including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood each year.
2. Plan B: Includes all benefits of Plan A, plus the Part A deductible.
3. Plan C: Covers all benefits of Plan B, plus skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency care. (Note: Plans C and F are not available to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible on or after January 1, 2020.)
4. Plan D: Includes the benefits of Plan C, except for the Part B deductible.
5. Plan F: Offers the most comprehensive coverage, including all benefits of Plan C and 100% coverage of the Part B deductible. A high-deductible version is also available.

6.Plan G: Similar to Plan F, but does not cover the Part B deductible. A high-deductible version is also available.

7.Plan K: Covers 50% of certain out-of-pocket costs, with an annual out-of-pocket limit.

8.Plan L: Covers 75% of certain out-of-pocket costs, with an annual out-of-pocket limit.

9.Plan M: Covers 50% of the Part A deductible and 100% of other basic benefits.

10.Plan N: Similar to Plan D, but with different copayment structures for doctor visits and emergency room visits.

Key Features of Medigap Policies:

1. Standardization: Benefits are standardized, ensuring consistency across different insurance companies.
   
2. Freedom of Choice: Medigap policies generally allow you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, without network restrictions.
   
3. Predictable Costs: Helps manage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making healthcare costs more predictable.
   
4. Guaranteed Renewability: As long as you pay your premiums, your Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable, even if you have health problems.
   

Pros of Medigap:

1. Flexibility: No network restrictions; you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
   
2. Comprehensive Coverage: Helps cover costs not included in Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
   
3. Stability: Benefits are standardized and do not change annually, providing consistency in coverage.
   

Cons of Medigap:

1. Higher Premiums: Medigap policies can be more expensive than Medicare Advantage plans, and premiums may increase over time.
   
2. No Prescription Drug Coverage: Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage; you need a separate Part D plan for medications.
   
3. Limited Additional Benefits: Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap does not cover extra services like dental, vision, or hearing care.
   

Conclusion:

Medigap policies offer robust and predictable coverage to supplement Original Medicare, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer flexibility and comprehensive protection against out-of-pocket costs.

However, the higher premiums and lack of additional benefits may be a consideration for some.

Evaluating your healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferences will help you determine if Medigap is the right choice for your Medicare coverage.

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Testimonials

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jodi and she was simply amazing. I had a hard time figuring out the best coverage for my needs but her vast knowledge of the different plans made it easier for me to make an informed decision. She was very patient and thorough in explaining all the different options and made sure I understood all the details of my coverage. She was easy to reach when I needed additional copies of my paperwork and was very friendly and professional during all of our interactions. If you're looking for someone who cares about your wellbeing, knowledgeable and dedicated to finding you the best policy, then Jodi is your best bet.

Client - Pauline

Ms. Virea is a paragon of excellence and integrity. Her tireless efforts in serving our customer base are unparalleled: she reviews insurance options with great care and thoroughness. She always suggests what is best for the patient. Additionally, she is patient and kind.

Client - Sharon

Thanks for taking the time to understand my insurance needs and aligning the perfect policy for my needs. I really appreciate how informative you were and your quick responsiveness to my questions. You went above and beyond sharing knowledge which makes selecting a life insurance policy painless and stress-free.

Client - Michelle

Book a session with me

Jodi Virea

(770) 601-8533

info@longevitylifemed.com