Medicare Blog

how to make an appointment to discuss medicare insurance options

by Erna Goldner Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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You can speak to a representative at the Social Security Administration to make an appointment with an agent at your local Social Security office

Social Security Administration

The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits. To qualify for most of these benefits, most workers pay Social …

by phoning their official toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. You can also go to the website Medicare.gov which may provide you with information you need on a topic concerning your Medicare coverage.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE
TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Full Answer

How much can you make to qualify for Medicare?

What Are the Medicare Income Limits in 2021?

  • There are no income limits to receive Medicare benefits.
  • You may pay more for your premiums based on your level of income.
  • If you have limited income, you might qualify for assistance in paying Medicare premiums.

How do you prepare for a medical appointment?

Make a copy of the blank form so you will always have a clean copy to use. Then, after you make an appointment, take a minute to write down the name of the doctor and the appointment details (the date, time, address). Use the form to make a list of the concerns you want to discuss, starting from most important to least important.

How to make a primary care appointment?

You can use this tool to:

  • Schedule some of your VA health appointments online
  • Request approved community care appointments online
  • Cancel appointments made online
  • View appointments on your health calendar
  • Find the location of the VA or community care facility for your appointments
  • Print a list of your future appointments

How to find a Medicare office near you?

  • Dial 1-800-MEDICARE. ...
  • Ask the customer service agent who answers your call to help you determine the nearest Medicare office. ...
  • Write the address and phone number of any offices you are interested in on a piece of paper. ...

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Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

Do you have questions about your Medicare coverage? 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can help. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

How do I choose a Medicare supplement plan?

Here are some tips for choosing the best Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan for your needs.Understand your coverage needs and budget.Sign up during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.Explore any potential discounts.Know when you may have guaranteed-issue rights.

What are the 4 types of Medicare?

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information).Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

What is a Medicare enrollment guide?

The CalPERS Medicare Enrollment Guide provides information about how Medicare works with your CalPERS health benefits. (See pages 2-4 for a description of the different parts of Medicare.) For eligibility information and an explanation of when you need to enroll in a CalPERS Medicare health plan, see page 5.

Who is the largest Medicare Supplement provider?

UnitedHealthCareAARP/United Health Group has the largest number of Medicare Supplement customers in the country, covering 43 million people in all 50 states and most U.S. territories. AARP licenses its name to insurer UnitedHealthCare, which helps make these policies so popular.

What is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available. It leaves you with 100% coverage after Medicare pays its portion. Medigap Plan F covers the Medicare Part A and Part B deductible and the Medicare Part B 20% coinsurance.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

What parts of Medicare are optional?

Is Part C Mandatory? Medicare Advantage coverage is entirely optional. People usually choose Part C or Medigap. While you can decide for yourself which option is best, we highly recommend Medigap.

Who does AARP recommend for Medicare?

UnitedHealthcareAARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare.

Will I automatically be enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

What changes are coming to Medicare in 2022?

Changes to Medicare in 2022 include a historic rise in premiums, as well as expanded access to mental health services through telehealth and more affordable options for insulin through prescription drug plans. The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans dropped while access to plans grew.

Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?

The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month. If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65.

What is a marketing appointment?

Marketing appointments are meetings you arrange with a representative or agent of an insurance company to discuss your private plan options (including Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medigaps). If you call a plan to make an appointment, an agent will come to your home and speak to you about your options, depending on what you requested. Plan agents cannot come to your home without invitation. There are also rules for what a plan agent can do at a marketing appointment.

Where do marketing appointments take place?

Most marketing appointments take place in the home, but sometimes they may be at a library or other location.

How to enroll in a health insurance plan?

During your meeting, plan agents may: 1 Give you plan materials, including educational materials or the plan’s enrollment kit 2 Tell you where to find information about the plan (website, business cards, customer service number) 3 Discuss different plan options 4 Provide and collect enrollment forms if you have the right to enroll

Can an agent speak to you?

Agents can only speak to you about products you asked to discuss. The scope of the appointment is limited to what you requested when arranging the appointment. Agents may represent Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap plans, but they should only present information about the products you are interested in.

Do you have to fill out a scope of appointment?

You must complete a scope of appointment form before your appointment. The plan or agent may send you a scope of appointment form that you must fill out and return, or the plan may call you and record your responses. Remember, agents should not discuss anything during your appointment that is not in the scope of the appointment form, unless you ask. If you want to discuss additional products, the agent should ask you to fill out another form first.

What is scope of appointment in Medicare?

Updated on July 15, 2021. The form is a Scope of Appointment is a paper you fill out before an agent comes to your home. This form lets the agent know beforehand which coverage options are open for discussion.

How long does a scope of appointment last?

Agents must document their meetings with potential and current beneficiaries. The form goes on file for ten years and protects all parties. Sadly, many people have used a sales approach to profit from misunderstandings of the insurance world.

What is SOA insurance?

If you don’t select one of the coverage options, the agent won’t discuss it with you unless you fill out a new Scope of Appointment. The SOA protects you and the agent. When an agent uses this form and sells you a policy, ...

Does Medicare cover dental and vision?

Medicare Supplement plans work hand in hand with Medicare to pick up the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t cover. Vision, Dental, and Hearing plans are separate insurance policies that offer routine care. Hospital Indemnity plans are the insurance plans that cover your hospital visits and stays. Long-Term Care Insurance comes in handy ...

Can an insurance agent talk about a plan?

You’ll select each box that you choose to discuss with the agent, and they legally can’t talk about plans ...

Can you use the scope of appointment form during a telephone consultation?

To ensure you get all the information you want, we use a similar form to the Scope of Appointment form. Since agents are unable to utilize the Scope of Appointment form during telephone consultations, our team here at MedicareFAQ uses a unique document of our own.

Can insurance agents save SOA forms?

Insurance agents can obtain the information, search for their SOA forms, and save all documents. They can even perform quotes for you within this program. The previous Scope of Appointment documents can also be uploaded into the electronic system to maximize proficiency.

What is scope of appointment in Medicare?

The Medicare Scope of Appointment helps ensure you get the information you need to make an informed decision about which Medicare Advantage plan and/or Medicare Part D plan is right for you. It limits your discussion to the scope of healthcare products you agree to in advance.

What to do after meeting with Medicare?

During your meeting – and after you sign or agree to the Medicare Scope of Appointment – your Medicare insurance agent may provide you with plan materials, talk about the plans you specified in your Scope of Appointment form, explain how to get more information, provide an enrollment form, help you complete the enrollment form (if you decide to move forward), and leave their business card for you to give to friends and family.

How to learn about Medicare plans?

You can learn more about Medicare plans available where you live and compare available plans by calling to speak with a licensed insurance agent. You can also compare plans online for free with no obligation to enroll.

What to do when discussing insurance plans over the phone?

If you are discussing plans with an insurance agent over the phone, you may be asked to verbally agree.

Do you have to collect a scope of appointment document for Medicare Advantage?

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about this when choosing a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) or Medicare Part D drug plan. That’s because when you meet with a Medicare insurance agent in person to talk about these plans, Medicare requires your agent to collect a Scope of Appointment document.

Is Medicare Part A required for Medicare Advantage?

No, it is not required for enrollment in Original Medicare ( Medicare Part A and Part B). It is required for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap plans, Medicare Part D drug plans, Hospital Indemnity and Dental/Vision/Hearing plans.

Does Medicare require a specific form?

Medicare doesn’t require a specific format, but it does require insurance agents to capture the following information: Date of the appointment; products you’ll discuss during that appointment; beneficiary and agent contact information; and a statement indicating there is no obligation to enroll, that current or future Medicare enrollment status is not affected by your decision, and that enrollment will not occur automatically. Both you and your Medicare insurance agent sign this form or agree to it verbally.

How to make an appointment with a doctor?

Here are 5 things you should do when you call to make an appointment: 1 Let them know if you’re a new patient. You may have to wait a few weeks to get an appointment, especially if you’re a new patient. If you call your provider’s office because you’re sick, you may be able to see them the same day. 2 Tell them the reason for your visit. You might be looking for a new primary care provider or you might need to come in because you have a specific concern, like the flu, allergies, or depression. 3 Give them the name of your health insurance plan. If you have Medicaid or CHIP coverage – let them know. 4 Find out if you need to bring anything to the visit, like medical records or current medications. 5 It’s important to know the name of the provider you’d like to see. You may have to wait longer for an appointment if you request a specific provider, so they might recommend another provider in your network who has availability if you’re feeling sick and need to come in sooner.

How long do you have to wait to see a doctor?

Let them know if you’re a new patient. You may have to wait a few weeks to get an appointment, especially if you’re a new patient. If you call your provider’s office because you’re sick, you may be able to see them the same day.

What is the number to call Ritter's sales team?

Have additional questions on what you can and cannot say during Medicare sales appointments? Reach out to Ritter’s Sales Team today at 800-769-1847.

Can you say "During Medicare sales appointments"?

Let’s get into it! During Medicare sales appointments, you can’t say…

Is Medicare free with deductible?

Using the word “free” in association with Medicare plans is major ly mislea ding as these plans can still have copays, coinsurance, and deductibles above $0, as well as specific network requirements and service areas for any $0 benefits.

Can Medicare agents say anything during sales appointments?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have some strict rules on what agents can and cannot say during Medicare sales appointments, but pulling them out of the dense Medicare Advantage & Part D Communication Requirements can be tough and time-consuming. Here are some examples to help simplify things!

Can you cross sell life insurance during a Medicare appointment?

Otherwise, you’re not allowed to cross-sell other, non-Medicare types of plans, like dental, vision, hearing, and hospital indemnity plans, during a Medicare appointment. You definitely cannot cross-sell life insurance, annuities, and other products not listed on the Scope of Appointment during a Medicare sales appointment.

Is it illegal to give gifts in exchange for Medicare?

Bribery does not make for good business. Plus, it’s illegal to offer gifts in exchange for Medicare enrollments.

Can an agent promote Medicare?

Of all the rules on “Medicare speak,” this is probably the one that agents recognize the most. An agent who sells Medicare products cannot promote their services in such a way, so as to make potential (or current) clients think they’re recommended or endorsed by Medicare itself or the government.

What to do if you think Medicare is calling you?

If you think the call is from Medicare, hang up and call them back at the national number. Then, if it was one of them, they can help you. However, if Medicare isn’t attempting to reach you, then you avoid a spammer trying to steal your information. Telemarketing calls attempt to commit fraud and theft.

What to do if you get a call from someone who claims to be Medicare?

If you get calls from someone claiming to be Medicare, get a name and phone number, and call Medicare to make a report.

How to report a fraudulent call to Medicare?

How to Report a Medicare Call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.

Is Medicare a spam?

Spammers found a niche in claiming to be Medicare, so if you get a call from a person saying they’re with Medicare, you can guarantee it’s spam. You may also find that you’ll start getting spammy emails in your inbox – if it sounds suspicious, it more than likely is! Please do not reply to any emails seeking personal information, and be sure to report it as spam immediately. You should never share your Medicare Identifier or Social Security number with a stranger.

Can you get information from Medicare if you have Social Security?

When enrolling in Medicare, you should be aware that neither Social Security nor Medicare calls you to get information. Should any issue arise in which Medicare or Social Security needs any information from you, they’ll ALWAYS send you a letter to notify you. If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on ...

Will Medicare call you?

Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they’ll NEVER call. You’ll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you’re receiving claim to be from Medicare, it’s a spam call.

Can Medicare call you asking for bank information?

In either of these scenarios or similar situations, do not give out your personal information. Medicare will never call you asking for bank information or credit card numbers.

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