So, these commercials are not from Medicare or the government. In fact, a large Medicare agency pays Namath to advertise Advantage policies that beneficiaries can purchase from their agents. With Advantage plans, Medicare pays carriers to take on the beneficiary’s risk.
Full Answer
Are the Medicare commercials from Medicare or the government?
Nov 05, 2021 · Savage said that due to the Medicare program's rules, Medicare Advantage enrollees could wind up paying out of pocket as much as $7,500 a year; more than $11,000 a year if you use out-of-network ...
What does Joe Namath’s Medicare commercials on TV mean?
Feb 24, 2021 · Advantage plans are heavily advertised because of how they are funded. These plans' premiums are low or nonexistent because Medicare pays the carrier whenever someone enrolls. It benefits ...
Should you watch Medicare Advantage ads on TV?
Nov 12, 2021 · They think 'zero premium' means it's free, which it's not." Savage said that due to the Medicare program's rules, Medicare Advantage enrollees could wind up paying out of pocket as much as $7,500 ...
Why does Medicare pay Namath to advertise Advantage plans?
Nov 10, 2021 · These plans, now chosen by 42% of Medicare beneficiaries, are sold by private health insurers, as opposed to the alternative Original Medicare program offered by the federal government. The commercials, said “Friends Talk Money” co-host Terry Savage, a syndicated personal finance columnist and author and Medicare expert, promote their one-stop shopping …
How much is Part B premium?
Still, those on Advantage plans must continue to pay their Part B premium. The standard Part B premium is $148.50. Those with lower incomes can get help paying this premium, while higher-income earners are subject to premium adjustment.
Can you see a doctor with Medicare?
With or without secondary Medigap insurance, Original Medicare coverage enables you to see any doctor accepting Medicare assignment. As of 2020, only 1% of physicians treating adults had formally opted out of Medicare assignment, so this is similar to having an unlimited "network."
Do you have to pay Medicare premiums for both Part A and Part B?
People who have paid Medicare taxes for 40 or more quarters receive Part A premium-free. You must enroll in both Part A and Part B to obtain an Advantage plan. So, while an Advantage plan stands in for your Medicare and might come without a monthly premium, you'll still be responsible for your Original Medicare costs.
What the Medicare Advantage Commercials Say
Savage noted the ads often say: "Let us do everything! And we're going to give you hearing [coverage] and we're going to give you dental and we're going to pick you up and drive you to your doctor's appointments. We're going to give you a turkey on Thanksgiving! They promise so much."
The Fine Print of Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, usually bundled with prescription drug coverage, typically require you to use health care providers in their network. The policies limit your annual out-of-pocket costs for covered services.
Think Before You Switch
So, Savage advised, "think very carefully before you switch out of traditional Medicare, which lets you see just about any doctor or go to any hospital."
Where to Get Medicare Help
"Friends Talk Money" co-host Pam Krueger, founder of the financial adviser vetting program Wealthramp, said "an excellent, fiduciary, fee-only financial planner can make sure you get the comparisons you need" during Medicare Open Enrollment.
The Fine Print of Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, usually bundled with prescription drug coverage, typically require you to use health care providers in their network. The policies limit your annual out-of-pocket costs for covered services.
Think Before You Switch
So, Savage advised, “think very carefully before you switch out of traditional Medicare, which lets you see just about any doctor or go to any hospital.”
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How much does Medicare Advantage cost?
Depending on the company, these co-pays are capped on an annual basis – often upwards of $7,000 per year. Which means if you see the doctor a lot in a given year, your free plan may cost you in the neighborhood of $7,000.
What is a zero premium plan?
These plans are common and many customers do choose them, however they are certainly not free when considering the entire picture. Medicare Advantage plans come with out of pocket co-pays each time you seek treatment, for each doctor, specialist, etc. Depending on the company, these co-pays are capped on an annual basis – often upwards of $7,000 per year. Which means if you see the doctor a lot in a given year, your free plan may cost you in the neighborhood of $7,000. If you are paying a premium, you most likely have a Medicare Supplement plan with a Prescription Drug Plan.
Is Medicare Advantage bad?
By no means am I saying that these plans are bad, they are not. They are quite popular in fact.
What does Medicare Advantage mean?
The plan must provide the same benefits as Medicare parts A and B but is run by a private company rather than by the government, and it may offer additional benefits beyond those of parts A and B. The government reimburses the private company according to the number of enrollees.
Things to consider
If you travel to another state to visit family, Medicare Advantage doesn’t go with you. You will have to pay out of pocket. Medicare Advantage plans have out-of-pocket (OOP) limits; original Medicare doesn’t.
Author
Harriet Hall, MD also known as The SkepDoc, is a retired family physician who writes about pseudoscience and questionable medical practices.
Doorbell sound effects should be illegal in commercials
Does anyone’s dog NOT go insane every time a commercial with a doorbell airs? And it’s like one every commercial break. I either have to play chicken with my mute button every night or wrestle my dog still every time one happens to avoid him losing his mind and waking up my kids.
Medusa with her Amazon sunglasses and that crappy song
I'm getting really sick of her. That song has wormed its way into my brain also.
Enough said
Ever see a commercial that is cringeworthy, badly done, or has a stupid annoying song or actor? Does every time it comes on, you want to immediately mute your television/radio or change the channel? Well whatever the reason may be that you despise it and it makes your skin crawl every time it comes on, this is the place to rant about it.
