Page 6 - Cover Letter and Medicare Evaluation for Andrea Masters

these plans as you would if you have Medigap Plan G or Plan N. With a Medigap policy, then,
you pay higher premiums to reduce your out-of-pocket risk. And with either of these Advantage
plans, you will pay no premiums as the tradeoff for assuming a greater out-of-pocket risk.

Typically, people in good health will save money an Advantage plan. Even if they “lose” money
in one year, they will likely come out ahead over a several-year span. There are also those who
will choose a Medigap policy knowing that they will likely pay more over time. They are willing
to do so because they want the flexibility to see any provider who accepts Medicare and they
want to avoid the restrictions of managed-care plans. Unlike residents of most states, though,
people who live in New York can decide every year which type of coverage they want and easily
change from one type to another.

Getting off to a good start

On your initial visits to your doctors after April 1, show the office staff your Medicare card and
the enrollment card for your supplemental coverage. That will help to avoid any billing
confusion. And even though you do not take prescription drugs, show your pharmacist your
drug plan enrollment card for him/her to keep on file. Also, you are entitled to a free “Welcome
to Medicare” physical during the first year you have Part B, but you may need to request it from
your primary care doctor. After your initial year, Medicare does not cover routine physical
exams, but some Advantage plans will.

Sincerely,

David Armes, CFP®

Attachment: Part B and Part D IRMAA amounts
Appendices

WDA:12115

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