Page 1 - Evaluation for Norm Ross

October 21, 2017

Mr. Norman K. Ross
7208 Rainbow Lane
Frederick, MD 21702

Dear Mr. Ross:

Your Medicare evaluation is enclosed. Please check the information on the client data sheet on
page 5 to make sure it is correct, as well the attached list of the prescription drugs that you
take, their dosages and monthly quantities.

In most cases the costs shown in your evaluation are estimates for the 2018 plan year.
But Medicare’s costs are the 2017 numbers -- it has not yet said how much Part B premiums
and the Part B deductible will be next year.

Moreover, the cost-sharing amounts for various Medicare-covered services haven’t been
released yet, so on pages 6-7 the 2017 numbers are used. But the estimated prescription drug
costs on pages 3 and 4 are for the 2018 plan year and your Medigap premium estimates should
be close to what you will pay next year, although you may be able to get a policy for slightly
less.

You indicated that you are interested in comparing both types of coverage – Medigap policies
and Medicare Advantage plans. The evaluation compares three Medigap plans (F, N, and L), and
the Johns Hopkins Advantage MD Plus PPO Plan. Once you have decided which plan(s) you
want to enroll in, you can call their toll-free numbers, which are shown in the evaluation on
pages 2-4, to enroll effective January 1.

Medigap policies

It might help to review features that all Medigap policies share (you may already be aware of
these). They can be purchased during the first six months you have Part A and Part B without
your having to answer health-related questions, although in Maryland your premiums are
adjusted for your age.

After that initial six-month period has past, you will likely have to answer questions about your
health before receiving a premium quote. People who have serious pre-existing conditions
could be denied coverage. In most cases it is not difficult to get a Medigap policy in later
retirement, but those who wait should be aware that they will be medically underwritten when
they apply.