Recent Content
If an agent does not or cannot perform a proper search for the best prescription drug plan, the insured may be forced to waste Money all year. In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we learn that in some c…
If an agent does not…
If an agent does not or cannot perform a proper search for the best prescription drug plan, the insured may be forced to waste money all year. In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we learn that in some cases MA members have higher expectations. How top rated insurance companies respond to these expectations. Finally, we encourage victims of IRMAA to download form SSA-44 in order to file an appeal. (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website:…
Douglas B. Jones
November 19, 2024 Our main article states "Election outcome could bring big changes to Medicare". Each candidate accuses the other of supporting actions that will cause suffering and damage to the Medicare program. Ano…
Our main article sta…
Our main article states "Election outcome could bring big changes to Medicare". Each candidate accuses the other of supporting actions that will cause suffering and damage to the Medicare program. Another article from the other side of the aisle: Trump's Whitehouse return poised to tangle healthcare safety net. The episode begins with a report on the shrinking service areas of some Medicare Advantage companies, including Humana who is retreating from 13 counties holding 560,000 members! (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" o…
Douglas B. Jones
November 17, 2024 Listen to the end for some Social Security talk! We go through a series of Social Security myths assembled by AMAC.org. Also noteworthy: Humana settles a whistleblower suit claiming fraud in billing t…
Listen to the end fo…
Listen to the end for some Social Security talk! We go through a series of Social Security myths assembled by AMAC.org. Also noteworthy: Humana settles a whistleblower suit claiming fraud in billing the government for drug plan administration. The settlement amount: $90,000,000. We have correspondence from clients. One is only worried about getting a plan that will cover one of those expensive "O" drugs. The other is concerned that buying the least costly drug plan might sacrifice catastrophic drug protection should that ever be needed. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+…
Douglas B. Jones
November 15, 2024 If your agent doesn't know or doesn't care, you could wind up with a very expensive Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Advantage Minute: 500,000 Americans are about to lose their plans in 2025. P…
If your agent doesn'…
If your agent doesn't know or doesn't care, you could wind up with a very expensive Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Advantage Minute: 500,000 Americans are about to lose their plans in 2025. Perplexity.AI has some very nice things to say about Yours Truly as well as Medicare for the Lazy Man 2024! Finally, a valued client and man of the cloth in Missouri was almost taken to the cleaners by his drug plan. Lulled into a sense of security and inactivity, his plan was preparing to jack his monthly premium sky high! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired b…
Douglas B. Jones
November 13, 2024 Thanks to the government for squeezing insulin makers to give away their product below cost. Many plans are dropping one or more types. In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we hear that the battles betwe…
Thanks to the govern…
Thanks to the government for squeezing insulin makers to give away their product below cost. Many plans are dropping one or more types. In the Medicare Advantage Minute, we hear that the battles between hospitals and insurance companies are predicted to grow. This episode's visit to the Medicare Wikipedia page will be the last! The subject for this final visit is the effort to add dental and vision as official Medicare benefits. More bad news for Medicare Advantage members: Trinity Health looks like it may be parting company with CVS's Aetna insurance company. Client correspondence includes a …
Douglas B. Jones
November 11, 2024 The short answer: If you can't predict exactly what drugs you are likely to need, picking a better plan will be a shot in the dark. Switch to a more expensive Medicare supplement? That would likely …
The short answer: If…
The short answer: If you can't predict exactly what drugs you are likely to need, picking a better plan will be a shot in the dark. Switch to a more expensive Medicare supplement? That would likely be counterproductive: HDG premium savings offset the out-of-pocket costs and save big bucks during healthier times. Medicare Advantage Minute: hundreds of thousands are going to be thrown off their plans by financially stressed insurance companies. The Medicare Wikipedia page discusses proposed limitations on Medicare supplement plans and whether they might not be effective. Finally, our favor…
Douglas B. Jones
November 7, 2024 Those who don't know about Medicare for the Lazy Man can be duped. If the agent is new or not trained, he won't know how to properly search for the best drug plan for you. Medicare Advantage Minute: O…
Those who don't know…
Those who don't know about Medicare for the Lazy Man can be duped. If the agent is new or not trained, he won't know how to properly search for the best drug plan for you. Medicare Advantage Minute: One plan in Missouri has been ordered by the government to stop enrolling new clients. Their infraction? Showing too much profit. Welcome to America! "Perverse incentive theory": according to Wikipedia, Medicare supplement plans encourage overutilization of medical services and drive up Medicare costs when the benefits are too generous. Finally, MLM Podcast fan Linda has done some research on behal…
Douglas B. Jones
November 5, 2024 This might explain why Medicare Advantage plans are losing their support. More former supporters from each side of the aisle are wavering. The Wikipedia entry for Medicare makes the point that the pub…
This might explain w…
This might explain why Medicare Advantage plans are losing their support. More former supporters from each side of the aisle are wavering. The Wikipedia entry for Medicare makes the point that the public expresses more support for government programs that are universal than those that are means tested. MD Anderson, in Houston, has failed to come to agreement and will not remain in Medicare Advantage networks of the Texas Blues. Thanks to a security breach and the evil HIPPA legislation, about one million Medicare participants will be getting new cards with new identifiers (numbers). Finally, I…
Douglas B. Jones
November 3, 2024 In the Medicare Advantage Minute segment, we learn that 23 health systems (as of the publishing date) are refusing to accept MA plans for reimbursement in 2025. The Wikipedia page about Medicare discu…
In the Medicare Adva…
In the Medicare Advantage Minute segment, we learn that 23 health systems (as of the publishing date) are refusing to accept MA plans for reimbursement in 2025. The Wikipedia page about Medicare discusses the possibility and ramifications of reforming care for "Dual Eligibles", those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Finally, choosing the best prescription drug plan for an individual on Medicare involves following some rules and adhering to some important principles. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simp…
Douglas B. Jones
October 31, 2024 More recently, CVS fired another CEO who they just finished paying $21,000,000. What's wrong with this picture? The Medicare page of Wikipedia describes the Federal government negotiating the prices o…
More recently, CVS f…
More recently, CVS fired another CEO who they just finished paying $21,000,000. What's wrong with this picture? The Medicare page of Wikipedia describes the Federal government negotiating the prices of prescription drugs. In my opinion the government doesn't negotiate; they dictate! Toni (with an "i") advises a heart patient to dump COBRA ASAP and enroll in Medicare with a supplement for the best insurance protection. Finally, esteemed client Bob sets a great example for all of us. He read his ANOC and learned that his current drug plan will perform well for him next year. Contact me at: DBJ@M…
Douglas B. Jones
October 29, 2024 Many new, naive agents have not been taught the scientific way to save clients a great deal of money by choosing the best Part D drug plan! Medicare Advantage Minute: "Where health systems are going w…
Many new, naive agen…
Many new, naive agents have not been taught the scientific way to save clients a great deal of money by choosing the best Part D drug plan! Medicare Advantage Minute: "Where health systems are going wrong with MA" turns out to be a promotion of the basic, very silly theories behind HMO plans. Wikipedia's Medicare page explores the projected savings vs. costs of changing the eligibility age of Medicare. Finally, what are some of the characteristics of those who have Medicare supplements rather than Medicare Advantage? Med supp holders are more likely to be: white, more prosperous and more hea…
Douglas B. Jones
October 27, 2024 A recent survey of health system CFOs revealed that it is becoming even more difficult to collect reimbursement payments due from patients insured by Medicare Advantage plans. Wikipedia page "Medicare…
A recent survey of h…
A recent survey of health system CFOs revealed that it is becoming even more difficult to collect reimbursement payments due from patients insured by Medicare Advantage plans. Wikipedia page "Medicare" explores several ideas for procedures that might reduce the burden Medicare places on the US treasury. One of the theories is called the "Premium Support" model. Enjoy a list of four things to know about drug plan changes in 2025. Finally, if your agent fails to do a thorough search of all drug plans available to you, the out-of-pocket cost might just be shocking! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailba…
Douglas B. Jones
October 24, 2024 Jones family trips had plenty of room for improvement! Headline encountered in the Medicare Advantage Minute: MA Plans Propose Cuts While Continuing to Maximize Overpayments! The Wikipedia page for Me…
Jones family trips h…
Jones family trips had plenty of room for improvement! Headline encountered in the Medicare Advantage Minute: MA Plans Propose Cuts While Continuing to Maximize Overpayments! The Wikipedia page for Medicare details some of the changes in the program wrought by Obamacare. Tom wrote to ask if there would be an MLM 2025 edition. When he was assured there would be, he decided to spend his time listening to podcast episodes until that book hits the store shelves. Finally, large pharmacy chains are having profitability problems and will likely shrink the number of stores in their brands. Contact m…
Douglas B. Jones
October 23, 2024 After a short time in MA, almost all of those desiring to escape to Medicare with a supplement must show evidence of good health. If they cannot satisfy the underwriters, they cannot enjoy the freedom…
After a short time i…
After a short time in MA, almost all of those desiring to escape to Medicare with a supplement must show evidence of good health. If they cannot satisfy the underwriters, they cannot enjoy the freedom of traditional Medicare with a supplement. An esteemed client in Colorado insisted on purchasing Plan G when I advised him to opt for HDG. His Plan G started at around $157 but here he is later at $210 looking at a 15% rate increase next month. If he had HDG there would have been no rate increase at all. Told ya so! Finally, tragedy strikes a new Jersey town, filling local residents with sadnes…
Douglas B. Jones
October 20, 2024 If your agent doesn't perform a scientific search for the best Part D drug plan for you, don't believe his recommendations! Wellcare plan cost $0 while a Humana plan cost $1,760! Same guy, same generi…
If your agent doesn'…
If your agent doesn't perform a scientific search for the best Part D drug plan for you, don't believe his recommendations! Wellcare plan cost $0 while a Humana plan cost $1,760! Same guy, same generic drug, same little town in Missouri produced dramatically different results: In the Medicare Advantage Minute, some insurance companies say they are "shrugging off the headwinds" of the current MA turmoil that has the big firms dropping hundreds of thousands of current clients! Wikipedia page "Medicare" discusses the ACA (Obamacare) in very sterile terms. How are injections covered under Medicare…
Douglas B. Jones
October 18, 2024 In the Medicare Advantage Minute we learn about a survey: 50% do not know the difference between original Medicare and MA plans. Wikipedia page on "Medicare" addresses legislation and reforms. Next we…
In the Medicare Adva…
In the Medicare Advantage Minute we learn about a survey: 50% do not know the difference between original Medicare and MA plans. Wikipedia page on "Medicare" addresses legislation and reforms. Next we present a couple of sad stories illustrating the fact that, while the VA can be a valuable health resource, veterans should not avoid enrolling in Medicare and a supplement. Finally, one political party is attempting to spend $20 billion in an effort to dodge the ire of Medicare participants as their misguided edicts dramatically increase the pressure on drug plans! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.…
Douglas B. Jones
October 15, 2024 Medicare Advantage Minute article: Changing to a Medicate Advantage plan can be stressful! Medicare Wikipedia page: Hospital accreditation and where the cost of residency training comes from. Finally,…
Medicare Advantage M…
Medicare Advantage Minute article: Changing to a Medicate Advantage plan can be stressful! Medicare Wikipedia page: Hospital accreditation and where the cost of residency training comes from. Finally, enjoy some interesting correspondence and questions submitted by prospects and actual clients. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.
Douglas B. Jones
October 14, 2024 The entire episode is a discussion of the process for selecting the best Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) for you. Master this skill without any annoying insurance agents pestering you. Contact me …
The entire episode i…
The entire episode is a discussion of the process for selecting the best Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) for you. Master this skill without any annoying insurance agents pestering you. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.
Douglas B. Jones
October 10, 2024 
