Choosing the right Medicare plan can be a daunting experience when trying to figure out a plan that is right for you. At Strickler Insurance Services we simplify the process for you so you can choose a plan with peace of mind.

To help you decide what plan type is best for you, we have broken it down to 3 simple steps. You can choose one of the following.

1. A HMO

2. A PPO

3. Medicare Supplemental plan with a Stand-Alone Drug plan.

WHY A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN & A Stand Alone Drug Plan?

When you first become eligible for Medicare and want the freedom to go to any doctor without a referral, a Medicare Supplemental plan is a great option. This type of plan is referred to sometimes as the “Cadillac Plan” You pay a monthly premium for this type of plan. This type of plan does not include drug coverage like an HMO or PPO. This means you will need to purchase a Stand-Alone Drug plan to go with it. The most popular Medicare plans are either the F or a G plan. The G plan has an annual deductible of $240 in 2024. When you use your medical plan, you pay the first $240 dollars (in 2024) and then the rest of your medical expenses are covered in full!

An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is a private insurance plan offered by many different insurance companies. Examples-Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Health Net, just to name a few.

With an HMO, you pick a primary doctor that will refer you to specialists. On an HMO, you can not just go to any specialist because your Primary doctor and the specialists usually have to belong under one network (A network is a group of doctors that are contracted under a Medical Group, like Scripps Clinic or Sharp Rees Stealy.)

Do you need extra benefits and watching all the TV commercials offering Medicare beneficiaries’ all these extra benefits and wondering if you are missing out?

There are many extra benefits under an HMO plan and one of the most affordable options. Give us a call at (619) 415-3172 and we can help you understand if an HMO would work best for your specific circumstances.

Do you want to know an inside secret that many brokers will not tell you?

1. Many insurance brokers will only contract with a couple of insurance companies and this can limit your options.

2. Many insurance brokers will only sell you a Medicare Supplemental plan which may not fit your budget.

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) has more freedom than an HMO when it comes to doctor options.

With a PPO, the Primary doctor does not have to be under the same Medical Group as the specialist. A PPO is more costly for that freedom. Also with a PPO, you do not need a referral. Some counties do not offer this option so you need to talk with your broker to see what is being offered where you live.