Lisa & Mark

At the very start of this year's Open Enrollment Lisa & Mark both received letters from their carrier (same one) that they would not be offering plans in their home county the following year.

They had both been happy with their Advantage Plans and enjoyed the "extra" benefits that were included such as dental, hearing aids and gym memberships.

Our discussion about alternatives included the revelation that Mark had some health challenges now that were not an issue when they origially chose this plan that have resulted in out-of-pocket expenses on the current plan in the form of co-pays.

Due to future underwrting concerns, Mark decided to switch to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a Drug Plan to take advantage of the "guarantee issue option" as there would be no underwriting required in this case due to the loss of his coverage.

Lisa, who remains in good health decided that she would stay with an Advantage Plan from another carrier that included coverage for her medications as well as her Providers in-network.

Net Result: Mark while increasing premiums has eliminated any co-pay concerns as well as any networ restrictions on who he can seek for care, ultimately saving money while providing piece of mind at a difficult time.

Lisa felt that it made sense to save the premium dollars as her co-pays were quite low and she did not want to give up her Pilates classes that the carrier was paying for under the Fitness Benefit.