What’s new in 2021?
One of the top three insurance carriers in California will be offering a new Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO) in Santa Barbara area with a $0 monthly premium. Since this is an HMO plan, you will need to have your Primary Care doctor at Sansum Medical Clinic and you will only be able to use doctors at Sansum; The network hospital is Cottage Hospital. There will be copays for most medical and hospital services.
This plan will be available starting January 1, 2021. Enrollment can only occur during the Annual Open Enrollment that goes from October 15 to December 7, 2020.
Most of our clients have Medicare Supplement Plans.
For my many years in the business I have recommended: Always get the best Medicare plan that fits “comfortably” in your budget. Remember, you are buying insurance that will last a lifetime and pay all your expenses. There is no way to predict your health expenses in your 80’s or 90’s.
- If you like your current plan and it fits “comfortably” in your budget, keep it. It is the best plan, and will not change over a lifetime.
- If your plan premium is becoming “uncomfortable” in your budget, call us to see optional plans that are more affordable.
- For example, the Covid Pandemic or other circumstance may have created a need for a lower cost plan, and a more affordable HMO option may be appealing.
- Caveat: If you change to an advantage plan (HMO), and later want to go back to the Medicare supplement, you will need to answer medical questions, and could be denied the change if you have a pre-existing medical condition.