Ask John Crump | Medicare Question #3
Question: I’d like some more clarification on the difference between a
Welcome to Medicare Transparency.
Medicare is complicated! Stay on track with my Medicare Checklist.
Be confident with your enrollment. Ask questions. Get answers!
You deserve an educational approach to Medicare.
My mission as your Medicare Supplement Mentor is to create an educational-based platform for new and current Medicare beneficiaries to explore Medicare and their Medicare insurance plan options. As an experienced independent broker, who specializes in Medicare plans, I want to deliver comprehensive Medicare advice to Californians looking for a trusted Medicare resource to guide them one-on-one through the process of finding the most appropriate Medicare insurance plan. As you begin exploring MedicareSupplementMentor.com, I invite you to view my Medicare video library. My short medicare videos and tutorials will give you some insight on the educational style of consulting I use with my clients. My Medicare videos will also introduce you to some of the basic concepts you’ll want to conceptualize before discussing Medicare and shopping/comparing Medicare insurance plans during out appointment.
Most importantly, the tools and resources of this site are designed for you to create the possibility of becoming proficient in Medicare, comparing your Medicare plan options, and selecting the plan of your choice in a pressure-free environment. I, John Crump, Broker and Principal, will work with you one-on-one to find the most suitable Medicare insurance product(s) to suit your coverage needs. I invite you to explore all aspect of my website and experience the difference of my approach at MedicareSupplementMentor.com. Welcome to an educational approach to Medicare!
Medicare Toolbox
Tools designed to help you navigate Medicare.
Q & A.
- No. All appointments and consultations are free of charge. I make a monthly commission on the product you choose. I will simply present you with all your plan options. You choose and I’ll help you enroll. Whichever insurance company you enrolled with pays me directly. Similarly, the call center representative is paid a commission if you enroll directly with them. Who would you prefer presenting your plans options to you?
- Most importantly, the monthly premiums are exactly the same enrolling with me vs. enrolling directly with the insurance company and/or their call center. 100%. That’s a promise!
- First and foremost, we are transparent– disclosing our commissions and offering easily accessible educational content. We’re confident you will not find a source with more in-depth Medicare insight online. View my Medicare Toolbox and Medicare videos in my Medicare Video Library to get comprehensive advice from an independent broker.
- Second, we will provide you with multiple companies to compare side-by -side. I’m compensated by whichever company you choose. Therefore, there is no pressure to go with a specific company or product.
- Lastly, you’ll have the broad back-end support of the insurance company you choose as well as my agency for more personalized objective advice and support. This is a win-win for my clients!
- Independent brokers are are not employed by any specific insurance agency. We at Mentor One Insurance Solutions work with dozens of carriers and plans.
- In addition, independent brokers are able to sell insurance policies from multiple companies, where they are paid on commission for each policy sold.
- Without a doubt, it is often beneficial for a customer to work with an independent broker because they may be able to quickly research multiple policies and rates across various companies.
In comparison, an independent broker may be contrasted with a captive agent, who can only sell the products of the company they work for. Many times, this can lead to the captive agent selling you a product that may not be in your best interest or suit all of your Medicare coverage needs.
- AARP United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Aflac
- Alignment Health
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Shield of California
- Cigna
- Continental Life
- Health Net
- Humana
- Mutual of Omaha
- Silverscript
- Transamerica
- Wellcare
- Plan G – Currently, Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Plan available to new enrollees. All Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized. Therefore, let’s work together to find you the best rate in your ZIP code. In other words, I’ll help you shop the insurance carriers to find you the best rate for your age, in your ZIP code with an insurer you’re comfortable with choosing. Coverage: Plan G = All Plan G Plans. Yes, it’s that simple.
- Plan N is the second most popular Medicare Supplement Plan among the Medicare insurers. Now, which company? Well, it depends on the rate in your ZIP code and your age, as they all are again, standardized. Coverage: Plan N = All Plan N Plans.
- Plan F was the most popular and most comprehensive plan prior to 01/01/2020. However, it is only available for those who enrolled prior to 01/01/20 (grandfathered). If you currently have a Plan F, you may keep the Plan F coverage, shop other Plan F insurance premiums, or consider moving to Plan G if the difference in premium offsets the Part B deductible ($240, 2024).
- Initially, “open” the Medicare Toolbox. This will be a fundamental location to access the site’s most useful resources. Next, view my Medicare videos in the Medicare Video Library. Hearing and visualizing the concepts of Medicare and it’s insurance products will paint you a clear picture of how to best weigh your Medicare coverage options.
- Furthermore, use the Medicare Map, Medicare Roadmap, Medicare Checklist, 5 Step Enrollment Guide, and Medicare Glossary to clarify and reinforce the subjects I’ve covered with my Medicare Videos. In addition, review each Medicare “plan path” and Medicare “part and plan type” under Medicare 101 in the navigation bar. Above all, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’re able to differentiate the insurance plans by focusing on the Medicare plan types, not the insurance company’s “framing” of their products.
- Lastly, contact me with questions to review anything you’d like more clarification on. If you would like to schedule an appointment and end up choosing to enroll with me, great! Certainly, I love working with new clients– it’s how I make a living. However, if you just need a question answered, let me know how I can help you. I’m confident you’ll experience why most clients that contact me are happy they were able to explore their options in a pressure free environment with the assistance of an experienced independent Medicare broker.
Let's get started
Are you a newly eligible Medicare beneficiary, looking for an experienced broker to present California Medicare insurance plan options to you? If so, explore my website to learn more about the “parts” and “plans” of Medicare. I will teach you how to differentiate the plan types and point you towards Medicare insurance plans that suit your Medicare coverage preferences. Would you prefer a visual learning experience? View my Medicare videos to discover more about Medicare and the insurance plans available to you– view videos in the Medicare Video Library.
Avoid the call center representative’s “sales pitch”! As an experienced Medicare broker, I will provide you with clear and concise answers to your Medicare questions. I understand Medicare is a new subject to you. Take your time and explore my website. Discover what other agents in the Medicare insurance industry are not willing to disclose to you about Medicare, your insurance plan options, and their compensation.
Unlike most online Medicare insurance websites, most often designed to only sell you products, I’m focused on educating you on the products, your coverage options, and when/how to enroll. To illustrate, open and explore my Medicare Toolbox, specifically designed to provide you will all the necessary tools to make a confident Medicare insurance enrollment decision.
Need more clarification on Medicare insurance plans? More specifically, Medicare Supplement Plan G? Maybe, you want to view a simple comparison of Medicare Advantage Plans versus Medicare Supplement Plans? If so, view Pros & Cons under Compare Plans in the navigation bar above.
Are you ready to start planning for your Medicare coverage in 2024 with MedicareSupplementMentor.com? Together, we will work to find you the Medicare insurance plan that suits your coverage needs best.
How to get started exploring your Medicare options?
Use the tools I’ve designed to explore Medicare and the Medicare insurance options available to you. Are you turning 65 soon? If so, visit my Turning 65 “Quick Review”. Would you prefer a playful visual Medicare Roadmap to get you headed in the right direction surrounding your 65th birthday? By all means, view the two potential Medicare plan paths and discover which plans are available on either plan path!
Stay organized and on track with my Medicare Checklist as well as my detailed Medicare Map. Both designed to help you navigate through your insurance plan options at MedicareSupplementMentor.com.
Have you been looking for a comprehensive guide that encompasses the entire planning process in a few easy steps? Look no further than my Medicare 5 Step Enrollment Guide. My enrollment guide will walk you step-by-step through the entire Medicare enrollment process as well as the basics of Medicare insurance plan(s) selection and implementation. Open the Medicare Toolbox to complement the 5 Step Enrollment Guide– use all 12 tools as you see fit!
My service is free. I'm compensated by the plan you choose.
I do not charge for my service. All insurance premiums are paid directly from you to the insurance plan/carrier. I will simply mentor you on how Medicare plans function, present you with dozens of insurance carriers plans and rates, and lastly, help you enroll in the plan of your choice. I’m compensated by whichever plan you choose. Therefore, there is no pressure for you to go with any particular insurance plan or carrier. The monthly insurance plan premiums I present you will be exactly the same as going direct to the insurance company– 100%. I broker Medicare plans on behalf of my clients, not a specific insurance company.
No pressure. No call center. Work with the broker.
Explore my fully accessible educational platform without having to log-in. Request Help or Get a Quote on any of the three Medicare plan types in your Zip code– shop and compare in a pressure-free environment. No sales gimmicks or cold calls. Contact my office to schedule an appointment at any point in the process.
Do you have questions about the timing of your Social Security retirement benefit distributions? If so, take a look at Social Security 101 to see how we can help you with Total Social Security’s software projections at MedicareSupplementMentor.com.
It’s important that I clearly disclose I’m not affiliated with Medicare or Medicaid. I am a licensed independent California insurance producer who provides Medicare advice and implements Medicare insurance plans for my clients. Beware of advertisements and/or websites that do not disclose this information as well as websites that appear as an “advocacy”, or government sponsored website selling Medicare insurance products.
I do not work for Medicare.
My insurance agency, Mentor One Insurance Solutions, along with my site, MedicareSupplementMentor.com provides comprehensive Medicare insurance content to California Medicare beneficiaries. We are fully transparent with our service and how we are compensated. No contact information is needed to read or access the site.
Use MedicareSupplementMentor.com, it’s tools, and transparent resources as you see fit. Contact me when you’re ready to start reviewing plans for your 2023 Medicare insurance coverage.
What is MedicareSupplementMentor.com?
MedicareSupplementMentor.com is a website designed to help you navigate through all aspects of the Medicare enrollment planning process. I want you to be comfortable and confident with your Medicare insurance plan choice.
I created this online platform to fulfill the needs of Medicare beneficiaries searching for a comprehensive resource to answer their Medicare questions without having to contact a call center or online sales center. Many of which are vague, disorganized and not fully transparent.
If you’re not able to find the answer to your question within my website’s content, or you’d prefer to just ask me directly, contact my office so I can make contact with you and answer your question.
Be confident with your Medicare insurance plan.
Before we get started with insurance plan side of things, my goal is to organize your Medicare enrollment into a step-by-step logical process. Most importantly, I want you to be comfortable with how the Medicare system works before making any insurance plan decisions. Once we’ve covered the basics, we can then begin reviewing the Medicare insurance products available to you in California.
To illustrate, I will cover Medicare insurance plans such as Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plans once you have a clear picture of how they provide coverage, and more specifically, how they provide coverage within a particular “Medicare coverage path”. For example, I’ll show you how these Medicare insurance plans can either be “added” to Original Medicare (Medicare Supplement Plans), or “interchanged” with Original Medicare (Medicare Advantage Plans).
Take advantage of my Medicare Video Library inside the Medicare Toolbox. Undoubtably, the videos will help you clearly define the Medicare plan types and products available to you as you approach your Medicare start date. Since the majority of Medicare guides are “wordy” and “abstract”, I’ve designed my Medicare Video Library to clearly communicate Medicare’s “parts” and “plans” to my clients in short and effective clips. Check it out!
Useful Medicare content.
Do you have questions about the acronyms, terminologies, and words I commonly use to explain the various Medicare parts, plans, and timelines on MedicareSupplementMentor.com? Visit the Medicare Glossary for “Medicare acronyms, terms, and words defined”. In addition, get a more comprehensive understanding of the Medicare acronyms, terms, and words used in a sentence to further your understanding of Medicare, Medicare insurance plans, and/or Medicare enrollment periods.
You deserve an educational approach to Medicare.
Certainly, it can be difficult to find easily accessible, transparent, and trustworthy information on Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans online.
For instance, who are you talking to? Are they a captive agent or an independent Medicare broker? Can they guide you objectively with independent Medicare insurance plan quotes? What are their intentions when selling you Medicare insurance products? Do they disclose their compensation for each plan? If not, you may want to question these enrollment sources.
For these reasons, I built MedicareSupplementMentor.com to be approachable and focused on providing you with an education on Medicare topics and Medicare insurance plans. You deserve a simple way to access help from an experienced broker, and not a call center representative. That is to say, when you contact me, I will mentor you on the Medicare system, Medicare insurance products, and will provide you with clear answers to your Medicare questions in a pressure-free environment.
Looking for a simple, more playful way to visualize your Medicare insurance options? View my Medicare Roadmap. This should do the trick. How would you like to “finish” your Medicare insurance coverage?
Medicare Roadmap
Choose your coverage path.
Start Here
Original Medicare - Part A
“Premium-Free” for most Medicare beneficiaries. You were taxed.
Original Medicare - Part B
2024 Premium – $174.70. May be more for higher income earners. See -IRMAA.
Choose your Medicare Plan Path
Keep Medicare
The "truck" or primary insurance for your health coverage.
Part A – “premium-free” Part B – standard $174.70 (2024).
Add "Customized" Coverage
The "trailers" or secondary insurance added to Medicare as primary
Medicare Supplement Plan
Add any Medicare Supplement Plan from any insurance company-- choose your preferred plan letter/coverage. Rates will vary by ZIP code and age among insurers.
Medicare Part D Plan (Rx)
Add any stand-alone Medicare Part D Plan in CA for your prescription drug coverage. 22 Part D plans in 2024 to choose from.
OR
"Trade-in" Medicare for Part C
Sign over Medicare to MA Plan which is now your primary insurance.
Medicare Advantage Plan
"Alternative all-in-one vehicle" for your Medicare health coverage.
Part C is "Bundled" Coverage
You must still pay Part B – $174.70 (2024).
Medicare Part D (Rx) included
Most Medicare Advantage Plans include a Part D plan which is “bundled” inside the “alternative” Medicare Advantage Plan product. Most often an HMO network, however, your county may have PPO options as well. Additional products and services my be included for free or an additional cost. Plans vary county to county and state by state.
Pay close attention to Out-of-Pocket Max (OOP MAX).
No networks for emergencies.
Medicare Roadmap - Left
Physician & Provider Access: Keeping Medicare as your primary insurance means you can see any physician or provider that accepts Medicare in the United States. There are no networks with Original Medicare as it is a fee-for-service program. Add any Medicare Supplement Plan, from any insurance company, to fill in the gaps of coverage. Being that they are the all standardized, they will all “hitch to the truck” and follow. On this path to the left, you’ll likely pay more for your coverage, but will have the more access to physicians without the need for referrals as well as predictable out-of-pocket expenses that make it easy to budget for medical expenses throughout your retirement.
Medicare Roadmap - Right
Physician & Provider Access: Signing over, or “trading-in” your Medicare to the “alternative plan” or Part C Medicare Advantage Plan may seem great as it all comes in one package. It’s not quite what it seems for most of our clients. I do not consider it an “advantage” when it comes to coverage. The access to physicians is much more limited as well is the ability to control your own healthcare needs–referrals and authorizations can cause some headaches for clients who want more control of who they see and when. These plans are more affordable on a monthly basis, however, they can cost clients much more out-of-pocket when the plan is used. See OOP Max limits when Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans.
How do you want to complete your Medicare coverage?
Keep Medicare primary & add additional coverage ("customized" plan path).
Medicare + Medicare Supplement Plan + Part D (Rx)
Sign over Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan ("bundled" plan path).
Medicare Advantage Plan (includes a Part D Rx Plan)
At MedicareSupplementMentor.com, each Medicare video will provide you with a brief introduction of the Medicare subject and/or Medicare insurance product. Furthermore, I’ll use hypothetical examples to illustrate each Medicare insurance plan. Such as, how they each function to provide health insurance coverage. As always, more clarification can be provided when you schedule a one-on-one appointment. During our appointment, I’ll be able to be more direct with plan specific information. As Medicare limits what I can share with you online, I’m able to disclose much more once you contact me for help.
Whether it be clarifying your Medicare Enrollment period or reviewing a Medicare insurance plan quote, my Medicare Video Library will allow you to clarify “all things Medicare”. More importantly, you’ll get an opportunity to experience the educational approach I use when discussing Medicare insurance options with my clients.
Pressure-free environment at Medicare Supplement Mentor.com
I agree, Medicare insurance plan selection and pricing are important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to successfully reviewing your Medicare insurance plan quote and completing your enrollment. Too often, misleading sales material online, or sent to your mailbox leads to new Medicare beneficiaries feeling the need to contact multiple sources to shop plans and confirm the accuracy of the quote.
Similarly, contacting random online agents typically leads to clients being subject to high pressure sales tactics because most online services sell your information as leads to outbound agent call centers to compete for your business. We do not practice these manipulative sales tactics.
More importantly, you should never be pressured towards a plan, nor should you be expected to enroll in any Medicare Supplement Plan, Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan you are not confident with. Without a doubt, you deserve a better enrollment experience. We hope you enjoy your experience at MedicareSupplementMentor.com.
Simply put, I will shop all Medicare product types and insurance carriers for you. I will offer you objective quotes from all the major insurance players within the Medicare insurance market. Take your time and ask questions.
You’ll receive Get a Quote and Request Help submissions through email communications from John@MedicareSupplementMentor.com. If you would prefer to discuss either over the phone, give us a call. Lastly, when you’re ready to discuss your enrollment options, contact my office to schedule an appointment with me to complete your Medicare enrollment and Medicare plan enrollment.
By all means, cross-reference my expertise and content with Medicare.gov. For more non-insurance related sources, go to ssa.gov, cms.gov, and cahealthadvocates.org. These are unbiased, government and/or 501c3 entities to provide you with additional information on Medicare.
As stated above, MedicareSupplementMentor.com is not a government site representing Medicare, nor do I work for Medicare. I am an independent Medicare insurance broker who works to provide exceptional service, accurate answers, and objective Medicare advice for all Medicare beneficiaries who contact me in the state of California.
Independent, objective Medicare insurance plan advice.
Let’s back things up from the sales side of insurance products. Most Importantly, let’s start by focusing on how to provide you with a solid foundation on how Medicare and its “parts” and “plans” work to provide you with health coverage throughout retirement.
For example, which “parts” and/or “plans” work together and which do not. For instance, you cannot have all parts– A, B, C, & D! MedicareSupplementMentor.com will provide you with the resources and explanations to differentiate which work together and which do not.
All Medicare insurance plan questions are welcome. Just ask.
You deserve the “inside scoop” from a broker’s perspective on you Medicare insurance product options. More specifically, how they are defined, function, and how to analyze each plan type to get the most out of your Medicare insurance coverage.
Furthermore, open communication is my priority at MedicareSupplementMentor.com. Please ask me as many questions as you need to clarify your Medicare questions and concerns. I’m confident I can answer almost any Medicare insurance related questions. If I’m not able to answer your question clearly, I’ll do a little research and promptly get back to you.
Also, questions are most often best answered over the phone. It’s much easier to give you specific answers over the phone in a matter of minutes as opposed to responding with “if then’ type of emails. But again, the choice is yours. Let me know which you prefer.
Are you a California resident turning 65, leaving a group employer plan after working past 65, or nearing Medicare eligibility with Social Security? If so, check out my Medicare 5 Step Enrollment Guide in the Medicare Toolbox. This 5 Step Enrollment Guide will provide a structured and organized way to go from being newly eligible on Medicare to completing your enrollment in the insurance product that suits your needs. Check it out!
Without a doubt, you likely have an idea of what Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are being offered to you from the bombardment of Medicare insurance company marketing you’ve received via mail or online. I’ve seen the stacks on my clients tables hundreds of times throughout the years. You deserve better!
Too often, the material is “framed” to sell you. In many cases, the agent may not present all aspects of the plan. More specifically, not disclosing the important details that could affect your future Medicare insurance plan options and choices.
"Details matter. It's worth waiting to get it right" - Steve Jobs
For this reason, I will help you clearly compartmentalize the plans being presented to you so you can better understand your enrollment options. Furthermore, I’ll present you with hypothetical scenarios with your plan selection. This will clarify any “what if” scenarios that could affect your future Medicare coverage.
Surely, you’ve started reviewing plans your friends and family have shared with you. Without a doubt, your mailbox is full of manipulative Medicare sales material. All pressuring you to sign up by way of creating fear you’ll miss your enrollment window. There is no reason to rush the Medicare insurance plan enrollment process. If you’d like to view more on the Medicare Insurance Plan Enrollment Periods, please do so here or contact me directly.
Too often, aggressive sales tactics are used by call center representatives. Unfortunately, this practice is too common these days. In short, be aware and avoid these pressure sales tactics. I will present you all your Medicare insurance options in a pressure-free environment at MedicareSupplementMentor.com. That’s a promise!
I’ve constructed multiple ways to learn more about Medicare (Part A & B), Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) available to you in California. Use the box of tools however you see fit!
Certainly, use the medium that fits your learning style best. Furthermore, they are all designed to complement each other and provide you with a comprehensive education on Medicare insurance plans offered in California.
Video – View MedicareSupplementMentor.com’s Video Library here, and on Youtube.
Toolbox – Content designed to clarify “all things Medicare.” Open to explore each topic.
Maps – Use the Medicare Plan Map under Medicare Basics 101 and throughout the site.
Timelines – When and how to start Medicare – see Initial Enrollment & Timelines.
Timelines – View Medicare Insurance Plan Enrollment Periods and enroll on time.
Checklist – Get organized – See Medicare Plan Checklist under Medicare Enrollment Planning.
Need help with Social Security Retirement Benefits Planning. View Social Security 101.
A printed booklet that’s easy on the eyes. Medicare Planning Made Simple Booklet– it’s free!
Tired of exploring Medicare plan information online?
Are you just starting the process of exploring plans online? Looking to confirm what others have shared with you about their Medicare insurance plans? Regardless of what stage you’re at, we have resources to help you.
I understand that reading online Medicare content at MedicareSupplementMentor.com isn’t for everyone. Therefore, I wanted to give you the choice of how you prefer to review content while you explore Medicare coverage options. Would you prefer a printed version?
If so, order your booklet today– it’s free! Use this booklet to clarify each Medicare insurance plan path, plan type, and how they function so you can make a more informed decision.
Transparency is key! View my compensation in the Medicare Toolbox.
If you’re looking for help with your enrollment and you’ve appreciated my educational approach, please contact my office to set-up an appointment to get started with me, broker and developer of MedicareSupplementMentor.com. My Medicare video below will outline how we at Mentor One Insurance Solutions, Inc. help guide our clients through the entire enrollment process.
I'm compensated by the Medicare insurance plan you choose.
I do not charge for my time. However, I do ask that you consider enrolling through my agency when the time comes to make your enrollment decision, particularly a Medicare Supplement Plan, Medicare Advantage Plan, and/or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
My service is free. Be confident with your Medicare plan choice.
Most importantly, you should never feel any pressure to enroll with my agency. Of course, my goal as a broker is to help you enroll in a Medicare plan through my agency. However, it’s important to me that you’re in the “driver’s seat” throughout the process. By all means, explore your options and experience other agents’ sales approach to your Medicare insurance plan enrollment. I’m confident you’ll see why thousands of clients have appreciated my educational approach to Medicare at Mentor One Insurance Solutions by way of MedicareSupplementMentor.com.
Medicare Supplement Mentor Advice
Q & A with John Crump
Ask John Crump | Medicare Question #2
Question: What is the best strategy for choosing a Part
Ask John Crump | Medicare Question #1
Question: How do I know which Medicare Supplement Plan my
