Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to re-enroll every fall to keep my coverage?
The short answer is NO! Of course, it may be in your best interest to explore new options, but if you have no
problems with your plan and the company hasn’t notified you, they’re doing away with that plan, you can
keep it!
Do I have to do this in person?
In person is preferred but it does not have to be in person. We can use zoom, phone call, or email communication. We will accommodate however you would like to get your insurance help.
Why is my drug plan deductible so high?
At the time of writing this, drug plan deductibles range from $0 to $505. They will likely be slightly higher this
fall when the official numbers come out. The reason everyone does not get a $0 deductible plan is because
the corresponding premium is normally at least $50 a month MORE than ones with higher deductibles.
This means, having a $0 deductible on your drug plan will probably cost you about $600 a year more on
the premium side of the equation! Sometimes the low deductible options make sense, but it requires some
problem solving to find out what’s the best option!
Should I shop my Medicare Supplement Plan during AEP?
The annual enrollment period has nothing to do with Medicare Supplement plan shopping, however we
take the approach that there is no time like the present to see if you have the best rate on your Medicare
Supplemental Plan!
What can I accomplish during the Annual Election Period?
The Annual Election Period is October 15th to December 7th, and it allows you to make a change to a
Medicare Advantage Plan or from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare. You can also use the
period to shop your Part D Prescription Drug Plan!
What is the difference in Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original or Traditional Medicare has pros and cons! One pro is that it allows you to go to all providers that
accept Original Medicare, of which there are many! One negative of original Medicare by itself is an unlimited
out of pocket expense. Having a Medicare supplement (aka “Medigap” Plan) can fill that potential out of
pocket exposure. Medicare Advantage also has pros and cons – the con is the network limitations, but the
pros are low premiums, extra benefits and capped out of pocket costs!
What is the difference between Plan F and Plan G?
This question comes up a lot now because people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1st, 2020
can no longer buy plan F! Thankfully, Plan G is almost identical with the exception of the Part B deductible! At
the time of writing this that deductible for 2023 is $226 and is paid one time per calendar year! It isn’t paid at the time
of an office visit, but you would normally receive bills for services totaling no more than the Part B deductible
amount after the date of service! These bills would come from your providers.
How can I get accurate information about Medicare in the future?
There are multiple ways we provide great information!
• Website: www.crumesinsurance.com
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/crumesinsurance
• Email: Cody@crumesinsurance.com
• Office Number: 1-800-646-2413
• Fax Number: 1-515-223-5449
Does Medicare cover long-term care?
While Medicare can cover limited skilled nursing care, Medicare does not cover long-term care. Intermediate and custodial care can be covered with many different plans. Traditional Long Term Care Insurance, Short Term Care, Home Health Care insurance, as well as Hybrid Life and annuity Long term care products. For more information on how you can cover Assisted Living, Nursing Facility care, and Home Health Care “Contact Us” and we can help.