You may be asking if Medicare supplement plan F is the best option for you? If you are like many of our clients, you come to us confused about what's best for you. Your buddy may have plan F with XYZ company and you want to know if that's the best for you?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is the fail safe plan for many captive agents and call centers out there. Plan F covers all of your medicare approved charges. Your only costs are your premiums for Plan F.

However, if you spend some time comparing the other plans with Plan F, you will find that plan G may make more sense for you based on your situation. We have put together a situation where we compare plan F and plan G. Another factor is comparing plan G among various insurance companies. There are some large name companies that do not offer plan G, but only Plan F.

If you are confused about your options and would like some assistance in finding your best plan, contact us through our my medigap consultant website contact form. We would be glad to help educate you on your options and help you select the best plan for you.  You may also contact us through

Earlier this year, Genworth Medicare Supplement (American Continential is Genworth's medicare supplement company) medicare supplement book of business was acquired by Aetna medicare supplement division. This acquition would obviously help Aetna take a large footprint in the medicare supplment market. However, Genworth's rates were particularly competitive for seniors over 75. Since each company must offer the same benefits as any other medicare supplement plan, price was and is the major factor used when comparing plans and making sure seniors are getting the best bang for their premium dollar. We hope this will also allow Aetna to improve it's technology base when it comes to medicare supplement rating and the application process.

If you have not compared your medicare supplement plan in the last 6 months, give us a call or email us. Visit our website, by clicking on the logo at the top of this page to see our testimonials and some of the dollar amounts we help clients save by shopping their medicare supplement plans.

For many seniors, annual open enrollment is a confusing time. For those on a medicare advantage plan or have a separate Part D plan, annual enrollment is the only time during the year they can make changes for the following year.

This does not include those of you on a medigap (medicare supplement) plan. Medigap plans can be switched at anytime during the year. If your premium increases, it's time to shop. When you do shop, work with a broker. Brokers represent many companies and can compare your current rate to what's available. Now, when you do switch plans, you will be required to answer health questions. Each companies underwriting guidelines differ. Some are tight and it's more difficult to be accepted, however many have looser guidelines. Here is a list of benefits to you by working with a medicare supplement consultant.

This article is a prime example of why our costs are always increasing. Even the head of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates there is at least 20-30% of waste in the program. You can see the full article here (Parting Shots at Waste in Medicare).

We work in this industry and encourage seniors to monitor their EOB's (explaintion of benefits) that come in the mail. If you are not sure who a doctor is that's charging your coverage, call them or call Medicare. Until the Federal government decides being frugal with OUR money is important (not likely to happen soon), we as citizens will have to take an active role in policing fraud. Also be aware Annual Enrollment period ends today (Dec 7th). THis is the last day you can make changes to your Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan for 2012. Again, this does not affect your supplemental policy (medigap plan); these plans can be switched at any time during the year. If you have an increase in your medigap plan and would like to get a comparison quote, give us email or call on the contact information on our site. Also read why you should work with a medicare supplement broker.

Seniors, please be aware tomorrow is the last day for annual enrollment for plan selection for 2012. This is your last chance to sign up with another carrier's Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). If you are happy with plan you have now, you do not have to do anything for it to continue next year.

This enrollment period does NOT pertain to those with a Medicare Supplement (medigap) Plan. Medigap plans can be changed an any time during the year. If you are not happy with your medigap plan, feel free to send us an email or call. You can contact us on our My Medigap Consultant contact page.

After reading this headline, I was a bit confused about what BCBS of Michigan was doing, however the more I consider it I think I have an idea why can happen. With a quick look at the rates in Detroit, it appears BCBSofMi is not the most competitve carrier. In several cases, their premiums are $30-$50 higher per month than what's available.

Although this may be more of a deal with the government to get more access to the medicaid market (the government pays it's premiums all at once), I wonder if it's a marketing ploy also. It's a great headline, but if you are freezing your price a high levels, does it really do you any good.

Remember, there are many carriers in each state and rates vary from state to state and zip code to zip code. Work with a broker to help you find the best plan for you. The government standardized medicare plans years ago, so each plan must have the same benefits required by the government. Why pay more for the exact same plan. Here are a couple articles to consider:

Is Medicare Plan F the best Plan?

What are the top medicare plans?

Remember Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7th. This is the time you are allowed to change Part D plans for 2012 and Medicare Advantage plans for 2012. However, you can switch your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan at any time. Don't think you are locked in to your medigap policy until the end of the year. If you would like a rate comparison, feel free to contact us through www.mymedigapconsultant.com

For our clients and seniors out there stuggling with obesity, Medicare has decided it's important to address obesity and the health costs that result from it. Medicare will now begin paying doctors to counsel seniors on weight loss and weight control. For more information, please see these articles:

Obesity and Medicare NPR

More extensive article on Obesity and Medicare

Many medicare supplement companies rate based on height and weight, therefore being obese can result in a higher premium. For those turning 65, your initial open enrollment period allows you to sign up without answering health questions. For those over 65 and want to change their plan, underwriting questions can become an obstacle that is too high to climb. There are some plans that do not have a weight rating, if you would like to learn more feel free to contact us.

If your current medicare supplement premium has become too high, give us a call and we can see if we can help you find a lower premium plan with all the benefits you have now. You can call us at 888-729-6493, visit www.mymedigapconsultant.com, or email us at heather@mymedigapconsultant.com.