(800) 568-2382

A. Medicare was never designed to completely cover all your medical costs. Unfortunately, the cost of items not covered by Medicare has grown to the point where it's often more than an individual can afford to pay out of pocket. Costs not covered by Medicare include the Part A deductible, hospital and medical care coinsurance, and much more. A Medicare Supplement plan can help with these costs, keeping down your out-of-pocket expenses.

Q. Can I see my own doctor?

A. Standard Medicare supplement plans don't limit you to a certain list of doctors and hospitals. You're free to choose your doctors and your hospital. You don't even need a referral form to visit a specialist. Those important decisions about your health care are in your hands.

With Medicare SELECT plans, you can continue to use your own doctor but for planned hospital stays, a network hospital is required. This plan works just like the standard Medicare Supplements for urgently needed care (emergencies) or when you are traveling outside of your local area.

Network hospitals participate with the insurance company and the end result is your premiums for a SELECT policy may be 20 to 25% less for the same benefit that a standard Medicare supplement provides. Talk to one of our agents to see if you qualify for SELECT as it is a great choice if available in your area.

Q. Which Medicare Supplement plan is best for me?

A. It all depends on your needs...and there are plenty of choices! All insurance companies must select from among the same standardized Medicare supplement plans to offer their customers. Some plans cover more services than others. A Bermel Agent can explain what's covered under each plan so you can select one that's right for you. Please call 1-800-568-2382 to speak with one of our specialized agents.

Q. How can I find out more about Medicare Supplements and get quote?

A. The fastest way to get a quote is to call us and speak to an Bermel agent. Your agent can provide complete details and rates for all of our plans, plus answer any questions about service and claims.

Q. I already have a Medicare supplement plan. Can I switch to one of your plans?

A. If you already have a Medicare Supplement plan that you wish to replace, you can apply for a replacement plan that may do more for you and may save you money. So there will be no gap in your coverage, just be sure not to cancel your current policy until you've received your new Medicare Supplement policy. Your agent will explain exactly how to do this.

Q. Can you drop my coverage?

A. Medicare Supplement insurance is guaranteed renewable for life. Once insured, no matter how your health changes or how many claims you make, as long as you pay your premiums, you're the only one who can cancel your coverage.

Q. Is there a waiting period?

A. You're covered once your application is approved and you've elected an effective date for your new policy, no matter which plan you select.

Q. Do you have flexible payment plans?

A. You can pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Other convenient payment options are available including direct billing and automatic withdrawals from your bank.

Q. How do you handle Medicare Supplement claims?

A. With Medicare Supplement plans, most health care providers submit claims directly, so there's no paperwork for you to handle.

Plans change 06/01/2010!

Standardized Medicare Supplement plans called "A" through "J"

There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans called "A" through "J". The benefits of each plan are different, with the exception that all plans cover the "Basic Benefits" which are identified below. Medicare standardized the plans to limit the consumer's confusion when comparing coverage offered by different companies. With standardization, the consumer can easily compare the benefits and the cost being offered. Descriptions of benefits follow the table below. Several of these plans are also available in the SELECT plan series. One of our agents will be glad to help determine which plan is best for you.

Basic Benefits	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
Medicare Basic Benefits
Part A Deductible
Part B Deductible
Skilled Nursing Coinsurance
Foreign Travel Emergency
Part B Excess - Above Medicare's Approved Amount
At-Home Recovery
Preventative Care
365 Extra Days of Hospital Coverage
3 Pints of Blood

However, you must pay an out-of-pocket deductible before the plan pays anything. Plans A, B, D, E, G, H, & I require payment of the annual $155 deductible for Medicare Part B charges.

Q. What is Medicare Advantage?

A. Medicare Advantage is the new name for Medicare+Choice plans. This type of health plan is an alternative to Original Medicare and was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Medicare Advantage plans include:

Medicare Health Maintenance Organization plans (HMO)

Medicare Preferred Provider Organization plans (PPO)

Medicare Private Fee-for-Service plans (PFFS)

Medicare Advantage plans feature prescription drug benefits, fixed costs, limits on out-of-pocket expenses, and worldwide coverage for emergency and urgent care.

Q. What is a Medicare Advantage HMO plan?

A. An HMO is an alternative to Original Medicare and features specific lists of doctors, hospitals, and other providers that you must use to receive benefits. HMOs often provide additional benefits not found in Original Medicare, including coverage for deductibles, steep reductions in coinsurance when you see a doctor, a drug benefit plan, and wellness or fitness programs. If you select a Medicare Advantage HMO, it is an alternative to your Original Medicare coverage. However, you can return to Original Medicare if you wish.

Q. What is a Medicare Advantage PPO plan?

A. With a Medicare Advantage PPO, you can see any doctor you want. However, if you use a doctor who participates in the network, you get a better benefit and lower co-payment/coinsurance than if you visit a non-network doctor. Plus, referrals aren’t needed, and you don’t have to see a primary care physician first. In addition to prescription drug benefits, Medicare Advantage PPOs may offer other benefits such as dental, vision, and nutritional supplements. If you select a Medicare Advantage PPO, it is an alternative to your Original Medicare coverage. However, you can return to Original Medicare down the road if you wish.

Q. What is a Medicare Advantage PFFS plan?

A. With a Medicare Advantage PFFS plan, you have the freedom to select any doctor, hospital, or healthcare provider who is willing to accept the plan’s payment terms and conditions – without worrying about referrals or a list of doctors who participate in the plan’s network. PFFS plans feature limits on out-of-pocket expenses, coverage for emergency and urgent care, and in some cases, a prescription drug benefit. If you select a PFFS plan, it is an alternative to your Original Medicare coverage. However, you can return to Original Medicare if you wish. We recommend you always check with your doctor and your hospital of choice to see if they accept this PFFS plan. Do not change plans without checking first.

Q. What is a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan?

A. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs or from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future. Talk with one of our trained agents who can refer you to the best provider of these plans based on your particular needs.