Drug Discount Plans (like GoodRX)
We often get questions from clients as to whether they should use their Medicare drug plan to pay for a prescription drug or, as an alternative, use a prescription drug discount program like GoodRx. It is true that sometimes in the crazy world of drug pricing, the GoodRx plan will provide a lower copay. So,…
Big Increase in Federal Payments to 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans will get a $25+ Billion increase in federal payments for 2026. The more than 5% bump in payments comes as a surprise since there have been Medicare Advantage funding cuts in the last 2 years. We will not know how this 5+% increase in federal funding will affect 2026 benefits for another…
Update on GLP-1 Drugs
You probably have been hearing about GLP-1 injectable drugs. The steep prices – and popularity – of Ozempic and other similar weight loss and diabetes drugs could soon make them a priority for Medicare drug pricing regulations. The retail price for a month’s supply of the drugs runs from$936 to $1,349! Most Medicare plans will cover them…
2025 Medicare Advantage Plan Changes
We are beginning to take 2025 certification courses from all the Medicare Advantage carriers that we use. Although we will not know actual 2025 plan details for sometime yet, we expect that all insurance carriers will have significant plan changes. More than likely, premium rates will increase, and some benefits will decrease. Why such a gloomy…
Many PA Medicaid Recipients Losing Eligibility in Spring 2024
Back in January 2020, when the COVID pandemic started, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE). As a part of this PHE, anyone on Medicaid was allowed to stay on Medicaid without any income requirements until the end of the month in which the PHE ended. During this time, Medicaid recipients did…
Medicare Options
Medicare can become effective as early as the first of the month in which you turn 65. You can apply 3 months before that date. Medicare Part A has no cost and Part B costs $170.10 (more at higher incomes). Because Medicare has lots of gaps and no prescription drug coverage, you need to purchase…
Inflation Reduction Act – Effects on Healthcare
In case you missed it, important new legislation was passed by the Senate that included some major healthcare provisions. The bill goes on to the House which is expected to act on it later this week. MEDICARE The biggest improvement for Medicare members would be the establishment of an annual cap on prescription drug out…
Liz Kennon Awarded as Member of Marketplace Elite Circle of Champions
December 16, 2019 Pittsburgh, PA – Liz Kennon has been nationally recognized for her dedication to helping consumers enroll in and manage qualified health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This nationwide recognition from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a member of the 2020 Marketplace Elite Circle of Champions highlights Liz…
Take Caution with Short-Term Health Insurance
We are now outside of Open Enrollment. Unless you have a “qualifying event”, you cannot get individual health insurance with the protections granted by the Affordable Care Act. You can read about qualifying events and Special Enrollment Periods here. If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, your only other option is a short-term…
Simplifying Medicare: Medicare Advantage vs Medigap
As you or a parent/loved one approaches age 65, you will be inundated with information about Medicare. We, at Kennon Insurance, can help you narrow down your options without reading all of these very complicated brochures. You can enroll in Medicare as early as the first of the month in which you turn 65. Medicare…
