Illinois Medicare

Illinois Medicare Supplement – Insurance Company Civil Penalties Considered

For those companies which offer Illinois Medicare Supplement insurance or Medigap – they must stay within strict guidelines, or they will be in violation of their registration or license to offer such coverage. These insurance companies are required to give the insured a disclosure statement of exactly what is covered, and what is not.

These disclosures must be in plain in simple English, and not riddled with hard to understand legalese. Although various states have different laws regarding exactly what must be disclosed there are also federal laws, which must be disclosed in all states including Illinois.

There are severe civil fines and criminal penalties for any company or insurer that fails to provide these required disclosure statements. The federal civil penalties and criminal charges can be put forth against any insurance company or agent, which intentionally or knowingly duplicates the coverage which is required and given to all persons under Medicare. Medigap insurance is exactly that, it is only to cover the difference between what Medicare enrollment allots for, and what the insured wishes to protect against.

There are also harsh and stiff penalties for making false statements that a given policy meets legal criteria for certification or complies with specific standards if and when it does not. And, it should also be noted that there are severe penalties when Medigap insurance policies are denied based on discrimination.

Although with such criminal and civil penalties, you’d expect that no insurance agent or insurance company would ever break the law - it does and has happened, and when it does it often goes undetected because Medicare is such a complex and complicated thing to understand for most people.

If you have any questions about Medicare or Illinois Medicare supplemental insurance, feel free to give me a call so I can explain it to you, and also explain what is covered with your Medicare enrollment, and what is not. Then, and only then you can decide if you wish to shore up those risks with an additional policy to protect you.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare Supplement & Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com

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Sunday, March 21st, 2010 Illinois Medicare Supplement No Comments

Medicare in Illinois – American Continental Life and Gerber Life Medigap Policies

It hardly matters where you go in our Great Nation; every one over the age of 65 is concerned about their Medicare coverage. And whereas, I’d like to set your mind at ease and tell you not to worry about it, I’d be less-than-ethical to do so. It’s not that I want you to worry, in fact, my job is to set you up on a plan that is worry free, and perhaps, this is what has brought you to read this article in the first place.

Not long ago, I talked to a buddy of mine who’d been vacationing in Hawaii on Oahu, and he was staying in the less-touristy side of the island in a little town called Kailua, yes, the same town the President vacations at when he isn’t being interrupted from people and events like the underwear bomber. In any case, what he told me was that even the folks that live in that quaint little tropical town in near paradise, well they were just as concerned about their Medicare coverage as you are here in the Great State of Illinois.

Indeed, I talked to a friend in California - they’ve been in the news a bit lately haven’t they - as a couple of health care insurance carriers have sky-rocketed their rates increasing premiums almost 40% in some cases literally overnight. Now those cases are being investigated by the California Insurance Board, and it is likely that the finding will be that these companies will be allowed to raise their rates, as they have been spending 70% of their income on actual claims - sounds scary doesn’t it?

Indeed, and even here with Medicare in Illinois we could see rates rise for Medigap coverage. As I have feelers out all over this country and as I listen to my customers here, it seems that everyone over the age of 65 is worried these days. This is why I always look for quotes from the best rated companies in Illinois when it comes to Medigap coverage to supplement your Illinois Medicare enrollment.

Two companies I look at, and there are a number of good companies that I run quotes by, are American Continental Life Insurance’s Medigap Coverage Policy, and Gerber Life’s Illinois Medicare Supplemental Medigap plan.

But, you say; “American Continental Life Insurance and Gerber Life Insurance are life insurance companies, so, why would I purchase my Illinois Medicare supplemental insurance through them?” So, okay, this is a good question, and you must understand that both American Continental Life and Gerber Life want your business, and they know if you have your Medigap insurance coverage through them, you might be interested in one of their life insurance plans also. You don’t have to combine all these coverage’s with one company like American Continental Life or Gerber Life, but they aim to earn your business and respect.

Doesn’t it make sense to look at companies that are going out of their way to make you happy and give you the coverage you need and desire, rather than a poorly rated carrier that really tries to maximize their income on only one type of insurance policy, and then raising the prices on you, just because they can? Anyway, why not think about that a bit, and let’s talk about getting you a great policy at a low-price.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare Supplement & Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com

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Friday, February 19th, 2010 Articles, Illinois Medicare Supplement No Comments

Illinois Medicare - Shoring up the Gaps

When considering shoring up the gaps in your Illinois Medicare Plan, it always makes sense to get a quote from United of Omaha. And if you recognize that name, it’s because they also sell life insurance. Does United of Omaha have the best Medicare Supplement coverage? Do they have the best rates? Well, yes, depending on your current medical issues and future healthcare needs, they just might. United of Omaha has done very well with Illinois Medicare supplemental plans over the years and they do insure a huge number of folks in our state, meaning they have good market share penetration here.

In fact, the United of Omaha Life Insurance Company happens to be licensed in all states except New York, and if you are looking for Medicare Supplemental insurance to augment your Illinois Medicare Plan you should ask your health insurance agent for an outline of coverages and to make sure that your agent does offer supplemental packages from this company. You’ll find that the best agents often do.

Although Illinois Medicare Supplement plans are standard, you should not assume that all Medicare Supplemental polices are equal, or that all insurance companies are equal. You need good coverage which fits your needs, and you need a decent policy which fits your budget too. And lastly, you need to make sure you are with a highly rated healthcare insurance company that will back up its policy and not try to get out of payment, sticking you with the bill.

Perhaps, it’s time you looked into United of Omaha, and reviewed your healthcare insurance needs, Medicare Plan, and supplemental coverage. Even if you are currently in perfect health and have been in the last decade, the unknown future which lies ahead may have a few bumps in it, so you need to make sure that you have the right strategy to weather that storm. Let’s get together and figure this thing out.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare & Illinois Medicare Supplement . To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com .

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Friday, February 5th, 2010 Articles, Illinois Medicare Supplement No Comments

Illinois Medicare - Staying Out Of The Poor House

American Continental Insurance, a Genworth Insurance Company, specializes in Medicare Supplement Insurance for Illinois Medicare. Due to gaps in coverage in Illinois Medicare Parts A and B, it often makes sense to carry a reasonably priced Medicare Supplement plan to prevent your healthcare costs from putting you into the poor house. For many Illinois residents American Continental Insurance Company has been the insurance provider of choice to solve this problem and help conquer this challenge. Indeed, there is a very good reason for this, namely, their rates are highly competitive.

Thus, it makes sense when comparing health care insurance rates to complete the Medicare Plan which is right for you to take a look at American Continental Insurance Company. Since, this will be a major decision and could affect your future you should look at all the companies with the highest satisfaction rates, and the lowest costs in premium with the best coverage. If this all sounds very complicated, perhaps, that’s because it is, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be if you have a health care insurance agent that knows the ropes.

It pays to find an agent that “gets it” and one who understands what is really needed - which companies offer it and how to design the right coverage for your individual needs. If you currently have Illinois Medicare or will be hitting the age soon where you will enroll in an Illinois Medicare Supplement, then you want to make sure you are not paying too much for that which you don’t need, or paying for Medicare Supplement Insurance to bridge the gap with a company that most likely will not be there when you or an older member of your family really needs them.

Let’s set up a time in the near future when we can look over your current health situation, future health care needs, and your current policies. Let’s run the numbers, sharpen our pencil, and run some quotes with some of the top rated companies - companies such as Genworth’s American Continental Insurance Company - because a little planning now, can save you a lot of stress and money later.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare & Illinois Medicare Supplement. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com .

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Friday, February 5th, 2010 Articles 1 Comment

Augmenting Your Illinois Medicare With an AARP Plan

It makes sense that the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) would endorse a Medicare Supplemental insurance company to augment your Medicare Plan. It also makes sense that if you are enrolled in Illinois Medicare that you’d turn to AARP for a decent recommendation for the right supplementary policy to do just that and cross the gap. So, if you are like most, you probably at least want to get a quote from AARP’s recommended and endorsed Medicare Supplement insurance company.

Well, the name of the company, the one they have endorsed is United Health Care and so, perhaps you should find an agent which handles United Health Care supplemental policies to help you strategize in choosing a supplemental plan and assisting you in shopping around for the best quote, and thus, find you a policy that fits your budget, needs, and makes sense for your individual health issues. You are going to need a supplemental plan to augment your Illinois Medicare, a policy from a company that has a high satisfaction rate amongst those in your age bracket and similar needs.

Apparently, AARP has worked quite hard to do much of the leg work and research for you. Still, you are also going to want to check out the other strong players offering coverage in Supplemental Medicare and compare them against AARP’s endorsement. United Health Care is a top rated health care insurance company, even without AARP’s recommendation, but so are a good many others, some of which might actually fit your individual needs better.

So, just because the American Association of Retired Persons, which you are probably a member of, wants you to think of United Health Care when you think Illinois Medicare, does not mean you have too. Prudence is important when picking policies.

Tell you what, why don’t you schedule a time to go over all this, perhaps on the phone, and let me do the research for you, and round up the best quotes from the best companies. Then let’s compare them together side-by-side, and see how they stack up? After all, stress is one of the early warning signs of future challenges with your health, so there is absolutely no sense in getting all worked up over nothing trying to figure all the Illinois Medicare Supplemental Insurance choices by yourself.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare & Illinois Medicare Supplemental Insurance. To learn more visit his site at www.focusinsgroup.com.

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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 Health Insurance News and Comments No Comments

AARP - United Health Care and Illinois Medicare Enrollment

If you are enrolled in Illinois Medicare, and if you are an AARP member chances are Healthcare is on your mind. In fact it seems to be on everyone’s mind lately. Yes, including our legislative and executive branch. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like we are going to get health care reform, I mean real reform, meanwhile the costs are skyrocketing for medicine and medical care far outpacing the inflation rates in other sectors of our economy, often 10:1.

Since this issue is on your mind, well, it’s on my mind as well, and we work really hard to assist those with Illinois Medicare get the supplemental healthcare insurance they need to bridge the gap and prevent them from going into the poor house. It’s no laughing matter considering the number one cause of bankruptcy in the US is now unforeseen medical expense and bills that folks have no way of paying. It is good to see that AARP has thought this through and is busy lobbying for your rights. It’s also nice to know that they’ve endorsed United Health Care as a recommendation for Health Care insurance.

Just so you know United Health Care does have competitive rates, and depending on your personal situation and it is possible that they will come back with the lowest quote. No, not always, but a good bit of the time, this is what we are seeing out there. Now then, United Health Care’s supplemental insurance for Illinois Medicare does have a few stipulations such as;

“You must meet the minimum age requirement of 65+ to be eligible. If you are not yet age 65, but eligible for Medicare by reason of disability.. ..”

Therefore, if you need assistance in getting a quote or comparing United Health Care against the other top Illinois Medicare supplemental insurance carriers, then why not make a phone appointment and we can discuss this and get you on the right track, with the best rate to fit your real needs? Let me explain all this to you without all the legal mumbo-jumbo, and then you can decide knowing the facts.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare & Illinois Medicare Supplement Insurance. To learn more visit his site at www.focusinsgroup.com

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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 Articles No Comments

Illinois Medicare - Supplementing with AARP

There is probably no better brand name amongst seniors than AARP - American Association of Retired Persons. This is because AARP has been serving and looking out for the best interests of retired Americans for over 6-decades, in fact it was formed in 1957. Believe it or not there are well over 40 million members in AARP today, and that is a huge voting block and they wield a tremendous amount of power in our government, as well they should, as they represent those who’ve spent their lives building up this great nation.

But did you know that AARP also offers supplemental Medicare insurance for your Illinois Medicare? That’s right and thus, when choosing a plan for your IL Medicare program, you need to take a look at the supplemental choices offered by United Health Care (endorsed by AARP). If you are looking for specific Illinois Medicare healthcare solutions then United Health Care “Medicare Solutions” plans might be just what you are looking for. The great thing about United Health Care or UHC is they work very hard to keep things simple.

Let’s face it, as we age, our mental acuity is not nearly what it was in our earlier days, so it’s nice to see UHC working with us and helping us through such a complicated process. Illinois Medicare provides a number of things we need for our health in the second half of our life, but often enough it leaves big holes when we need it most. Luckily, there are many insurance companies which are willing to cover those gaps for an additional low premium. UHC or United Health Care “Medicare Solutions” is one of those companies, and it is attached to one of the strongest brand names amongst our generation.

Before you purchase supplemental Medicare Insurance to fit you and your family’s healthcare needs, why not put UHC on the list of those reputable carriers to consider. If you need assistance in comparing companies, options, and healthcare strategies, then why not allow us to help you focus on choosing the right company to make your Illinois Medicare work for you?

Think about your reward – No More Stress – No more worries – And Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare, & Illinois health insurance. To learn more visit his site at www.Focusinsgroup.com

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Friday, January 22nd, 2010 Articles No Comments

Illinois Medicare Considerations and United of Omaha Health Insurance Plans

Illinois Medicare generally will not cover all the needs of any given individual, even with all the options presented. Each individual has specific health needs that are unique, and therefore Illinois Medicare puts forth generalized options to choose from that appear to serve the vast majority of folks.

The reality is that while “IL Medicare provides most of the things that most people need,” it does not necessarily provide “all the things that most people need” and there is a big difference between those two statements.

Go ahead and read those two statements once again and you’ll begin to understand why supplemental insurance plans are paramount for an individual health care strategy when considering insurance.

Now then, where do you go to find the healthcare insurance plan that you need to “gap” the difference? Well, first you need to look at the top Medicare Supplement insurance companies that have the best ratings and see what they offer. United of Omaha is a very strong company with a very good rating - meaning that if and when you have a claim, they will be there to cover those medical expenses as per the policy, which will be up and beyond where your Illinois Medicare ends.

Let’s face it, with medical bills skyrocketing and outpacing GDP growth or normal inflation by 5-10% per year, you can be left in the poor house, even for a minor healthcare issue, much less a big time healthcare scare to your longevity. One of the excellent things about United of Omaha is that they are also a big player in the Life Insurance Business, and you can bet if you have your life insurance policy with them also, they’d like to keep you alive as long as possible to prevent a massive payout. After all, to them you are worth more alive, right.

The United of Omaha Medicare Supplement Insurance policies will allow you to choose your own doctors and hospitals, and you can use their plan to “mix and match” it with other healthcare insurance plans and providers to get what you need. Their plans also allow you to adjust co-pays and coverage based on your financial where-with-all and budgetary needs. Thus, it perhaps, pays to sit down and discuss all this with a competent healthcare insurance agent who can home in and focus on your real needs and personal individual situation.

United of Omaha has all types of options from the very comprehensive to the basic al la carte supplement insurance options. This makes it nice when comparing notes and looking for the best coverage to fit your needs while shopping for the best deal to supplement your Illinois Medicare. After all, a little planning now can save your family from financial ruin and keep you alive if a medical crisis rears its head. In this way a supplemental policy to your Illinois Medicare coverage with United of Omaha makes a lot of sense.

Think about your reward – No More Stress – No more worries – And Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com

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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 Articles No Comments

Illinois Medicare - a Look at American Continental Insurance Company and Supplemental Policies

Illinois residents have some distinct advantages when it comes to health care and medical services, namely due to the state’s economic might and population base we have some of the best hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and medical research. This means we have some of the very best health care not only in the United States, but also in the entire world. That’s the good news, and thus, you should be very thankful to live in the Great State of Illinois.

Of course, with every benefit there are challenges too and due to the quality health care and the incredible demand of the population here, Illinois also has some of the most costly healthcare as well. This is why it really pays to shop around and see what’s out there before you commit to a healthcare insurance plan, or purchase Medicare Insurance with supplemental coverage. It’s also very important to know a little bit about the various medical insurance companies before shopping for around for the lowest price with the best coverage and benefits.

One company that has been a mainstay for many folks in Illinois is American Continental Insurance Company. It’s a company that you should definitely consider when shopping around to find the lowest bid, best premium costs, and best coverage. One interesting thing about American Continental Insurance Company (ACI) is they provide coverage for all sides of the equation. In other words, they provide insurance to hospitals, and doctors for malpractice, along with coverage for regular citizens like you and I. This means they understand what they are doing and the real risks and costs associated.

It’s always important to get the lowest cost on healthcare insurance, but more importantly is to find a company you can trust that will back you up when you have a claim, when you really need it. ACI has an “A-” rating and that’s pretty decent for healthcare insurance providers here in Illinois, especially those specializing in Medicare Supplemental Insurance. ACI or American Continental Insurance Company is part of Genworth Financial, which is now one of the biggest US insurance and financial companies in the United States and it has a strong balance sheet to back it up.

ACI’s specialty is Medicare Insurance, and their supplemental insurance policies often are just what’s needed. So, when shopping around for such coverage it makes sense to check their rates and your current medical situation against the other top competitors. ACI is just one of the top companies in Illinois for healthcare insurance specializing in Medicare Insurance, and supplementary coverage, there are plenty of others to compare also, but it stands to reason that you compare apples to apples, when shopping for price, because when you need it most your health insurance provider needs to be there to pay for your medical bills.

Since Illinois Medicare may not cover all an insured needs thus, a supplemental plan from American Continental Insurance Company can solve this problem. This is one of many options to consider when choosing IL Medicare Plans, and there are other strategies that it also pays to discuss.

The reality is that you want to save money, and you should. You should also make sure that you get what you need, and value for what you are paying for. Sometimes it gets extremely complicated in comparing rates, and if you find yourself challenged by all the different types of coverages, the huge price differentials, and the complexity of the “fine print” then perhaps it’s time you sat down with an expert who knows the ends-and-outs, which companies you can trust, and where the best value is for you and your loved ones. As always, I am here to help and never more than a phone call or email away.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at http://www.focusinsgroup.com

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Saturday, January 9th, 2010 Articles No Comments

Illinois health insurance - Time Saving Tip Filling Out An Application

I have yet to meet a self-employed business owner who was looking for an Illinois health insurance plan who loved the idea of taking a lot of time to fill out a health insurance application correctly. I mean let’s face it, to self-employed individuals, time is money and they only get paid when they are working. Usually the first question they ask is; how long is this going to take? That is one question that is hard to answer without knowing the health history of the individual or the family involved. The more health history a family has the longer it’s going to take to fill out the application.

One very good way of saving time is being organized when it comes to your health insurance. The first thing you need to do to save time in the future is to fill out one application as thoroughly and accurately as possible. You need to have a good foundation to start from. One suggestion I would make if you’re unsure of the dates and times when you saw your doctor you could get a copy of your medical records from your doctor to help fill out the application. Once you have one application that has been filled out 100% correctly make a copy of it and keep it on file.

The next thing to do is keep track of all your doctor office visits and why you were there.

* Condition
* Start & End date
* Treatment
* Doctors contact information
* Any medications prescribed

This could be done several different ways. You could make notes on your calendar or you could keep track of it on your computer for example in a spreadsheet format. Then in the future when you needed to fill out an application for Illinois health insurance you could take out the copy of the application that was filled out 100% correctly and transfer that information over to the new application. Then take your calendar notes or your spreadsheet notes and fill in the missing health history on the application.

This would save you a lot of time if you needed to fill out a new application, simply because you wouldn’t have to re-create the wheel every single year or every time you needed to shop the market for a more competitive rate.

Think about your reward - No More Stress - No More Worries - and Mission Accomplished!

Randy Gillespie is the owner of Focus Insurance Group, get expert help from an agent specializing in Illinois health insurance, & Illinois Medicare. To learn more visit his site at www.Focusinsgroup.com

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Friday, December 18th, 2009 Articles No Comments