YOUR INSURANCE CONNECTION

Unknown Speaker 0:00
The following is a paid program sponsored by your insurance connection. Please be advised that the voices and opinions you hear do not necessarily represent the views of K u and v Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas or the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Unknown Speaker 0:21
Good morning. This is your insurance connection. I'm your host, Donald Marquez, on your insurance connection. We talk about saving money on auto insurance, homeowners insurance. Yes. And we talk about life insurance. Welcome to the show.

Unknown Speaker 0:42
Yes, good morning, Las Vegas. This is your insurance connection. I'm your host. Donnell Marquez in the studio with me today is Sheena Burke. good morning. Ashina.

Unknown Speaker 0:51
Good morning. Thanks for having me today.

Unknown Speaker 0:54
Oh, good, happy Sunday morning and all the listeners out there to tune in to K u and v 91.5. Jazz and more. Thank you. We just recently wrapped up a fundraiser and all your donations were greatly appreciated and continue to to support the radio station. It offers programs like this and many more. Along with the jazz and more. My name is Don Marquez. This is your insurance connection. rebroadcast right here at K u and v 91.5. Jazz and more. Sunday morning 8am to 830. So buckle up, hold on tight. Let's go let's let's get started. A Sheena Burke is a licensed health insurance expert. And I invited her on my show because open enrollment is when is it? Actually?

Unknown Speaker 1:39
Right now? Yes,

Unknown Speaker 1:40
right now.

Unknown Speaker 1:42
So my name is Sheena Berg. I am I specialize and Medicare. I am a health and life insurance agents. And I specialize in seeing your benefits. So yeah, so the open enrollment period is actually right now, I began October 15 and runs until December 7. So this is the time where you just want to get in there and do your review. And that is exactly what I'm here for. At no cost, I am able to review your current plan that you have in place and compare it to the 2023 benefits, which there are a lot these health care carriers are really competitive this year, or coming up in 2023. They really want to make sure that the beneficiaries are getting all of the benefits that they deserve. So it's very important to review what you have even if you think that you're all set, and you have everything you need. Like I said, there are a lot of new benefits that have come out for 2023, including a lot of dental benefits. Something that is new to 2023 is dental implants. I know a lot of singers ask about that that's not included in a lot of the dental plans in the Medicare plan. So for 2023 they're adding dental implants, implants for a lot of carriers. So those are increasing a lot of the over the counter benefits, a lot of $0 co pays. And actually CMS, the Center for Medicare, they actually lowered your Part B premium for 2023. So you'll save $5 each month on your Part B premium,

Unknown Speaker 3:19
oh, five hours, almost a gallon of gas. Take advantage of these opportunities. Now let's let's say you have a senior that kinda you know, seniors could be set in their ways a little bit. And I have a plan. I'm happy with my plan. But that plan changes every single year. This is why it's important to get a no obligation review about your health insurance. You know, when you have a major surgery that comes up, you want to make sure that you're not coming out of pocket with a large deductible. And some of these HMO HMO plans may have be a costly deductible. If you need a hip replacement, or if you need any knee replacements. So think about that in the long term. Because I know some of these health plans out there offer offer large deductibles no out of pocket expenses, but it's you know, your health changes daily. And as we know, as we age in life, we have to take care of health because health is wealth. Right? Am I right? Hasina.

Unknown Speaker 4:13
That's alright, health is wealth and we want to make sure that you are getting the wealth of benefits that are available to you. And just like you were saying, Donald, all of the deductibles co pays, there's a maximum out of pockets. There's a lot that goes into the cost of health care, and you want to make sure that you're saving as much as possible. And what's going on with the upcoming benefits are the low maximum out of pockets. There's a lot of plans. Like I said there are $0 monthly premiums, so there's no monthly premium for HMO plans and PPO plans so you have a lot of options. That is why you should definitely reach out to me I'm actually affiliated I'm in partnership with the Medicare storm. And we actually we are out there in the city all All around Clark County offering our services we offer an a non biased opinion. So we actually make sure that you are in the plan that best fits your needs in your budget. And you can reach me at 702-966-2766. Again, that's 702-966-2766.

Unknown Speaker 5:24
With the open enrollment plan, when does the date and because there was a little confusion a couple of years ago, when when the enrollment period ended?

Unknown Speaker 5:32
Yes. So it officially ends December 12. At 11:59pm, I'm sorry, December 7,

Unknown Speaker 5:40
I was wondering, yeah, because at the time was shorting a company a few years ago, a couple years ago, however, let me ask you, when a person is getting ready to turn 65, and in the enrollment plan is over, do they have, let's say they're turning 65. In May, they how many days out before they can start, you know, getting their benefits in order or applying for benefits, I should say?

Unknown Speaker 6:05
Yeah, so that's the great thing you have time. So you have three months before your 65th birthday, then you have the month of your birthday. So if your birthday was a mate, you have that month, and then you have three months after your 60 Month 65th birthday to enroll in your plan. And then after that, you might experience a penalty. So you want to make sure you take advantage of that enrollment period of time that you have.

Unknown Speaker 6:31
For instance, if a person is currently working, and they offer health insurance benefits, can a person have both if they turn 65. And he's still working with health insurance benefit already from their employer, however, you know, they want to seek additional benefits. Is that available to

Unknown Speaker 6:47
them as well? Yeah, some employers do that. And you will definitely want to check with your HR. There's some that do offer that where he can stuck. But that's something you want to check with your HR first and then see if that's available, then you can go ahead and give me a call. And then we can see what plans that you can stack with your employer coverage and your Medicare coverage. But a lot of times the Medicare coverage offers better benefits at a lower cost than your employer coverage. So that's something you definitely want to review and look into

Unknown Speaker 7:17
Medicare, does it offer a benefits for family members does under 65? Let's say if you are raising a grandchild or you have a child that's under 18 years young or 17 years young, does Medicare benefits include or exclude the younger family members in your household?

Unknown Speaker 7:37
Yes, it does. Bennett Medicare is specifically for 65 and oldest circle your senior community or if you have a disability for 24 months, so you have to have a qualified disability for at least 24 months before you can be eligible for Medicare.

Unknown Speaker 7:54
Interesting. I'm quite sure that question doesn't come up that often but I was just thinking if you had a family member, and they are just they have a disability and you turn 65 Now you can offer that person has lived in your house so with with or without a disability, or do they need to have a disability

Unknown Speaker 8:12
you have to have the disability for 24 months for 20 to receive Medicare or be 65 and older.

Unknown Speaker 8:18
Okay, that sounds great. You know, get in touch with a Sheena she's an expert when it comes to health insurance. I also have a health insurance license but it just way too many moving parts. For me I like to keep it simple. The lines of insurance that I offer I offer Auto Home. Yes and life insurance we broadcast radio que uno, the 91.5 Jazz and more if you just tuning in. My name is Don Marquez along with Sheena Burke, and we're talking about today open enrollment for the health insurance plans that's available to you. If you're getting ready to turn 65 Or you are already 65 and older, there are benefits within your health insurance plan that'll in and they get to receive the premiums directly from your Social Security benefits. So you really don't feel the you know the expense because theirs comes right off the top of your Social Security benefits to premium. And you know what I hear the medical, the medicines today, the pharmaceutical medicines have reduced in cost. Actually, a couple of weeks ago, I went to pick up pick up my medicine from the doctor and I just have maintenance pills. I don't take anything that's really over the top. I just need cholesterol and blood pressure. That's normal. But when I went to pick up my meds, no cost to me. And I was shocked because usually I would pay a premium. What has changed in the health and care that I'm not paying for my meds at this time?

Unknown Speaker 9:40
Well, it definitely depends on the drug formulary, what tier your medication falls on. And for 2023 There is the insulin caps on those that aren't diabetics, they will be able to have a an additional savings for 2023 with the insulin reduction program that's in place. So A lot of programs are available, especially if you have those high cost preferred brand, tier three, and those that are on the drug formulary understand what a tier three and above are, those are the most expensive prescriptions, you definitely want to do a review of your prescriptions that are in place and see if you can get into a plan that gives you a discount on on your prescription drugs, because that's definitely important.

Unknown Speaker 10:27
Our veterans out there, they have veterans benefits. And can they also with a bit veteran benefits 65 and older, be eligible for the Medicare plan?

Unknown Speaker 10:39
Yeah, I'm really excited about the veterans this year are coming up, because they are actually offering a lot of benefits, especially with the Part B give back. I don't know if you all are familiar with that, that's when you actually get a percentage of your Part B premium that you pay each month back into your Social Security account. So they're offering a lot of the health plans are offering that for the veterans. So even though veterans, they get a lot of coverage with their VA benefits, you definitely also want to do a review, because there's actually a lot of benefits that you can utilize, especially you know, getting your money back, that's always a great thing. And then you can also stack on with vision, you can get your glasses, and also with the dental packages for our veterans. So we have a lot of great programs for veterans now

Unknown Speaker 11:25
does the veteran have to be enrolled with with the VA to get a because I'm a veteran. And when I went to the VA to get my benefits, they pretty much told me to leave. Unfortunately, I mean, it does happen to a lot of veterans, because it's they take you through a lot of steps to get the benefits. I showed up with a suit on. I had appointments after after going to the VA I did I had to go to my office, I had appointments, and I was told by one of the veterans, that's a friend of mine, he said, Why did you come here in a suit? And I said, well, because when I leave here, I have to go to work. I have appointments, and I wear a suit when I go to my office and he said don't ever come in and look like this. And it's probably why they just told you pretty much. You know, Mr. Marquez, you know, I know you're a veteran, a veteran, thank you for your services. But you know, this is not for you. And I don't get it. I don't get it. I've served in the military, I served my country proudly. And I should be able to get those benefits as well. But they make it very difficult. But if a person like myself, is not receiving the VA benefits, can I still get the advantage from Medicare?

Unknown Speaker 12:35
Well, that depends, you definitely would, for some of the plans, you definitely would have need your VA benefits in place for some plants. But there are options that we can look at, there's different options, you can still, even if you're not a veteran, the Part B give back is still available. So that's something you can review. And I recommend the Part B give back plans, that's when you get your a portion back on your social security, I recommend those for people that have very low health issues, and maybe take one or two prescriptions, they don't go to the doctor that much. Now if you have a list of prescriptions that part B give back is not for you. Because you're going to pay some higher premiums, they're going to pay some higher co pays. But if you are fairly pretty healthy, you only take one or two prescriptions, you go to the doctor maybe once or twice a year for your physical, then that is a good plan that you and if you want to save money for the year, get a little bit bit back on your social security. That's a plan that can definitely work for you pre existing

Unknown Speaker 13:34
condition the person to 64 getting ready to turn 65 with a preexisting condition. We're talking about cancer, not diabetes so much. But let's talk about cancer if a person has cancer, and they're getting a 64 getting ready to turn 65 Or they're penalized or delayed because they are presenting pre existing conditions.

Unknown Speaker 13:52
No, no. And that's a great thing about having your Medicare plan in place because of the low maximum out of pocket the low deductible. So you will be taken care of if you fall into that situation of having cancer, you normally would have lower co pays going into the doctor.

Unknown Speaker 14:12
You know, Medicare is a it is a wonderful thing to have for seniors. And I know that it's a lot of politics that go along with it. I just hope that never gets taken away from our seniors. We do we worked hard all alive, pay taxes all our lives, and we deserve the best benefits out there that's available. Now as far as Medicare benefits. So if a person have a doctor, and before they turn 65 And then they have their use of their doctor, they've been going see their physician for many years going on now Medicare, can they continue with the same doctor?

Unknown Speaker 14:47
Yes, possibly. I know that's really important to a lot of beneficiaries out there to keep that doctor and so that's one thing I definitely have access to to see if your doctor actually takes Medicare health plans so we can look through that Got to see what doctors are available and make sure we try to keep you in your network. That's what I specialize in is going through all of your doctors going through your specialists going through all of your medications, to make sure that everything still stays intact. When you switch over to your Medicare health plan, make a smooth transition,

Unknown Speaker 15:17
right because you know women and and also a man that you are accustomed to a certain doctors seeing these doctors for years. And some doctors may or may not be under the plan,

Unknown Speaker 15:26
right. And that's a great thing about having an agent, especially a local agent. Because we know the doctors, we know what your doctors are staying in network, which ones are leaving networks, we know which doctors you can get in right away. When you make an appointment, you can get in within the first two weeks or so there's a lot of doctors in town that don't have availability. And that's something that I actually am privy to, I know which doctors you can get into pretty quickly and which doctors are in your network. That's very important. And that's what sets me apart from people that you call on the one 800 numbers in the commercials, which you definitely want to watch out for. Because a lot of times you're calling into a call center out of state, sometimes out of country, and they don't know your network, they don't have a personal relationship with the doctors that are in town, and what's available to you in your actual County. So I want everyone to just you know, make sure when you're calling those numbers, really don't call the numbers, just call me. Because I'm the one that actually knows exactly what's going on in town, and how to put you where you belong and what plan that will give you the benefits. Make sure you have your doctor's make sure your prescriptions are covered, make sure you're getting everything you need. And then if there is an issue, you have my direct line to connect with to make sure and I can help you smooth anything out

Unknown Speaker 16:45
why that's important what you just said in and out of network. Now let's say a person is traveling or going to another country? How do How to if they get ill while they're in another country or need medicine, whether in another country? How does your Medicare works at that point?

Unknown Speaker 17:01
Yes. So for Medicare, as long as you have your original Medicare A and B are covered for emergencies in the inside of the United States and outside of the United States. So if you are out of the country and you have an emergency, then you're covered, you'll get a reimbursement. But your coverage doesn't work. Like you can't go into the primary care physician and in another country with your Medicare plan. However, there are a lot of plans a few plans in town right now called a passport plan or a plan that you can travel to a different state with and see a primary care physician. So if they if you are a person that travels in and out of the state of Nevada, there are plans available that you can that can go with you to wherever you are going.

Unknown Speaker 17:48
Here's another thing too, because you have the more ers you have the quick hairs, which I'm favorable with the quick cares, you don't have to make an appointment, you're in and out with your primary care physician, you have to make an appointment. And you might see that physician three or four weeks later down the road because their appointments are booked up. I do I have a quick care close to my home, which I frequently have visited over the years the quick here and they accept my insurance. And you know it's convenient for me. However, it's always good to have a physician that to you can go to that knows your body no have has a record there in place to look at your look at your health and to evaluate. Okay, your heart rate was this now is that over time, however, the quick cares, is that a good solution to have on a regular to go to the quick cares with your Medicare benefits.

Unknown Speaker 18:42
Yeah, that's what works for you. I know there's a lot of plans available where the doctors actually will come to your house. There is a lot of health programs where you have telehealth if you don't want to leave your home, you can just call your doctor if you need a prescription. And you don't have to set an appointment. You can just call the telehealth or there's virtual health. So there's a lot of programs out there that you know are actually convenient for your needs. And they work with you. There's actually a health program out that will come to your house, they can do everything that is done in quick care, urgent care in your home.

Unknown Speaker 19:19
Oh, okay. That's, that's interesting. Now, if a person has an HMO, and they hear this show, and it's Oh, wow. I have an HMO. I've had an HMO for a very long time doesn't cost me anything out of pocket. Can they switch over to Medicare?

Unknown Speaker 19:34
What do you mean? Just a regular they have a regular have an HMO and they want to switch over long as they're 65 As long as you have your Medicare Part A and B. So that's the key right there. You need Part A and B to get into a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. It's also called a Part C. It's the same thing and the Medicare Advantage plan includes your hospital, medical prescription drug coverage and your extra benefits. So you'll get your dental vision and hearing included plus over the counter. So your over the counter benefits, you get a little debit card coming up in 2023. A lot of the carriers are adding a debit card. So you can actually just go to your Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, wherever you like to shop, swipe your debit card, and you pick up your lotion, your toothpaste or whatever you need band aids, and oh my goodness, oh, they're adding to this to a lot of the carriers they're adding where you can actually pay your utilities with your over the counter benefit card.

Unknown Speaker 20:34
Wow. That's a lot of benefits as best as valuable information you can use. If you're just tuning in, this is k u and v 91.5, jazz and more. My name is Don Marquez host of your insurance connection. We broadcast right here at K u and v 91. Five every Sunday morning from 8am to 830. Today, fortunate to have a Sheena burkas. He's a health insurance expert. He specializes in Medicare. And you know, I hope this show helps you along the way with your Medicare plan. Now, if you've been on your plan for quite some time, and want a lot of times to seem to get comfortable, I don't want to switch Why should I switch? I've been on this plan for a very long time doesn't cost me any money. But there are benefits to review your current plan. As a matter of fact, he was telling me about a benefit to join a health club. How does that work?

Unknown Speaker 21:25
Yeah, that's one of my favorite benefits. With the Medicare plans you get a free gym membership with a lot of the plans. So that includes your LV AC Las Vegas Athletic Club. And there is a specific plan that includes Lifetime Fitness. And we know how beautiful and pricey Lifetime Fitness is. So if that's something you're interested in taking classes, there are a lot of the community centers you can get a membership with as well as there's Planet Fitness YMCA. So you have a lot of opportunity to join a fitness club and keep your health up. As well as get active. There's a lot of great programs, a lot of great classes after athletic clubs, that you can take

Unknown Speaker 22:05
health as well. Health is everything as we age in life, you know, we have to monitor what we eat put in our bodies. And you know, get outside the weather's cool down on Vegas, it's beautiful.

Unknown Speaker 22:18
And the health as well you know making sure that you know you're getting your fruits and vegetables and plenty of water. And there are plants that offer healthy food. So the healthy food includes getting your produce your healthy grains, like your oatmeal, whole grain bread, things like that. So you have the benefit that is called the Healthy food card that comes with your plan, you can just go to the grocery store and pick up Pick up your salad, pick up your fruits and vegetables,

Unknown Speaker 22:45
that's good to have. I mean the salads, fruits and vegetables, stay away from the fries, the fast foods, the you know that causes a lot of problems. When you eat fast food on things you have to do in moderation, even drinking alcohol, you have to we have to do everything in moderation. We just can't you know abuse our bodies every day. I know, I say this because when people turn 65 They're looking near retirement or they could be already retired. And we come in the couch potatoes, we watch the television all day long snack in front of the TV, and no activity. There's nothing wrong with getting up and walking in and your neighborhood, you know, greeting your neighbors in the morning or in the evening. The weather's right? The this this is a beautiful time of year to enjoy Vegas, whether you can walk in the morning in the evening or even in late in the evening, get some exercise, get some fresh air in your lungs and open the windows up in your house. You know, let's do some opening windows, get some fresh air inside your house, you know, and wake up with a positive attitude. Health is wealth you have to mentally be healthy as well as physically health healthy as well, when so when you go to the doctor, you don't have all these, you know, I've seen people come to me that wants to purchase life insurance. And I asked them to bring in a medical Listen, everything they're taking and my goodness, some people are taking 15 medicines dead and on a daily basis. You know things do happen. Things do happen in your life. But you if a person is taking that much medication, is there a plan in place where you can have all that evaluated and just say you know, you may not need this because it's causing problems?

Unknown Speaker 24:19
Yeah, so that's the great thing about the plans that are in place. Coming up for 2023. You can have a home health care at a $0 premium you can have there's a couple plants that give you credits for helper B's so there'll be a most most of the time they're college students that have come out to your house and make sure that you're taking your medications or even if you just need a companion, there's actually a plan available where they'll help walk your pets. So if you need if you need your dog walk they'll come out and walk your dog and then do some light cleaning in your home just like you said opening the windows you know some people do Maybe if they just had a surgery cut out of the hospital, they can don't have the ability, the mobilities to get out of the bed or move around and open up their windows. So they'll have someone come out and open up the windows, do some light cleaning, light cooking, maybe you know, do one load of laundry, just to make sure you're doing okay, and making sure that your spirits are up and that you are able to move around. There's also plans that include transportation. So if you aren't able to drive right now, or if you don't have a vehicle or someone to take you, there is plans that will come pick you up, they'll take you to the grocery store, they'll take you to the gym, they'll take you to worship service, they'll take you to your doctor's appointments. So there are so many benefits I know a lot of people aren't aware of and that is what I am here to do to make you aware of them to make sure that you're getting everything you deserve. I mean, you worked for this, this is available. So it's a part of your benefit. Absolutely. And you know, you want to make sure you are aware of what is out there so that you can take advantage of it. And you can call me now my reviews, I'll come to you, you can come to my office, and it's no charge, there's no cost to do a review, it's very simple. I sit down with you, you want to make sure you have your Medicare Part A and B card, a list of your prescriptions, a list of your doctors, I'll type them into my little database there, see what comes up what fits. And then we'll shop around, we'll go to see which plans that your doctors, your medications fit in and give you all the benefits that you do deserve. And you can reach me at 702-966-2766. Again, that's 702-966-2766. And I also have a office location at 9640 West Tropicana Avenue.

Unknown Speaker 26:47
No question if a person needs a wheelchair, and I say, and also, I've seen these devices, on the back of vehicles, or vans, who pays for that those have advices. When a person is in a wheelchair, and they have a van and the band opens up in a wheelchair with with the automatic goes down who, who pays for all

Unknown Speaker 27:09
of that? Yeah, so that will be considered durable medical equipment. And that's something that is included in a lot of the health care plans and the health care carrier will take care of it. Depending on what plan you have. Now, some plans, they will take care of the total cost of the durable medical equipment or they'll split the cost with you with a coinsurance a cost share

Unknown Speaker 27:30
price. And that's very valuable information. I think so much. I mean, it's I've learned a lot in this, in this in this 30 minutes that we've talked about health care and the need, you know, when you when you can get out and go to the gym and, and your benefits is paying for the gym, I want to take advantage of you than me, you know, and the nice thing too, you get to meet other people as they're working out. You know, and there's many benefits now, you have to be proactive. And you know, don't just say you know, let things happen to you. What are trying to take advantage of these plans now. We talked about this before, you know people they get a little complacent on these plans. They've been I've been on this plan for a very long time. There are other benefits. Take advantage of what you're hearing today on this radio show. We come on here Sunday morning from 8am to 830. Right here Caitlin V 91.5, jazz and more after this program, we have other talk shows and and the music, the music here at K u and v 91.5. Jazz or more. I have my jazz collection of music just by listening to 91.5 jazz or more. Thank you a cena for for coming on and giving us this information. I give them your contact information again, please

Unknown Speaker 28:45
yes reach me come and come out to my office. Give me a call. I'm here. This is what I love to do. I have a passion for helping the seniors in the community to make sure they are getting the benefits that they deserve. You can call me at 702-966-2766 Again 70296627660

Unknown Speaker 29:08
You have a wonderful day to day I go Raiders win this one today. I believe we plan. We plan to Texas. So we got we got we got to have we got to have it. I said well, I think I said once before that the Raiders may need a little help maybe their Las Vegas aces can help them out a little bit Shemitah when My name is Dawn Marquez, this is your insurance connection. My contact number is 702-236-2624 702-236-2624 We'll do this again next week. Until then just keep it crispy. Thank you for listening.

Unknown Speaker 29:52
You have been listening to a paid program sponsored by your insurance connection. Please be advised that the voices and opinions you heard do not necessarily represent The views of K u and v Las Vegas the University of Nevada Las Vegas are the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education

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