MEDICARE HEALTH PLANS

       Medicare Advantage Plan marketing is carefully regulated by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS). On this webpage I will only talk generally about Medicare health plans.  I invite you to contact Dan Neils at 503-740-0535 or email me at danneils@gmail.com  should you like my assistance in finding a plan that you feel will meet your needs.   

Medicare Advantage Plans: 

New 2024 required disclosure:

“I do not offer every Medicare plan available in Oregon.  For Medicare Advantage Plans I represent 6 insurance carriers  that offer about 30 different plans.   Any information I do provide is limited to those plans I do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your plan options or call the local  Oregon SHIBA office at 800-772-4134 should you like information on other plans .”   

      Since 2002 I have represented a variety of Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon, as well as traditional Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.  Coverage can change each year, and I work hard to understand the changes and keep you informed.

      Plans offer various provider networks that contract with doctors and facilities.  These relationships can change from year to year.  Prescription drug formularies can also change from year to year.    Additional benefits being offered, like  dental, vision, alternative care, and potentially other benefits can also change from year to year.  

      Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plans:

       Medicare Supplement and Medigap are both terms to describe the same type of policy.   I represent several companies in Oregon and also offer several stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan options.    Medigap plans offer  a couple of features with mentioning:   

1.  Medigap SEP:    If you have a Medigap policy, then enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you have a 12 month Special Enrollment Period timeframe where you can disenroll from the Medicare Advantage plan and return to your original Medigap plan with the same company, assuming they are still offering the plan.     

2:  The MEDIGAP Birthday Rule in Oregon:   
If you are in Oregon and have a Medigap plan, and the rates increase in the future, the Birthday rule allows you to shop for a similar or lesser coverage plan with another carrier and get accepted guaranteed-issue, as long as you apply the month prior to your birthday.       For example, say you have a Plan G with Company A.    Let's say Company B offers the same Plan G for $30 less per month.    You can apply and be approved with plan B as long as you apply the month prior to your birthday.   

3.   Changing from a Medigap to a Medicare Advantage plan:   
 The best time to make this change would be during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15-December 7.     During this time you enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan for January 1 start date, then you must contact your Medigap Company and request your Medigap plan terminate effective December 31.     If you have a stand-alone prescription drug plan this will automatically terminate once your Medicare Advantage plan is approved.   

4.   QUALIFYING FOR A MEDICARE PLAN:  

To sign up for any Medicare health plan (Advantage or Medigap), you must be eligible for Medicare Part A, enrolled in Part B, and live in the service area for your plan.   You must continue to pay your Part B premium to Social Security if you have one.

 WORKING WITH A BROKER

        I have been working with various Medicare plans in Oregon since 2002.  Should you enroll in a plan with my assistance I am paid a monthly commission that is paid by the insurance carrier, not the consumer.   I would be happy to sit down with you to answer your questions and share information on any of the specific plans I represent with no obligation that you make a buying decision.  

       Prior to discussing details of  a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan Medicare requires that have you sign a Scope of Appointment form which lists  the type of plan we will be discussing.   Once we set up an appointment time, I can email  you the form to approve electronically.

You can also reach me by phone or text me at 503-740-0535. 

My email is danneils@gmail.com 

Meeting disclosure:   
     I need to disclose that by requesting an appointment, you are agreeing to be contacted by Dan Neils, a licensed sales agent,  by email or phone to discuss information about Medicare Health Insurance plans.  This will be a solicitation for insurance and I am compensated by the insurance carrier should you select me as your broker, however you will be at no obligation to purchase anything in response to our meeting.   Prior to discussing a specific policy I am required to have you sign a 'Scope of Appointment' form 48 hours prior to our meeting outlining which exact plan I will be discussing.   If we are discussing a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan I will be required to record our conversation.  My recorded line is 503-461-6816

   Should we discuss a Medicare Advantage or Stand-alone Part D plan I am required to record the conversation.  Recording is not required for an in person appointment.   I am also required to have you sign a 'Scope of Appointment' form 48 hours prior to our meeting time.

last updated 7/10/24