Video of Doctor Warning about Medicare Advantage

[@pldilliner9490]

Good Lord and they expect Seniors to Understand ALL THIS?? What happened to Simplicity??

[@lisaveta8565]

I ask myself same ? all the time. I start educated myself one year before my husband retirement. Now I could make a right choice

[@ChristopherWestfall]

That why we help, for free. See the Medicare Help button here. SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@craigbathurst1185]

I will never, never, never ever enroll in an Advantage Plan. Straight Medicare only. I turn 65 in April and plan to continue to work until I’m 70 yrs old

[@bennybowers3937]

I’m only 61 years old,however i will continue to watch your videos,and apply your advice. I will never even consider getting an Advantage plan. When my time comes,I will give you a call.

[@hanneweber9211]

Advantage plans should come with a warning. The 2024 Medicare catalog shows mostly advantage plans. This is such a disservice to all seniors.

[@sprd2thin]

the medigap plans appear to be hidden in the catalog

[@jazzsnare]

They make it sound like it is Medicare. They call it part c! So you have a and b so it seems logical to get part c. I cannot believe the deception permitted.

[@lisaveta8565]

My husband bought plan N start 2024. He suddenly got msg from MA saying ‘Call us immediately, you need to do it before des 7. It is about your medicare coverage”. I told him not call or talk to anyone about medicare coverage without me.

[@markg6860]

They are going to try to flip you back to MA for the new year. Be very careful of such callers!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Good!!!

[@kathleensomma7587]

​@@ChristopherWestfall❤

[@ckstaff]

As a year has now gone by since I turned 65 and went through all the confusion, medicare advantage onslaught and the arguing to agents to show me medigap plans and explain the differences to no avail I had to do my own research and roll the dice. In March, the end of my 6 month choice period I chose plan N. Kind of looking like I made the right decision and I am feeling much better of my choice. You are right Christopher, my brother in-law followed me in just October a month ago turning 65. I talked to him until I was blue in the face, more than anyone gave me with help and advice, he still was suckered into a Select Health Advantage plan. I am worried for him and my sister. He is in belief it is Medicare with the extras and has every excuse why he made the right choice. His out of pocket is $6,000 per year, well at least his first year. I told him mine is $240.00 plus my $90. N premium. Anyone with the most basic math skills can see my costs are nowhere close to his $6,000. Still didn't even bat his eyes. Oh well.

[@markg6860]

I have a Plan N. You made a great choice ... if you are not constantly at your doctors office, Plan N is about the most cost effective Medigap plan. Advantage plans are only great if you intend to remain healthy (with no serious/chronic health issues) for the rest of your life. Sadly, the insurers do a great job of suckering confused Seniors into Advantage plans.

[@miessy9633]

He still has guarantee issue rights to switch to a supplement for 12 months from when his advantage plan started. The only problem is plan N is not a guarantee issue plan so that’s not available, but plan G is. But if he does change his mind, it’s still not too late to get a supplement plan without underwriting. I’m facing the same thing with my brother enrolling in Medicare next year. Hopefully, he listens to me and does his own research but he’s pretty opinionated and stubborn.

[@sprd2thin]

many can not be told the truth they have to realize it or do their own research...neither seem to be there for your brother in law

[@lisaveta8565]

I got a letter from ss. Medicare cost is $176

[@sheltermutts4185]

We love our Plan N’s and you Chris. I’m preparing for a lung cancer surgery now and comfortable with our N premiums and the tiny copays. If our premiums have changed at all in 5 years it hasn’t been enough to notice. Bless you and your message.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

All the best and I hope there is a good prognosis soon!!

[@pilarskifamily899]

Blessings as you go into surgery. Praying you are 100%healed as I believe in miracles. 🎉

[@YouLookinAtMe-Bro]

Wow, I'm only 7 minutes into this video, and very impressed with how passionate this man is, about helping and doing people right. Thanks Chris, I'll probably be calling you soon.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thank you! SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@carolbroome6559]

It IS EVIL that they make it so difficult!! Then yell at you when you question them and made me so frustrated I was crying. I hate medical insurance with a passion 🤬

[@karinchristensen220]

For the second year in a row my friend who signed up for an advantage plan as soon as she was eligible is hounding me to change my TM to an Advantage plan. I sent her one of your videos and told her I do not feel comfortable dropping TM based on a TV commercial. From watching your videos I am planning on adding Plan N. I live in a very rural area with only two doctors that are 80 miles away but neither one will take new patients. In other words, we do not have a doctor. We have a pretty good emergency hospital - also 80 miles away. Going there is about the only option for anything. I notice from this video that New Mexico has a low rate for plan N, if so, maybe I can afford it. I will be calling you after Dec 7 to find out more about that. Thank you for saving me from signing up with an advantage plan until I know more.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Please book an appointment directly instead of calling. It is far easier and much faster: SeniorSavingsNetwork.org/openenrollment

[@clarescorner451]

At the beginning of 2022 my mom was convinced too move to a Humana MA plan when a "friend" introduced mom to "her agent". Then my 86 yo mom broke 2 vertebrae. According to the rehab facility, Humana hires out to a company whose main job is to deny every claim that comes in and make filing appeals overly complicated. I'm 2000 miles away and was very glad my sis was there to get mom moved back to regular Medicare + supplement!

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

Any agent that doesn't lay out all of the plans and all of the benefits and negatives about it should not be selling insurance! They should have a responsibility to tell all about all of the plans including Medicare Advantage. I'm very grateful to you for your videos because I was able to get my mother on an N plan from Aetna and she is now paying $140 less per month than her Legacy plan. She is concerned about the co-pays but she doesn't go to the doctor very often. I think the co-pays can be an issue for people who go to the doctor frequently because their monthly cost could be the same as a plan G at least initially

[@carolbroome6559]

I have you scheduled to talk with me in a few days. Thank you for helping people 🙏🏼

[@billlock77]

Been on Plan N for 2 and a half years ! NO INCREASE !!

[@markg6860]

Plan N is great is you are not constantly visiting doctors! I get a yearly premium increase, but only around $3. Premiums are not based on your individual claims, but the total claims of everyone in your group of beneficiaries. Plan N beneficiaries tend to be healthier, so the annual rate increases are smaller.

[@sprd2thin]

have had N for a year and mine went up 4 dollars and change. Am mid 70's

[@ChristopherWestfall]

So glad!!!!!

[@angelapeek4041]

Yes we are involved

[@diannerickle5797]

Just so you know, you are the best person out here for seniors who have to apply for Medicare. I thank God that I found your videos last year. I am healthy so I was advised to get Medicare Advantage when I turned 65. Thank God I didn't get sick during those 3 years! I switched to Plan N in March this year and I am so grateful I did. God bless you for caring about seniors!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Bless you! Thank you so much for your encouragement!!

[@dianepropson2508]

Thank you for this video. After watching your videos and emailing my agent, and reading it with open eyes, it seems this is what he is thinking. He makes it sound like he wants me to stay on Medical Advantage because more and more providers are accepting it but if I want I could switch to another plan. I believe he gave me the rates for a plan G but never has explained any plans other than the information I can get out of the medicare booklet. I am trying to gather my questions before calling you.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

1-800-729-9590. Happy to help

[@becbee2619]

You are the best, most caring, and most informative Medicare broker on KZbin! I am about to sign up for plan N through your company.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Wow, thank you!

[@hanneweber9211]

The vision and dental is a joke.

[@pilarskifamily899]

Love seeing Christopher Westfall all fired up. 😮

[@carolbroome6559]

We need medical insurance overhaul!! Make it simple!!!

[@lisaveta8565]

Thank you very much for explaining me very well about plan G,N and MA. We choose G during special enrollment but change for plan N, thank your videos

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Very good!! We can help with that. www.SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@suemilkbone4868]

Christopher, thank you so much for your continued effort to educate society on the dangers of disAdvantage plans. Having had an HMO plan my whole life, I know firsthand how having manage care can directly lead to someone's disability or death. For every person I can influence to get traditional Medicare instead of a disAdvantage, I feel like I potentially saved their lives. I see you and your staff doing the same thing. BTW, baby Scarlett is super adorable and already such a good driver! And, I hope your mom is recovering well. ❤

[@purplefreak3]

While original Medicare + supplement may be the best, not everyone has $200-300 a month to go that route.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

No, that's why I think it is important to tell those before retirement that they should save money FOR retirement vs assuming Social Security will take care of them.

[@jazzsnare]

​@@ChristopherWestfallso was never intended to be sole support. Agreed.

[@tammysimons4916]

Plan G & N are in that price range for the state and zip code I live in so I chose high deductible G for $65 for 2023 so I could stay on original Medicare and have a supplement plan that I can afford.

[@feliciaspeaks2754]

In an ideal world you can save adequately for retirement. However if unemployment, pandemic and life altering set backs happen just prior to retirement wiping out your savings. Thank God for MA as an option vs nothing at all. Why not help change MA for those of us that had no choice? Or help us navigate MA so we’re not screwed.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Hmm.. have been doing that for more than two decades.

[@genobrn8743]

Great analysis, thank you

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Glad you liked it!

[@ladyhawkNone]

I'm late i think signing up. Ty for specifying he's wrong on the cost of Medicare premium! I currently pay 28$ a month premium w/ work ins lol and i have an HSA. I was supposed to sign up for Medicare in October but didn't want to lose my HSA so am procrastinating.

[@pilarskifamily899]

Chris, every time I watch your videos I get re-inspired tp seriously think about becoming an agent. Being just shortly 60, I've been wondering if i can actually do this. Technology deficit and all....my parents have also been screwed by Medicare DISAdvantage. 😪

[@archiehendricks6093]

I would sign a petition

[@pforce9]

After researching this for two weeks, I am running into the same roadblock. Either I pay 300 per month or I am stuck with Advantage, How come there is nothing in between?

[@zsigzsag]

Same here. Government is not going to do much about the corruption. If you or I committed fraud like that, we'd be in prison. I watched the clips with senators and congress, talk is cheap. If it were possible, I'd drop out of the whole Medicare/MA thing completely, instead buy a burial plan (eco preferred...lol) with the $174 or ($300 +with the extra coverage only because of my age, sign a DNR and be done with it). A MA PPO with a good "give back" like mine (I get back all but $10 of PartB), is about the closest you can come if you are healthy and only see a doc maybe once a year, like me. Get a good broker and good luck!

[@pilarskifamily899]

You need to talk with the agents at senior savings network.

[@lisaveta8565]

Same boat. We chosen N for my husband. Made decision we would save on other things but get a good med coverage for him. I will save on going out, some kind of expensive food, clothing and everything else

[@ChristopherWestfall]

That's why you should use free help. See the Medicare Help button here. You have until March 31 to change. SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@ChristopherWestfall]

How come you didn't let us do the research FOR you and make a recommendation based on 27 years of experience? My service costs NOTHING and, obviously you watched my videos. So.. let us help to look at everything. SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@SharonD7]

Thank you.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

You're welcome!

[@ritabutler1951]

Tell me when and where. I have already been to a couple of Medicare protests and am so disappointed by turn out.

[@TC-vq6yz]

I need to choose my coverage now, will be 65 soon. SO confused. My husband took the plan an "agent" recommended. Why? I believe because the name of the plan is the same as the name of the local health clinic. I'm sure he was just as confused as I was.

[@debrahoffman2128]

As Medicare reform becomes a hot button during this political season, I have to say that it is disconcerting to hear certain candidates gush over the (perceived) popularity of MA. Are our MediGap options at risk? Who is advising these candidates? We can certainly guess.

[@gg-wk2ww]

Being disabled most of my life and having original Medicare until 2008 I had one of those agents talk me out of my TM and put me into a MA plan. For 13 years every year I tried to return to TM and each time I was talked out of it. Every time!!! I think that is why patients now they don't get their Original back sooner ** turned 65 in 2021 and had open 6 months and could get back my TM without underwriting. I called senior savings network and they got me back on original Medicare witha plan N. I went without medigap during my early yrs because I couldn't afford the premiums. Even without the medigap plan, the health care I needed, including several joint replacement surgeries, I could afford over time. Back in the 80s a doctor told me as long as I pay something each month nobody would come after me. A few times, I would talk to ,like an anesthesiologist and come to a monthly mutual payment agreement. No medical bankruptcy, just pay something monthly, even if it's just 10 bucks. Nobody tells patients that bit information. Thank you Seniors Savings 😘 💛

[@sheryllegg845]

For those that cannot afford supplement plans what are they to do?

[@CharleneAtkins-t1h]

Husband just got diagnosed with cancer. But in SC half the doctors are not approved by insurance due to cost disagreements can he change to G?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Cannot get approved through underwriting once you're sick, no. See the Medicare Help button here. You have until March 31 to change. SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@NatureScapesStudio]

Whatever plan I’m on started out at $140 in Nov 2021, rise to $164 this year and is going to $175 for 2024. How much increase on my SS was there? $7. Plus benefits are being trimmed. Not sure how to explain that. Except I’ve been railroaded all along the way.

[@birdkitty6817]

I'm hoping to see ALL advantage plans disappear!!! Good riddance!!!! I knew from the first commercial I seen that there was an undercurrent of "dirty, sneaky and underhanded" things going on behind the scenes... My gut instincts were right. Thank you Mr. Westfall for advocating for us!!!

[@markg6860]

The GOP wants to expand MA and gut Medicare and SS.

[@jazzsnare]

It costs government more. Why is no one fighting this in Congress? Too much money buys silence.

[@patriciawestcott8109]

I don’t understand, I have Medicare advantage PPO and don’t need referrals and can pick my doctors. Please explain.

[@g0989]

If your plan is an HMO, you need to pick an in-network PCP, who will have to refer you for other services or to Specialists, in most cases. If your plan is a PPO, you don't have to designate a PCP, don't need referrals, and you can get coverage for out-of-network providers. Bottom line is HMOs are more restrictive than PPOs.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Already did. The proof is in the pudding when you try to use it for serious care and follow up rehab.

[@bythepiece]

Prior to the N.H. Primary January 23, 2024, Nikki Haley explained how she would get "Medicare Advantage to pay off our Country's Debt. Seniors LOVE Medicare Advantage."

[@hanneweber9211]

I was on a supplemental plan (N). My income is very low. I went to an advantage plan. It sucks. I chose wrong.

[@markg6860]

I'm on a Plan N Medigap. You really should have your agent check out a High Deductible G plan ... there will be a deductible, but it's going to be much lower (around $2,500) than the MA MOOP. You will still have all the benefits of original Medicare and they will still pay their 80% ... so, only the 20% gap portion will be attributed to your deductible. A HD plan G will be cheaper than a Plan N.

[@sheryllegg845]

What is to keep plan N to increase just as the G plan? Appreciate the information you provide.😊

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Explained clearly here: PlanNMedicare.org

[@katrinastrub1255]

Christopher, I have been on plan F since I turned 65. I was grandfathered in due to disability. I live in Michigan. Am I going to get a rate increase this year?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

You be you are. See: SeniorSavingsNetwork.org/underwritten for a far better plan. You can change 365 days a year.

[@seagypsy2762]

Also, there is the cheaper Plan G (nobody talks about) that comes without the add ons like gym memberships. It’s costs slightly more than plan N. In my case, I pay $10 more a month for the plan G supplement than if I went with a plan N supplement. Thank you for your videos, they are of tremendous help.

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

Christopher, pkease link your recommended dentas plan here. I have dental on my MA plab but will be changing when I turn 65. Thank you.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Expect to pay >$30/mo. AmericanDentalCoverage.com

[@jenitamoore925]

I've been told that I'm safe with Etna starting in January the advantage plan. I also have medicade ...are they right by telling me that.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Dual eligible plans are still Advantage but also add Medicaid money. That's a lot of money in your benefits. Hope they treat you well!

[@deborahjoyvalentine6180]

❤❤❤ Thank you, great info. I choose G over N necause I cannot afford 2,800 annual max. Best for me to pay mow then get caught when I need it.

[@archiehendricks6093]

Thats interesting, in 2021 i had urgent care prescribed antacid capsuls, i later that night went to emergency, they xray and sent me home. I went back next evening in enough pain to make me roll on floor. They did xrays and said my gall bladder ruptured, after they finaly rolled me into operating prep room, i was set aside cause someone else had an emergency. I was in hospital three days, and did not get charge $1200 , I actually gave $ $1200 but that was applied to operation a month later for aortic valve replacement. I figure they were just covering something.

[@howardcurth6351]

I have a high deductible Plan G with an annuity. How do rate increases compare with a plan N? Why don't you promote the HD Plan? Is it because it pays you less?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Yes it does pay us less, duh. It also pays less for you, as in nothing. The average deductible increase is more than 7% per year. And I did cover it. Right on this channel. Nearly everyone who has insisted on that plan with us has come back complaining that it never pays anything, and that's a fact.

[@JackieLandolt]

I didnt know there was a PPO plan with Advantage plans, what does that mean?

[@g0989]

PPO stands for "Preferred Provider Organization". Most Advantage plans are either HMO or PPO. A PPO differs from an HMO primarily in these ways: PPO does not require the enrollee to designate a Primary Care doctor. PPO does not require referrals to see a Specialist. PPO allows the enrollee to see out-of-network providers, although most often at higher out-of-pocket than in-network. PPOs usually have larger networks than HMOs. PPOs may have higher copays and max out of pocket than a typical HMO.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Out of network option, IF the out of network doc agrees to bill your insurer on your behalf.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

And non-network doctors are NOT required to take your PPO.

[@carolbaltz-qt2ho]

On traditional medicare a and b. What is n?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

It is one of the Medicare Supplement Plans. See: PlanNMedicare.org

[@martinflores9322]

Does a Medigap carrier allow a Plan G member transfer to their Plan N without underwriting?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Depends on where. SeniorSavingsNetwork.org/underwritten

[@G.G.8GG]

This is true. Years ago I was put on Plan F, which paid so well. It took care of everything and I was very happy since I am low income. But over the years the premium went up steeply, though I didn't have many medical issues. Eventually it was either eat or have a supplement plan so I had to cancel it. Could not switch to another insurance provider because I now have afib which does not respond to treatment. So - I'm older, have to pay more with less coverage.

[@markg6860]

Plan F and G have faster/higher annual rate increases, as there are more sick people on those plans. Premiums are not based on individual claims, but total claims of everyone in that group of beneficiaries.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

So critically important to have good advice.

[@Mrsmadison45]

The Original Medicare must be for people who have a ton of health problems, it would cost me a frigging ton 😮 I rather take a Humana Gold Plus HMO and pay as i go, very very HEALTHY LADY

[@ellennordal5859]

Does Plan G high deductible go up in cost over time as much as regular Plan G?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

The deductible part had been going up, significantly, yes.

[@suziewong2181]

@ Christopher Westfall What do you think the chances of Social Security will still be available in 2030? Also is there anything that I can do, such as by insurance, to cover 20% excess charge since I am on SSDI? I currently have cancer insurance through you, but I’m wondering about other health issues until I turn 65. Dental too…? Thank you very much for your time.🙏🏻💖🙏🏻

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Make sure you've seen: MedicareOnDisability.com if it is Medicare that you're on.

[@jazzsnare]

Where is the resistance in Congress? This costs more to taxpayers. Who is organizing against this?

[@jessicaquinn9730]

Subscribed!

[@franklabante9380]

Could you please talk about Wisconsin we don't have a g or an n or some of the other plans available to us

[@ChristopherWestfall]

WI opted out of the regular Medicare standardization. We can still help, but it takes a variety of plans to build a normal plan. 1-800-729-9590

[@kidtask]

Who is paying the broker his commission

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Covered that here: HowDoYouGetPaid.com

[@ladyhawkNone]

My dr of 15 yrs isn't taking anything but straight Medicare now. No MA plans at all. I need help with all this myself plus getting two ppl converted off MA plans. Lol

[@ChristopherWestfall]

More and more

[@krystynaholz7626]

If you are on plan G can you switch to Plan N without having to go through underwriters again?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Depends in where you are. SeniorSavingsNetwork.org/underwritten

[@loritawilson8195]

So are we able to switch to plan N now? Anytime ?

[@markg6860]

You have until Dec 7 to get off MA back to original Medicare + Medigap. You can change Medigap plans and insurers at anytime throughout the year. HOWEVER, you will need to pass underwriting to get or change a Medigap plan, if you are not in your first year of Medicare.

[@artaptic]

If you're on MA now, do nothing it rolls over into 2024. Then you have January 1st through March 31st to request a Medigap plan such as N. You will be asked medical questions, called "underwriting." It takes one or two weeks for insurance companies of Medigap to tell you if you pass or not. (That's why you don't do this now, cuz it's too close to December 7th. If you pass underwriting questions, then you'd need a plan D for drug coverage & that must be in place by midnight December 7th.) Let's say Jan 1 - 3/31 you pass the medical questions &Medigap plan approves you. Original Medicare informs & terminates your Medicare Advantage Plan. Then you look for Part D the drug coverage to begin in the same month that you start original Medicare. I learned this from Matthew Classen of Medigap gapseminars.org His or Christopher Westfall at seniorsavingsnetwork.org can take care of you in an honest straightforward manner. If you call Christopher, be sure to say what you're intending to do. They're in the busiest time. They can prioritize needs & will call you back.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Cover that here: www.SeniorSavingsNetwork.org/underwritten

[@strobelightaudio]

I joined AMAC and it seems they push MA way too much; I'll bet AARP is worse. Must've missed why you bleep the unnamed provider.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

AMAC is just an insurance agency masquerading as a senior outfit. I covered that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5uYq6mNlM6ibbc

[@FordF250Tremor]

That is because they get a kickback

[@Otis884]

👍

[@johnk3119]

Why hide the name of the insurance company? Unless your covering their asses.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

You crack me up. Yeah, I've really been protecting insurance companies by exposing what they're doing these many years.

[@pilarskifamily899]

This is exactly what most people (especially men 😅) need to see to the actually see the real cost of both. American are so used to everything in pictures.

[@Raiseyourvoiceadvocates]

Furthermore you should Advocate and tell people to stop doing the risk assessments/ the in-home health evaluations all this does is allow for millions of dollars to be stolen every day from Medicaid and Medicare and increase costs

[@debistanley2791]

Some of this is the baby boomers dramatically growing the number of policies.

[@Ron4885]

Quite right sir. My Plan N has '0' dollar increase in it's price for 2024. (thankyou) 🙂

[@ChristopherWestfall]

So glad!!!

[@tanyajenkins919]

Y is this info put out after the time to change the plan they have stuck u n it's horrible. The people on your phone tells u are good this is wrong . I know a person that is left over things from covid the insurance company will not pay for rehab there not upfront when you get policy u have no idea . Basically you can go home wait until you die . If your over weight there prejudice of u but it's ok. Sad

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Not sure what you're referring to - put out after the time to change? I have repeated, at least 50 times lately, that you have until March 31 to change. See any recent video.. and MAKE SURE you're subscribed for updates. seniorsavingsnetwork.org/advantage-to-supplement-help/

[@jenitamoore925]

I've e

[@archiehendricks6093]

Trump 2024

[@KMarik]

I am sure he appreciates you.