Medicare rules and restrictions change every year. It can be challenging for your clients to keep up with these changes — and how the changes affect them. As their agent, you can help your customers better understand new Medicare rules and how they can maximize their benefits.
Your policyholders may have read some of the news about the changes to Medicare, including the headlines that this is the largest increase to Part B costs ever. But there is some good news about prescription drug benefits and expanded access to services you can share with your customers, too.
Read on to learn more about the top changes to Medicare in 2022 and how you can help your policyholders, then reach out to the experts at American Senior Benefits for more information.
Top Three Medicare Changes for 2022
Help your policyholders and potential clients prepare for these upcoming changes to Medicare in 2022.
Expansions to telehealth services continue.
During the pandemic, safe access to medicine was a challenge. Telehealth services helped many patients see their providers and keep access to their regular health care even during total lockdowns. Seniors continue to be a high-risk group, and with COVID variants continuing to spread, remaining safe at home remains a priority for many.
The government recognized the benefits of telemedicine — virtual video calls between patients, caregivers, and providers taking the place of in-person office visits. Not only does telemedicine help keep people safer during a pandemic, it also decreases the cost and time associated with attending doctor’s appointments.
In 2022, Medicare Advantage plans will expand telehealth services for many specialties, including cardiology, gynecology, and primary care. Medicare services will also focus on the availability of mental health services for all Medicare enrollees. Talk with your policyholders about the expansion of telehealth services to help meet their medical needs in 2022. As their agent, you are positioned to help them understand how to maximize their benefits, including by using telemedicine.
Enhanced Part D expands to offer lower insulin costs to more Medicare patients.
Enhanced Part D programs began last year and have expanded to every state in 2022. Under the enhanced program, some participants will see their insulin costs capped at $35 monthly. This Medicare Part D enhancement is available for members who enrolled in traditional Medicare or in one of the Medicare Advantage plans.
There are many Advantage plans participating — check your policyholder’s plan to help them learn more about this program and how it can help them with their insulin costs. When you meet with potential new clients, ask them if they take insulin and tell them about this cap on certain insulins if it will help them when choosing a plan.
Rising costs will affect both deductibles and Part B monthly costs for Medicare patients.
The government announced increases to the Medicare Part A and B deductibles. While prescription drug (Part D) deductibles may also rise, this depends on the specific plan and your location. The Part D deductible is capped at $480 in 2022.
The Medicare Part A deductible, which covers inpatient hospitalizations and other related services, increased from $72 to $1556 in 2022. The annual Part B deductible, which is for outpatient services, has increased from $30 to $233.
The good news to share with your policyholders is that their annual cost of living increase from Social Security should cover these deductible increases.
How Do I Learn More?
To learn more about 2022 changes to Medicare, contact us at American Senior Benefits. Our affiliated experts will be happy to answer any questions you have.
