Sunday, October 9, 2022

Bill Crawford: It's Happy Time for Miss. Seniors

 It’s happy time again for 617,431 or so Mississippians. Medicare enrollment opens on October 15th.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services counts its clients and 617,431 was the number of Mississippians on Medicare at the end of June 2022. That amounts to about 21% of the state’s total population.

It’s happy time because it is so much fun opening the hundreds of mailers stuffed in mailboxes that offer the no doubt best deals on this plan and that plan. 

It’s happy time because seniors get to play the lottery by picking terrific sounding Medicare Advantage Plans or sticking with Original Medicare with separate Part D drug coverage. 

In Mississippi CMS says only 17% choose Medicare Advantage plans. 

It’s happy time because comparing one plan to another, particularly the drug plans, is so much fun!

It’s happy time because you get to search and search to see if your drugs are still covered and which pricing tier they fall into.

It’s happy time because your Part D drug plan this year may not be available in your area next year.

Okay, it really is a happy time because Medicare Part B basic costs will drop from $170.10 to $164.90 per month and many Medicare Advantage plans are lowering monthly costs. Plus insulin costs under Part D will be capped.

And it really is a happy time because the monthly Social Security payments most use to pay monthly Medicare and Part D premiums will be going up next year (estimates range from 8% to 10%). 

But it’s not a completely happy time for several reasons: 

1) Most Part D drug plans are increasing monthly premiums and/or increasing deductibles. For example, the monthly premium for the popular Silver Script Plus (PDP) plan with zero deductible will increase from $59 to $75.90 per month. The monthly premium for the Humana Walmart Value RX Plan (PDP) will increase from $22.70 to $30.60 and the deductible will increase from $480 to $505. The monthly premium for the AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus (PDP) plan will increase from $44.00 to $49.80 and the deductible will increase from $480 to $505.

2) Costs related to the tiers drugs fall into are going up as well as the costs of some drugs.

3) The costs of many to most of those fabulous new drugs you see advertised endlessly on TV will still cost a fortune even with Part D coverage.

Donut hole anyone?

Perk up. Your government wants you happy. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a federally funded program operated by the Mississippi State Department of Health, helps seniors navigate Medicare (and other insurance) complexities. (Call 1-844-822-4622 or email SHIP@mdhs.ms.gov)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Crawford is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do tons of research before switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, especially if in the boonies. You may encounter some high-pressure salespeople, but always remember they are looking after their own best interests, no matter how persuasive/caring they are.

Anonymous said...

Pssst mister, you want to buy a cheap Medicare Advantage plan? Give me your credit card number and I will be right back.

Anonymous said...

Finally, something worth reading from this writer. Maybe he missed his calling?

Anonymous said...

Avoid Medicare Advantage plans. Those private insurers are ripping off Medicare federal dollars. The COLA to social security will help some people better afford their medications. I think the COLA increase will happen in 2023.

Anonymous said...

Very few providers accept Medicare Advantage. They are worthless.

Anonymous said...

10:01 you find it worthwhile reading for the same reason others found it interesting - Crawford is writing about something that he knows a lot about, as each of these things apply to him personally, as it sounds like is true for you.

One thing Crawford didn't say about why this will not be a fun time for Seniors - and he probably skipped saying it since he could find no way to blame it on Tate or the current Republican leadership - is that the reason Social Security is going up with its monthly is due to the inflation caused by Joe Biden and the current 'leadership' in Washington. Pouring down from helicopter drops bags of money for anything and everything is increasing all costs. And this 8" increase in SS is not going to do much to help address these higher costs.

But like I said, he can't blame that on Tate so he skipped that in his well taken commentary about the fun of reading through and listening to all the Medicare propaganda.

Anonymous said...

There are no Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi.

You've got to be in area of 8-10 million people for those to make sence. See Bogleheads.

We do not have the population to support a MA plan.

Anonymous said...

1:42 - But Smokin' Joe Namath and JJ grinned and promised. And if you can't trust DYNOMITE and a man in a floor length mink coat, who can you trust?


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.