Connections Groups

The Business Networking & Social Organization for Central Florida

Are you Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish, When Making Decisions About Medicare Supplement Insurance?

How not purchasing a Medigap Plan can can be a penny-wise, pound-foolish decision.

What does this expression from three centuries ago mean?

 

Does it still relate to modern life?


How can you apply it when considering your Medicare Supplement Insurance options?

 

The definition of penny-wise is: unwise thrift.

 

The whole proverb is: Penny wise-and pound foolish, like the man who lost his horse from his penny wisdom in saving the expense of shoeing it afresh when one of its shoes was loose.

...Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

 

There is no doubt about it. Times are tough right now. Really tough and looking like they're going to get even tougher.

 

Times are especially tough if you are over 65 and living on a fixed income. If part of your income is dependent on interest from investments, you may be living on reduced income due to low interest rates.

 

If you depend on Social Security for all or part of your income, the lack of COLA increases for two years in a row reads like loss of income.

 

Rises in costs for must have items like food, fuel, utilities and insurance don't stop or slow because you didn't get a raise in your SS this year.

 

These are harsh realities. When you are facing reduced income and rising prices the natural and proper impulse is to cut back on non-essentials.


We try to trim spending where we can.

 

But a dangerous trend is emerging. The tendancy to view Medicare Supplement Insurance as a non-essential expense.

 

The cost of Medical care increases 6%-10% per year and that train is NOT slowing down.

 

Just imagine 20% of all outpatient medical costs for even a common procedure like a knee replacement.

 

The average total cost for a total knee is 45K-70K.

 

Part A will cover your room and board for a semi-private room after a $1132 deductible.

 

Your surgery fees,doctor visits, cane, walker, commode, therapy visits and more are all subject to the 80/20 co-insurance under Medicare Part B.

 

Let's crunch some numbers.

 

The average cost for day of room, board and care in a hospital is $4,350.

 

The average hospital stay for the surgery is 3-5 days. Let's use 4 days for our figures.

 

$4,350X 4 days is $17,400. That is your Part A expenses.

 

Medicare will cover all of it after you pay an $1132 deductible.We will subtract the $1132 from the $17,400 to give us a total of $16,268 that is covered by Medicare Part A.

 

Let's say you shop well and you find yourself in the mid range cost wise for the surgery. Let's use $55,000. If we subtract the $16,268 that Medicare Part A covered from the total cost of $55,000 we are left with $38,472 in Part A deuctible and Part B expenses and at least 20% of that will be yours. If you consider that you will pay the deductibles right off the bat $1132+$162=$1294 you are left exposed for 20% of $37,178 or $7435.60.

 

The cost of a quality Medigap plan that will cover the Medicare deductibles and co-insurance can cost as little as $100 per month.

 

When you really take a hard look at your potential exposure for a common procedure you may find your self wondering,"Am I being penny-wise, pound foolish when it comes to Medicare Supplement Insurance? Can I afford to be?"

 

At www.medicarequote4u.com you get find the information and toughtful guidance to find the right plan for your budget. Visit us online or call toll free 888 347 5552 to speak with a licensed Senior specialist today.

 

Views: 101

Comment

You need to be a member of Connections Groups to add comments!

Join Connections Groups

Check it out...

Sponsors:




Click to "Refer & EARN!"

$400-$1000
referral commissions
"This has created a referral BRUSH FIRE for my business."
...Scott Sheaffer,
Mortgage Broker
407-443-0348
for more info.  

Be a Sponsor!

 

Would you like to...
** Have YOUR banner ad here on the MAIN Page?
** Get featured in the email newsletter to ALL 10,000+ Connections members?
** Be on the "Featured Members" leaderboard OR have your EVENT featured?
>> CLICK HERE for info

 

Shop Nest Bedding® Now!

© 2024   Created by Sue Copening.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service