by Stephen Donohue NH Medicare Supplement insurance agent                                                    603-882-2909

Each year the NH Insurance Department releases a report called New Hampshire's Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance. This report shows consumers the different insurers offering Medigap coverage here in the Granite State, and also offers some helpful tips on what to look for when buying a Medicare Supplement policy.

Here are some quick updates for 2021:

• There are 17 insurers offering NH Medicare Supplement Plans in 2021(all offer the popular PLAN G)
• The lowest rates for PLAN G for Female age 65  is $141 MONTH (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• The lowest rates for PLAN G for Male age 65 is $155 month (Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield)

One of the reasons that we think this is a helpful tool for seniors in NH is because the RATES VARY significantly by insurer. (For example a PLAN G age 67 Male can be as low as 173 with AETNA Health & Life and as high as $355 with LOYAL AMERICAN LIFE.)

​CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NH GUIDE TO MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT- or you can visit the NH Insurance Department webpage HERE.

NEW for 2021- Interactive Medicare Supplement Quoting Tool
This year the NH insurance Department also has created an interactive 2021 Medicare Supplement Rate Dashboard where you can visit to COMPARE the rates for the VARIOUS insurers offering NH Medigap plans on a side by side basis. It is really neat and simple, just enter your gender, age and which plan you want (example NH Medigap Plan F, G or N) and it will show the rates for the 17 insurers selling supplement plans in NH.

NOTE- this quoting tool does NOT show the different discounts that are offered like:

• EFT
• Household (Spouse)
• Annual Payment

It also does not show which plans have pre-existing conditions, or the type of medical underwriting questions that insurers may ask.

Here at Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company we work with many of the leading NH Medigap Insurers to offer a broad selection of plans. We learn about what you need and help you pick the plan that is best for you. We have also prepared our OWN detailed review of 5 NH Medicare Supplement Insurance companies.

If you would like some help evaluating the NH Medicare Insurance market, want a quote with the various discounts you might qualify for, or have questions please give us a call at 603-882-2909 ext. 3.

See list of 17 insurers below offering State of NH Medicare Supplement Rates in 2021.

by Stephen Donohue NH Medicare Insurance Specialist

If you are just getting started with Medicare- and you are looking for some information, here are 7 things that you can do:

1. Visit the MyMedicareMatters.org website.   ​This website is helpful for new seniors (and also people who have been on Medicare for a while). It is sponsored by the National Council on Aging and has some great tools. My favorite page on this site is the  MEDICARE CHECKLIST that outlines steps you should take 6 months, 4 months, and 3 months prior to your 65th Birthday.  (Here is a PDF of the MEDICARE CHECKLIST if you want to download it!)
2. Get your Annual Physical Exam- BEFORE you are enrolled with Medicare!  If you are on an employer sponsored plan - it is likely that the preventive care benefit you have NOW is RICHER THAN  preventive care covered by MEDICARE.  It is important to know that while Medicare DOES COVER PREVENTIVE CARE, the Medicare preventive care benefits are not as comprehensive. See Medicare's List of Preventive Care covered items here.
3. Consider your Options- Most seniors when initially are they are eligible for Medicare have 3 choices, If you need help comparing options, please give me a call 603-882-2909 I am happy to help!
   1. Still working? The best decision for someone who is currently working, or covered on a spouse's employer benefits is OFTEN  to REMAIN on the employer sponsored plan if the costs per paycheck and out of pocket costs are reasonable.  So most of our clients will KEEP their CURRENT EMPLOYER HEALTH PLAN  and defer electing Medicare Part B (Most people do take A because it's free!) 
   2. Original Medicare A & B, Plus a Part D RX plan PLUS a Medicare Supplement
   3. Medicare Advantage
4. Read the Medicare & You 2020 Handbook-  No one is asking you to memorize it!  But a review of it will help you better understand Medicare. You are able to read it online,  order one to be mailed,  or download the pdf here.
5. Attend a Seminar- Check your local senior centers, or libraries. Insurance brokers, insurance companies and other organizations offer no pressure Medicare Education seminars often.
6. Visit your Insurance Department Website Here in NH, the Insurance Department has a great publication called New Hampshire’s Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance . It lists the monthly premiums for all the NH 2020 Guide 2020-nh-guide_to_medicare-supplement-rates-dated_01.23.2020.pdfto MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS offered by 19 different insurance companies.
7. Meet with a Medicare Insurance Specialist- the favorite part of my job is meeting with seniors and helping them plan for Medicare. Often people are overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, but after getting to know your situation, we are often able to help you narrow it down,  make your options easier to understand and more manageable.

Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company is a licensed insurance agency on Main ST in Nashua, offering all kinds of insurance to Seniors thought New England and the Northeast!

 by Steve Donohue NH Medigap Agent

Here in NH for the past the past decade the NH Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plan F has been the go-to plan for seniors looking for deluxe Medicare insurance coverage.

However starting in 2018 we have seen a shift here at our agency, with the NH Medicare Supplement Plan G emerging as a great value for NH Seniors for the following 7 reasons:

1. Medicare Supplement Plans allow you to use ANY doctor who accepts Medicare. This means that you have broad access to care locally- AND- throughout the US (...think snowbirds!)
2. Medigap Plan G is SIMILAR to the Plan F- I like to say that the Supplement Plan G is Plan F's nice looking younger sister. The Plan G covers hospital, nursing home, and MANY things the SAME EXACT WAY that the Plan F does. What is the difference..? The Plan G does NOT cover the Part B deductible of $198.
3. Plan G Supplement offers SIGNIFICANT Monthly Premium Savings- Today in NH the Plan G Supplement has premiums that are SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER than the Plan F. In 2020 Anthem's Blue Cross Blue Shield of NH Plan F for a Male Age 65 is  $212.21 a month and the NH Plan G Medigap with Anthem is only $155.48- that's a savings of $56.73/month or  $680.76 annually. So with MOST NH Medicare insurers the savings far exceeds the added expense of the $198 Part B Deductible.
4. Plan G Still Covers Excess Charges- Like the Plan F the Plan G DOES COVER EXCESS CHARGES! Now excess charges are not frequent- and also often not significant but conservative shoppers enjoy that extra protection.
5.  Plan F has LIMITED ENROLLMENT in 2020 - After 1/1/2020 the Plan F will no longer be offered to new enrollees (see article). People who ALREADY HAVE PLAN F can keep it  after 2020. Also people who were eligible for Medicare prior to 12/31/2019 may apply Plan F.  What historically happens when a plan is no longer offered, or has limited enrollment the cost for that plan tends to increase. (The Medicare Supplement Plan J is an excellent example of this.) So if Plan G is going to be available in the future it is likely that the rates may be more stable. 
6. Set it and Forget It- As a NH Medicare insurance agent who has  specialized in Medicare plans for over a decade I see seniors that are now in their 70's that still have the same Medicare Supplement plan they bought years ago. So for seniors looking for a long term solution- or plan that will fit for years to come- the Plan G supplement is an excellent idea. 
7. Foreign Travel Benefit- When you buy the Plan G NH supplement you receive up to $50,000 in foreign travel benefits.

If you would like to learn more about the different NH Medicare Supplemental Plans that are available please give us a call at 603-882-2909.

See NH Medicare Supplement Plan G  additional information & resources:
NH Medigap Plan G 2020 Benefit Summary
NH Plan G - who has the best Rates for 2020? 
NH Medicare Supplement Quote
NH Medicare Blog 

Atlantic Insurance in Nashua helps seniors with ALL their insurance needs including special programs for home, car, umbrella, life insurance and of course Medicare Insurance plans.

by Stephen Donohue NH Medicare Supplemental Plan Agent           GET NH MEDIGAP QUOTE NOW

In New Hampshire, there are about 20 different insurers to choose from for Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) plans. So, how do you make a choice? Here is our in depth review of 5 different insurers that offer Plans to Medicare Supplement shoppers in NH. Our review of these 5 POPULAR NH Medicare Supplement insurers will include what Plans they offer, Monthly Premiums, Financial Strength, Added Benefits and Discounts offered.

As you might know, Medicare Supplement Plans are STANDARDIZED PLAN DESIGNS, this means that the Plan G has the same coverage regardless of which insurer you buy it from. (To see the standard NH Plan G  Medicare Supplement benefit summary CLICK HERE).

With that said, not all NH Medicare SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE Companies are the same. Costs vary WILDLY from one insurer to another. Some NH Medicare insurers offer lower rates for women, and some offer significant discounts if a SPOUSE or HOUSEHOLD Member also enrolls.  Below, please find our 2020 REVIEW of (5) NH Medigap  Insurers.

 
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of NH Medicare Supplement Plans  
Anthem is the largest health insurance company in NH, and has been an insurer here in NH for over 90 years. Anthem offers health insurance for individuals, small and large employer groups, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Plans.Today,

Anthem is also the largest writer of Medicare Supplement plans in NH - with over 30% of the NH Senior Supplement Market (see article here) and for good reason- Anthem offers great rates, a variety of payment options, excellent  claims payment and a high level of customer service.            

One unique Anthem statistic as of March 2020 Anthem covers 914,000 for Medicare Supplement plans nationally, 

Anthem NH Supplement Plans offered?  In NH Anthem offers Medigap Plans A  F  G and N  

Financial Strength:  AM Best Rating A (Excellent)   S&P Rating A+

Years in NH Medicare Market: 54                                               GET NH ANTHEM MEDIGAP QUOTE NOW

2020 Anthem NH Medigap Rates for  Plan G  Age 65 Female:  $141.36 month
2020 Anthem NH Medigap Rates for  Plan G  Age 65 Male:     $155.48 month 
(Rates include $2 EFT Discount)

One of Anthem's nice added benefits to their NH Medicare Supplement plan is the SILVER SNEAKERS PROGRAM (see video here) Silver Sneakers is a health & fitness plan with access to 17,000 fitness facilities throughout the US.

Anthem offers several payment methods including OLDE fashioned monthly paper bill that many seniors prefer.

DISCOUNTS:
There is a 5% household discount for their Anthem NH Medigap Plans- meaning your costs are lower if you live with someone else who is enrolled on a NH Anthem Medicare Supplement plan.
a $2 EFT/ACH Monthly Discount
and an annual $48 Pay in Full discount.                                            GET NH AETNA MEDIGAP QUOTE NOW       

​(For more info about how to apply for Anthem  Blue Cross NH Medicare insurance plans please call Steve Donohue at 603-882-2909)

Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare  NH Medicare Supplement Review 
In NH , Harvard sells supplement plans under the name HPHC Insurance company. Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare of New England is a regional insurer offering health insurance in NH, MA, ME, and CT. Like Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare offers health plans to every person in NH. Harvard offers health insurance for individuals, small and large employer groups, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans. Harvard has over 35 years experience in offering plans to Medicare beneficiaries.

Harvard Pilgrim NH Supplement Plans offered?  In NH Harvard offers Medigap Plans A  F  G M and N  

Financial Strength: AM Best Rating Not Available             S&P  Rating Not Available

Years in NH Medicare Market: 40                                        GET NH Harvard Pilgrim  MEDIGAP QUOTE NOW

2020 Harvard Pilgrim NH Medigap Rates for  Plan G  Age 65 : $147 month  (same rate for MALE OR FEMALE)

Discounts
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare offers a variety of DISCOUNTS including 35% off eyeglasses as well as a FITNESS CLUB REIMBURSEMENT

​(For more info about how to apply for Harvard Pilgrim NH Medicare plans please call Steve Donohue at 603-882-2909)

 NH CIGNA Medicare Supplement Review
CIGNA offers health insurance plans throughout the US. CIGNA  sells NH Medicare Supplement plans under the name Loyal American Life Insurance Company.

CIGNA  NH Supplement Plans offered?  In NH CIGNA offers Medigap Plans A,  G and N  (F also for people who still qualify)
​​
2020 CIGNA NH Medigap Rates for  Plan G  Age 65 FEMALE : $166.78 month 
2020 CIGNA NH Medigap Rates for  Plan G  Age 65 MALE : $185.13 month 

​Financial Strength: AM Best Rating A (Excellent)     S&P Rating: n/a
​
Years in NH Medicare Market: 7                                  GET NH  CIGNA MEDIGAP QUOTE NOW
DISCOUNTS: 
CIGNA offers up to a 7% household discount.
CIGNA's Healthy Rewards, for real savings on vitamins, vision and hearing care, health clubs, alternative medicine, weight management and more.

NEWS: Cigna has recently had a rate reduction here in NH for supplement plans.

If you want more information please contact Steve Donohue at Atlantic Insurance 603-882-2909.

by Steve Donohue, NH Medicare Insurance Broker

Given the COVID 19 crisis, with layoffs and furloughs we have seen a surge in the need for Medicare Supplement, Medigap, Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage coverage here in NH. (Think about it over 30 Million people have been laid off - How many of the people laid off are SENIORS?)

We are pleased to announce the launch of our expedited NH Medicare Medigap Quoting Services online here.

We have also initiated an ad campaign to reach out to seniors who have questions or need help during this trying time. Please look for our ad below in the Nashua Telegraph, in other newspapers and  also online.

if you have questions about Medicare Supplement, Part D  RX or Medicare Advantage Plans here in New Hampshire -or if you are coming off your employer's plan please give us a call we would be happy to help. 

Call 603-882-2909 for Steve Donohue
Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company

Let's file  this under don't take yourself too seriously!
Cowboy Steve age 3 1/2 circa 1969. 

by Stephen Donohue NH Small Group Health Insurance Broker
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a unique program that lets employees and their family members save money on healthcare costs. You can save on:

• MRIs & CT Scans
• Lab test
• X-rays
• Physical Therapy
• Surgical Procedures
• and More!

Anthem's SmartShopper helps members find the best prices for health care
Medical costs vary dramatically depending on where you go. SmartShopper helps members compare and find the best price for the care they need. And it rewards them with cash when they find and use lower-cost options.

This is what makes ANTHEM's online resource, SmartShopper, the smart way to manage health care costs. This tool is available now for Fully Insured Small and Large Group clients in New Hampshire.

Here’s how SmartShopper works:

1. A doctor recommends a medical service.
2. The member logs on to smartshopper.com or calls the SmartShopper Personal Assistant Team to find lower-cost, high-quality options nearby.
3. The member gets the procedure done at the preferred location.
4. After the procedure is complete and the claim is paid, the member gets a reward check in the mail.*

 The Personal Assistant Team is happy to help Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. The toll-free number is 1-866-832-2436. 

Want to know more?
Check out this brochure or call NH Small Group health insurance broker Steve Donohue 603-882-2909 for more ideas on how you can help your employees save on health care costs! 
​

by Steve Donohue NH Teen Driver Insurance Agent

As a parent of 5 daughters (and a car insurance agent)  I would like to THINK i am  an expert on teen driving and what kind of car is safe for a teen driver. But my expert status is self-proclaimed and unconfirmed, however, over at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)  they ARE THE REAL EXPERTS on safe driving.

The IIHS offers a great deal of information that parents of teen drivers will appreciate including:

• What kind of car is SAFEST for a teen driver
• Features that car's have safety features like Electronic Stability Control and Blind  Spot Indicators 
• Educational help for parents and teens

A friend of mine shared one of their best resources is an article titled SAFE VEHICLES FOR TEENS that lists specific cars AND their estimated cost. See if your family car makes the list of BEST CHOICES and  check out their other helpful resources. 

If you are a parent of a teen driver- please visit my article Helpful Hints for Parent's of Teen Drivers.

If you think you are paying too much or need help with NH TEEN DRIVER INSURANCE please call us today at 603-882-2909. We work with several NH auto insurance companies and know the BEST INSURANCE PROGRAMS for teen drivers.

See 2 VOLVOs of the DONOHUE Fleet below that make the list for safe driving cars by the IIHS!!! 

Hit the holiday road with fun and great suggestions offered by NH Car Insurance Company Plymouth Rock Assurance- Nashua NH Auto Insurance Agent..
​
​Family vacations can be a lot of fun, and maybe even a little relaxing. But before you get to your destination there’s inevitably a long trip in the car. Hours on the road can be torturous for kids – and you – if you don’t plan ahead.

After escaping the stress of work, the last thing you want on the first step of your vacation is excitable feet kicking the back of your chair and constant accusations of “he started it!”

​That’s no way to start (or end) a vacation – and you don’t need to! Here’s how to keep kids happy in the car during those hours on the road.

1. Play games that won’t distract you from the road. While it’s difficult to jilt the classic I-Spy, anything could happen on the road in the time you spend trying to find your chosen object. Instead, play games like 20 Questions. Everyone can get involved, and the quick-fire nature of the questions means that you should never be spending too much time thinking instead of concentrating.
2. Have a singalong. The road trip singalong may be clichéd, but with the excitement of going on vacation the mood might just be bright enough for you all to tone those vocal cords.
3. Share a storytelling experience. Pre-plan and find an audiotape that everyone can listen to or if you’re feeling extra creative, try making your own tale. One person says one sentence; the next adds another, and so on.
4. Bring treats. Ideally ones that are low in sugar (to refrain from giving your kids even more energy). Think popcorn, carrot sticks, or even pistachios … just make sure you have a way to deal with all the shells.
5. Technology is your friend. With phones, laptops and DVD players at your disposal, it’s easier than ever to watch a movie on the go. Don’t forget car chargers!
6. Create a countdown. Segment your journey into half-hour periods with an activity every 30 minutes. If your kids know that they have any of the above activities to look forward to in only a matter of minutes, the true length of the journey will be diluted into easier-to-manage segments.
7. Plan a play date right before you leave. Enlist some of your friends to supervise playtime (make sure it’s full of high-energy playing). Not only will this make your journey easier, it will also give you some valuable packing time with minimal distraction.
8. Plan stops on your trip. A little legwork can go a long way to break up the monotony. Are there any funky attractions en route? How about some child-friendly museums or a picnic spot with great views? A break from driving will not only help to stretch the legs, but will also help you re-focus for the rest of the journey ahead.
9. Color! A classic kid standby. Need something to color? Plymouth Rock has you covered. Here’s a downloadable coloring book featuring our mascot Otto! Your kids will have a blast helping Otto navigate has way through the tricky maze to the Crashbuster van, spotting the difference between pictures and coloring everything in.

If you are planning a family road trip, make sure to brush up on your skills to prepare for the unexpected, like replacing flat tires, reviving dead car batteries, reporting an auto insurance claim and driving through a rainstorm.
Make sure you also have your auto insurance ID cards handy, too. Plymouth Rock customers can get electronic ID cards (if they are accepted in your state) by downloading our mobile app.

If you have more tips to keep kids happy in the car on a long road trip, share them with us and everyone else!