Lincoln Financial Group | Optiblend Fixed Index Annuity Rates are Increasing Effective 10/23/2023!

Lincoln Financial Group | Optiblend Fixed Index Annuity Rates are Increasing Effective 10/23/2023!

Lincoln Financial Group | Optiblend Fixed Index Annuity Rates are Increasing Effective 10/23/2023!
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Please see attached rate sheet for specifics but wanted to highlight the $100k or more OptiBlend 7 Opportunity!

  • 1YR S&P 500 Performance Trigger Rate increasing to 10.50%
  • Fixed Rate increasing to 5.75%

100% allocation 1 Year S&P500 Performance Triggered Index at current rate of 10.50% for 100k or more in the Optiblend 7.

  • If the S&P500 is negative 1 year out of 7 years = Average return 9.00%
  • If the S&P500 is negative 2 years out of 7 = Average return 7.50%
  • If the S&P500 is negative 3 years out of 7 = Average return 6.00%

What if a Client doesn’t want to see a 0% crediting? Consider a 50/50 allocation between the 1 Year S&P500 Performance Triggered Index at 10.50% and the Fixed Account Rate at 5.75%

  • In a policy year that the S&P500 is negative the total interest at current rates would be 2.875% because of the fixed rate crediting regardless of the S&P500 performance.
  • In a policy year that the S&P500 is positive the 1 Year S&P500 Performance Triggered Index and the Fixed Account rate would both credit for a blended return of 8.125%.
For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

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GTL’s HIP Elite Guaranteed Issue Now up to Age 70!

GTL’s HIP Elite Guaranteed Issue Now up to Age 70!

GTL’s HIP Elite Guaranteed Issue Now up to Age 70!
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Reach even more clients and write more Hospital Indemnity business this AEP with GTL’s NEWEST Guaranteed Issue ages!

Advantage Plus Elite and Indemnity Plus Elite’s Guaranteed Issue ages have just expanded AGAIN!

Guaranteed Issue ages are now 64½ up to age 70!

Why is GTL’s HIP Plan the best product on the market?

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Robust base plan with short stay benefit payable starting at 6 hours, if hospitalized.

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Affordable riders including ambulance, lump sum cancer & more.

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Easy application with only 5 basic underwriting questions.

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Simple e-App process & paper app submission!

Expanded Guaranteed Issue 64 ½ up to age 70 Current State Availability

Please contact Sales Support with any questions by texting or calling 800-323-6907 or by emailing agency@gtlic.com.

Indemnity Plus Limited Benefit Certificate, providing Hospital Confinement Indemnity Benefits, is issued on Form GC2150-IL & Rider GRG21ASB-IL, GRG15CLS-IL, GRG15CLSR-IL, GRG21OPS-IL, GRG21SNF-IL, GRG21SNF-EP-IL, GRG21CA-IL, GRG16DV, GRG21LSH-IL and GRG21OPT-IL by Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company. This product, its features, and riders are subject to state availability and may vary by state. Certain exclusions and limitations may apply. For cost and complete details of coverage, please refer to the Certificate.

*Not available in all states. Up to age 70 is not available in Ohio and Utah does not have Guaranteed Issue.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

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CMS.gov | 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

CMS.gov | 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

CMS.gov | 2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
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On October 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2024 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.

The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help more than 10 million people with coverage of Medicare premiums and, in most cases, other cost sharing. In their continued efforts to improve access to health care and lower costs for millions of Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through CMS, recently finalized a rule to streamline enrollment in MSPs, making coverage more affordable for an estimated 860,000 people. In addition, the Part D low‑income subsidy (LIS) helps pay for the Part D premium and lowers the cost of prescription drugs. Further, the Inflation Reduction Act recently expanded the number of people eligible for full LIS. 

Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible

Medicare Part B covers physicians’ services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. 

Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $174.70 for 2024, an increase of $9.80 from $164.90 in 2023. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $240 in 2024, an increase of $14 from the annual deductible of $226 in 2023.

The increase in the 2024 Part B standard premium and deductible is mainly due to projected increases in health care spending and, to a lesser degree, the remedy for the 340B-acquired drug payment policy for the 2018-2022 period under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.

Beginning in 2023, individuals whose full Medicare coverage ended 36 months after a kidney transplant and who do not have certain other types of insurance coverage can elect to continue Part B coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by paying a premium. For 2024, the standard immunosuppressive drug premium is $103.00.

Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

Since 2007, a beneficiary’s Part B monthly premium has been based on his or her income. These income-related monthly adjustment amounts affect roughly 8 percent of people with Medicare Part B. The 2024 Part B total premiums for high-income beneficiaries with full Part B coverage are shown in the following table:

Full Part B Coverage

Beneficiaries who file individual tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:

Beneficiaries who file joint tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount

Total Monthly Premium Amount

Less than or equal to $103,000

Less than or equal to $206,000

$0.00

$174.70

Greater than $103,000 and less than or equal to $129,000

Greater than $206,000 and less than or equal to $258,000

$69.90

$244.60

Greater than $129,000 and less than or equal to $161,000

Greater than $258,000 and less than or equal to $322,000

$174.70

$349.40

Greater than $161,000 and less than or equal to $193,000

Greater than $322,000 and less than or equal to $386,000

$279.50

$454.20

Greater than $193,000 and less than $500,000

Greater than $386,000 and less than $750,000

$384.30

$559.00

Greater than or equal to $500,000

Greater than or equal to $750,000

$419.30

$594.00

The 2024 Part B total premiums for high-income beneficiaries who only have immunosuppressive drug coverage are shown in the following table:

Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Only

Beneficiaries who file individual tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:

Beneficiaries who file joint tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount

Total Monthly Premium Amount

Less than or equal to $103,000

Less than or equal to $206,000

$0.00

$103.00

Greater than $103,000 and less than or equal to $129,000

Greater than $206,000 and less than or equal to $258,000

$68.70

$171.70

Greater than $129,000 and less than or equal to $161,000

Greater than $258,000 and less than or equal to $322,000

$171.70

$274.70

Greater than $161,000 and less than or equal to $193,000

Greater than $322,000 and less than or equal to $386,000

$274.70

$377.70

Greater than $193,000 and less than $500,000

Greater than $386,000 and less than $750,000

$377.70

$480.70

Greater than or equal to $500,000

Greater than or equal to $750,000

$412.10

$515.10

Premiums for high-income beneficiaries with full Part B coverage who are married and lived with their spouse at any time during the taxable year but file a separate return, are as follows:

Full Part B Coverage

Beneficiaries who are married and lived with their spouses at any time during the year, but who file separate tax returns from their spouses with modified adjusted gross income:

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount

Total Monthly Premium Amount

Less than or equal to $103,000

$0.00

$174.70

Greater than $103,000 and less than $397,000

$384.30

$559.00

Greater than or equal to $397,000

$419.30

$594.00

Premiums for high-income beneficiaries with immunosuppressive drug only Part B coverage who are married and lived with their spouse at any time during the taxable year but file a separate return, are as follows:

Part B Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Only

Beneficiaries who are married and lived with their spouses at any time during the year, but who file separate tax returns from their spouses with modified adjusted gross income:

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount

Total Monthly Premium Amount

Less than or equal to $103,000

$0.00

$103.00

Greater than $103,000 and less than $397,000

$377.70

$480.70

Greater than or equal to $397,000

$412.10

$515.10

Medicare Part A Premium and Deductible

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, inpatient rehabilitation, and some home health care services. About 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment, as determined by the Social Security Administration.

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay if admitted to the hospital will be $1,632 in 2024, an increase of $32 from $1,600 in 2023. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. In 2024, beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $408 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization ($400 in 2023) in a benefit period and $816 per day for lifetime reserve days ($800 in 2023). For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $204.00 in 2024 ($200.00 in 2023).

Part A Deductible and Coinsurance Amounts for Calendar Years 2023 and 2024
by Type of Cost Sharing

 

2023

2024

Inpatient hospital deductible

$1,600

$1,632

Daily hospital coinsurance for 61st-90th day

$400

$408

Daily hospital coinsurance for lifetime reserve days

$800

$816

Skilled nursing facility daily coinsurance (days 21-100)

$200.00

$204.00

Enrollees age 65 and older who have fewer than 40 quarters of coverage and certain persons with disabilities pay a monthly premium in order to voluntarily enroll in Medicare Part A. Individuals who had at least 30 quarters of coverage or were married to someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage may buy into Part A at a reduced monthly premium rate, which will be $278 in 2024, the same amount as 2023. Certain uninsured aged individuals who have less than 30 quarters of coverage and certain individuals with disabilities who have exhausted other entitlement will pay the full premium, which will be $505 a month in 2024, a $1 decrease from 2023.

For more information on the 2024 Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles (CMS-8083-N, CMS-8084-N, CMS-8085-N), please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection.

Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

Since 2011, a beneficiary’s Part D monthly premium has been based on his or her income. These income-related monthly adjustment amounts affect roughly 8 percent of people with Medicare Part D. These individuals will pay the income-related monthly adjustment amount in addition to their Part D premium. Part D premiums vary plan and regardless of how a beneficiary pays their Part D premium, the Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts are deducted from Social Security benefit checks or paid directly to Medicare. Roughly two-thirds of beneficiaries pay premiums directly to the plan while the remainder have their premiums deducted from their Social Security benefit checks. The 2024 Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts for high-income beneficiaries are shown in the following table:

Beneficiaries who file individual tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:

Beneficiaries who file joint tax returns with modified adjusted gross income:

Income-related monthly adjustment amount

Less than or equal to $103,000

Less than or equal to $206,000

$0.00

Greater than $103,000 and less than or equal to $129,000

Greater than $206,000 and less than or equal to $258,000

$12.90

Greater than $129,000 and less than or equal to $161,000

Greater than $258,000 and less than or equal to $322,000

$33.30

Greater than $161,000 and less than or equal to $193,000

Greater than $322,000 and less than or equal to $386,000

$53.80

Greater than $193,000 and less than $500,000

Greater than $386,000 and less than $750,000

$74.20

Greater than or equal to $500,000

Greater than or equal to $750,000

$81.00

Premiums for high-income beneficiaries who are married and lived with their spouse at any time during the taxable year but file a separate return, are as follows:

Beneficiaries who are married and lived with their spouses at any time during the year, but file separate tax returns from their spouses with modified adjusted gross income:

Income-related monthly adjustment amount

Less than or equal to $103,000

$0.00

Greater than $103,000 and less than $397,000

$74.20

Greater than or equal to $397,000

$81.00

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881
support@pfsinsurance.com

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Wellcare | VBE/HRA Process Remains In Place for 2024

Wellcare | VBE/HRA Process Remains In Place for 2024

Wellcare | VBE/HRA Process Remains In Place for 2024
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Health Risk Assessments (HRA) are a valuable tool for improving the overall health of our members. In addition to identifying health needs to ensure beneficiaries are receiving the right care at the right time, HRAs also play an important role in understanding the overall patient population with the goal of improving personalized and targeted care for all.

To expedite this important initiative, Wellcare is pleased to continue to provide the opportunity to earn administrative payment for the completion of each HRA.

  • No changes will be made in 2024 for the current administrative payment structure:
    • A $225 administrative payment is available for eligible D-SNP/C-SNP enrollments.
    • A $75 administrative payment is available for eligible MA/MAPD enrollments.
  • An HRA may be captured directly within Ascend and Sunfire after the enrollment is submitted, using the integrated tool.   

We also offer a standalone Value-Based Enrollment (VBE) link for submissions for each plan year.

2023 link: wellcareisf.io/2023/vbe/addmember 
2024 link: wellcare.isf.io/2024/vbe/addmember 

Note:
 Refer to the Ascend 2024 Integrated and Standalone Value Based Enrollment Training Guide for instructions when using the standalone link.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

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GTL’s HIP Elite Guaranteed Issue Now up to Age 70!

GTL | New Digital Signature Option on GTL’s Agent Portal!

GTL | New Digital Signature Option on GTL’s Agent Portal!
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Good news! GTL’s Agent Portal now has three convenient options for capturing your client’s signature!

In addition to the existing Text-to-Sign and Voice Verification options, our newest alternative allows your client to sign with their finger on a touchpad or by using the mouse on the screen!

Not sure which option to choose during the application process?

Text-to-Sign and Voice Verification are best when you are not present with the client.

Use Text-to-Sign when your client’s cell phone is handy. A text message with a secure link will be sent to capture their signature.

Voice Verification will have your client complete a short phone call to verify their personal information.

** NEW** The Digital Signature option will allow your client to e-sign the application by using your mouse, touchpad, or your PC’s touchscreen.

You will be provided the new digital signature option on the Authorization page during the application process.

Click the blue underlined text link where your client can sign in the pop up window.

The rest of the application process remains the same!

Please note: once your client signs using the new digital signature feature and you hit save and continue, you cannot switch to Text-to-Sign or Voice Verification.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881
support@pfsinsurance.com

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