Medicare Supplement Insurance

Unless you are covered by an employer group plan, you should enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.
There are four parts to Medicare: Part A (hospital), Part B (Medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Drug coverage).

You can opt to receive Medicare benefits directly through original Medicare with options for additional coverage (a Medicare Supplement plan) or by choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Supplement plans work with traditional Medicare and cover healthcare costs when there is a gap in coverage. These plans are standardized, but premiums can vary depending upon the carrier. They have low out-of-pocket expenses, and your coverage is guaranteed renewable as long as you pay your premiums. You will be covered anywhere Medicare is accepted in the U.S. and some plans even offer coverage abroad.

We usually recommend a Medicare Supplement plan. The most compelling reason is that you get to choose your physician(s) and hospitals of choice, and you will not be bound by networks. Your coverage goes with you and your benefits can never be cancelled unless you let your policy lapse.

We’re here to answer all your questions about Medicare, and to help you select the best policy for your needs. We work with A rated carriers and our goal is to find you the most cost-effective solution, based on your health and financial situation.

Medicare is operated by the Federal government and provides health coverage to people who are age 65 and older, to people who are under age 65 with certain disabilities, and to people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease. You enroll in Medicare by calling Social Security (800.772.1213), by visiting ssa.gov or by visiting your local Social Security office. Enrolling late can cause penalty fees and a delay in coverage. Unless you're covered by an employer plan, it's important to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65.

Navigating the waters of Medicare can be overwhelming. Medicare covers a portion of your health costs once you've turned 65; however, having a Medicare Supplement plan will provide coverage that Medicare doesn't provide, and it will help you avoid or reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Supplement plans are all standardized and you have the freedom to go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Prices will vary for these plans depending upon the carrier and where you live.

For more information about what Medicare covers, you can download the What's Covered App which helps you understand your healthcare coverage offered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B. The app is available in the App Store and on Google Play.

Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover dental, vision or hearing. Medicare Part A will pay for certain dental services you receive if you're in a hospital. Part A can also pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have emergency or complicated dental procedures, even though the dental care isn't covered.

Medicare Supplement insurance also does not cover these items. It's wise to consider a Dental, Vision and Hearing plan to work with your supplemental policy. These plans can be very affordable and will ensure you have coverage anytime you need to visit the dentist or have an eye or hearing exam.

Medicare does not cover the costs of your prescriptions; therefore, it's wise to invest in a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Unlike Parts A and B, it's not mandatory to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan, but you may face penalties later on if you decide not to enroll when you're first eligible - when you enroll in Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. These plans are bundled to include Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), and many times Part D (Prescription Drug Plan). Many people opt for Medicare Advantage plans because they're drawn to the very low premiums; however, you must remain in network with a Medicare Advantage plan and you are NOT free to choose any doctor or hospital. Additionally, networks can change yearly with Medicare Advantage plans, leaving policy holders to look for new plans more often. Medicare Advantage plans often include Dental, Vision and Hearing as part of their benefits, but each plan is different. We can discuss if this type of plan makes sense for you if you don’t require specific doctors or hospitals.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period: October 15th - December 7th

• You can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
  
• You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
  
• You can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't have drug coverage to one that does offer drug coverage (or vice versa)
  
• You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)
  
• You can switch from one Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to another PDP
  
• You can drop Medicare Prescription Drug coverage completely
  
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1st - March 31st
  
• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
  
• You can disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. If you choose to do so, you’ll be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
  
• If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without drug coverage) within the first 3 months that you have Medicare.

The answer is everyone. There are basically two types of life insurance: Whole Life and Term Life. Whole life insurance provides coverage for the entire life of the insured. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific term or timeframe. Some types of life insurance are called ‘guaranteed issue’ which means you don’t have to answer health questions. Final Expense is a type of Whole Life insurance that offers small coverage amounts to people who may not qualify for traditional Term or Whole Life policies. There are many terms and slang that refer to different types of insurance products, and we will educate you about the various types of policies available. We will then discuss your health and your needs and come up with the best solution.

People are living longer and longer these days and an integral part of retirement planning is preparing for long-term care costs. Long-term Care insurance helps with medical and non-medical needs for those with a chronic illnesses or disabilities. It provides coverage in the event that you may not be able to take care of yourself someday. Long-term Care insurance helps cover costs for care providers and support services. Medicare does not pay for non-skilled assistance and with daily living expenses. Medicare only pays for Long-term care if you require skilled services or rehabilitative care.