Medicare Planning

As age 65 approaches, you can find yourself faced with the extremely important, but daunting task, of trying to navigate the healthcare system to select the best healthcare coverage in retirement. There’s no need to face this stressful challenge alone. You need answers to your questions, and clarity in place of a confusing set of choices. We offer support to help you understand the many coverage options offered in the marketplace, along with how these options relate to your selection of care providers and prescription needs. Turn to us for advice, education, and clear explanations. We provide step-by-step guidance through the implementation process of the plan of your choice, and we are available to answer questions if needs arise once fully enrolled. There is no cost to utilize this consultation service, and there is no obligation to enroll in any Medicare plan.

How We Can Help

Approaching age 65? 

We can help determine if you are entitled to Part A, and if you should enroll in Part B. We can also educate on how the cost of Part B works. In addition, we can educate on the healthcare coverage options available in your area, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

Past age 65 and losing your health insurance coverage?

We can help you get set up on Medicare without a lapse in coverage. If you have not gone more than 63 consecutive days without credible healthcare coverage, typically you will qualify for guaranteed issue coverage with no penalties. If you have waited more than 63 consecutive days to enroll in new healthcare or prescription plans, you can still apply for new coverage, however late penalties and medical underwriting may apply. Not to worry though, we guide and educate during every step of the process. As a standard business practice, we take the time to review your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions so that we can advise on what plans will provide the best coverage given your individual healthcare needs.

Election Periods

When am I initially eligible for Medicare?

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month period, including the three months before, the month of, and the three months following your 65th birthday. The date when your Medicare coverage begins depends on when you sign up. If you missed your IEP, you may be able to enroll in Medicare during one of following election periods.

What if I missed signing up for Medicare when I was first eligible?

Medicare provides a General Enrollment Period (GEP) every year for people who missed signing up when they were first eligible. The GEP is January 1st - March 31st. Here is what you need to know:

• You can enroll in Part A, Part B, or both during this time
• Coverage begins on July 1st of the same year
• You may have to pay a late enrollment fee
• You may be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a prescription drug (Part D) plan from April 1st - June 30th of the same year

What if I permanently move to a different state or I lose my health insurance coverage after age 65?

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans when certain events such as moving to another state or losing other insurance coverage. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs). Rules about when you can make changes and the type of changes you can make are different for each SEP. Contact us if you have a life event that affects your health insurance coverage and we can provide clear guidance if a SEP is applicable to your situation.

What if I am currently on Medicare with Medigap insurance and not happy with my coverage and/or the cost?

During the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15th - December 7th, we can help you shop alternative Medicare insurance plans that better suit your health care needs and budget.

What if I am currently on a Medicare Advantage plan and my doctor or hospital is no longer in-network with my plan?

During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) from January 1st - March 31st, we can help you switch carriers in Advantage networks to get you coverage for the doctors and hospitals in which you utilize. If there are 5-star rated Medicare Advantage plans available in your area, you may be able to switch to those plans outside of the MA OEP.

We Represent Most Private Medigap & Part D Carriers

Finding the best healthcare coverage in retirement can be extremely confusing and stressful, but it plays a significant role in your overall well-being during retirement. With access to an extensive array of private insurance carriers, we have the tools and expertise to help simplify the process for you. Throughout the year we are available to answer your questions and we provide personal guidance when your annual coverage renews. We welcome the opportunity to address your concerns and clarify your options so that you can make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage in retirement.