Medicare Health Agent

Required disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 11 organizations that offer 43 plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

Making the transition to Medicare can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are coverages to compare, companies to sift through, and quotes to gather. It’s practically a whole new world you’re entering! A good question you’re probably asking yourself is, “What will work for my situation?”

Once Medicare Part A & B is set up, you have two options to consider:

• Medigap
• Medicare Advantage

What is Medigap?

For starters, Medigap is a great option for those who need and/ or want the freedom to choose where and how they receive medical care. For example, Sally learns that she has cancer. Immediately, she starts searching for the best facility in the country to handle her situation. She learns that she will need to cross the country to get the care she needs. Will she be covered? If the facility accepts Medicare, her Medigap plan will kick in and pay no matter where she is.
How do they work? With a Medigap plan, you have coverage from a private insurance company that fills the gaps in Original Medicare (Part A & B). Many of the plans available can be tailor-fitted to your needs and budget. Remember though, that these plans do not include prescription drug coverage, dental, or vision. However, they can be obtained through private companies in addition to Medigap. Note: If you don’t have prescription coverage when enrolled in Part A, then penalties may be incurred if drug coverage is needed later.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Unlike Medigap, Medicare Advantage plans have all-in-one coverage that combine the coverage of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) with extra benefits you can’t get from Medicare alone. Most also include Part D – prescription drug coverage and may also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness. These are often provided with no additional premium charge. However, Medicare Advantage can be limited. They are put into two categories: PPO and HMO. Both have networks of doctors and facilities and going outside of the network can result in either higher charges or no coverage (unless of course, it’s an emergency). Note: Medicare Advantage is subject to enrollment periods. Outside your initial enrollment period, you will have to wait until the annual enrollment period (October 15th- December 7th) to make changes.

Summary

Some important questions to ask yourself are, what will work for my personal circumstances? What is my budget? What future medical situations should I be careful to consider? What may work for one individual may not work for another. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to consider in finding the right fit. Need assistance in further narrowing down coverage? Professionals are available near you. An insurance broker or agent can be a valuable asset in your search. They know companies, the market, and what works long term. What’s more, many agents don’t charge consultation fees!

The key take away is, no matter whether you choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage, you can be sure that finding good, affordable coverage is possible.

Please contact me for any of the following products:

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) – This is coverage that supplements or fills the gaps in Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C) plans are all-in-one plans that combine the coverage of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) with extra benefits you can’t get from Medicare alone.

Additional Benefits Medicare Advantage Plans May Offer:

• Dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays
• Eye exams, eyeglasses, and corrective lenses
• Hearing tests and hearing aids
• Wellness programs and fitness memberships
• Other extra benefits such as transportation to medical appointments and virtual provider visits

Most also include Part D – prescription drug coverage and may also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness. These are often provided with no additional premium charge.

Accident Insurance

Accident insurance provides money to cover any extra, out-of-pocket expenses associated with your injury that your health and disability insurance doesn’t cover, including x-rays, ambulance services, deductibles, and even things like rent or groceries…
You can spend the benefit payment from accident insurance however you choose.