A great place to start.
Have or getting Medicare? You have options…
Medicare Supplement Plans
Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, help pay for some or all of the costs that Original Medicare (part A & part B) does not; Medicare remains your primary payer and these plans pay second. It is important to note that these plans do not include part D prescription drug coverage, so you will need to buy a separate part D plan.
Supplement plans offer freedom and flexibility because they do not require referrals to see providers. These are the most expensive type of plans, so your budget will be a factor. We can help you shop plans, add part D prescription coverage, and enroll.
Medicare Advantage Plans
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, they receive money form Medicare to become your primary health insurance. Many of these plans do not have additional premiums or deductibles, and have low to no copays, making them very affordable Medicare options. Many plans also include part D prescription drug coverage as well as extra services not covered by Original Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage plans have a network of contracted providers, and will require you to get referrals or authorizations for medical services. We can help you compare benefits, check which providers are contracted, and enroll.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are typically purchased by people who enroll in a Medicare Supplement, since supplement plans cannot include part D prescription drug coverage. These plans satisfy the Medicare Part D requirement to have creditable drug coverage.
Each Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) may cover different drugs, have different copays, and range in premiums. We will help you shop for the plan that fits your budget and covers your medications, and help you enroll.
If you prefer to shop for Medicare plans online, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m turning 65 or losing my employer coverage, what is the first step?
Congratulations! Medicare provides comprehensive and affordable health coverage for adults 65 or better, and people with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. In short, Medicare is a hybrid system of public and private; public funds help pay for private insurance and health providers, or even eliminate costs all together. The Medicare program is an expansion of Social Security, so the first step is to contact the Social Security Administration and enroll in Medicare part A (hospital) and part B (medical).
How do I enroll in Medicare part A & part B?
You can do this by visiting SSA.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local SSA office. If you have worked at least 40 quarters or 10 years and paid Medicare taxes, then you should get part A at no additional cost. For part B, most people will need to pay a monthly or quarterly part B premium. If you do not enroll in part B when you are first eligible for Medicare, or when you lose creditable health coverage, you may have to pay a part B penalty. If you are a high income earner, you might also have to pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). You must have Medicare parts A and B to proceed to the next step—selecting and enrolling in a Medicare health plan with part D prescription drug coverage.
I have Medicare parts A & B, what next?
Great! Now you need to decide which type of Medicare plan you want, and make sure to include part D prescription drug coverage. There are two main paths for Medicare insurance coverage: purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan and Prescription Drug Plan, or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with Prescription Drug Coverage. This is where a licensed health agent can help you shop and enroll—this is what we do!
My former employer or union is offering retiree Medicare plans?
Some employers or unions offer their retiree’s Medicare health plans. If this applies to you, you will need to contact your HR department or administrators to get plan information. Make sure to ask how long your former employer or union will pay any premiums for you. If they are not covering the premiums, or are only covering them for a certain period of time, contact us to explore your other Medicare options.
What is a Medicare Supplement?
Original Medicare (part A and part B) was designed as catastrophic coverage that covers many fundamental hospital and medical costs, but has some major gaps with no maximum-out-of-pocket. To fill in those gaps and set limits on your potential medical costs, you can buy a Medicare Supplement plan that will pay some or all of the costs that Medicare does not. Medicare supplements do not include part D, so you will also need to buy a separate part D Prescription Drug Plan. This route provides the most flexibility because you will not need referrals to see providers that are contracted with Medicare—you can simply schedule appointments or procedures directly with the providers you want as long as they accept Medicare. The main consideration for this type of Medicare coverage is your budget. For more information, please contact us for an appointment to help shop and compare supplement plans.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans are the most affordable options and cover everything Original Medicare covers as required by law. Many of these plans also offer extra benefits that are not covered by Original Medicare: routine vision, hearing, and dental, as well as gym memberships, over the counter money, transportation for medical visits, and many other perks. Many of these plans do not have an additional premium (you must continue to pay your part B premium to Medicare), and they have low to no copays for hospital and medical services. Also, most Medicare Advantage plans include part D prescription drug coverage at no additional premium, no deductible, and low to no copays. In short, Medicare Advantage plans are the most affordable and comprehensive route for Medicare health insurance. We can help you explore these Medicare plans and enroll.
How do so many Medicare Advantage plans not charge a monthly premium?
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurance company becomes your primary insurance. To do this, Medicare pays them a set amount of money every month as long as you’re their member—very similar to the way that employers help pay for health insurance for their employees. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the things that Original Medicare covers, but they often include benefits that go above and beyond because they’re competing for your business. In order to estimate and control their costs, nearly all Medicare Advantage plans have a network of contracted providers. That means most plans will require you to receive medical services from a network of contracted doctors and facilities, and you may need referrals. We can help you better understand these plans and determine if they’re right for you as they’ve become the most popular plan type for todays seniors.
What is Part D?
Medicare part D is prescription drug coverage. To get part D you must enroll in either a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes part D prescription drug coverage (MAPD). If you do not have or get creditable drug coverage when you are eligible for Medicare, you will incur a part D penalty. There are some exceptions: creditable drug coverage from an employer plan, Tricare for Life, or VA coverage are the most common exceptions. Most people will need to enroll in a part D plan or MAPD plan to meet Medicare’s requirements.
I have Medicaid or Medi-Cal, what do I do?
If you have Medicaid, also known as Medi-Cal in California, then you qualify for special Medicare and Medi-Cal health plans (Medi-Medi). These plans have almost no costs and include many extra benefits. Please contact me today to learn what plans are available in your area. Make sure to mention that you have Medicare and Medi-Cal.
I’m a Veteran and have VA benefits, what should I do?
Veterans can have both their VA and Medicare coverage at the same time. This is because both systems are completely separate. The VA gives you access to VA doctors and hospitals, but Medicare will give you access to regular providers and hospitals. The VA recommends that you enroll in Medicare parts A & B because VA benefits and copays can change significantly year to year. They also recommend you enroll in Medicare to ensure that you have easy access to non-VA health providers when needed.
There are so many options and this seems really complex, how do I compare my options and enroll in the right plan for me?
The best way is to speak with an independent health insurance agent that specializes in Medicare (like us!). We provide our clients with years of experience and dedicated customer support at no additional cost—we are compensated by Medicare health insurance companies when we help you enroll. Marketing and commissions are heavily regulated by Medicare to ensure an even playing field and ethical guidance. Contact us today to begin shopping your Medicare options.