Diana Kelley: (520) 907-3664
Terry Ansley: (520) 907-5132
Contact us today for your NO COST insurance review!
Step 3:
TOP FIVE THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
The Medicare Maze
Allow us to eliminate the confusion! Clients call us because they are inundated and overwhelmed with all the Medicare TV commercials, phone calls, and advertisements they receive in the mail when they begin to reach 65. We try to provide structure to the Medicare process, where to begin, and what steps you should take throughout the whole process to get you enrolled in the plan that YOU choose that best fits YOUR unique needs. A process we call “The Medicare Maze”!
Step 1:
SIGNING UP FOR ORIGINAL MEDICARE
Step 2:
ENROLLING IN AN ADVANTAGE PLAN OR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN
ENROLLING IN
A PLAN
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Are you going to get retirement or disability benefits from Social Security at least 4 months before you turn 65?
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You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. You will get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
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Are you waiting until you turn 65 or older to collect Social Security benefits?
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Are you turning 65, not collecting Social Security benefits, and will not be covered by employer group insurance?
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You will need to enroll in Medicare.
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Are you turning 65, not collecting Social Security benefits, and will be covered by you or your spouse’s employer group insurance?
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If your employer’s group insurance does require you to be enrolled in Medicare, then you will need to enroll in Medicare.
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If your employer’s group insurance doesn’t require you to be enrolled in Medicare, then you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B until you retire
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In either of the above situations, you should contact us to prepare a free plan comparison for you to determine if the costs of having Medicare are more cost-effective than keeping your employer group coverage.
Do I need to enroll in Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)?
How to sign up for Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)
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Go online to SSA.GOV
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If you're 65 or older, you can enroll online for Parts A and B, or Part A only.
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Click on “Sign up for Medicare”
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Click on “Apply Online” under "Sign up for Medicare"
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If you've previously declined or never signed up for Part B, you can sign up for Part B only.
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Click on “Sign up for Medicare”
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Click on “Get Started” under "Sign up for Part B only"
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Or call Social Security @ 1-800-772-1213
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Once you’ve received your Medicare Card, CONTACT US to determine which Medicare Plan to choose and why.
Step 1: Signing Up for Original Medicare
What is Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)?
Medicare Supplement (Plan G)
Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO, HMO-PSO, PPO)
WHO ARE THEY BEST SUITED FOR?
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Individuals who can afford to pay the additional premium for a Supplement Plan ($150-$180 per month)
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Those who want the most flexibility in choosing their Doctors, Specialists, and Hospitals
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Those who travel frequently
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Snowbirds who have residences in more than one state
WHO ARE THEY BEST SUITED FOR?
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Individuals who can’t afford, or don’t want to pay for Medicare Supplement Insurance
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Individuals who want a plan that includes the RX coverage
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Individuals who don’t plan to spend extended time outside their service area
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Several company options to choose from
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Many plan designs
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Many include RX coverage and extra benefits not typically covered by Medicare (dental/vision/hearing etc.)
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People with VA benefits
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People under 65 who have Medicare A and B due to disability
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People who are eligible for AHCCCS and are on Medicare A&B (dual plan eligibility)
PROS
PROS
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See any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare
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No referrals needed
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No copays or coinsurance
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Zero monthly premium
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You are protected with an annual Maximum Out of Pocket (MOOP) – the maximum you will have to pay for health services per year (appx $2400 - $3000)
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You can see any in-network doctor (nationwide travel benefits available for some plans)
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No referrals needed for some plans
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No deductibles for most plans
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Includes a Prescription Drug Plan
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Includes dental plan & allowances
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Includes vision plan & allowances
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Includes hearing aid plan & allowances
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Includes free gym membership
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Includes OTC (Over-the-Counter) benefit allowances
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You can change Advantage Plans every year during AEP
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You can change Advantage Plans any time of the year if you are diagnosed with a Chronic Condition (heart, lung, or diabetes), including ESRD (kidney disease)
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You can switch back to your prior Supplement Plan without going thru underwriting, within 12 months of switching to an Advantage Plan (must be the same Supplement Plan)
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You pay a monthly premium ($150-$180 per month)
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You pay the Part B $257/year deductible
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You MUST purchase a Prescription Drug Plan ($10-$90 per month)
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Does not include a dental plan (discounts may be available)
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Does not include a vision plan (discounts may be available)
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Does not include a hearing aid plan (discounts may be available)
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Does not include a gym plan
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Does not include OTC (Over-the-Counter) benefits
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You must go through underwriting to get a Supplement Plan or switch from an Advantage Plan to a Supplement Plan, after 6 months from turning the age of 65 (unless changing to a different Supplement Plan with the same health plan or unless you meet a guaranteed issue situation)
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No copays or coinsurance
CONS
CONS
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You pay copays & coinsurance (MOOP protects you)
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Access to providers that accept Medicare are limited to the health plans provider network
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Out-of-network doctors may cost you more out of pocket
Choosing between a Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plan
How do I enroll in my selected plan (Advantage plan or Supplement Plan)?
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Once you’ve received your Medicare Card from Social Security, CONTACT US NOW!
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Provide us with the following information:
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Your Zip Code
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List of your Doctors and Medications
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Any Chronic Conditions you might have (Heart, Lung, Diabetes, ESRD)
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Dental, Vision, Hearing, Gym, OTC preferences
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National Travel Preference
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Are you a Veteran? Do you have TRICARE For Life?
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We'll email you a Scope of Appointment form for you to review and approve, which gives us permission to speak with you about Medicare plan details
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Based on the specific information you provided, we’ll put together a Medicare Plan Comparison that lists the Top 3 plans in your area that best fits your unique needs
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We will present the Medicare Plan Comparison to you in-person or by Zoom call for you to be able to choose the plan that fits you the best
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We will walk you through the detailed Summary of Benefits for your selected plan
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We will enroll you in the plan that YOU choose based on YOUR unique needs and requirements
Step 3: Top Five Things to Watch Out For
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NEVER speak to someone over the phone or in person, unless you’ve contacted them first. Medicare Insurance Agents are NEVER allowed to directly call you without your expressed given permission (meaning, you’ve called them first or you’ve responded to them via an advertisement or flyer)
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NEVER give out your personal information over the phone
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Always ask the agent for his/her NPN (National Producer Number)
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Make sure your Agent has clearly explained what plan you’ve selected, presented you the Summary of Benefits for the selected plan, ensured all your Providers are In-Network, and ensured all your Medications have been priced
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Make sure your Agent has clearly outlined the “Next Steps” for you regarding post-enrollment activities such as:
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When you can expect your Welcome Call from the Health Plan
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When you can expect to receive your Welcome Kit & ID Card
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When will the next Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins
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How your Health Plans Member Portal can greatly benefit you
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How your Agent will continue to support you
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We will advocate and support you now and for years to come!
Contact us now for your NO COST insurance review!
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9am - Flexible
Saturday - Sunday: 9am - Flexible