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Medicare Insurance

Medicare

Please Note: Medicare Supplement is now the new name for Medigap. Going forward, all references to Medigap on this website will be updated to reflect the term Medicare Supplement.

Originating in the 1960s, Medicare is a government-provided fee-for-service insurance program intended primarily for seniors. The program encompasses several distinct parts, each of which is outlined below.

  • Medicare Part A covers facility-based care such as hospital visits, emergency room services, hospice, and nursing home care.
  • Medicare Part B covers traditional outpatient treatments and services, including vaccinations, lab tests, mental health services, outpatient operations, durable medical equipment, and most other medical services not performed in a hospital.
  • Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) covers elements of Parts A, B, and sometimes D.
  • Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance comes through private insurance companies and aims to fill in the “gaps” left in the traditional Medicare coverage.

Late Enrollment Penalties.

A late enrollment penalty will be assessed if you DO NOT sign up for Medicare coverage during your Initial Enrollment Period at least 3 months prior to turning 65. (3 months to give yourself ample time to enroll)

  • You’ll pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B but didn’t.
  • It will be added to your monthly premium.
  • It is not a one-time late fee.
  • It is a lifetime charge.

Example:

  • In 2025 the part b premium is $185.00. If you wait 2 years to sign up for Medicare Part B the penalty will be 20% or $37.00. Your monthly cost will be $222.00 for Life.

Generally, you won’t have to pay the Part B penalty if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Example:

  • If you decide to work beyond age 65 and your employer/Union plan continues to cover, at the time you retire, you will have to notify Social Security of your expected retirement date, as well as giving them ample notice (3-4 months).

A similar penalty will also be assessed for Medicare Part D. Except, that is 1% per month for every month after you turn 65.  Also assessed for Life.

Understand Your Options:

Navigating Medicare Is complex. Having a clear understanding of the different Medicare products available can make all the difference in finding the right coverage for your healthcare needs. Each product offers unique benefits and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, budget and medical requirements.

Contact Us Today

Need Help Navigating Medicare?

Understanding Medicare and choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a licensed Medicare agent in Southwest FL, I can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare and retirement.

How I Can Help You:

  • Medicare Enrollment Support – Learn about eligibility and avoid late enrollment penalties.
  • Medicare Plan Comparison – Review costs, benefits, and coverage options tailored to your needs.
  • Affordable Medicare Plans – Find a plan that fits your budget while ensuring quality healthcare coverage.
  • Personalized Medicare Advice – Get one-on-one guidance from a local Medicare professional.

Schedule Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation

I’m here to make Medicare simple for you! Call (239) 989-2494 today to get started.

*Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or endorsed byMedicare.gov or any member of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement insurance is offered by private insurance companies and is available in a wide range of plans. They are all required to offer a set of basic benefits, but some Medicare Supplement policies are designed to offer more. Original Medicare pays for a sizable portion of the healthcare services you need, but you are responsible for paying some portion, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Medicare Supplement insurance can help pay the out-of-pocket costs, up to set policy limits. Some policies will cover a portion of the cost of treatment if you become ill while out of the country.

Am I Eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance?

To be eligible, you must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and will need to pay a monthly premium for the Medicare Supplement insurance. These policies cover an individual, not a couple, so both spouses must have a policy. Suppose you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C). In that case, you are not eligible for Medicare Supplement insurance unless you choose to change your plan to Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A and Part B.

Choosing the right Medicare insurance can be challenging. Every person has unique needs, and the plan you choose matters. For assistance in buying the right Medicare Supplement policy, you can speak with a local insurance agent who can explain your options, the cost, what each policy covers, whether you are eligible for Medicare Supplement insurance, or what changes could be made to become eligible.

Need Help Navigating Medicare?

Understanding Medicare and choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a licensed Medicare agent in Southwest FL, I can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare and retirement.

How I Can Help You:

  • Medicare Enrollment Support – Learn about eligibility and avoid late enrollment penalties.
  • Medicare Plan Comparison – Review costs, benefits, and coverage options tailored to your needs.
  • Affordable Medicare Plans – Find a plan that fits your budget while ensuring quality healthcare coverage.
  • Personalized Medicare Advice – Get one-on-one guidance from a local Medicare professional.

Schedule Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation

I’m here to make Medicare simple for you! Call (239) 989-2494 today to get started.

*Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare.gov or any member of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage program offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans help lower the cost of prescription medications, including many commonly used drugs.

You can enroll in a Part D plan if you are eligible for Medicare Part A and/or Part B. It’s important to enroll when you’re first eligible. Delaying coverage may result in a late enrollment penalty unless you have other creditable drug coverage.

What is a Drug Formulary?

Each Medicare Part D plan has its own formulary, which is a list of covered prescription drugs. Formularies vary by plan and insurance carrier. They often include both brand name and generic medications. Drugs are grouped into tiers, with different cost-sharing amounts depending on the tier.

Before enrolling, review the plan’s formulary to ensure it includes your medications. As a licensed agent, we can help you compare options to find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.

What Does Medicare Part D Cost?

The cost a Medicare Part D plan can vary depending on the plan you select, the medications you take, and your income. Here’s what you may be responsible for:

  • Monthly Premium: Each Medicare Part D plan sets its own premium amount. You can choose to have this premium direct billed, automatically deducted from you monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefit, or, in some cases, paid by credit card, depending on the plan’s payment options.
  • Annual Deductible: Some plans have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before your plan begins to share in the cost of your prescriptions.
  • Copayments or Coinsurance: After meeting the deductible (if your plan has one), you will pay a copayment or coinsurance for each prescription based on the drug’s tier in the plan’s formulary.

Coverage Stages That Affect Drug Costs

Medicare Part D plans have coverage stages that determine how much you pay for your prescriptions throughout the year. These stages apply to most plans and help you understand your potential out-of-pocket costs:

  1. Deductible Stage: You pay the full cost of your medications until your plan’s deductible (if applicable) is met.
  2. Initial Coverage Stage: After meeting the deductible, your plan shares the cost of your prescriptions. You’ll typically pay a set copay or coinsurance based on the drug’s tier.
  3. Catastrophic Coverage Stage: Once your total out-of-pocket spending reaches a certain limit, you pay nothing for covered prescriptions for the rest of the year.

Need Help Navigating Medicare?

Understanding Medicare and choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a licensed Medicare agent in Southwest FL, I can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare and retirement.

How I Can Help You:

  • Medicare Enrollment Support – Learn about eligibility and avoid late enrollment penalties.
  • Medicare Plan Comparison – Review costs, benefits, and coverage options tailored to your needs.
  • Affordable Medicare Plans – Find a plan that fits your budget while ensuring quality healthcare coverage.
  • Personalized Medicare Advice – Get one-on-one guidance from a local Medicare professional.

Schedule Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation

I’m here to make Medicare simple for you! Call (239) 989-2494 today to get started.

Medicare Advantage

Understanding Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

When you become eligible for Medicare, one option you may consider is Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans include all the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Many plans also offer additional benefits, such as coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as well.

What to Know About Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage Plans differ from Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B but typically does not offer prescription drug coverage or additional benefits. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are provided by private insurance companies, the costs and coverage details can vary by plan and location. Each plan may have its own premiums, deductibles, copayments, and provider networks.

A key feature of Medicare Advantage Plans is the annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for medical services. Once you have reached this limit, you will pay nothing for covered medical services (such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and other Part A and B services) for the remainder of the calendar year. This provides financial protection that is not available under Original Medicare. Please note that costs for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D coverage are not included in the medical out-of-pocket maximum and may have separate cost-sharing.

Things to Consider

Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan involves more than just comparing costs. Every plan is different, so it’s important to carefully review your options. Before enrolling, consider the following:

  • Provider Networks: Make sure your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are included in the plan’s network.
  • Prescription Drug Coverage: If the plan includes Part D coverage, review the formulary to ensure your medications are covered.
  • Plan Costs and Benefits: Compare premiums, copays, deductibles, and any extra benefits, such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage.
  • Annual Plan Changes: Medicare Advantage Plans can change their costs, benefits, and provider networks each year.

Meeting with a local, licensed insurance agent like us can be an excellent way to review your available plan options. Let us help you compare plans in your area, explain differences, and assist you in finding the plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Enrollment Periods for Medicare Part C

You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during specific times:

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends three months after.
  • Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): The Medicare AEP is from October 15th to December 7th each year. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events, such as moving to a new area, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help, may allow you to enroll in or change your Medicare Advantage Plan outside of the standard enrollment periods. We can help determine if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and guide you through the process.

Need Help Navigating Medicare?

Understanding Medicare and choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a licensed Medicare agent in Southwest FL, I can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare and retirement.

How I Can Help You:

  • Medicare Enrollment Support – Learn about eligibility and avoid late enrollment penalties.
  • Medicare Plan Comparison – Review costs, benefits, and coverage options tailored to your needs.
  • Affordable Medicare Plans – Find a plan that fits your budget while ensuring quality healthcare coverage.
  • Personalized Medicare Advice – Get one-on-one guidance from a local Medicare professional.

Schedule Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation

I’m here to make Medicare simple for you! Call (239) 989-2494 today to get started.

*Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare.gov or any member of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Health Matching Account – A Plan For The Future:

As we plan for retirement, it’s crucial to consider healthcare expenses. Medicare Supplement, Prescription Drug, and Advantage plans continue to increase in premiums, deductibles, and co-pays—leading to higher out-of-pocket costs each year.

What Is a Health Matching Account (HMA)?

An HMA is a medical savings account designed to offer substantial growth while providing easy access to funds. Unlike an HSA, the HMA guarantees growth, allowing owners to access an average of $2+ in medical benefits for every $1 contributed—even beyond age 65.

How Does an HMA Work?

Using your HMA is simple and flexible:

  • Swipe your HMA Visa prepaid card at the point of service, just like a debit card.
  • Submit a mail-in reimbursement form with itemized receipts for qualified expenses.

Choose a Plan That Fits Your Budget:

With 11 different monthly contribution optionsthere’s an HMA plan tailored to every family’s financial needsStart securing your healthcare future today!