I’m disabled. When can I start getting Medicare?
If you’re disabled, you can qualify for Medicare before age 65 through Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, but timing varies by condition. Most disabilities require a 24-month waiting period after SSDI approval before Medicare coverage begins. However, two conditions have special rules. If you have ALS, you receive Medicare immediately upon SSDI approval with no […]
How do I decide what Medicare plan is best for me?
Choosing the right Medicare plan for you can be intimidating, especially for those new to Medicare. There are many options, including Original Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Advantage, Part-D, and Medicare Supplemental plans (Medigap). On top of that, deciding which insurance carrier to choose, understanding all the rules and enrollment periods so you […]
What is the initial Medicare (IEP) enrollment period?
The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window that begins three months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after. During this period, you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled […]
What is the annual Medicare enrollment (AEP) period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) applies only to Medicare Advantage and Part-D prescription drug plans. It does not apply to Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement plans. It is the one time a year that Medicare Advantage members can enroll, disenroll, or change plans. Beginning on October 1st, each year, insurance companies release information about their […]
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is an insurance program designed to provide healthcare for people aged 65 and over and specific other disabled populations and some people with End-Stage Renal Disease regardless of your income or asset level. Medicare is a Federal program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare pays for part of the […]
Why is Medicare Advantage cheaper than regular Medicare?
The first thing to understand is that a Medicare Advantage plan completely replaces your Original Medicare benefits; it does not work alongside Original Medicare as a Medicare Supplement plan does. There are two main parts to how an insurance company gets paid for a Medicare Advantage beneficiary. The first and smallest part is the premium […]
What’s better – a Medicare supplement plan or Advantage plan?
There is no right answer to this question; it depends on your finances, health, travel, doctors you see, what plans are available in your area, and many more factors. At a high level, Medicare Supplement plans offer more flexibility when it comes to which doctors and hospitals you can see, but that usually comes at […]
What should I look for when choosing a Medicare licensed agent?
Navigating the complexities of Medicare and selecting the most suitable coverage options can be a daunting task, as what works for one person may not be the best fit for another. Given the unique circumstances of each individual, it is crucial to choose a Medicare insurance agent who is knowledgeable about all the available options […]
Can a Medicare insurance agent help me compare plans from different companies?
Unlike captive insurance agents, independent Medicare insurance agents are not contracted to work with one single company, and they can sell policies from multiple insurance companies. They help clients compare plans from different companies, providing unbiased information about the various Medicare options available in their area to support informed healthcare decisions. When working with clients, […]
Do Medicare insurance agents charge fees for their services?
When clients work with a Medicare insurance agent, they can expect expert guidance and support throughout the process of selecting and enrolling in a Medicare plan, without any additional costs. Medicare insurance agents are compensated directly by the insurance companies they represent, meaning their services are essentially free for clients. Their primary goal is to […]