Medicare
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THE INFO YOU NEED TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
Medicare Open Enrollment vs. Medicare Annual Enrollment. What’s the Difference?
Everyone with a Medicare Advantage plan has two opportunities to change plans each year: during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. What’s the difference? Although they do have some things in common, the enrollment timeframes and...
Why You Should Consult with an Agent Even if You Already Have a Medicare Plan
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period ends on December 7. This is an important opportunity for Medicare enrollees. Unfortunately, many Medicare beneficiaries don’t take advantage of it, and as a result, they could be stuck in plans that cost too much or that don’t...
Understanding Medicare Drug Coverage
Most people know when they sign up for Medicare that they need Part D to cover their prescription drugs. You can add a stand-alone Part D plan to original Medicare A and B, or you can sign up for a Part C Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D. But there are...
What Do Medicare’s Star Ratings Mean
Every fall the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases its Star Ratings for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. This timeline coincides with Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period when you are making decisions about your healthcare coverage for...
Medicare Enrollment Periods and Special Circumstances
Medicare has a number of different enrollment periods, each serving a different purpose, and each with its own set of rules and timelines. You may be familiar with the enrollment period when you first turn 65, but you may not be aware of Medicare’s Special...
Why You Should Choose a Local Texas Medicare Agent
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is upon us. This is the time period, from October 15 – December 7, when you have the opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage. During AEP you can: Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Switch from...
What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage If You Return to Work?
It is not uncommon for people who have retired from the workforce, to change their minds and go back to work. This can be for a variety of reasons. Maybe they found they missed the sense of purpose that work gave them. Some return to work for financial reasons,...
Health Insurance Options When Your Spouse Enrolls in Medicare
What happens when your spouse is approaching 65 and they decide to retire and enroll in Medicare? If you are covered under their employer-based health insurance and are not yet 65 yourself, where will you get coverage? You have several options to consider, and it’s...
Best Medicare Plans in Texas: Medicare Supplement Options
You don’t want to get stuck with the wrong Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. More commonly known as Medigap, these plans help people who are enrolled in Original Medicare take control of their out-of-pocket health insurance costs. Before you enroll in a plan, learn...
Does Medicare Cover Long Term Care
As life expectancies increase, you may be one of many seniors who will need extra help with everyday activities as you age. You may think that Medicare will help cover long-term care (LTC) costs. In fact, Medicare does not cover most costs associated with LTC. It’s...
Are You Eligible for Medicare if You Never Worked
Many people qualify for Medicare based on their work history and payment of payroll taxes. Medicare, however, is available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements, regardless of their work history. If you have not worked and therefore not paid Social Security...
Medicare Coverage While Traveling Abroad
For many seniors, retirement means the opportunity to travel more. Original Medicare, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans all offer different coverage and limitations. If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you need to know how you are covered before you go. What...