We hope you can find your answers here but always remember, we are available to speak to you by phone, email or in person. Please don’t hesitate to call us for any question.
Your Medicare answers here:
If I enroll today, when will my coverage begin?
In most situations, any enrollment before the 15th of the month, will begin on the first of the following month. For instance, if you enroll on May 12th, your coverage will begin on June 1st. If you enroll on May 20th, your coverage will begin on July 1th. For Medicare recipients, coverage will always begin on the first of the following month or the date your Medicare coverage begins.
Do I still have to pay my Medicare Part B premium?
Yes. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium if not otherwise paid for by Medicaid or another third party. If you meet certain eligibility requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid, your Part B premium may be covered in full. Some Medicare Advantage Plans reduce the Medicare Part B premium. The reduction is set up by Medicare and administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Depending on how you pay your Medicare Part B premium, your reduction may be credited to your Social Security check or credited on your Medicare Part B premium statement. Reductions may take several months to be issued. However, you will receive a full credit.
Should I still keep my red, white and blue Medicare Card?
Yes. However, as long as you are a member of a plan you must not use your red, white and blue Medicare card to get covered medical services (with the exception of clinical research studies and hospice services). Keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card in a safe place in case you need it later. Here’s why this is so important: If you get covered services using your red, white and blue Medicare card instead of using your membership card while you are a plan member, you may have to pay the full cost yourself.
How does Medicare and the Affordable Care Act relate to each other?
The Affordable Care Act takes important steps to strengthen Medicare. People with Medicare get new benefits – like discounts in the prescription drug coverage gap known as the “donut hole” and free preventive services – thanks to the law. The law does not reduce any guaranteed Medicare benefits. At the same time, the law is cracking down on fraud and abuse in Medicare and has helped stabilize Medicare’s finances.
What is the meaning of life?
Sorry. You’re on your own on that one. But we’d sure like to help you find it any way we can.
What are the advantages of using a Health Insurance Marketplace?
The marketplace in each state will help consumers find insurance coverage that fits their needs by:
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Offering personalized help. The marketplaces can help consumers compare and choose a health plan and answer questions through a website, a call center and community groups or individuals specifically designated as “navigators” to help consumers. Insurance agents and brokers can also help consumers and small employers find coverage options through the marketplaces.
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Ensuring quality. The marketplaces will ensure that all health insurance plans that are offered meet basic standards, including quality standards, consumer protections, and access to a wide range of doctors and clinicians. Also, plans can’t deny consumers coverage, limit their benefits or charge higher premiums simply because of any pre-existing or chronic conditions, like cancer or diabetes.
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Increasing transparency. The marketplaces will post clear and detailed information about health plan prices, benefits, and quality so that consumers can make meaningful comparisons between plans.