FAQ

Medicare FAQ

If you are already receiving Social Security Benefits, you will be automatically signed up for Medicare, so watch for your card to come in the mail 3 months before you turn 65. If you aren’t receiving Social Security Benefits, you will want to sign up 3 months before you turn 65. You can enroll online, by mail, or at the Social Security Office.
No, it does not cost anything to work with an agent. Agents get compensated by the different companies they represent. There are two types of agents, captive and independent agents. Captive agents only work for one company. Independent agents or brokers represent many companies which allows them to help you get the best product for the best price.
Those 65 and older likely qualify, or if you are younger than 65 with disabilities of 24 months or more may qualify. Also people with end-stage renal disease or other chronic conditions may be eligible.
You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get one of these:
  • Disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months
  • Certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months
You don’t need to sign up if you automatically get Part A and Part B. You’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 25th month of disability. When you decide how to get your Medicare coverage, you might choose:
  • A Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
  • Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D)
There are specific times when you can sign up for these plans, or make changes to coverage you already have.
If you are turning 65 but planning on continuing to have employer coverage through work, you can postpone your Part B until you retire, but start Part A when you turn 65. If you aren’t working or have some type of health coverage, you will want to start your Part B at the same time you start Part A.
If you are a veteran and are receiving VA benefits or TRICARE, we recommend still having Part B. There are benefits that can enhance your current medical coverage.
If your employer offers qualified health coverage, you may only have to enroll in Part A and then enroll in Part B when your employer coverage ends. However, it may be wise to evaluate your current premium against your Medicare options. You may be able to have better coverage for a lower premium by dropping employer coverage and enrolling on Medicare Part A and Part B with additional plans.
The short answer is you can Not contribute to an HAS 6 months before your Medicare Part A begins. If you currently have an HSA, you may withdraw funds to use towards medical expenses even after your Medicare is in effect.
You don’t need to call the number on the TV advertisement. However, you do need a local agent who can help you at no additional cost.
If you have a lower income, you may qualify for your Part B premium to be paid for by the state, and for help lowering your prescription drug costs. Reach out to us and we can help you see if you will qualify?
You can apply for a different Medigap or Medicare supplement plan anytime during the year but you may have to answer health questions unless you qualify for a guarantee issue. Reach out to us to see if you qualify?
Initial Election period- when you first sign up for Medicare your have a 7-month window Three months before the month your Medicare starts, up until 3 months after the month your Medicare starts to make a change in your Medicare advantage or prescription drug plan. Annual Enrollment Period: Each year we can help you review your plan and other options during Annual Enrollment October 15 – December 7th Special Enrollment Period: You may also qualify to make a change for a special enrollment period. Contact us to see if you qualify
Financial assistance programs for people with limited income and assets include: Extra Help is a program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you get Extra Help but you’re not sure if you’re paying the right amount, call your drug plan. Your plan may ask you to give information to help them check the level of Extra Help you should get. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that:
  • Helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources
  • Offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services
  • In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if you meet certain conditions. Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility. With PACE, you have a team of health care professionals working with you and your family to make sure you get the coordinated care you need. Usually they care for a small number of people, so they really get to know you. When you enroll in PACE, you may be required to use a PACE-preferred doctor.
    Medicare and Medicaid are both government health care programs but they are very different. Medicare is generally for people who are older or disabled. Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources. When a person qualifies for both programs out-of-pocket costs can be minimal.

    Individual & Family Health Insurance FAQ

    No, it does not. Agents get compensated by the different companies they represent. There are two types of agents, captive and independent agents. Captive agents only work for one company. Independent agents or brokers represent many companies which allows them to help you get the best product for the best price.
    These describe A law that was enacted to ensure that Americans have access to affordable health insurance with no preexisting conditions. It is mainly for individuals, families or small groups who pay for their own insurance.
    If you lost insurance from a previous employer you may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance and possible subsidies or tax credits to help lower your costs. Or if you had health insurance at your job you may be eligible for COBRA which requires employers with 20 or more workers to give their employees the choice to continue health coverage for up to 18 months after their position ended.
    Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance is an option you may qualify for. You possibly even qualify for subsidies or tax credits to help lower your costs.
    Some qualifications include not being offered a qualified health plan by your employer, US citizen or legal resident. Call to see if you qualify?
    There is a good possibility that you will qualify. It is based off your income and the size of your family. Call us to see if you qualify?
    Open Enrollment period (OEP) is November 1 – December 15. You can review your coverage and make changes during this time. Special Enrollment Period (SEP) you may qualify to change your plan anytime during the year if you qualify for one of these. Call us to see what you qualify for.
    Yes, you can still get health coverage. As a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) they did away with preexisting conditions.

    Have a Question?

    *By providing the information above, I grant permission for a licensed insurance agent from Silver Pine Insurance to contact me regarding my Medicare options including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug plans. You can unsubscribe at anytime by replying STOP. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.