Navigating the Medicare Maze
We’re here to help
Isabel Drucker specializes in Medicare and educating those about their options. It is important to know ahead of time how, when and if you need to apply for Medicare. Isabel is an independent agent, meaning that she represents an array of insurance companies. Her goal is to match you with one that meets your financial and medical needs. Isabel will do an assessment of your specific needs and find the plan that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Medicare
I am turning 65 in the next year what do I do?
If you are turning 65 in the next year, you need to plan, especially if you are still going to continue working. Medicare is a maze. It is important to know how Medicare works, the changes, estimated costs and your options when you do decide to retire or go straight into Medicare. Let us meet, review Medicare and your options. Again, it costs you nothing for my services.
Can I change my plan once I have chosen?
Sure, you can! There are certain times of the year you can change your plan generally the Annual Enrollment Period is the most popular, October 15th through December 7th. But you might qualify for a special enrollment period depending on your personal circumstances; for example, moving.
What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is a combination of A and B. A covers inpatient services, such as your hospital stay, skilled nursing and hospice. B covers your outpatient services, such as your outpatient doctors, specialists and lab tests. A has a deductible associated with it and B has a lower deductible than A. For Part B you must pay 20% of all costs once you hit the deductible and there is no MAXIMUM. There is also no drug coverage associated with Original Medicare.
Who is eligible for Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is government insurance programs for individuals 65 and older. There is an exception; if you have received social security disability for 25 months, you will receive Medicare automatically.
More about Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Interested in a lower premium for you monthly bill?
Medicare Advantage might be right for you; it is an all-inclusive plan that combines your hospital, doctor and drug plan coverage into one. It may have additional benefits as well, such as a gym membership or dental/vision benefits.
But remember, all plans are not the same and may have vast differences in copays, percentages associated with the costs and knowing whether you have an HMO versus a PPO could make all the difference when choosing your plan. You need to know all your Medicare options before choosing.
Medicare Supplements
Medicare Supplements AKA Medigap plans fill in the gaps of Original Medicare. Remember the deductible from Part A and the deductible and 20% not covered by Original Medicare in Part B? These plans help lift the burden of this amount on the consumer with a predictable amount. Medicare Supplements, have different plans within them (A-N) and are standardized, meaning, with they are same within every company. What differs is the premium.
Medigap plans are comprehensive plans that allows the patient to have the freedom of NO networks. If the provider takes Original Medicare, they will automatically take their supplement. No questions asked. This is great for travel within the United States.
But its important to know that supplements do not cover- dental, vision, long term care, and prescription drugs.
Prescription Drug Plans
In South Carolina, Prescription Drug Plans range in price from $14 to $77 but generally the average price is $33.00 per month. There are over 26 drug plans in South Carolina, how do we choose the right one?
Everything Isabel does is individualized. She considers all your prescription drugs, your pharmacy and sees also if you qualify for assistance based on your income. There are also companies that provide aid with some prescription drugs. Once, she has your list of prescription drug, financial and medical needs she will do an in-depth year analysis on how much these prescription drugs will cost you month by month and your yearly expense. Isabel explores all avenues to help save you the most money and provide most coverage for your prescription drugs.
Ready to get started?
Fill out our Medicare Questionnaire below for more information!
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