Medicare
You’re 64 and all your friends and family keep throwing around the name Medicare. Aswith most government programs, there can be loads of information but not a clear explanation of:
What is it?
Who is eligible?
How to get it?
So let’s start by answering the question “What is Medicare?”
At its most basic level it’s a health insurance program overseen by the federal government for people over 65. But know that younger people who meet certain criteria also qualify for coverage.
Your first step when transitioning to Medicare is to activate Part A & B through Social Security. We will provide helpful links to guide your through this process.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
There are three ways you’ll know you’re eligible:
- You're turning 65 years or older or a legal resident for 5 consecutive years
- All ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Those under 65 with named disabilities, after receiving 24 months of disability benefits
As the focus here is on general Medicare information let’s hone in on “Original Medicare,” which is made up of Parts A & B. You’re only required to sign up for it once.
Now there’s something important to note. Most people decide to add additional coverage because limitations exist when you have original Medicare only. Medicare will take care of most (80%), but not all costs. Your 20% share has no cap and offers no safety net for you.
Next, we’ll briefly touch on the various plans:
*Click on the links for detailed information about each
Part A
Hospital visits
Part B
Outpatient services
Part C -- Medicare Advantage
An alternative way to get Medicare benefits
Part D
Helps cover prescription medications
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Helps to cover expenses that Medicare doesn't cover
Fills in the 20% gap
One way Medicare differs from private insurance lies in your freedom to select options separate from your spouse. Another is that there aren't any plans for families or couples.
So, we’ve dug deeper into the most common type, and briefly touched on the different options. Read below for common questions that come up. And as always reach out with your questions!
FAQs
Maybe you're already receiving Social Security or RR Retirement benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday. You will get your Medicare ID card in the mail automatically for Part A & Part B coverage.
For those who don't fit this description, contact us for helpful sign-up links.
By calling this number, I understand I will be directed to a licensed insurance broker.
“The most important things for me personally were the Medicare supplemental and drug plans. Connie was extremely knowledgeable, and provided me with enough information for me to make the decision on my own - she didn’t make the decision for me. Connie was very professional, very patient, and she made me feel completely comfortable.”
Medicare Supplement Insurance
“I can highly recommend Connie, that’s for sure! Connie was very helpful. She even came to my house and explained all the pros and cons. She helped me with all the forms, and referred me to a new doctor in Sonoma County (with whom I am very happy). I ended up with an extremely reasonable policy, with low premiums, low co-pay, and a very good choice of doctors - it’s all good!”
Santa Rosa, CA
“Connie was so patient with me. She took care of all my questions for over an hour (and I’m 84 and hard of hearing!). I was so thankful to talk to her — I felt completely at ease as she led me through all the alternatives. She made it so that I didn’t have to travel over to San Francisco (I live in Berkeley), and now I can see any doctor in any city! Then she helped me with my payments, so I didn’t even have to write a check. I felt very satisfied with her!”
Berkeley, CA
Medicare Supplement Insurance