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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Daniel Island or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
Service Areas
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Daniel Island
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Daniel Island is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Daniel Island, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Daniel Island. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Latest News in Daniel Island, SC
Luxury Daniel Island townhome development launches new phase
Jason Thomashttps://charlestonbusiness.com/luxury-daniel-island-townhome-development-launches-new-phase/
East West Partners, a luxury real estate developer, has launched sales for the initial offering in its third collection at the mixed-use community, The Waterfront Daniel Island, which features 11 townhomes.Located in the heart of the Waterfront, the 11 Sanderling townhomes offer approximately 2,900 to 3,500-square-feet of indoor living space, including an upstairs flex space perfect for a game room or den, in addition to a spacious, covered outdoor terrace and a...
East West Partners, a luxury real estate developer, has launched sales for the initial offering in its third collection at the mixed-use community, The Waterfront Daniel Island, which features 11 townhomes.
Located in the heart of the Waterfront, the 11 Sanderling townhomes offer approximately 2,900 to 3,500-square-feet of indoor living space, including an upstairs flex space perfect for a game room or den, in addition to a spacious, covered outdoor terrace and a two-car garage in each unit, according to an East West Partners news release.
Starting at $2 million, the development offers four floor plans.
“The Sanderling townhomes bring one of our most highly sought after residential product types back to the community and we couldn’t be more excited to share this latest collection,” said Harriette Calder, project manager for The Waterfront Daniel Island, in the release. “With sales launched in a phased approach, it allows us to listen to our buyers’ needs and adapt accordingly. This offering incorporates valuable feedback from our existing homeowners and emphasizes indoor/outdoor living to maintain coastal sensibilities.”
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The design vision for the third collection is led by Betsy Berry of B. Berry Interiors, the Charleston-based firm also behind the community’s second collection offering, the release stated. Berry creates a classic aesthetic throughout. Bluffton-based architecture firm Court Atkins Group is involved with the project.
Celebrating the best of waterfront living and the Lowcountry lifestyle, The Waterfront Daniel Island combines an elevated residential offering with premium community amenities, the release stated. Amenities include:
Other partners involved in the waterfront village include Hart Howerton, the master plan architect; Thomas & Hutton, the civil engineer and landscape architect; and Brockington and Associates, environmental consultants for the project. Phase II, which began construction in April 2022, is sold out and expected to deliver in early 2024. The master plan for the development of The Waterfront on Daniel Island includes a total of six phases.
Dozens of Daniel Island neighbors speak out on proposed tree removals
Jordan Cioppahttps://www.counton2.com/news/dozens-of-daniel-island-neighbors-speak-out-on-proposed-tree-removals/
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – One agenda item for the City of Charleston’s Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Wednesday received pushback from many people who live on Daniel Island.A proposed 30-unit townhome community is slated for a tract of land off Fairchild Street near the I-526 on-ramp, according to the meeting agenda and Eric Schultz, a Principal Planner for the City of Charleston.“The primary concern is the location. Were this somewhere else, I think it might have received less attention, but its right ...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – One agenda item for the City of Charleston’s Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Wednesday received pushback from many people who live on Daniel Island.
A proposed 30-unit townhome community is slated for a tract of land off Fairchild Street near the I-526 on-ramp, according to the meeting agenda and Eric Schultz, a Principal Planner for the City of Charleston.
“The primary concern is the location. Were this somewhere else, I think it might have received less attention, but its right at the front door to Daniel Island. And this is the most, the highest volume entrance to our island. So, everybody who gets on or gets off is going to see what happens on this parcel,” said Tory Sullivan, the Land Use and Development Committee Chair for the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association.
On Wednesday, the BZA was scheduled to hear a request for variances from the Tree Protection Ordinance. However, the applicant requested a deferral at the start of the meeting, and it passed.
The changes would allow the removal of 11 grand trees and construction to occur closer to the base of seven grand trees.
“That involves sidewalks, fill material, trenching, driveways, buildings, whatever’s like impervious construction, we have certain regulations that dictates how far away from the base of the tree you have to be,” explained Schultz.
The original request received 162 public comments, mostly all in opposition. Many of the people not only expressed concerns about the protected trees, but the rest of them on the tract as well.
Sullivan said the trees serve as a barrier to 526.
“We’re right on the gateway to Long Point and the Wando Welch cargo terminal. So, we have big rigs and trucks all day every single day, so this is a really key spot for that,” Sullivan told News 2. “In addition, around us is a bunch of Lowcountry marshland and maritime forest. It’s surrounded by that so these trees, you know, from resiliency purposes and otherwise are really important.”
According to Sullivan, the project received over 300 comments when it was on the BZA’s agenda a few months ago.
Developers report sellout of The Waterfront Daniel Island Phase II
Ross Nortonhttps://charlestonbusiness.com/developers-report-sellout-of-the-waterfront-daniel-island-phase-ii/
All of the residences in Phase II at the mixed-use lifestyle community The Waterfront Daniel Island have been sold, a little more than a year after they were released, according to developers East West Partners.Phase II comprises 41 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium units across three new buildings, according to a news release from the development company.“We are thrilled to officially close out sales on this second residential phase at ...
All of the residences in Phase II at the mixed-use lifestyle community The Waterfront Daniel Island have been sold, a little more than a year after they were released, according to developers East West Partners.
Phase II comprises 41 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium units across three new buildings, according to a news release from the development company.
“We are thrilled to officially close out sales on this second residential phase at The Waterfront,” Harriette Calder, project manager for The Waterfront Daniel Island, said in the release. “Demand for this community has remained strong ever since its inception, reflecting a continually growing interest in the elevated, yet relaxed coastal lifestyle and vibrant social environment we’ve been able to cultivate here. Our residents truly make this community a one-of-a-kind destination in the Lowcountry and we can’t wait to welcome our Phase II residents home to The Waterfront soon.”
Phase II, for which began construction in April 2022, will feature luxury condominium residences spread across the Sabal, Camellia and Magnolia buildings, most of which offer direct, unobstructed views of the Wando River. Ranging from approximately 1,220 to 3,400 square feet, floor plans in the second collection feature outdoor terraces, elevated finishes by interior designer Betsy Berry, and river views, with some penthouse units. In addition to the residences, this second collection also features exclusive new homeowner amenities, including a shared, elevated outdoor courtyard for residents of the Sabal and Magnolia buildings and an outdoor terrace and gathering space called The Perch for residents of the Camellia building. Construction is expected to be complete on units early in 2024, the release stated.
Later this fall, East West Partners expects to announce the release of sales for Phase III of the development, a new collection of 47 total residences including condominiums, townhomes and a handful of marsh cottages, representing a new product offering for the community. East West Partners will expand upon its collaboration with Berry for the interior design of Phase III products and will partner with two architectural firms, including MacMillan Pazdan Smith and Court Atkins, to bring the residences to life.
All homeowners who purchase at The Waterfront enjoy access to standout amenities, including:
Direct access to Daniel Island’s newly redesigned waterfront park, featuring two public docks with paddle launch and dog ramp, an interactive fountain, waterfront swings, and children’s play area.
Access to an array of natural and planned amenities, including 25+ miles of trails with views along the marsh and water; The Kingstide, Daniel Island’s only waterfront restaurant with rooftop bar; and The Daniel Island Market and Eatery (The Dime), a gourmet grab-and-go market.
Private amenities including a resort-style pool; pool pavilion with fire pit, fireplace, and grilling station; fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; community outdoor gathering spaces; and post center with onsite property management.
The master plan for the development of The Waterfront on Daniel Island includes six phases.
Blue Raiders win Daniel Island Intercollegiate
Thomas Donleyhttps://goblueraiders.com/news/2023/10/31/mens-golf-blue-raiders-win-daniel-island-intercollegiate.aspx
Full Results Charleston, S.C. — Middle Tennessee men's golf used a hot start in Tuesday's third round to pick up a win at the Daniel Island Intercollegiate. Gavin Clements set a new personal best with a score of 67 (-5) in the third round, while ...
Full Results Charleston, S.C. — Middle Tennessee men's golf used a hot start in Tuesday's third round to pick up a win at the Daniel Island Intercollegiate. Gavin Clements set a new personal best with a score of 67 (-5) in the third round, while Kevin Jegers, Michael Barnard and Markus Varjun all finished within the top 15.
The Blue Raiders combined for eight birdies and an eagle on the front nine, compared to just four bogeys. Clements was responsible for the eagle and three of those birdies. He played even-par golf on the back nine for his second career-low round of the season.
The second half of the final round proved challenging for MTSU, as the Blue Raiders combined for 10 holes over par with just six birdies.
Jegers and Barnard finished the tournament in a tie for ninth at 213 (-3). Barnard was 2-under for the third round until a triple bogey on the 16th hole forced him to settle for a 73 (+1). Jegers carded a 76 (+4) in the third round.
Paired with his brother, Mattias, of VCU, Markus Varjun shot a 71 (-1) for the second straight round Tuesday. He tied for 15th individually at 216 (E).
Clements and Owen Stamper tied for 41st overall at 222 (+6).
By the Numbers 48 – The Blue Raiders' 48 birdies were the second-most in the tournament. 14 – Jegers tied for the most birdies in the tournament with 14. 30 – Varjun gained 30 spots on the individual leaderboard from the end of the first round to the end of the event.
Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire "What a great week! I am so proud of this team and glad we finished this one off! Round of the year from Gavin, and we needed it. Solid tournament by everyone and a great way to end the fall. Let's go!"
Tournament Notes
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Daniel Island bridge replacement could include widening, pedestrian access
Emily Johnsonhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/05/22/daniel-island-bridge-replacement-could-include-widening-pedestrian-access/
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston will be voting Monday and Tuesday night on the approval of a $2 million replacement bridge on Daniel Island.The Beresford Creek Bridge is one of the only two ways to get onto Daniel Island, but officials say the bridge is in need of demolition and replacement after years of use.The final approval of the project from the city council would include adding a pedestrian and bike lane since the current bridge is very narrow.Charleston City Councilman Boyd Gregg has been push...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston will be voting Monday and Tuesday night on the approval of a $2 million replacement bridge on Daniel Island.
The Beresford Creek Bridge is one of the only two ways to get onto Daniel Island, but officials say the bridge is in need of demolition and replacement after years of use.
The final approval of the project from the city council would include adding a pedestrian and bike lane since the current bridge is very narrow.
Charleston City Councilman Boyd Gregg has been pushing for approval of the project to reduce dangerous traffic conditions on the bridge.
“More than anything, right now, I’d say pedestrian access,” Gregg says. “There’s not a really safe path for pedestrians cross or bikers to cross; the new bridge will have much improved pedestrian access.”
The bridge experienced damage to its infrastructure about three years ago, forcing load limits on the bridge for heavy trucks.
More recently, fire vehicles and ambulances are no longer to access the island from the bridge due to its current condition.
City of Charleston Director of Public Service Tom O’Brien says the bridge was built in the 90s, and it used to be the only way to access Daniel Island before Interstate 526 provided another entry point.
“Obviously with all the development with the homes and the town center, traffic has increased,” O’Brien says. “The bridge we will be replacing it with will be a very solid bridge and will provide great access for the people.”
Daniel Island is also working on another project to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Nowell Creek.
“I think it shows the city’s commitment to provide these passages and safe ways to allow for pedestrians and bicycles to use the city,” O’Brien says.
Both O’Brien and Gregg are pushing for the project to finish before the next school year.
“There’s a significant amount of school traffic on this road, particularly for those traveling up with Phillip Simmons High School,” Gregg says. “We really wanted to try to get this done as much as we could during the summer to try to alleviate some of that school traffic and take advantage of school being out.”
In efforts to address traffic concerns, the city will be holding a meeting in the next month to explain the entire construction process and answer questions from nearby homeowners.
The project will be voted on at Monday night’s Public Works and Utilities Commission meeting and Tuesday’s city council meeting.
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