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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 Aiken 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 Aiken
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 Aiken 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 Aiken, 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 Aiken. 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.
Latest News in Aiken, SC
Aiken public safety officer sworn into S.C. chapter of NOBLE
Staffhttps://www.wrdw.com/2023/03/11/aiken-department-public-safety-officer-sworn-into-sc-chapter-noble/
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A national organization has worked for years to find solutions to some very difficult problems facing law enforcement.Since 1976, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, also known as NOBLE, has served as a conscience for law enforcement.And for the first time, they are opening a chapter in South Carolina.We sat down with their recently sworn-in secretary, Aiken Department of Public Safety Captain Aaron Dobbs.He says he’s happy his goal to help others through ...
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A national organization has worked for years to find solutions to some very difficult problems facing law enforcement.
Since 1976, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, also known as NOBLE, has served as a conscience for law enforcement.
And for the first time, they are opening a chapter in South Carolina.
We sat down with their recently sworn-in secretary, Aiken Department of Public Safety Captain Aaron Dobbs.
He says he’s happy his goal to help others through this organization is finally coming to light.
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Equity in the administration of justice is one of the main goals of the organization and part of why Dobbs is passionate about his position.
“My parents have always told me that if you’re willing to work and you’re willing to learn, you can do anything,” he said.
A graduate of USC Aiken, a husband, and a father, he’s been in law enforcement for 18 years.
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When it comes to one of the core values of NOBLE, Dobbs says it is all about trust and community engagement, something he says the Aiken Department of Public Safety strives for every day.
“Making sure that we have that equal representation within the community and that we also make sure that things are being practiced in a fair and safe manner and that people understand that we can only operate in law enforcement with the support of the community,” he said.
While the organization has about 50 chapters and 3,000 members, Dobbs hopes the South Carolina chapter’s impact will reach past state lines.
“I’m just excited to see where the organization can go to. Like I said, not just in South Carolina, but how we can help network and find opportunities across the nation,” said Dobbs.
Dobbs tells us they’re working on getting a charter website up, recruiting more members from various law enforcement divisions throughout the state, and setting up some of the national programs the organization has for community impact.
Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Community reaction to beloved Aiken Brewing Company closing
Hannah Litteerhttps://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/community-reaction-to-beloved-aiken-brewing-company-closing/
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – After 26 years of brewing beer and being a staple in the community, Aiken Brewing Company will be closing its doors for good on Friday.Downtown Aiken has been home to the brewery and restaurant since 1997, and people who live there, have some very special memories of it.From first dates to family outings, they tell us the brewery has always been their go-to spot.“My family’s brought me here, I’ve been on dates here,” said Carly Elijah, a long-time Aiken ...
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – After 26 years of brewing beer and being a staple in the community, Aiken Brewing Company will be closing its doors for good on Friday.
Downtown Aiken has been home to the brewery and restaurant since 1997, and people who live there, have some very special memories of it.
From first dates to family outings, they tell us the brewery has always been their go-to spot.
“My family’s brought me here, I’ve been on dates here,” said Carly Elijah, a long-time Aiken resident. “I was in ROTC and we would do some of our after-competition meet-ups here. I mean, it’s literally just a staple of this place.”
“I’ve been going there forever,” said Catherine Gouge, the manager at Pitter Patter Children’s Boutique across from the brewery. “My dad used to take me there to eat well before I was twenty-one and could drink there, and then once I turned twenty-one, one of my first drinks was there, and I met my boyfriend there – and it’s just been a really special place.”
Neighboring stores are going to miss the atmosphere and business it brings to the area.
“We have a lot of cross business, there will be somebody eating there that will walk by the window and see something and come in and look,” said Van Smith, the owner of Lionel Smith Ltd. beside the brewery. “Or vice-versa, somebody says ‘I’m gonna go there and get lunch while my alterations are getting ready.’”
“It is a huge draw for lunchtime and late afternoon, and I’m hopeful it’s still gonna be a restaurant because its the front of the alley there,” Catherine Gouge said. “But, I definitely think we’ll see some changes once they’re closed.”
And although the owners declined to comment about the future of the space, many people hope that whatever replaces it, is beneficial to the community.
“As far as just like an all-American restaurant, that’s the only one I can think of off the top of my head that’s here,” Carly Elijah said. “And locally run is always what you want to see. Especially somewhere like historic downtown Aiken, so I hope it doesn’t get replaced by a chain.”
The brewery will have live outdoor music starting around 4 p.m. on Friday, and will be headlined by the Kenny George Band at 9 pm, so wear your green and be ready to have some fun.
Old Aiken tree farm has been transformed into golf course
Will Volkhttps://www.wrdw.com/2023/02/23/old-aiken-tree-farm-transform-into-golf-course/
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - An old tree farm in Aiken has become a golf course and will be open to members for a preview next week.Zac Blair has golfed at a lot of courses in his career but he’s always dreamed of having one of his own.Blair, a PGA golfer, and the tree farm developer says, “And I think the more cool places I saw, definitely piqued my interest, and I thought it would be something fun to do.”He’s made many trips here in the last couple of years to watch an old tree farm become “...
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - An old tree farm in Aiken has become a golf course and will be open to members for a preview next week.
Zac Blair has golfed at a lot of courses in his career but he’s always dreamed of having one of his own.
Blair, a PGA golfer, and the tree farm developer says, “And I think the more cool places I saw, definitely piqued my interest, and I thought it would be something fun to do.”
He’s made many trips here in the last couple of years to watch an old tree farm become “The Tree Farm,” our area’s newest course, located in New Holland.
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“The property was pretty sweet, the area, I think in general, people love golf,” Blair says.
Blair says that’s one of the big reasons he built it here.
“It’s been awesome to see how I would say the locals in Aiken have been excited about the project,” Blair says.
He knows how important golf is in this area, especially in April.
Blair says, “That’s a cool time of the year, there’s a bunch of golf fans in from around the world, so we’ll see how it goes.”
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Blair says the course isn’t extremely challenging, because he just wants it to be a place to have a good time.
“You know, nothing crazy, in terms of it’s the hardest course you’ve ever played, but it’s just a fun place to bring people and play golf,” Blair says.
Blair has played a lot of courses, but this one is different: it’s his.
Blair says the course opens to members for preview play next week. He wants to open it up to more people during tournament week.
Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Aiken leaders to discuss DEMO 200; code enforcement gives NewsChannel 6 tour
Shawn Cabbagestalkhttps://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/aiken-leaders-to-discuss-demo-200-code-enforcement-gives-newschannel-6-tour/
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) — Aiken city leaders are discussing plans for an ordinance that could get a handle on run-down properties.“You can see where it has holes in the roof. you can see where it’s got holes in the roof. The roof is actually collapsed in, got some holes in the back. And on the far side there’s a big hole in the roof,” Aiken Property Code Enforcement Karl Odenthal showed NewsChannel 6’s Aiken Bureau Chief Shawn Cabbagestalk.Four homes similar to this one have been ...
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) — Aiken city leaders are discussing plans for an ordinance that could get a handle on run-down properties.
“You can see where it has holes in the roof. you can see where it’s got holes in the roof. The roof is actually collapsed in, got some holes in the back. And on the far side there’s a big hole in the roof,” Aiken Property Code Enforcement Karl Odenthal showed NewsChannel 6’s Aiken Bureau Chief Shawn Cabbagestalk.
Four homes similar to this one have been demolished last year through DEMO 200. “I could look inside here the entire, I could see the inside of the house right through here. I could see there’s no wall behind,” Odenthal showed Shawn.
If a property becomes deteriorated beyond repair, the City of Aiken has the option, through the program, to demolish it for a small fee. There are other options for commercial spaces. “You can see where this structure is pretty far gone,” he said at another home.
A vast majority of the homes demolished were north of Richland Avenue. “We’re really losing pieces of that history when those homes are demolished,” preservationist Judah Londo shared.
There are other options available before demolition is suggested. “We have an involuntary lock cleanup program where, if an, if a property owner, they’re cited by certified mail that they have, uh, they have a defined period of time to cut the grass. If it’s not done we’ll get it cut and put the fee on the tax bill,” City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh said.
Residents are concerned about historic homes being removed and nothing added to the lots. “It’s a mistake to think of yourself as a homeowner and in reality, you’re just a caretaker of a home for a certain amount of time,” Londo said. “We’re trying to save what’s left because once these hundred-year-old homes are gone, they’re not coming back. We want to put those protections in place so that an owner has the resources to move on, someone that might wanna save it,” he added.
“The process of taking down the structure still has to go through the normal permitting process. So if it’s in a historic district or it’s a historic structure that would meet that normal requirement, it would still have to go through that process we could, before we could move forward on it,” Odenthal shared.
Grants and incentives could be available for people to renovate homes.
There are currently two or three applications in the queue. The program is currently on hold. A tour and work session is planned for April.
Lucky you! Adoptable pets have fees waived this weekend at Aiken Co. Animal Shelter
Lauren Younghttps://www.wfxg.com/story/48562396/lucky-you-adoptable-pets-have-fees-waived-this-weekend-at-aiken-co-animal-shelter
AIKEN, S.C. (WFXG) - FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter are having a “Change Their Luck” adoption event this Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this St. Paddy’s Day celebration, FOTAS sponsors will be paying for all pet adoptions.Stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC, enjoy some complimentary St. Paddy treats, and let the shelter’s adoption counselors help you find your furry lucky charm! The shelter kennels are doubled up and the shelter is housing many wonderful pets who just need a lucky b...
AIKEN, S.C. (WFXG) - FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter are having a “Change Their Luck” adoption event this Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this St. Paddy’s Day celebration, FOTAS sponsors will be paying for all pet adoptions.
Stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC, enjoy some complimentary St. Paddy treats, and let the shelter’s adoption counselors help you find your furry lucky charm! The shelter kennels are doubled up and the shelter is housing many wonderful pets who just need a lucky break. These homeless animals deserve love and security, FOTAS tells FOX54.
Learn more about some of the dogs currently housed in the shelter! Here's what FOTAS shares with FOX54:
"Caprice is a wonderful dog who is somehow being overlooked by potential adopters. She is a lovely black Lab mix who is six years old, 57 pounds and easy to walk."
"Blond and white Caralee learned how to play with other dogs in playgroup. She is five years old, 45 pounds and extremely sweet. Found as a stray, she arrived at the shelter hungry and scared."
"Brindle and white Sweetie-pie Elle is wonderful with most dogs, walks wonderfully on a leash and is in urgent need of a good home. This mixed breed is three years old, 57 pounds and well behaved."
"Senior white and black mixed breed Faith loves children and people, but not other pets since she was bred so much in her past. She is nine years old, 50 pounds and adorable."
"Three years old, 81 pounds and extremely playful, Handsome is not a dog you can miss seeing on our adoption floor. This blue and white guy loves other large dogs. He's like a big puppy!"
"Pretty, white Janna is three years old, 50 pounds and extremely sweet. She is a little shy but quickly bonds with people she knows. This girl gets along with most dogs and deserves the best home."
"Margery wags her tail all the time yet is calm and well behaved. This gray beauty is just two years old, 50 pounds and full of love. Margery likes other dogs but would rather cuddle than play."
"Merry has been here longer than any other dog in the adoption wing. She's one of the friendliest dogs you will ever meet and gets so excited when prospective adopters visit her. Blue and white Merry is three years old, 52 pounds and playful. She would do best as an only pet."
"White and brown Nessie is not only adorable but also sweet and smart. She is one year old, 49 pounds and cuddly. She loves to play with other dogs and would do best in a home with a fenced-in yard."
"Rosemary arrived at the County Animal Shelter covered in bite marks and some of her teeth filed down. She likely was used as a bait dog by a dog fighting operation. But despite her past abuse, this three-year-old, 54-pound stray is a cuddly sweetheart."
"Two-year-old, 56-pound mixed breed Sosa is a playful, active and goofy dog. He insists on giving you a hug when you greet him. He likes running in the play yard and enjoys rolling around on his back and chasing tennis balls. Sosa has a rich, red coat and likes big dogs who enjoy playing rough & rowdy style."
For more information about Saturday’s “Change Their Luck” adoption event, please go to fotasaiken.org, where you can view photos and details about all the animals available for adoption. You may also contact the Aiken County Animal Shelter, (803) 642-1537 (option #3).
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