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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 Hanahan 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 Hanahan
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 Hanahan 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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan. 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 Hanahan, SC
17 acres of land in Hanahan by Tanner Hall causes dispute between neighbors and developer
Tara Jabourhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/17-acres-of-land-in-hanahan-by-tanner-hall-causes-dispute-between-neighbors-and-developer
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — Some Hanahan residents are unhappy about potential plans for a new apartment complex.The plot is 17 acres of land near Tanner Hall. Right...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — Some Hanahan residents are unhappy about potential plans for a new apartment complex.
The plot is 17 acres of land near Tanner Hall. Right now the land is zoned for single-family use, but the developer wants to change it to multi-family use to build about 300 apartments.
"It's zoned single-family dwellings and it would hold about 70 additional homes. It's up for rezoning now," said Sean Kennedy, a Tanner Hall resident of 16 years. "I want to point out- this is for the second time in less than six months."
Kennedy says he wants the acres to be homes since that is what the land is zoned for. There are signs all throughout the neighborhood saying, "Say no to re-zoning."
"We have more apartments than what is needed," Kennedy said. "You can go half a mile, a 5-minute walk, and there are hundreds and hundreds of apartments."
"They are going to negatively affect my home, my community, my neighborhood, and my quality of life," said Brittany Wood, a Tanner Hall resident of two years.
The developer, Panther Resident Management, feels differently than the residents. They are requesting the City of Hanahan to re-zone the property.
"We think this project is a huge win-win for the City of Hanahan," said Eric Wardrop, principal at Panther Residential Management. "There are housing shortages all over Charleston. Hanahan is no different."
The planning commission meeting was supposed to happen Tuesday night but now is pushed to February. Wardrop said they have been meeting with city officials and residents to build the best plan for the community.
"[The current plans] included shifting buildings, enhancing landscaping buffers, enhancing security and procedures throughout the complex, fence around the gated community," said Wardrop. "A project like this is not detrimental to Hanahan where housing is expensive; not a lot of affordable options."
Still, Tanner Hall residents are concerned.
"No one wants to see Hanahan become a sea of apartment complexes like you can see in other parts of Charleston," said Wood.
The next planning commission meeting for the City of Hanahan is on February 2.
North Charleston’s switch hitting, always smiling, 77-year-old slugger
Scott Eisberghttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/north-charlestons-switch-hitting-always-smiling-77-year-old-slugger-willie-brown-hanahan-athletic-fields
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — The only thing more silky smooth than Willie Brown’s swing is the smile he cracks while taking his cracks several times a week at the Hanahan Athletic Fields.“I can run the bases. I can throw. I can hit, both sides. I can hit both sides.” says the affable 77-year-old North Charleston resident.He’s a switch-hitting phenom. He still models his game after the greats of it.“As a boy coming up, my two favorite players were Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Both played CF...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — The only thing more silky smooth than Willie Brown’s swing is the smile he cracks while taking his cracks several times a week at the Hanahan Athletic Fields.
“I can run the bases. I can throw. I can hit, both sides. I can hit both sides.” says the affable 77-year-old North Charleston resident.
He’s a switch-hitting phenom. He still models his game after the greats of it.
“As a boy coming up, my two favorite players were Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Both played CF and because of Mickey, I became a switch hitter. Those guys were my two idols coming up.”
Being out here, wonderful. His journey to get here after graduating from the old Bonds-Wilson HS, impactful.
“Hoped one day I’d have an opportunity to play, got out of the Army, Vietnam veteran, 64-67."
He found a tryout in Fernandina Beach, Florida, and what do you know? The unknown kid from South Carolina signed with the Montreal Expos.
“In 1969 and '70, I played with the West Palm Beach Expos Single A club. I was promoted to Quebec City, Expos AA. I led the league in hitting for half the season.”
Then, a crossroads. Playing seven days a week didn’t work for this 7th Day Adventist.
“I had to choose between God and baseball. Wanted to do this all my life, but the good lord brought me this far all my life- I’ll stick with God and beliefs. Nothing to do with ability. It hurt, but it was my choice.”
He chose a life of normalcy. He married and worked, he always loved baseball. Then, in 1995, at 50 years old, he found the Lowcountry Senior Softball Association.
He was just old enough to play.
“Treat me like I am one of their family members, joined in 1995 as the only African American on the team- treated me that time if I was a member and haven’t stopped yet. I enjoy the guys, comradery, friendship more than anything else. God first, my wife second, all these guys together in third place.”
He walked away from the game once. He doesn’t have to now.
“I’m going to die, maybe on the field, but I’ll be with these fellas as long as I can, as long as I live.”
For more information on the softball league, click here.
Steve LaPrad out as football coach at Fort Dorchester High School
David Shelton Special to The Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/sports/highschool/steve-laprad-out-as-football-coach-at-fort-dorchester-high-school/article_eb664ee4-9762-11ed-b1fc-6f3a8feae5d1.html
Fort Dorchester head football coach Steve LaPrad resigned on Wednesday, according to a release by the Dorchester County District 2 public information office.The district’s office said the district shared the following letter with Fort Dorchester players and their families.“Dear Fort Dorchester High School football families, I want to make you aware that Fort Dorchester High School has received the resignation of Mr. Steve LaPrad as head football coach.“We want to thank coach for his many years of dedica...
Fort Dorchester head football coach Steve LaPrad resigned on Wednesday, according to a release by the Dorchester County District 2 public information office.
The district’s office said the district shared the following letter with Fort Dorchester players and their families.
“Dear Fort Dorchester High School football families, I want to make you aware that Fort Dorchester High School has received the resignation of Mr. Steve LaPrad as head football coach.
“We want to thank coach for his many years of dedicated service to the Patriot football program.”
LaPrad spent the last 20 seasons as the head coach at Fort Dorchester, taking over the program after the death of former coach John Bagwell in 2003.
LaPrad’s teams posted a record of 172-70. His 2015 team, led by current South Carolina receiver Dakereon Joyner and current NFL lineman John Simpson, won the Class AAAA state championship. The 2022 team lost to Dutch Fork in the Class AAAAA finals in December.
Prior to his time at Fort Dorchester, LaPrad was a highly successful wrestling coach at Summerville High, leading the program to four state championships and six state runner-up finishes.
LaPrad’s resignation brings to three the number of high-profile coaching vacancies in the Lowcountry. On Tuesday, Berkeley terminated veteran coach Dr. Jerry Brown after two seasons. Brown previously coached Berkeley for 18 seasons, retiring in 2010, but was hired back as coach in 2021.
Brown has 295 career coaching wins and won five state championships, three as head coach at Berkeley. The Stags, however, managed only five wins over the last two seasons.
In September, Hanahan placed head coach Art Craig on leave and later ended his tenure as head coach in his third season. Craig has 229 career coaching wins, most of those coming at Timberland, where he won 193 games in 19 seasons, which include 18 consecutive winning seasons. Craig won two state titles (2011, 2014) at Timberland.
LaPrad, Brown and Craig were three of the winningest active coaches in the state, and also among the highest paid. According to state salary data, Brown was earning $130,000 per year; Craig was at $104,000 per year; and LaPrad’s annual salary was $102,000. LaPrad was the only one of the three to serve also as the athletic director.
Hanahan is currently in the interview process for its next head coach. Assistant Steve Blanchard served as interim head coach after Craig was relieved of his duties.
Jeff Hartsell contributed.
Are fireworks allowed where I live on New Year’s Eve?
Tim Renaudhttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/are-fireworks-allowed-where-i-live-on-new-years-eve/
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – No end-of-year celebration would be complete without the pop, bang, and sizzle of fireworks high in the sky. But before you run out and purchase a box of fireworks, it’s important to know where you can – and cannot – set them off in the Lowcountry on New Year’s Eve.City of North Charleston – Setting off fireworks is legal year-round from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., and on holidays like New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July, you can set the...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – No end-of-year celebration would be complete without the pop, bang, and sizzle of fireworks high in the sky. But before you run out and purchase a box of fireworks, it’s important to know where you can – and cannot – set them off in the Lowcountry on New Year’s Eve.
City of North Charleston – Setting off fireworks is legal year-round from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., and on holidays like New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July, you can set them off until 1:00 a.m.
City of Hanahan – Firecrackers are only legal five days of the year in Hanahan: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and July 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:59 p.m.
City of Goose Creek – You can only shoot fireworks in the city on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and July 4.
Town of Mount Pleasant – You can set off fireworks the day before and the day after a holiday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. in Mount Pleasant, in addition to the holiday.
Town of James Island – Fireworks are allowed between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. any day including the 4th of July, but that time runs later on New Year’s Eve.
Town of Summerville – People living in town limits can shoot fireworks any day between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
Town of Moncks Corner – Fireworks can be discharged on New Year’s Eve from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., and on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Purchasing and setting off fireworks in the City of Charleston and on most of the islands is prohibited. This includes Folly Beach, the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, West Ashley, and the peninsula. You can use sparklers.
Fireworks are allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve in unincorporated Dorchester County. There are no laws set in unincorporated Charleston County.
If you are unsure, it’s always a safe idea to check with your local government or your Homeowners Association before setting off any fireworks.
Those looking to celebrate the holiday with fireworks are encouraged to be respectful of their neighbors and be reasonable when it comes to the time at which they are igniting fireworks.
High School Scoop - Thursday December 22, 2022
Doug Samuelshttps://footballscoop.com/highschoolscoop/high-school-scoop-thursday-december-22-2022
Since 1999, all sources remain confidential. Mail@FootballScoop.com or 225.229.3429Fleming Island (FL): Chad Parker has accepted the head coaching job.Loyola Academy (Wilmette, IL): Loyola Academy is looking to hire a new head coach. The Head Football Coach is responsible for staffing at all aspects of the Football Program (Freshman A/B, Sophomore and Varsity), scheduling opponents (in conjunction with the Athletic Dire...
Since 1999, all sources remain confidential. Mail@FootballScoop.com or 225.229.3429
Fleming Island (FL): Chad Parker has accepted the head coaching job.
Loyola Academy (Wilmette, IL): Loyola Academy is looking to hire a new head coach. The Head Football Coach is responsible for staffing at all aspects of the Football Program (Freshman A/B, Sophomore and Varsity), scheduling opponents (in conjunction with the Athletic Director), strength & conditioning (off season & in season program), and coaching team members. Interested parties can apply via this link.
Western (Las Vegas, NV): Western HS is completing its new staff and has openings for coaches at multiple positions. Coordinator positions will be considered for qualified candidates. There are several teaching and non faculty positions on campus. Candidates with college experience or HS coordinator experience will be given preference. Candidates seeking teaching positions must have or be able to obtain a Nevada Teachers License. Interested applicants should contact Athletic Director John Norton at nortoj@nv.ccsd.net.
Masters of Sports Administration: Looking for an exceptional, convenient education to advance or kick off your career in sports? UIU’s Master of Sport Administration is delivered entirely online. As a graduate, you will understand the organizational, financial, personnel and technology issues involved in sport and sport business and have a greater understanding of the needs within athletic departments in high school, college, and professional sports.
Loyola Academy (Wilmette, IL): After 17 years, and three state titles head coach John Holecek is retiring from coaching high school football.
Glazier Clinics: You don’t want to miss out on these cutting-edge football talks. Gain an edge next year over your opponent → https://www.glazierclinics.com/coaching-clinics-2023
Wellington Community (FL): Wellington Community HS is seeking applicants for the position of Varsity Head Football Coach. The selected candidate will oversee, and be responsible, for the all operations related to the football program. This will include all three teams - Freshmen, JV and Varsity. If you are interested in applying, please forward your résumé, letter of interest, and the contact information for at least three references to Athletic Director, Robert Callovi, via email at robert.callovi@palmbeachschools.org.
Hanahan (SC): Hanahan HS has an opening for a Head Football Coach/teaching position (position TBD). We are a 3A school, located just outside of Charleston, SC in the Berkeley County School District. All interested applicants should apply at www.bcsdschools.net and email a letter of interest and resume to our Athletic Director Kim Joseph at josephk@bcsdschools.net. The position will close on December 29.
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