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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 Care 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 cityname 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 Care 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 Care 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 Care Insurance Solutions 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 Care 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 will 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 agency that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Care Insurance Solutions 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 cityname is during the six-month 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 Care Insurance Solutions 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 Care 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 Care 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 Care Insurance Solutions 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 cityname. 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 Care 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
When can I set off fireworks where I live?
Tim Renaud
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Did the end-of-year fireworks begin a little bit earlier in your neighborhood? Many people across the Lowcountry shared messages online and in community groups after hearing the pop and sizzle of fireworks on Christmas Eve and in the days following.Is that allowed? You might be surprised to find out many local municipalities allow fireworks a little more often than you would imagine.Before you run out and purchase a box of fireworks, it’s important to know where you can – and cannot &...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Did the end-of-year fireworks begin a little bit earlier in your neighborhood? Many people across the Lowcountry shared messages online and in community groups after hearing the pop and sizzle of fireworks on Christmas Eve and in the days following.
Is that allowed? You might be surprised to find out many local municipalities allow fireworks a little more often than you would imagine.
Before you run out and purchase a box of fireworks, it’s important to know where you can – and cannot – set off fireworks 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 – setting off firecrackers is only legal five days of the year: 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.
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. for the 4th of July 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.
NEXT WEEK: South Carolina Communities Bring Hope, Can-Do Attitude to School Choice Week Celebrations
National School Choice Week
COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids learn differently, so families need options when it comes to education. That's the message South Carolina families and educators are bringing to their celebrations of National School Choice Week 2022.South Carolina schools, organizations, and individuals are planning 457 celebrations for the Week, which will feature more than 26,000 activities nationwide. One of the biggest events in South Carolina will be a school choice fair in Charleston, where families can pick up free school supp...
COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids learn differently, so families need options when it comes to education. That's the message South Carolina families and educators are bringing to their celebrations of National School Choice Week 2022.
South Carolina schools, organizations, and individuals are planning 457 celebrations for the Week, which will feature more than 26,000 activities nationwide. One of the biggest events in South Carolina will be a school choice fair in Charleston, where families can pick up free school supplies, on Saturday, Jan. 22.
The Week's celebrations focus on community building, sharing student and teacher successes, and raising awareness about how to put kids first when it comes to education. The goal? Supporting families and highlighting schools so more kids can find learning fits where they thrive.
Here in South Carolina, there are a variety of educational options to attend including: traditional public schools with open enrollment at the discretion of each district, charter schools, magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling. In South Carolina, students with disabilities may qualify for a state-run scholarship program.
To raise awareness about these options, Gov. Henry McMaster has officially proclaimed South Carolina School Choice Week. Across the state, additional communities are celebrating School Choice Week by formally proclaiming it, including the cities of McCormick, Mount Pleasant, Mullins, Chapin, Hanahan, and Hardeeville, as well as the county of Calhoun.
"For families in South Carolina and across the U.S., the process of choosing a school is too often a stressful one," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "With clear resources and support, navigating your child's education can be a hope-filled, positive experience, and School Choice Week is a time to encourage that."
Local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request. For more information, send us the specifics of your coverage area at pressoffice@schoolchoiceweek.com, or preview a sampling of South Carolina events at schoolchoiceweek.com/south-carolina.
National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children, focusing equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of celebrations –– such as school fairs and open houses–– to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. School Choice Week also develops resources and guides to K-12 education for families. As a not-for-profit effort, the Week is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation. For more information visit schoolchoiceweek.com.
Leaders break ground on new 53-acre park in Hanahan
Raymond Owens
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – A new multi-use park is being constructed in Hanahan. It comes after more than 75% of voters approved a bond referendum for the project back in November.The brand new 53-acre park is located next to Bowen’s Corner Elementary and will serve several purposes in the Hanahan community.“We are just so excited about this new park,” said Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater. “When the federal government partnered with us and donated the land, it had to be used for parks and rec. It was ...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – A new multi-use park is being constructed in Hanahan. It comes after more than 75% of voters approved a bond referendum for the project back in November.
The brand new 53-acre park is located next to Bowen’s Corner Elementary and will serve several purposes in the Hanahan community.
“We are just so excited about this new park,” said Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater. “When the federal government partnered with us and donated the land, it had to be used for parks and rec. It was exactly what the city of Hanahan needed.”
The last time Hanahan opened new ballfields there were only 13,700 people in the town. Now, about 29,000 call Hanahan home.
“There will be tennis courts, an artificial turf field, ballfields, a dog park, fishing pond, picnic spaces – you name it,” said Mayor Rainwater. “Everything that you would love to see in a park will be here.”
The project will cost more than $11 million. The Berkeley County School District agreed to pay nearly $1 million for artificial turf on a field so that it could be used as a practice field.
“We will partner with them to make sure they now have the things they need to play their sports,” the mayor said.
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb said Hanahan has been working on the project for some time, even during the full ten years he was town administrator.
“It’s critical because it’s a quality-of-life project,” he said. “If you’re going to be a vibrant city, a vibrant community, people are looking for parks and recreation- do you want to draw in young families, do you want to be able to keep the families that you’ve drawn in?”
Bryce Florie grew up in Hanahan and has coached kids in the area, He said this is a great project.
“Just the way the community has grown and the need for it- it’s so important and the way the city came together… it’s a good place for everyone,” he said.
Mayor Rainwater hopes to have the park finished a year from now. The park has not yet been named.
‘He doesn’t deserve this’: Hanahan Family speaks after student assaulted at Minnesota college
Kristina Lobo
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – Five years ago at the age of 15 Chad Waldrop picked up a new sport and started swimming for West Ashley High School.“It’s his life. It really is. He loves it. He took to it right away and it became his life,” said his father Jerry Waldrop, but now Chad is putting that passion on hold as he fights for his life.His Dad Jerry just wants to take away the pain of his son.“The thought of him not being able to swim again just hurts, hurts,” said Jerry.On Saturday...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – Five years ago at the age of 15 Chad Waldrop picked up a new sport and started swimming for West Ashley High School.
“It’s his life. It really is. He loves it. He took to it right away and it became his life,” said his father Jerry Waldrop, but now Chad is putting that passion on hold as he fights for his life.
His Dad Jerry just wants to take away the pain of his son.
“The thought of him not being able to swim again just hurts, hurts,” said Jerry.
On Saturday, September 18th both Jerry and Chad’s life changed in a matter of five seconds.
“It’s just, it’s just, you know, to think you almost lost your kid and you want to do everything for him, you want to be there for him. It’s your worst nightmare. It really is,” said Jerry.
Police say Chad walked out the back door of his house in Minnesota where he attended school at St. Cloud State University to the sounds of a woman screaming. Reports state she appeared to be in a fight with a man. Moments later Waldrop was slammed to the ground, punched repeatedly, and knocked out.
“Just by the witnesses and what they told me it was really unprovoked and unwarranted and just evil, evil,” said Jerry.
The suspect Ezaya Oropeza is a wrestler at the university and is now charged with assault 3rd degree and could face five years in prison.
“Why, why, why? He’s a good kid. He doesn’t deserve this,” said Jerry.
Chad suffered a concussion, multiple fractures in his face, and cuts in his mouth.
“Basically, it looks like a jigsaw puzzle. It’s all broken,” said Jerry and now the family is demanding justice.
“It tears you up. I just I can’t. I want to take it away from him. I want the pain. Give me the pain. I don’t want my child to have that,” said Jerry.
Chad’s family has set up a GoFundMe, as well as a page dedicated to holding accountable those responsible. Click here for more information.
Female wrestlers on the rise: More girls competing, winning for high school teams
David Shelton Special to The Post and Courier
The number of females on high school wrestling teams continues to grow across South Carolina, and in the Lowcountry more than a dozen girls are participating in what remains a male-dominated sport.Thomas Bell, president of the S.C. High School Wrestling Coaches Association, said there were 114 girls wrestling on high school teams statewide a year ago, and that number has increased this season.Last season, Hilton Head freshman Zao Estrada became the first female to record a win at the S.C. High School League state tournament. In...
The number of females on high school wrestling teams continues to grow across South Carolina, and in the Lowcountry more than a dozen girls are participating in what remains a male-dominated sport.
Thomas Bell, president of the S.C. High School Wrestling Coaches Association, said there were 114 girls wrestling on high school teams statewide a year ago, and that number has increased this season.
Last season, Hilton Head freshman Zao Estrada became the first female to record a win at the S.C. High School League state tournament. In fact, Estrada posted two wins (both pins) in the state tournament and finished third overall in the Class AAAA 106-pound weight class.
Female wrestlers usually compete against boys. There are some opportunities developing for girls to compete against other girls. The prestigious Bearcat Invitational tournament in Rock Hill had a separate girls division this year. Four girls from Ashley Ridge High School participated in the girls open tournament.
This weekend, the Carolina Invitational middle school and junior varsity state tournament will be held at Lexington High School. There will be a girls division in the tournament, which will act as an unofficial state tournament since the S.C. High School League does not yet offer a state tournament for girls. Girls are permitted to participate in the boys tournament.
Two weeks ago, James Island freshman Jesse Kemp made news by becoming the first female to win a Charleston County championship, winning the 106-pound weight class.
Perhaps the top female wrestler in the area is Cane Bay freshman Madeline Bowlin, who has been a regular this season in the boys lineup at 106 pounds. Bowlin won her first 12 matches this season and has 14 wins overall. She is one of four females on the Cane Bay wrestling team.
“Madeline has earned the respect of the guys because she comes every day and works just as hard as they do,” Cane Bay coach Tim Wash said. “She loves to compete. She takes wrestling very seriously.”
Bowlin took up the sport four years ago, joining a club program in Summerville. She was able to learn the sport quickly and fell in love with the competition aspect of the sport.
“I just really enjoyed competing and my love grew the more I wrestled,” Bowlin said. “It’s fun for me to participate in a boys sport. It’s fun to show that I can compete with them and that I will work as hard as they do to be good at it.”
It is not unusual for Bowlin to hear giggles and jokes when she walks on the mat to compete against a male wrestler.
“There have been some but I think mostly the guys respect me as a wrestler,” said Bowlin, who is home-schooled. “It just makes me want to try even harder. If I lose, I learn. So I am learning and gaining experience every day.”
State wrestling rankings
The most recent statewide rankings of wrestling teams was released last week. In Class AAAAA, Ashley Ridge is ranked second and Summerville is ranked third. They wrestle each other on Thursday night.
Cane Bay is ranked 14th in AAAAA, followed by Wando at No. 17 and Goose Creek at No. 20.
Hanahan is ranked 11th in Class AAA with Academic Magnet checking in at No. 20.
In the Class AA/A rankings, Timberland is ranked second while Cross is ranked eighth. Philip Simmons is ranked ninth.
Lowcountry basketball rankings
Fort Dorchester is ranked No. 1 in this week’s Lowcountry high school basketball boys rankings. The No. 1 girls team is Northwood Academy.
Top 10 Boys Teams
1. Fort Dorchester
2. First Baptist
3. Philip Simmons
4. Woodland
5. Cane Bay
6. Goose Creek
7. Lucy Beckham
8. Oceanside Collegiate
9. Pinewood Prep
10. James Island
Top 10 Girls Teams
1. Northwood Academy
2. First Baptist
3. Cane Bay
4. Summerville
5. Philip Simmons
6. Military Magnet
7. Fort Dorchester
8. Stratford
9. Stall
10. Timberland
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