New To Medicare
New to Medicare?
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 12 organizations which offer numerous 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.
NOTICE TO ALL MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES:
If you seek information on Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have many protections for Medicare Beneficiaries. Chief among them is how insurance agents/brokers are allowed to contact Medicare Beneficiaries. CMS does not allow unsolicited contact. It is non-compliant for an agent/broker to “door knock” or make unsolicited phone calls to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries may sign up to receive more Medicare information online through social media, Business Reply Cards (answering a mail marketing piece), or elsewhere by giving your permission to contact you. Otherwise, you must call the agent/broker. Once you are compliantly in contact with an agent/broker, be sure you authorize a Scope of Appointment.
What is Original Medicare?
The federal program that offers health insurance to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Keep in mind that Original Medicare does not cover everything. There are deductibles for Parts A and B and coinsurance of 20%. Prescription drug coverage is not included. Original Medicare is not to be confused with Medicaid, a combined federal and state program for people with limited income and resources.
Is Original Medicare my only option?
No. You may choose to get Parts A and B through a Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Many Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drugs. Whereas, Medigap does not include the prescriptions, and a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) would be required to avoid a penalty unless you are using the VA’s prescription benefits.
What is the cost of Medicare?
Everyone in the country enrolled in Part B pays a premium, including our Veterans. The only subgroup that does not, are those that receive Medicaid and Medicare. Part B has a standard premium based on AGI from 2 years prior to your Part B enrollment. If your income is higher than the standard amount, you may be assessed an IRMAA, Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. To find your cost to Medicare, call or login to your SSA.gov account.
When should I enroll in Medicare?
IEP – Initial Election Period
3 months before your birth month, your birth month, and 3 months after
GEP – General Election Period
Enroll January 1 through March 31 if you didn’t enroll at 65 years.
SEP – Special Election Period
Qualify for this enrollment period throughout the year if you lose employer coverage
Are there penalties if I don’t enroll?
When coverage is not taken timely during one of your qualified elections, you may be assessed a penalty of 10% for every 12 months you were not enrolled. The penalty is assessed for your lifetime.
If you don’t enroll in Part D during one of your qualified elections, you may be assessed a penalty of 1% of the cost of the national average Prescription Drug Plan for every month you do not have coverage. The penalty is assessed for your lifetime.
What should I do if I am just turning 65?
- If you already receive Social Security Income, you will automatically be signed up for Parts A and B. ONLY consider declining Part B if you are staying on your employer benefits.
- If you do not receive Social Security Income, you will need to apply for Parts A and B by calling 800-772-1213 or going to your account on SSA.gov/Medicare
- It takes about 4-6 weeks to get your red, white, and blue Medicare Card. Call Bayside Health Benefits once you have received your Medicare Card so we can get you enrolled in your plan(s) of choice.
What to do if I am already 65 and on my Employer Plan?
You need Part B. Take the Employer Verification Form to your local Social Security office to signup for Part B. If you do not receive Social Security or Railroad income benefits, then you will need to enroll through the Social Security Administration at https://www.ssa.gov/
Should I leave my employer coverage?
Where do I get a Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan?
Bayside Health Benefits works with ELEVEN insurance companies offering Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans. Our Founder is a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, and will work to find the right fit for your medical and financial needs.
Do I pay you for your services? Why should I use a broker/agent?
- No. We are paid by the insurance company.
- Access to knowledgeable, Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™
- Guide to enrollment timeline and penalty avoidance
- Help finding the right plan for your medical/financial needs
- Saves confusion and research time of doctors and RX
- Knowledge about multiple carriers, not just one
- Navigation of policy benefits
- Agent/broker services your policy in addition to the carrier
EXPLORE YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS
Voices of Our Community
Free Tuesday Medicare Webinars
Every Tuesday at 11:30 AM, we host a free Medicare education session open to anyone who wants to understand their options before making a decision.
To speak with a licensed agent call (352) 999-2727 or