If you’re new to Medicare, it can be overwhelming.
Our knowledgeable agents can help you understand your Medicare options and get the care you need—wherever your life journey takes you. Please understand that we do not charge you a fee for helping you enroll or by providing our expertise. Our team is here to help guide you through this process.
When Can I Enroll in Medicare?
You’re eligible for original Medicare (Parts A and B) if you meet the following criteria.
1st Criteria
You’re at least 65 years old, or you’re under 65 and qualify on the basis of disability or other special situation.
2nd Criteria
You’re a United States citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years.
When can you enroll in a Medicare Advantage or prescription plan?
Your initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is 7 months long. It includes your 65th birthday month plus the 3 months before and the 3 months after. It begins and ends 1 month earlier if your birthday is on the first of the month. You may enroll in Part A, Part B or both. You may also choose to join a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a prescription drug plan (Part D). Prescription drug coverage must be creditable or you may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty when you enroll in a plan with Part D benefits. Call us for details at (208) 488-4158!
Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7
During annual enrollment you can add, drop or switch your Medicare coverage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period January 1 – March 31
If you are already a Medicare Advantage plan member, you may disenroll from your current plan and switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan one time only during this period.
Special Enrollment Period
Depending on certain circumstances, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare plan outside of the initial enrollment or annual enrollment time frames. Some ways you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period are if you:
- Retire and lose your employer coverage
- Move out of the plan’s service area
- Receive assistance from the state
- Have been diagnosed with certain qualifying disabilities or chronic health conditions
- Qualify for extra help
Medicare 101 – Everything You Need to Know and More
Download the 5 Steps to Making Medicare a Success.
We’re not going to sugarcoat it, Medicare is complex. If you choose the wrong plans, supplemental insurance, or prescription coverages, then your budget or lifestyle will be affected. If you don’t enroll at the appropriate times and in the appropriate plans, your coverage may not even exist at the right time when you need it. Download this guide if you want to learn the basics of navigating the Medicare maze. Please remember, the CRM Group is here to help you choose the right coverages for your budget and lifestyle.
What is Medicare Supplemental Coverage?
There are two main types of plans. They cover costs Medicare doesn’t and can provide more flexibility and customization to your healthcare needs. The great thing is that there are plans for all types of budgets. Let’s review the two types of plans.
Option 1: Medicare Supplements
Supplement plans pay after Medicare does. They pay for things that you would normally cover. Some plans also cover your Part A and B deductibles. You can also choose a Part D drug plan to supplement.
You will also be able to see any physician or healthcare provider that participates in Medicare.
Option 2: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans may seem confusing because they are also called Part C of Medicare. They pay instead of Medicare. They usually include a prescription drug coverage.
Advantage plans are private insurance plans with their own local network of providers, generally HMO or PPO based.
Navigating the Medicare Maze
The CRM Group of professionals can help you navigate the Medicare maze. Our services are free to you. So, there is no reason to try this on your own. Because we work with a variety of insurance companies, we can find you the best plan at the lowest costs for your lifestyle.
How do we get compensated? Our commissions come directly from the insurance companies, not from you. They are not inflated or reduced based on the coverage we refer. The commissions are based on the product we choose that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
Don’t navigate this maze alone, call us today at (208) 488-4158.
