Preferred Health

10/21/2023

10/04/2023

Happy Animal Day!

08/23/2023

Learning Medicare can feel very complex. Step One if you are either turning 65 or retiring is to contact Social Security to enroll in Part B of Medicare. Go to ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213. You can delay your Part B if you have group health insurance and you or your spouse are still working…and that your employer-sponsored plan has more than 20 members.

07/28/2023

When first starting Medicare, here are the top three reasons to consider enrolling in a Medigap plan:
1. Comprehensive Coverage: Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement plans, can provide additional coverage that fills the gaps in Original Medicare (Part A and Part 😎. These plans help pay for certain out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, giving you more predictable healthcare expenses.
2. Freedom to Choose Healthcare Providers: With a Medigap plan, you have the freedom to visit any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare patients. There are no network restrictions, so you can seek medical care from any doctor or hospital that participates in Medicare, offering you more flexibility and control over your healthcare decisions.
3. Peace of Mind: Medicare can cover a significant portion of your medical expenses, but it still leaves some costs to be paid out of pocket. Enrolling in a Medigap plan provides peace of mind, knowing that you have additional financial protection for unexpected medical needs, which can be especially valuable as you age and healthcare needs may increase.
Keep in mind that the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you are both 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health conditions.
See less

07/28/2023

Medicare Part B and submit your special enrollment period forms to Social Security.

As your group plan ends on July 31, you won't be able to start your Medicare Part B coverage until February. Since you no longer qualify for a special enrollment period, you'll have to wait until the general enrollment period, which is typically from January 1 to March 31, to enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, late enrollees can sign up for Part B, and their coverage will begin on the first day of the following month, but they may incur a Part B penalty.

Understanding Medicare's enrollment periods can help you plan your healthcare coverage effectively. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
📱 Call Us: 855-265-6334

07/28/2023

When first starting Medicare, here are the top three reasons to consider enrolling in a Medigap plan:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement plans, can provide additional coverage that fills the gaps in Original Medicare (Part A and Part 😎. These plans help pay for certain out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, giving you more predictable healthcare expenses.

2. Freedom to Choose Healthcare Providers: With a Medigap plan, you have the freedom to visit any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare patients. There are no network restrictions, so you can seek medical care from any doctor or hospital that participates in Medicare, offering you more flexibility and control over your healthcare decisions.

3. Peace of Mind: Medicare can cover a significant portion of your medical expenses, but it still leaves some costs to be paid out of pocket. Enrolling in a Medigap plan provides peace of mind, knowing that you have additional financial protection for unexpected medical needs, which can be especially valuable as you age and healthcare needs may increase.

Keep in mind that the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you are both 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums based on your health conditions.

07/28/2023

🔍 Discovering Medicare can be a daunting journey! 🤯

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the complexities and jargon that come with Medicare? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️ Don't worry; you're not alone! Learning about Medicare can be a challenge for many, but we're here to help you navigate this complex terrain. 🗺️💼

At Preferrred Health, we understand that understanding Medicare can be HARD. But fear not! Our team of experts is dedicated to making this process easier for you. 💪✨

📚 Knowledgeable Guidance: Let our experienced professionals break down the ins and outs of Medicare in simple terms, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

🤝 Personalized Support: Every individual's healthcare needs are unique. Our team takes the time to understand your requirements and finds the best Medicare options tailored just for you.

🎓 Educational Resources: Access to a wealth of educational materials, webinars, and workshops that empower you with the knowledge you need to master Medicare.

💼 One-Stop Solution: From enrollment assistance to plan comparisons, we've got you covered every step of the way. No more headaches trying to figure it all out alone!

Don't let the complexities of Medicare hold you back from securing the healthcare coverage you deserve. Let us be your Medicare learning partner! 🌟

Reach out to us today for a FREE consultation and take the first step towards understanding Medicare with confidence. 📞📆

07/28/2023

Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods - A Guide for Retirees

Question: I'm facing challenges with enrolling in Medicare Part B for my wife and me since I retired early in October 2022, and our group benefits will end on July 31. I recently learned that I needed to be an active employee to avoid penalties when enrolling in Medicare Part B. Can you explain the Medicare rule I missed, leading to this situation? Now, we have to pay over $1,500 a month for COBRA. - Robert, Fort Worth

Dear Robert, It seems that you missed the enrollment window for Medicare Part B, which closed in May 31, due to your retirement in October 2022. If you or your spouse were still working, you would have been eligible to delay Part B enrollment without penalties. According to the Medicare and You Handbook, your 8-month Special Enrollment Period for Part B starts when you stop working, even if you opt for COBRA or non-Medicare coverage.

You thought you were protected by your employer group health plan and severance retirement package, but unfortunately, you and your wife missed the eight-month window to apply for Medicare Part B and submit your special enrollment period forms to Social Security.

As your group plan ends on July 31, you won't be able to start your Medicare Part B coverage until February. Since you no longer qualify for a special enrollment period, you'll have to wait until the general enrollment period, which is typically from January 1 to March 31, to enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, late enrollees can sign up for Part B, and their coverage will begin on the first day of the following month, but they may incur a Part B penalty.

Understanding Medicare's enrollment periods can help you plan your healthcare coverage effectively. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
📱 Call Us: 855-265-6334

07/28/2023

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Medicare! 🇺🇸🎉

Today, we celebrate 58 years of providing essential healthcare coverage to millions of Americans through the incredible Medicare program. 🎈✨

Since its inception on July 30, 1965, Medicare has been a lifeline for seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering them peace of mind and access to quality healthcare services. 🏥💙

At [Preferred Health], we feel incredibly honored to be part of this journey, guiding and supporting our valued clients in navigating the world of Medicare with confidence and ease. 🚀🤝

🎁 To mark this special occasion, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our wonderful clients and the entire Medicare community. Your trust in us is what drives us to go the extra mile every day! 💖

We take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to providing top-notch services, personalized advice, and a helping hand in finding the perfect Medicare solutions for you and your loved ones. 🌟

Join us in celebrating the legacy of Medicare and the positive impact it has made on countless lives across the nation. 🎊🥳

If you or someone you know is seeking reliable Medicare insurance guidance, we're here to assist! Contact us today to explore your options and let's continue this journey together. 📞🗓️

Once again, Happy Birthday, Medicare! Here's to many more years of health and happiness for everyone! 🎉🍰

07/28/2023

Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
Medigap plans are private health insurance policies designed to complement Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). They are called "Medigap" because they help fill the gaps in coverage that Original Medicare may not fully pay for, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap plans are standardized and regulated by the government, which means that each plan type offers the same basic benefits, regardless of the insurance company offering it. For example, Plan F from one insurance company will have the same coverage as Plan F from another company. As of 2021, there are 10 standardized Medigap plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N), but some plans are no longer available to new enrollees.

It's important to note that Medigap plans can't be used in conjunction with Medicare Advantage plans. You have to choose one or the other. If you have a Medigap plan, you can use it to help cover out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare, but you won't get additional benefits like prescription drug coverage or other extras that Medicare Advantage plans may offer.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C):
Medicare Advantage plans are also provided by private insurance companies but are an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare, but your coverage is provided through the private insurer. These plans must cover all the services that Original Medicare covers (except for hospice care, which is still covered by Medicare Part A), but many Advantage plans offer additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs. Medicare Advantage plans often operate like HMOs or PPOs, requiring you to use a network of healthcare providers or pay more for going out-of-network.

Unlike Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans can't be combined with Original Medicare and a separate Medigap policy. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot also have a Medigap plan, as they would duplicate coverage.

In summary, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are designed to work alongside Original Medicare to help cover gaps in coverage, while Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans replace Original Medicare and provide additional benefits through private insurance companies. When deciding between the two, it's essential to carefully compare the benefits, costs, and coverage options to choose the plan that best suits your individual healthcare needs.

07/28/2023

Understanding Medicare Part B Enrollment Options for Working Individuals and Their Spouses:

Medicare Part B is an essential component of the Medicare program, providing medical insurance coverage for various outpatient services. However, if you or your spouse are still working and offered group employer coverage from a company with more than 20 employees, you might have the option to delay enrolling in Part B. In this article, we will explain the enrollment periods for Part B and the considerations you should make when deciding whether to take Part B while employed.

Working and Offered Group Employer Coverage:

If you or your spouse are currently employed and covered by a group health insurance plan through your employer or union, and the company has more than 20 employees, you have the option to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B. This is because your group employer coverage may already provide comprehensive health benefits, and enrolling in Part B while still working might lead to unnecessary premium expenses.

Enrollment Periods for Part B:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The IEP is a seven-month period that begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits before turning 65, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B. However, if you are delaying your Social Security benefits and still working, you need to proactively enroll in Part B during your IEP if you want the coverage to start immediately.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): The SEP allows you to enroll in Medicare Part B without facing late enrollment penalties if you or your spouse are actively working and covered by a group health plan from an employer with more than 20 employees. The SEP window opens when your employment or group health plan coverage ends, or when you lose the coverage, whichever comes first. You have an eight-month period from the end of your employment or coverage to enroll in Part B without penalties.

General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can enroll in Medicare Part B during the General Enrollment Period. The GEP runs from January 1st to March 31st each year, with coverage beginning on July 1st of the same year. However, enrolling during the GEP may result in late enrollment penalties, and there might be gaps in coverage while waiting for the effective date.

Considerations for Delaying Part B Enrollment:

Health Needs: Assess your current health needs and the coverage provided by your employer's group health plan. If the plan offers comprehensive coverage and meets your healthcare needs, delaying Part B enrollment might be a suitable option.

Cost: Medicare Part B comes with a monthly premium, and enrolling while still covered by an employer's plan could lead to unnecessary additional expenses. Evaluate the cost-benefit of taking Part B versus staying on your employer's plan.

Penalties and Gaps: Be aware of the potential late enrollment penalties if you miss the Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Additionally, consider the waiting period for coverage during the General Enrollment Period.

If you or your spouse are still working and offered group employer coverage from a company with more than 20 employees, you have the option to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without facing late enrollment penalties. Carefully assess your healthcare needs, compare the coverage provided by your employer's plan with Part B benefits, and be mindful of the various enrollment periods to make an informed decision. Delaying Part B enrollment might be a strategic choice to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage while minimizing unnecessary expenses. However, it's crucial to plan ahead and enroll in Part B promptly when your employer coverage ends to avoid any gaps in healthcare coverage.