Amber Jacque - Independent Insurance Broker

03/25/2024

Remember that you have a seven month window for signing up for Medicare-three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after you turn 65. Your first step is to call social security to sign up for original Medicare and get your Medicare number. Reach out to me if you ever have any questions!

10/10/2023

What changes can you make during AEP?

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Cost plans, and Part D prescription drug plans only. Multiple changes and updates are allowed, including:

1-Dropping your Medicare Advantage plan and returning to Original Medicare
2-Moving from Original Medicare only to a Medicare Advantage plan
3-Enrolling in a different Medicare Advantage plan
4-Choosing a new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
5-Adding a Part D prescription drug plan if you don’t have one
6-Canceling your current Part D prescription drug plan

Note: If you don’t maintain some form of creditable prescription drug coverage and decide to re-enroll in Part D in a later year, you’ll get dinged with a late-enrollment penalty.

There isn’t any special flexibility to add or adjust your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan during AEP. If you choose to change your Supplement plan during AEP, the same rules apply as they would during the rest of the year.

10/10/2023

Good Morning! Maybe you have questions or need some guidance on new plans coming out for 2024! Let me know if you do and we can set up a meeting. Have a great day!

07/24/2023

HMO vs. PPO

HMO is a health insurance plan that typically limits the coverage of care to the doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. Generally no out-of-network care is covered unless it is an emergency.

PPO is a health insurance plan that contracts with medical providers to create a network of participating providers. You pay less when visiting providers in the network.

07/15/2023

What are the extra benefits to a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Many plans include coverage for health-related services and items, like gym memberships, routine eye and ear exams, dental coverage, hearing aids, glasses and contacts, and worldwide emergency care. Although it depends on your plan’s rules, most of these services don’t need to be offered by Medicare-certified providers, though you may be limited to specific facilities where you can receive service.

This is good information to consider when making a decision about which plan will work best for you!

07/06/2023

What Does Part A Cover?

If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare plan, your plan may have different rules. However, your plan must give you at least the same coverage as Original Medicare. Some services may only be covered in certain facilities or for patients with certain conditions.

Medicare Part A hospital insurance covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, lab tests, surgery, home health care.

Get to know your plan and coverage.

06/29/2023

What is Medicare Part D coverage?

Medicare Part D is the part of Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage. It’s available in two ways:

Medicare Advantage plans – Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D, grouping all your coverage in one plan.

Stand-alone Part D plans – These plans let you add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and several other plan types.

06/27/2023

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C)

Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.

In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.

Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, and dental services.

06/26/2023

Medicare General Enrollment Period

This is very important for people who are eligible for Medicare. If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B when you become eligible, you can apply for Medicare for the first time during the General Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 through March 31 every year. Coverage begins July 1.

This enrollment period is only available to people who didn’t sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period and who are not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

******Note: You may have to pay a higher premium for Part A and/or Part B due to late enrollment.

Enroll upon eligibility to avoid higher premiums and penalties!

06/25/2023

06/25/2023

Did you know?
Original Medicare plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
You can join a separate Medicare drug plan to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D).
You are able to use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.

06/24/2023

You do have Medicare Coverage Choices! When you enroll in Medicare for the first time and during certain times of the year, you choose your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways to get Medicare: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Some may need to get additional coverage, like Medicare drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).

If you are unsure and confused, don't worry-so many people are! Feel free to reach out with questions about your current coverage or coverage for your future.

I am currently accepting new clients and am willing to help anyone with their current plans. The most important thing is that you are getting what you really need!

Contact Me