Medicare | Southern Insurance Associates in La Fayette, Georgia

Medicare Insurance

Medicare Coverage Options

Medicare is a health insurance program from the federal government administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Generally, Medicare is available to anyone 65 or older and to those under 65 with specific disabilities.

Confused by enrollment? We’re here to help! At Southern Insurance Associates, our team is dedicated to helping you find access to the best healthcare coverage with the least amount of hassle. We walk beside you every step of the way, empowering you to make informed decisions for you and yours – because we care about your health, too.

Knowing your Medicare ABCs

For your primary Medicare coverage, you have two choices – Original Medicare or Medicare Part C.

Original Medicare includes both Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). It also gives you the option to add on Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) and Supplemental Insurance (Medigap).

Medicare Part C, often called Medicare Advantage, is health care coverage like HMOs or PPOs offered by private insurance companies. These plans provide all the benefits of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) and typically provide Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) as well.

Based on your unique circumstances (ex: preferred medical providers, medication, budget, etc.), our goal is to help you find the right plan for your needs and goals. As you decide which option is best for you, we’ll guide you with our Medicare expertise and our personalized advice.

How Do I Enroll in Medicare?

In most cases, enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B begins the first day of the month when you turn age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will not need to enroll – you will automatically receive your Medicare card approximately 3.5 months before the effective date. Each month, the SSA will deduct the premium for Part B from your Social Security benefit.

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to enroll in Medicare within the three months prior to the effective date – the first day of the month in which you turn 65. You may enroll online at medicare.gov, over the phone by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or by setting up an appointment at your closest Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

Please note that you will not need to start your Social Security benefits at age 65 to enroll in your Medicare benefits. Until your Social Security benefits begin, the SSA will bill you quarterly for Part B of Medicare.

If you have group coverage from your spouse’s current employer, you can delay Medicare Part B. You will need to enroll in Part B two or three months before your retirement or loss of this group insurance – whichever occurs first.

Overwhelmed?

We understand! Medicare can be complicated – but it doesn’t have to be. If you have any questions at all about plans and enrollment, please feel free to give us a call! We would love to be your advocate.