Free Medicare Planning - Buffington Insurance Group

Medicare Planning Is Complicated, But Not For Us!

-WE CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, FIND COVERAGE AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS!-

What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

The Annual Enrollment Period is your best opportunity for Medicare planning and it begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th every year. During this Annual Enrollment Period you can change your Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year. Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to their offerings each year, including changes to costs, coverage, and what pharmacies and providers are in their network. However, this is your opportunity to make new choices and pick plans that work best for you.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, review the materials that your plan sent you like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC), and if your plan is changing, be sure that it still meets your needs for the following year. For instance, if it doesn’t, now is the time to let us review your plan so that you’re satisfied with the level of care and coverage you will be receiving. Also, consider if your health has changed, if you may need additional care in the coming year, or if your premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are too high.

After the Annual Election Period

Once the Annual Election Period has passed, you’re much more limited in the types of changes you can make to your Medicare coverage. However, in certain situations, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Medicare plan, switch plans, or make other changes to your coverage.

Changes made during AEP become effective January 1st of the following year.

During AEP you can:

Join a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) Plan
Switch from one Part D plan to another
Drop your Part D coverage altogether
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, and vice versa
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Change from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t offer prescription drug coverage to one that does, and vice versa

For More Information:

Medicare’s official website:
Download “Medicare & You,” the government’s official Medicare handbook
Apply for Extra Help
Apply for Medicare A & B

MEDICARE PLANNING CAN BE CONFUSING

Ready to Get Started?

Contact our Medicare team for all of your Free Medicare planning coverage needs. And for general information be sure to visit Medicare.gov, the Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare. There are only certain times when you can enroll. Depending on your situation, you may get Medicare automatically or will need to sign up for it. In most cases, it depends on whether or not you are receiving Social Security benefits. You can find out more here.

Some Medicare Basics

Part A

(Original Medicare – Hospital Insurance)

Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B

(Original Medicare – Medical Insurance)

This covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Part C

(Medicare Advantage)

Generally, a Medicare health plan:

Is offered by a private company
Contracts with Medicare to provide Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) & Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) benefits
Provides those benefits to those enrolled

Part D

(Prescription Drug)

Choose from 2 ways to get prescription drug coverage. You can choose a Medicare Part D plan. Or, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers drug coverage.

MORE ABOUT MEDICARE

Original Medicare A & B doesn’t cover all of your health care costs when you enroll. So whether you want a plan to help pay out-of-pocket expenses, a Medicare Advantage plan with added benefits and services, or prescription drug coverage, our team of brokers at Buffington Insurance Group will help with all your free Medicare Planning needs. They will review all your options that are personalized for your specific situation and help you decide the best available coverage.

What Type of Medicare Plan Are You Looking For?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

These plans pay some out-of-pocket expenses for doctor or hospital visits that Medicare doesn’t completely cover, including co-payments, coinsurance and deductibles. While these policies cover the same basic benefits, some offer additional coverage and deductible limits.

Medicare Advantage

Also known as “Part C” or “MA Plans,” they are offered by private companies approved by Medicare, which pays approved benefits. There are several types of plans. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage; some offer vision and dental. Your plan’s benefits may change each year so be sure to contact us with any questions.

Prescription Drug Plans

If you’re signed up for Medicare Part A and B or have a Medicare Advantage plan (without drug coverage), you can offset drug costs with privately administered coverage offered by insurers. We can find what coverage works best for you based on whether you get your medications from your local retailer or a preferred mail-delivery

Contact A Medicare Broker

“By submitting this form and providing this information, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed agent may contact you by phone, e-mail, or mail to answer your questions and provide additional information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.”