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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Isle of Palms or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Isle of Palms
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Isle of Palms, SC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Isle of Palms
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Isle of Palms is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Isle of Palms, SC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in Isle of Palms. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Latest News in Isle of Palms, SC
A Life of Generosity: James C. Thompson Receives South Carolina’s Highest Honor
Laura Streckerhttps://luckydognews.com/isle-of-palms/a-life-of-generosity-james-c-thompson-receives-south-carolin/
Credit: Laura StreckerIt was an evening of emotion, inspiration, and heartfelt gratitude at the Osprey Ballroom in Wild Dunes on Friday, November 15. Over 80 friends, family members, and admirers gathered to celebrate a man whose kindness has touched countless lives, near and far. James “Jim” Thompson, a longtime Isle of Palms resident, received the prestigious South Carolina Order of the Palmetto Award—a recognition reserved for individuals whose extraordinary contributions leave an indelible mark on the st...
Credit: Laura Strecker
It was an evening of emotion, inspiration, and heartfelt gratitude at the Osprey Ballroom in Wild Dunes on Friday, November 15. Over 80 friends, family members, and admirers gathered to celebrate a man whose kindness has touched countless lives, near and far. James “Jim” Thompson, a longtime Isle of Palms resident, received the prestigious South Carolina Order of the Palmetto Award—a recognition reserved for individuals whose extraordinary contributions leave an indelible mark on the state and beyond. For those who know Jim, there could be no one more deserving.
Ted Kinghorn, Director of the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation Isle of Palms, and Lynn Pierotti, Publisher of Island Eye News, welcomed the crowd with warm words and anecdotes. “Tonight, we’re going to talk about a man who is ‘contagiously kind,’ as Mayor Phillip Pounds loves to say,” Kinghorn noted, setting the tone for the evening.
The award, established in 1971, is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, bestowed on those whose lives exemplify extraordinary achievement and service. Mayor Pounds, presenting the honor, remarked, “When you think about what this award stands for, it’s hard not to see Jim Thompson’s name written all over it.”
The crowd was a testament to Jim’s impact, spanning generations and walks of life. His wife, Linda, and their children and grandchildren were present, alongside friends and leaders from the many nonprofits Jim has supported. These organizations had nominated him for the award, sharing testimonies of how his generosity changed lives.
Pierotti shared a poignant story of how he first met Jim Thompson in July 2021. At the time, The Island Eye News had run a story about the Jones family, one of the oldest remaining African American families on Sullivan’s Island. They were facing a legal battle to keep their home, ‘The Little House,’ which was built in the early 1900s. A court ruled that the family could retain ownership but only if the house was relocated—a costly endeavor they couldn’t afford. The family launched a GoFundMe campaign, but the financial goal seemed out of reach. “That’s when Jim Thompson stepped in,” Pierotti said, “Jim called me the day after the story was published and asked how much was needed, heard the amount, and said ‘done.’ The family got to keep their home and remains in use by the Jones family today.”
True to form, Jim’s humility and character shone through in his acceptance speech. He turned the tables and rather than accept the room’s praise, he went on to honor and highlight the good work of those in attendance. “I wouldn’t be here without all of you,” he said, gesturing to the room filled with nonprofit leaders, friends, and family. “You’ve invited me into your missions, into your lives, and given me the opportunity to be part of the good work you do. I’m just following where God leads me.”
He took time to honor the nonprofits that had nominated him, sharing powerful stories of their impact. Among them was J. Denise Cromwell, founder of Project Street Outreach, who helps homeless veterans and their families. Jim recounted her tireless work, even as she faced her own challenges raising her adopted daughter and granddaughter after losing her husband.
Taking the microphone, Cromwell shared how Jim had transformed her life: “There was a time I didn’t know how I was going to make it—financially, emotionally. Jim became aware of my situation and donated far beyond what I could have imagined. He saved me, my family, and my nonprofit. I call him my Uncle Jim because he is my family, in every sense of the word.”
Jim also recognized the individuals at and work of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), South Carolina Environmental Law Project, Friends of Charleston National Parks, South Carolina Aquarium, the Americanism Committee at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, the South Carolina Historical Society, Windwood Family Services, the LENS Foundation, and the Tri-County Veterans Support Network, and more. In addition to the nonprofits who nominated him were South Carolina State House Representative Joe Bustos, South Carolina State Senator Chip Campsen, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace.
When Tim Taylor, co-founder of Tri-County Veterans Support Network, took the stage, he emphasized how Jim’s contributions had provided housing and support for countless veterans. “Jim saves lives,” Tim said. “There are many veterans and families in crisis in our area who owe a debt of gratitude to the incredible generosity of Jim Thompson and his family. Words could never express sufficiently how grateful we are to him. There’s none more deserving of this prestigious award than Jim Thompson.”
The breadth and expansive reach Jim has had and continues to have with his generosity was miraculous to listen to. The room hung on his every word. It was emotional, powerful, and deeply resonated with those in attendance. To hear such profound stories of kindness was humbling and awe-inspiring. Jim is the type of man to hear of a need and simply fulfill it, no matter the cost. He lives with his heart and wallet open to give where the Lord calls him to.
What makes Jim’s impact even more humbling is that most of his giving is done anonymously. Pierotti noted in his opening remarks that Jim has never sought recognition for his generosity. “He doesn’t give because he wants the credit. So much of what he does, people don’t even know about. That’s one of the best parts about him. It’s never about being seen—it’s about meeting a need.”
The most poignant moments came from Jim’s family, who shared their own stories of his lifelong charity. Jim’s “unofficially adopted” son, David Romeo, remarked, “What you’re all recognizing in this room today, he’s been doing my whole life—for 50 years. For birthdays and holidays, Dad doesn’t want anything for himself. He jokes that he doesn’t need another golf polo. Instead, he asks us to donate to individuals or organizations in need. He even keeps a list of people he’s met or heard about who could use some help. That’s his favorite kind of gift.”
Jim’s 12-year-old granddaughter, Virginia Reece, shared a story about grocery shopping with her “Bop,” as she affectionately calls him, when someone approached asking for help supporting a child in Africa. “Bop didn’t just give money,” she said, smiling. “He started writing letters back and forth with the child, and he even bought a cow and a goat for the village. That’s who he is—he doesn’t need to know you to help you. He just hears of a need and fulfills it.”
Jim’s quiet, steady willingness to give, often without being asked, has impacted countless lives. The nonprofits he supports have fed families, housed veterans, preserved history, protected the environment, and built stronger communities.
As the night drew to a close, a sense of quiet reflection settled over the room. The stories shared and the lives touched by Jim Thompson painted a vivid picture of what it means to live with an open heart. His actions reminded everyone in attendance that living generously isn’t about the size of a gift, but the intention behind it. Generosity begins with simply saying yes—yes to giving time, resources, or compassion where they are needed most.
For those present, one takeaway was undeniable: Jim Thompson’s life is a testament to the transformative power of kindness and the ripple effect of helping others. His legacy is something we can all only hope to achieve, and it inspires us all to live generously—and it starts, as many walked away feeling that night, with simply saying yes.
Palmetto tree removal stirs response from Isle of Palms homeowners
Caitlin Ashbaughhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/11/20/palmetto-tree-removal-stirs-response-isle-palms-homeowners/
Published: Nov. 20, 2024 at 1:45 PM PST|ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms could be saying goodbye to hundreds of namesake palmetto trees because of their proximity to overhead powerlines.Unlike an oak tree, where crews can cleave or cut branches, palmetto trees cannot be trimmed for height in the same way. They eventually could grow to create hazards for power lines, linemen and arborists.537 of them are now marked with red dots, facing removal from city properties, businesses and homes.“The pal...
Published: Nov. 20, 2024 at 1:45 PM PST|
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms could be saying goodbye to hundreds of namesake palmetto trees because of their proximity to overhead powerlines.
Unlike an oak tree, where crews can cleave or cut branches, palmetto trees cannot be trimmed for height in the same way. They eventually could grow to create hazards for power lines, linemen and arborists.
537 of them are now marked with red dots, facing removal from city properties, businesses and homes.
“The palmetto is really part of our identity and our namesake. It really is a loss for us at a time when we need to be adding back in more trees and living things, among other things, to help with drainage resiliency and quality of life,” Susan Hill Smith said.
Smith is a former city representative and a long-time homeowner. Two of her neighbors have palmettos that will eventually be gone.
“It’s not just trees in the public right of way that will be impacted,” Smith said. “Landscapers, property owners. Take time to consider when you’re planting new trees or palmettos, that you’re not planting them where they’ll come into contact with powerlines.”
292 of the historic trees fall into Category One, meaning they will be up for immediate removal in the next few months. The rest fall into Category Two, meaning they do not pose an immediate risk, but are being monitored.
Nearly one-third of the island has converted overhead powerlines to underground. The proposal to remove trees has ignited a push to bring the change to remaining parts of the city.
“When I became mayor three years ago, it was a high priority for me to start attacking it,” Pounds said. “Dominion Energy has a cautionary program where you can put lines underground. About four years ago, we identified five projects to take them underground.”
The Palmetto is considered one of the defining features of South Carolina. Its logs built the fort on Sullivan’s Island that protected soldiers against the British Royal Navy in 1776.
It also served as a symbol of resilience for the Lowcountry after Hurricane Hugo devastated homes and businesses. The Plant-a-Palm program hoisted a historic marker on Palm Boulevard to show the impact of replanting and preserving the iconic tree.
Several of those trees are also facing removal.
“It is resilient,” Smith said. “It is a native tree that is supposed to be here.”
City leaders plan to discuss the topic with Dominion Energy into the new year. This includes the consideration of a comprehensive plan that slows the removal of trees and lessens the impact. The group would also consider cost projections to move the powerlines underground.
“They’re obviously important, aesthetically and historically to our island. We’ll do everything we can to save as many as we can. But then again, what do you want? The beauty, or do you want the power to your house to make sure it stays on? You want the reliability of the service,” Pounds said.
Dominion Energy comes in five-year cycles to analyze the area and cut trees as needed.
The next Environmental Advisory Committees will be on Dec. 12 and Feb. 13. There will also be a City Council meeting on Jan. 28.
Dominion Energy spokesperson Paul Fischer said:
While we certainly understand and appreciate the passion surrounding palmetto trees across our coastal communities, safety remains our top priority. Trees that have grown too close to overhead lines and other facilities are a fire hazard and an issue of employee and public safety. Our goal is not to remove trees but to remove risk.
Dominion Energy is always willing to consider underground lines if the construction is technically feasible, system reliability is not compromised and there is a mechanism in place to cover the cost. Every project is unique, and each requires a thorough, detailed feasibility and engineering study to determine the true scope of work.
We will continue to work cooperatively with our municipal partners as they consider their next steps in the process.
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