Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Summerville, SC

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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 Summerville 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 Summerville
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Summerville, 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

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Summerville, SC

Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!

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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 Summerville

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 Summerville 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville. 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.

Election 2024: SC House District 102 has Holman challenging Jefferson

Editor's note: In collaboration with the Summerville Journal Scene, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum to provide a platform for candidates in races impacting Dorchester County to share their positions on key local issues. The event occurred Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Faith Sellers Senior Center in Summerville. The following information was compiled from that event.Harriet Holman (R)Deep Commitment: Expressed love for the state and ...

Editor's note: In collaboration with the Summerville Journal Scene, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum to provide a platform for candidates in races impacting Dorchester County to share their positions on key local issues. The event occurred Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Faith Sellers Senior Center in Summerville. The following information was compiled from that event.

Harriet Holman (R)

Deep Commitment: Expressed love for the state and country, emphasizing her experience on the county council, where she fixed roads and brought in medical assistance. Pledged to work hard for the community.

Education: Advocated for providing students with appropriate learning options and career pathways and encouraging families to invest in their children's education.

Housing: Committed to securing workforce and affordable housing, promising to take necessary actions to ensure housing availability.

Workforce Development: Stressed the importance of education and apprentice programs to give students real-world experience, helping them find and stick with their passions in the workforce.

Closing Remark: Running to provide a new voice for the people, Holman pledged to be responsive and get the job done, advocating for fresh leadership and promising to bring new funding to the district.

Summary: Holman expressed a deep love for her state and country and emphasized her track record on the county council, where she fixed roads and brought medical help. In education, Holman focused on ensuring students have access to appropriate learning and career training options while encouraging family involvement in their children's education. She committed to addressing housing challenges by working hard to secure workforce and affordable housing. Holman emphasized the importance of education and apprentice programs to help students gain experience, find their passion, and stay committed to their careers. In her closing remarks, she positioned herself as a new voice for the district, pledging to be accessible and promising to secure new funding and leadership for the community.

For more information, visit https://www.harrietholman.com/.

Joe Jefferson (D) (incumbent)

Experience: Highlighted 20 years of service in Columbia. He’s a Clemson graduate and an FBI Academy grad. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support in the House.

Education: Advocated for incentivizing teachers and working with Trident Technical College and other schools to ensure adequate student options and stressed funding for education.

Housing: Acknowledged various housing challenges, stressing the importance of ensuring job availability so people can afford homes and apartments.

Closing Remark: Emphasized his 20-plus years of service in Columbia, urging people to look beyond party affiliation and focus on working together.

Summary: Jefferson, with 20 years of service in the House, emphasized his background as a Clemson graduate and FBI Academy alumnus, currently serving on the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee and Legislative Oversight Committee. He expressed appreciation for the continued support of his constituents. On education, Jefferson advocated for incentivizing teachers and working with institutions like Trident Technical College to ensure proper options for the future workforce and for funding for schools. In addressing housing challenges, he stressed the need to create jobs so that people can afford homes and apartments. In his closing remarks, Jefferson highlighted his 28 years of experience in Columbia, calling for unity beyond party lines and focusing on working together for the community’s benefit.

For more information, visit https://jefferson102.com/.

A Summerville elementary school to be built in The Ponds

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester School District Two is ready to start building a new elementary school, but it doesn’t yet own the land where it will be built.The school will be located within The Ponds of Summerville. 40 acres of trees adjacent to the “Village Center” will eventually be clear cut to make room for the Pre-K through 5th grade school.A nearly 20-year-old development agreement states Kolter Homes will donate the land to Dorchester County, which will then deem it to the school district....

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester School District Two is ready to start building a new elementary school, but it doesn’t yet own the land where it will be built.

The school will be located within The Ponds of Summerville. 40 acres of trees adjacent to the “Village Center” will eventually be clear cut to make room for the Pre-K through 5th grade school.

A nearly 20-year-old development agreement states Kolter Homes will donate the land to Dorchester County, which will then deem it to the school district.

Kolter doesn’t have to turn the land over to the county until a specific amount of development is complete, which they are approaching the final phases of.

“The sooner the better,” councilman Jay Byars said.

Byars says a school in this neighborhood is needed.

“That elementary school will relieve some overcrowding,” Byars said. “A lot of the kids in this neighborhood go to Sandhill Elementary which is over near East Edisto and it’s already overcrowded they are adding trailers. This school will be right here in the neighborhood where the kids can bike to school and it’ll be a lot easier for everybody.”

Byars is hopeful that the county can get this land to DD2 in the next few months so they can get to work on this new school.

“There are so many children in The Ponds in general and not a ton of elementary schools in DD2 so I think adding one will lower class sizes which makes it easier for teachers and I definitely think it’s a need,” parent Hannah Litchfield said.

From working in real estate, Hannah’s husband Josh says people moving to the Charleston area want their kids to be in this specific school district.

“They come here and the first thing they say is ‘Dorchester School District Two we’ve heard it’s great, I wanna be here tell me about the schools’ so that is brining people here plus the people we already have so we desperately need this,” Josh Litchfield said.

DD2 officials confirmed a a traffic impact study has already been completed and they are still modifying plans to fit the site location.

New Summerville resource center hopes to help people ‘get back on their feet’

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - A new resource connection center had its grand opening in Dorchester County.Trident United Way opened a location in the Summerville area, hoping to get people back on their feet.“From many of the families that we see, they’re working one sometimes multiple jobs. We want their children to be in a stable place so they can continue to remain in the same school, continue to learn and ultimately that our neighborhood can thrive ...

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - A new resource connection center had its grand opening in Dorchester County.

Trident United Way opened a location in the Summerville area, hoping to get people back on their feet.

“From many of the families that we see, they’re working one sometimes multiple jobs. We want their children to be in a stable place so they can continue to remain in the same school, continue to learn and ultimately that our neighborhood can thrive by making sure every neighbor is financially secure knowing where their next meals are going to be and that they’re able to stay in their home,” Trident United Way President and CEO, DJ Hampton said.

Hampton says this resource center has taken time to open the doors for those in financial distress.

“So for those families who are working hard every day, struggling to make ends meet, it’s a place where they can come and get additional help and services,” Hampton said.

After looking at their database, Hampton said there’s about 40% of the community that are above the poverty line yet struggle significantly financially.

“There’s a large cross-section in our community that’s on the brink of financial disaster so all of those citizens have a resource center right here,” Summerville Mayor, Russ Touchberry said.

Touchberry explained that though he did not play as big of a role as others, he has referenced many to the organization and is hopeful for what this may bring.

“I’ve connected folks to the 211 program and connected them directly to them and they always get taken care of. It always makes folks feel special,” he said.

Trident United Way partnered with about a dozen non-profits to help provide opportunities for Summerville families.

While choosing which partners, Hampton says they had to consider their data to also cater to the needs of the community.

“We know health care can be a real challenge for people to access here, so we’ve partnered with mobile clinics from MUSC and roper to come and actually provide medical for those families while they’re already here,” Hampton said.

The center has office spaces for seminars or meetings, computers, school supplies and food.

“Then we help them get it in one stop. So instead of spending weeks going to multiple places, they’re able to get it one place. Which ultimately means they’re most likely to get services and they’re more likely to get the help they need to stay stable,” Hampton said.

Hampton also explained they can help with taxes.

He said every year, they complete about 1,200 to 1,300 tax returns for families, so any family that makes less than 73,000 dollars a year are eligible for the opportunity to have their taxes done for them.

“I hope when people get in there, they feel comfortable. They feel empowered and supported, and then from that they can be successful in our community,” Touchberry said.

The hours for the new location are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

They will then accept appointments on Friday.

Green Wave boys notch wins

The Summerville boys volleyball team is gaining momentum.The Green Wave won its region during its first season competing in boys volleyball, but defending that title this season won’t be easy. Summerville has a new head coach and lost some heavy hitters to graduation.“Coming into year two of the program brought a lot of expectations after the team saw success in year one,” said Summerville coach Steven DiPaolo. “There were big holes and talent to fill from last year’s roster that exceeded expectati...

The Summerville boys volleyball team is gaining momentum.

The Green Wave won its region during its first season competing in boys volleyball, but defending that title this season won’t be easy. Summerville has a new head coach and lost some heavy hitters to graduation.

“Coming into year two of the program brought a lot of expectations after the team saw success in year one,” said Summerville coach Steven DiPaolo. “There were big holes and talent to fill from last year’s roster that exceeded expectations and advanced to the second round of playoffs, but our group this year set the bar high from spring and summer workouts.”

DiPaolo, who is the DuBose Middle School Athletic Director and head coach for the Summerville junior varsity boys soccer team, added varsity volleyball to his list of responsibilities after Skyler Dennis stepped down as the program’s coach to focus on leading the Green Wave golf programs.

Under DiPaolo’s leadership, the team has won four of its previous six games to improve to 4-3 with a 2-0 region record. During the stretch, Summerville defeated Ashley Ridge, Stratford, Cane Bay and Fort Dorchester while dropping matches to Wando and Lucy Beckham. In the MaxPreps South Carolina Rankings, Wando is the No. 4 ranked Class 5A team in the state, and Lucy Beckham is No. 7. Summerville is currently ranked No. 16 in the class.

“The goal is to win region again and to compete every night in an effort to obtain Lower State and state titles,” DiPaolo said. “The Lowcountry has a ton of talent, especially in the Mount Pleasant area. We know the hard work it will take to build a culture and system that will compete each year and show that Summerville has the talent and work ethic to be a powerhouse. Our group only includes five seniors, but everyone is poised to push themselves to achieve our team goals as well as their own personal goals.”

Half of the players on the roster are returning varsity lettermen.

“The squad is led by juniors Kerrick Pruitt and Nick Beddard and sophomore Alex Mose,” DiPaolo said. “Despite being underclassmen, they carry themselves as veterans on and off the court. Seniors Mona Kamauu, Mason Karns and Bennett Black are all returners who elevate this team and work to groom the younger athletes.”

Pruitt returns as the primary setter. Mose returns with experience at Libero but is being used more as a utility player this season now that Karns has moved into the Libero position. Others returning include Matthew Abercrombie, Hunter Scruggs and Campbell Pittman.

Beddard and newcomer Julian Covington provide good size at the net. Wyatt Thompson, Mason Mills, Steele Robinson, Noah Terry, Lennox Holness and Ethan Wilson are also joining the team this season.

Summerville is scheduled to travel to James Island Sept. 30 for a tri-match against the Trojans and Ashley Ridge. The Green Wave hosts Cane Bay and Stratford for rematches scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 2.

“With plenty of season left, the boys and coaching staff continue to push themselves to be playing at their highest level while enjoying an amazing game that is rapidly growing in South Carolina,” DiPaolo said.

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