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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Bluffton, SC
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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Bluffton, 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 Bluffton
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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton, 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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton, SC
Public hearing scheduled May 22 for proposed sand mine
Shellie Murdaughhttps://www.blufftontoday.com/story/news/2025/05/16/public-hearing-in-hardeeville-to-be-held-may-22-for-sand-mine/83629679007/
A public hearing will be held May 22 at 7p.m. at the Agape Family Life Center concerning a proposed Monroe Tract Surface Mine in the Hardeeville area of Jasper County....
A public hearing will be held May 22 at 7p.m. at the Agape Family Life Center concerning a proposed Monroe Tract Surface Mine in the Hardeeville area of Jasper County.
Residents in Jasper County, not only in the Hardeeville area, will soon have the chance to voice their opinions about a proposed sand mine seeking to locate an operation in the county.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) announced the agency will be holding a public hearing regarding a proposed Monroe Tract Surface Mine Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Agape Family Life Center in Hardeeville. The center is located at 5855 S. Okatie Highway.
Before the public hearing, a public meeting will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Doors for the meeting will open at 5:30 p.m.
According to a public notice of an application for a mine operating permit, CFH Monroe, LLC has applied to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) for a permit to mine sand at a site located at 2708 Levy Road in Jasper County, approximately 2.7 miles southeast of Limehouse, SC. The notice states a proposed reclamation plan to restore the site to a lake or pond has been submitted with the application.
“The public meeting is informal and provides an opportunity for participants to have a discussion with SCDES staff about the proposed mine and environmental permitting process prior to giving comments at the public hearing,” A SCDES news release said.
SCDES will make a presentation during the meeting about the mine permit application and staff from SCDES’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management, Water Quality and the regional office will be at the meeting to address questions and concerns.
Citizen concerned about possible mine in neighborhood
At least one citizen has voiced her concerns about placing the Monroe Tract Surface Mine and wants others in the community and county to attend the meeting to receive more information about the proposal.
“The applicant is requesting to mine sand directly adjacent to established neighborhoods, including Osprey Lake, where my own home sits just 50 feet from one of the proposed mine site,” resident Ahna Phelps said.
Some of her concerns for her as well as her neighbors include possible serious risks to air quality and mental/physical health, noise pollution and disruption of daily life. Other concerns include traffic and safety hazards and potential flooding should the mine be approved.
“This development, if approved, would have irreversible consequences for our rural community,” Phelps said.
SCDES recommends it is important for citizens to keep in mind that the agency cannot make a permit decision based on a vote or how many comments are received.
The agency said there are also some common issues/comments related to mining operations that SCDES does not have the regulatory or legal authority to consider when making a permit decision. Issues involving truck traffic, access to public roads, weight limits, and traffic patterns are governed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and the local county.
The agency said it is also important to remember industrial development and operating hours are governed by the local county through zoning and land use planning.
“Beginning a conversation early about these and other quality of life issues is an effective way for communities to work together with local government officials, their legislative delegation, mining representatives, and other interested parties to find solutions and reach common goals,” the agency said.
SCDES said a final decision on the mine permit application will not be made until after review and consideration of all comments received through June 6, 2025.
Novant Health breaks ground on two new Bluffton facilities
Shellie Murdaughhttps://www.blufftontoday.com/story/news/2025/04/21/two-new-novant-medical-facilities-coming-to-bluffton-in-2026/83100221007/
A groundbreaking was held April 2 for a Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department and Novant Health Bluffton Health Place which is slated to open in Spring of 2026.Bluffton TodayNovant Health broke ground on Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department and Novant Health Bluffton Health Place April 2 with several dignitaries and others in attendance.Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department and Novant Health Bluffton Health Place is a new healthcare hub designed to expand access to high-quality medical care in the gr...
A groundbreaking was held April 2 for a Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department and Novant Health Bluffton Health Place which is slated to open in Spring of 2026.
Bluffton Today
Novant Health broke ground on Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department and Novant Health Bluffton Health Place April 2 with several dignitaries and others in attendance.
Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department and Novant Health Bluffton Health Place is a new healthcare hub designed to expand access to high-quality medical care in the growing Bluffton community. The facilities are slated to open in Spring of 2026.
The Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department building is located off Buckwalter Parkway and the new facilities will provide residents with critical emergency and specialty healthcare services, reinforcing Novant Health’s commitment to delivering remarkable care closer to home.
“Emergencies don’t wait," Erica McEnery, MD and emergency medical director of Hilton Head Medical Center said. "Having immediate access to high-quality, board-certified emergency care in Bluffton is essential for this growing community. This facility will provide peace of mind to families, ensuring they can receive expert emergency care at all hours when they need it most.”
The new facility will allow for emergency and special care services to expand in the lowcountry.
The Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department, which will be 10,000 square feet, will feature ten treatment rooms, including a dedicated trauma room; on-site advanced diagnostics (CT scans, X-rays, lab testing); board-certified emergency medicine physicians, skilled nurses and support staff, as well as ambulance-ready capabilities for seamless hospital transfers.
Novant Health Bluffton Health Place, located next to the Novant Health Bluffton Emergency Department, will be a 40,000-square-foot medical office building. It will offer primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology (including an outpatient GI center), a multispecialty ambulatory service center, and future expansion space to meet evolving community needs.
“This first Novant Health groundbreaking in South Carolina reaffirms our commitment to bringing world-class healthcare to Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry communities,” Jason Bernd, Novant Health senior vice president and president of the South Carolina Region, said. “We want residents to receive exceptional care right here at home. This project is a key component of our broader, regional healthcare expansion.”
The development will be constructed by Vannoy Contractors and will include ample on-site parking and improved traffic flow, including a new traffic signal at Buckwalter Parkway and Parkside to enhance safety.
This project, Novant officials said, is in conjunction with the ongoing development of Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center, a full-service 50-bed acute care hospital to be located less than half a mile from the new facilities. South Carolina recently approved Novant Health’s Certificate of Need application for the hospital.
The projects will also be near the future Novant Health Buckwalter Medical Plaza, an ambulatory surgery center specializing in orthopedics and featuring an imaging center and outpatient services.
“These facilities are part of a larger, wholistic vision to ensure residents have access to essential healthcare services without having to travel long distances,” said Joel Taylor, president of Hilton Head Medical Center. “Not only will this bring specialty care and ambulatory services directly to Bluffton, but it will also boost the local economy and create an estimated 1,000 valuable jobs in the community over five years.”
Novant Health is based in Winston-Salem, N.C., and is a part of a four-state integrated network of physician clinics, outpatients' centers and hospitals, according to the company's website. The network has more than 1,600 physicians and 29,000 employees at more than 640 locations.
Novant Health acquired East Cooper Medical Center in Charleston, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head, and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville and 27 associated physician clinics in February of last year.
Novant Health has also expanded its care network with the acquisition of 52 Doctors Care and 20 Progressive Physical Therapy clinics and recently opened Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Beaufort?.
Bluffton golfer Brian Campbell makes RBC Heritage debut at Harbour Town
Chloe Applebyhttps://www.islandpacket.com/sports/golf/rbc-heritage-tournament/article304420236.html
Familiar faces from around town can be found among the crowds at RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. But this year, a local face can be recognized out on the course. Brian Campbell, a Bluffton resident and first timer at Harbour Town Golf Links, is taking a swing at this years’ tournament.After the morning wave of players finished, Campbell was alone in third place for a brief period before former FedExCup champion Justin Thomas tied the course record with a 10-under 61 in the early afternoon.Just last week, Campbell played...
Familiar faces from around town can be found among the crowds at RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. But this year, a local face can be recognized out on the course. Brian Campbell, a Bluffton resident and first timer at Harbour Town Golf Links, is taking a swing at this years’ tournament.
After the morning wave of players finished, Campbell was alone in third place for a brief period before former FedExCup champion Justin Thomas tied the course record with a 10-under 61 in the early afternoon.
Just last week, Campbell played for the first time in The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, securing a top 50 finish in 32nd place. This week, he will make secure another first, making his debut at Hilton Head’s signature golf event.
The 32-year-old is from Irvine, California. He played college golf at the University of Illinois from 2011-2014 and turned pro in 2015. After joining the PGA tour in 2017, Campbell has played 33 events, bringing in his first win earlier this year at the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld.
Since the February win, Campbell’s life as a golfer has completely changed.
“Its just been a whirlwind,” he told The Island Packet after finishing the first round, when he sat in third place. “After winning, all of a sudden you’re thinking ‘We’re going to The Masters.’ That has been the biggest change. Preparing for a venue like that.”
Campbell moved to Bluffton two and a half years ago, in part to follow his parents who moved to the area years earlier and in part to improve his game on Bermuda grass. He said he also loves playing among the beauty of the Lowcountry, especially the moss covered trees. He plays out of the Colleton River Club.
He is one of the lowest ranking players on the tour in driving distance, but sits among the top 50 players on the tour for putting, according to the PGA Tour wesbite. His overall rank is 107th.
In the first round, Campbell teed off at 8:10 a.m. He was paired with Sami Valimaki. In the second round, Campbell will start at 11:20 a.m.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM.
Weather Today in Bluffton, SC
Weather.comhttps://weather.com/weather/today/l/edcfc088b0bf34147a519c934ae0fb1e088ba0579d596f6993a8498d006e33f5
Type at least three characters to start auto complete. Recently searched locations will be displayed if there is no search query. The first option will be automatically selected. Use up and down arrows to change selection. Use escape to clear.Search City or Zip CodeBluffton, SC87°SunnyDay 90° • Night 66°...
Type at least three characters to start auto complete. Recently searched locations will be displayed if there is no search query. The first option will be automatically selected. Use up and down arrows to change selection. Use escape to clear.Search City or Zip Code
Bluffton, SC
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Weather Today in Bluffton, SC
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The 46th annual Bluffton Mayfest is right around he corner. Here’s what to know
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article305922781.html
For over four decades, the Bluffton Mayfest has served as a springtime tradition for residents across the Lowcountry.With art, food and community, this festival has drawn thousands of visitors, bringing together the spirit of the Lowcountry, right in the heart of Old Town Bluffton.The Bl...
For over four decades, the Bluffton Mayfest has served as a springtime tradition for residents across the Lowcountry.
With art, food and community, this festival has drawn thousands of visitors, bringing together the spirit of the Lowcountry, right in the heart of Old Town Bluffton.
The Bluffton Mayfest, coordinated by The Rotary Club of Bluffton, is held annually on the Saturday before Mother’s Day.
This year marks the 46th anniversary of the festival and The Rotary Club has stated this year’s event will bring heightened levels of fun.
From the ugly dog competition to the messy pie-eating contest, the Bluffton Mayfest offers a unique and entertaining experience for all ages.
Here’s everything you should know if you plan to visit.
Most events will be held within Historic Downtown Bluffton at Martin Family Park, Dubois Park, the Heyward House and along Bridge Street.
Additionally, there will be live music on the day of the festival. Here’s the performance line-up:
Main Stage at Martin Family Park
Second Stage at Bridge Street
Parking for the festival will be available at the following locations:
Shuttle services from the parking lots will also be available.
While this weekend may bring a few showers, Bluffton Mayfest has confirmed on their Facebook page that this event will happen rain or shine.
Here is the forecast for Saturday, according to the National Weather Service:
There is a 70% chance of rain with showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms are likely after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
To stay up to date with this weekend’s forecast, click here for the NWS outlook in Beaufort County.
The Mayfest event has been held in Bluffton for four decades. Also referred to as the Bluffton Village Festival, this event was first held in 1978 as a small arts and crafts festival to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Over the years, the festival has grown in both size and popularity.
While the event has evolved over time, it’s become a staple for the community, providing a great way for visitors to walk, stroll and shop the historic district.
For up-to-date information, please visit The Rotary Club of Bluffton. All events are subject to change.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.
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