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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 Daniel Island or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
Service Areas
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 Daniel Island
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 Daniel Island 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 Daniel Island, 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 Daniel Island. 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 Daniel Island, SC
Daniel Island students use their voices to bring change to their school
Autumn Kleinhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/02/29/daniel-island-students-use-their-voices-bring-change-their-school/
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County Council allocated $100,000 to Daniel Island School and it’s all thanks to a group of students advocating for their classmates.When eighth-grader Emily Hughes was elected as student council president, she knew she wanted to make a difference at her school. She said in years past, student council members were not able to turn their ideas into a reality, but she wanted to change that.“This year I think we can actually get something and get it done,” Hughes said....
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County Council allocated $100,000 to Daniel Island School and it’s all thanks to a group of students advocating for their classmates.
When eighth-grader Emily Hughes was elected as student council president, she knew she wanted to make a difference at her school. She said in years past, student council members were not able to turn their ideas into a reality, but she wanted to change that.
“This year I think we can actually get something and get it done,” Hughes said.
With the help of sixth-grade vice president Keegan McGivern and fifth-grade members Sara Whitley and Olive Abney, they were able to do just that. The student council got together and jotted down ideas that they wanted to implicate. Hughes said that Abney noticed a classmate who was unable to use the playground equipment at recess due to a physical disability, so he spent his recess reading inside. Hughes said it saddened her that recess was not something he enjoyed in the same way she was able to.
“It was upsetting because we could all use it. I loved playgrounds, like my whole life. And whenever other students can’t enjoy it the same way, we just want them to be included too,” she said.
Together, the student council decided that they wanted to create an inclusive playground. They knew this would be an expensive endeavor, so they first teamed up with their school’s Beta Club members to host a Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser. Through that, they were able to raise $588, but these students were ambitious. They wanted to take it a step further.
The students got together again to propose a letter to Berkeley County Council. Less than a week after the letter was submitted, the council invited the students to speak at Monday’s council meeting.
“It all happened really fast,” Hughes said.
Hughes took to the podium to share their ideas with the council members. She told them how they didn’t want any students to be left out at recess anymore. District 2 Councilman and Finance Committee Chair Josh Whitley made a motion to allocate $100,000 to the school to get this new, accessible equipment. The motion passed unanimously, and the students received high praise from Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb for their efforts.
“We were all so amazed and excited. It was really exciting and fun,” Hughes said with a grin on her face.
The students’ principals and staff could not have been prouder. The actions of these students hit home for Assistant Principal Jay Burnsworth.
“The biggest thing for me is, and it makes me really emotional in a lot of ways, is that my own son has special needs. And at the end of the day, these kids are doing it for everyone, for the community - not just Daniel Island School, but everyone,” Burnsworth said. “As a father, as an administrator, friend, dad, everybody, I’m just really proud of these kids.”
Once the playground is open, it will be open to the entire community, not just the students of the school.
Burnsworth was not the only one beaming with pride for these four kids. Principal Laura Blanchard shared her praises.
“We just thought it was great that our students recognized that need and wanted all of their friends to be able to play alongside them to the point that they would take action in the way that they did,” she said.
Blanchard and Burnsworth think that the playground will be an incredible physical reminder to the children, for many years to come, that they were able to make a difference.
“It’s really neat to see them empowered in that way. And it’s such a good and positive way,” Blanchard said.
She shared that this was a wonderful learning experience for these kids.
“They learned from the adults in their community that they have a voice. And that we are going to come alongside them and help put feet to their dreams,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard and Burnsworth said that they are already working on initiating the process. They emphasized that they want the students to be fully involved every step of the way. While they are working on the design process, they plan to take the students to different accessible playgrounds in the area so that they can get some ideas. Blanchard said that this is the children’s space, and she wants it to be representative of them, so they should be the ones to decide what is needed.
Hughes expressed some ideas she already had. She said that she would love to have rubber flooring to make wheelchair access easier. She would also love to have wheelchair-accessible swings put in. They also plan to add a sensory garden to the community garden that already exists.
Hughes said she is excited about the next steps.
“We all thought there was space to grow in this area,” she said. “This is something important that needs to happen. So, it was worth it.”
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Bridge replacement project on time with no delays, say city officials
Emma Slavenhttps://thedanielislandnews.com/news/bridge-replacement-project-time-no-delays-say-city-officials
The Beresford Creek Bridge replacement project is proceeding on schedule with an anticipated completed date in April 2024, according to the city website and statements from city officials.Construction, which began on Aug. 15, 2023, was expected to take nine months to complete.An April completion date puts it within the nine-month construction timeframe, despite contractors encountering a couple of unexpected utility challenges.The most recent challenge involved the underground location of pre-existing water lines....
The Beresford Creek Bridge replacement project is proceeding on schedule with an anticipated completed date in April 2024, according to the city website and statements from city officials.
Construction, which began on Aug. 15, 2023, was expected to take nine months to complete.
An April completion date puts it within the nine-month construction timeframe, despite contractors encountering a couple of unexpected utility challenges.
The most recent challenge involved the underground location of pre-existing water lines.
During construction, the contractor discovered the line, which is buried beneath the creek bed, was not installed where the plans showed.
City Councilman Boyd Gregg explained that the project engineer, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), Inc., designed the bridge pilings to avoid the water line based on plans from when the line was installed, which he estimated to have been laid some 30 years ago.
Gregg said that despite the discrepancy between planned and actual, the contractor was able to drive the pilings and the project was not delayed.
Rob Williams, the city of Charleston Site Development Manager, confirmed there are no delays on the project.
Another previous utility issue arose in September when the gas main needed to be extended about 421 feet.
“This alteration is in response to a nearby commercial building expressing interest in accessing natural gas,” said Virginia Jones, senior project manager at Dominion Energy.
Neither the waterline nor gas line changes slowed the progress of the bridge replacement, according to city officials.
The bridge has been closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic since Cape Romain Contractors began construction in August 2023. The closure leaves only the two I-526 ramps as options for access to the island by auto. The new bridge will feature two travel lanes along with a multi-use path on one side.
The project’s aim is to lessen traffic and provide a safer crossing for commuters.
According to the city’s January project update, significant milestones have been achieved since the last update in November.
Those milestones include the completion of all piles, the formation and setting of the rebar cage pile cap known as EB4, and the ongoing process of laying decking for Spans A and B.
“It was thought that a valve would need to be installed prior to driving the final piling for End Bent EB4,” Williams said. “However, the contractor was able to drive the pile without installing the valve and it all got worked out.”
Stay up to date with the bridge replacement project via the city of Charleston’s website at charleston-sc.gov/2637/Beresford-Creek-Bridge-Replacement.
Gamecocks Second at Daniel Island Intercollegiate
University of South Carolina Athleticshttps://gamecocksonline.com/news/2023/10/30/gamecocks-second-at-daniel-island-intercollegiate/
Select Sport All sports Baseball Beach Volleyball Equestrian Football Men's Basketball Men's Golf Men's Soccer Men's Swimming and Diving Men's Tennis Men's Track and Field Softball Swimming and Diving Track and Field Women's Basketball Women's Cross Country Women's Golf Women's Soccer Women's Swimming and Diving Women's Tennis Women's Track and Field Women's VolleyballMon, Apr 8 / Final Tiger Intercollegiate R1 Men's Golf ...
Select Sport All sports Baseball Beach Volleyball Equestrian Football Men's Basketball Men's Golf Men's Soccer Men's Swimming and Diving Men's Tennis Men's Track and Field Softball Swimming and Diving Track and Field Women's Basketball Women's Cross Country Women's Golf Women's Soccer Women's Swimming and Diving Women's Tennis Women's Track and Field Women's Volleyball
Mon, Apr 8 / Final
Tiger Intercollegiate R1
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Tue, Apr 9 / All Day
Tiger Intercollegiate R2
neutral
Sat, Apr 27 / All Day
SEC Championship R4
neutral
Sun, Apr 28 / All Day
SEC Championship R5
neutral
Mon, May 13 / All Day
NCAA Regionals R1
neutral
Tue, May 14 / All Day
NCAA Regionals R2
neutral
Wed, May 15 / All Day
NCAA Regionals R3
neutral
Fri, May 24 / All Day
NCAA Championship R1
neutral
Sat, May 25 / All Day
NCAA Championships R2
neutral
Sun, May 26 / All Day
NCAA Championships R3
neutral
Mon, May 27 / All Day
NCAA Championships R4
neutral
Tue, May 28 / All Day
NCAA Championships R5
neutral
Wed, May 29 / All Day
NCAA Championships R6
neutral
Early voting location on DI open
thedanielislandnews.comhttps://www.thedanielislandnews.com/news/early-voting-location-di-open
Early voting for the 2023 Municipal General Elections throughout Berkeley County starts today, Monday, Oct. 23, with a new, convenient location at the Daniel Island Library.Registered Berkeley County voters may vote early 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Nov. 3.In the past, early voting for Berkeley County required Daniel Island and Cainhoy peninsula residents to drive to Moncks Corner to cast their ballot, but now they can vote at 2301 Daniel Island Drive at the library.Voters can still cast ballots a...
Early voting for the 2023 Municipal General Elections throughout Berkeley County starts today, Monday, Oct. 23, with a new, convenient location at the Daniel Island Library.
Registered Berkeley County voters may vote early 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Nov. 3.
In the past, early voting for Berkeley County required Daniel Island and Cainhoy peninsula residents to drive to Moncks Corner to cast their ballot, but now they can vote at 2301 Daniel Island Drive at the library.
Voters can still cast ballots at the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office, 1003 N. Highway 52 in Moncks Corner if they wish.
You must have your photo ID to vote (or a voter registration card with photo).
This election cycle there will be no county-wide offices of Berkeley County on the November ballot. However, there will be municipal elections in the Town of Moncks Corner, Town of Jamestown, Town of Summerville, and portions of the City of Charleston located within Berkeley County. View the full 2023 election schedule in Berkeley County online.
If you live within the municipal limits of these areas, you may be able to vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Absentee-by-mail voting is still available for qualified voters, but you must complete, sign, and return your application to the Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office in person or by mail by Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.
Request an absentee application in one of the following ways:
• Phone: 843-719-4058
• Mail: P.O. Box 6122, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
• In person: Voter Registration & Elections Office in Moncks Corner
You will receive your absentee ballot in the mail. Vote and return your ballot to Berkeley County Voter Registration & Elections Office by mail or in person no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Photo ID will be required to return your ballot in person. For more information, check the county website.
For all election-related information, visit www.scvotes.gov or the County’s Voter Registration & Elections department webpage.
You may also call 843-719-4056, 843-719-4058 or email webvre@berkeleycountysc.gov.
Daniel Island Recreation Center redefines senior engagement
Emma Slavenhttps://thedanielislandnews.com/news/daniel-island-recreation-center-redefines-senior-engagement
What do you think when you hear the words “senior center?”If you picture elderly people playing shuffleboard, eating bland meals in front of a blaring TV, think again.The Daniel Island Recreation Center is a vibrant, action-packed hub for seniors, offering an array of daily activities designed to foster social connections, promote physical well-being and keep the mind sharp. Located at 160 Fairbanks Drive, the center can provide an outlet for local seniors to look forward to, with indoor and outdooractivities...
What do you think when you hear the words “senior center?”
If you picture elderly people playing shuffleboard, eating bland meals in front of a blaring TV, think again.
The Daniel Island Recreation Center is a vibrant, action-packed hub for seniors, offering an array of daily activities designed to foster social connections, promote physical well-being and keep the mind sharp. Located at 160 Fairbanks Drive, the center can provide an outlet for local seniors to look forward to, with indoor and outdoor
activities to enjoy every weekday.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here,” Ray Daoi said with a smile after a recent game of pickleball.
Fellow pickleball aficionado, Teresa Donohue, added, “It’s all about the friendships and the sense of community.”
Jennifer Nelsen, the facility manager, explained, “The Daniel Island Recreation Center provides opportunities for our seniors to learn new skills and meet new people with common interests.
Many of the people who participate in our classes have met friends, and it’s great to see them chatting about their lunch plans or what their next activity together is.”
MJ Mascarin, a regular at the Cards and Coffee sessions, highlighted the effects of the center’s daily activities for seniors. “I think it’s good for our brains!”
Friendship and staying active is the essence of community felt at the Daniel Island Recreation Center. Here, the activities aren’t just games; they’re avenues for forging connections, uplifting spirits and promoting physical and mental health.
“Some of the best programming that we have been able to bring here has been from the ideas or connections from our participants,” Nelsen encouraged. “We hope to continue to foster those opportunities!”
From card games and coffee to instructor-led fitness classes, here is what seniors can expect to find at the Daniel Island Recreation Center.
Cards and Coffee (Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $1): Seniors can enjoy a friendly game of canasta, mahjong, scrabble or pinochle in an open play setting. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games, fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
Bridge (Wednesdays, 12-3 p.m., $1): Enthusiasts of bridge can reserve their spot for an engaging session by calling 843-216-6366. The game brings together strategic thinking and camaraderie.
Senior Social Group (Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Free): Seniors gather in the large conference room to socialize, discuss current events, share family stories and enjoy snacks. This group provides a warm and welcoming environment for social interaction.
Senior Fitness (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Various Times, $5 per class): Led by experienced instructors Erica and Carla, the chair-based fitness class focuses on upper body strength, lower body exercises and core strengthening. The classes help seniors maintain their physical health in a supportive environment.
Pickleball (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., $2 resident/$4 nonresident): Pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy open play sessions on the center’s two basketball courts. Equipment is available for borrowing, ensuring everyone can participate.
Looking ahead, the Daniel Island Recreation Center plans to introduce a line dancing class. The center invites individuals interested in instructing a class or proposing new activities to get in touch with Jennifer Nelsen at nelsenj@charleston-sc.gov or by phone at 843-216-6366.
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