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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 Florence 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 Florence
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 Florence 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 Florence, 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 Florence. 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 Florence, SC
SC native, Food Network star Tyler Florence to headline inaugural Charleston food and wine event
Jason Thomashttps://charlestonbusiness.com/sc-native-food-network-star-tyler-florence-to-headline-inaugural-charleston-food-and-wine-festival/
Listen to this articleSome heavyweights of the national culinary industry will make appearances at an inaugural food and wine event in Charleston.Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure have announced that tickets are on sale for the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. Presented by Explore Charleston, the event will take place from Sept. 27-29, according to a news release.The weekend will feature more than 40 celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and wine and cocktai...
Listen to this article
Some heavyweights of the national culinary industry will make appearances at an inaugural food and wine event in Charleston.
Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Travel + Leisure have announced that tickets are on sale for the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. Presented by Explore Charleston, the event will take place from Sept. 27-29, according to a news release.
The weekend will feature more than 40 celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and wine and cocktail seminars with world-class talent including Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, CJ McCollum, Wanda Mann, Amanda McCrossin and Andrew Zimmern as well as local favorites Mike Lata, Miles White, Femi Oyediran, Vivian Howard, and more to be announced, the release stated.
The main events will take place at the Charleston Visitors Center, with additional programming taking place throughout the city of Charleston.
Click here for more information.
“Charleston’s unparalleled combination of culinary traditions, foodways, hospitality, architectural beauty, and culture makes it the ideal setting to build on our storied FOOD & WINE Classic event franchise,” said Food & Wine Editor in Chief Hunter Lewis. “Together with my friends at Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, we are excited to showcase the best of the Holy City and create a dynamic experience that tells meaningful stories about the area’s delicious food scene and brings together wine and food lovers from all over for a weekend of celebration, enrichment, and fun.”
Related: Bookstore with bar, gathering space fills niche in downtown Charleston
Related: Atlanta restaurant to open downtown Charleston location
The Food & Wine Classic in Charleston is an extension of the iconic Food & Wine Classic in the Aspen franchise, bringing more than 40 years of expertise to spotlight this city’s culinary and cultural offerings, the release stated. The event will feature its signature mix of cooking demonstrations from world-class chefs and local talent, extensive wine and food tastings and spirits seminars.
The Grand Tasting Pavilion will be a cornerstone of the weekend, bringing together hundreds of winemakers, distillers, and culinary experts from around the globe, the release stated. Additional programming throughout the weekend will include local tours and experiences showcasing Charleston’s local gems and curated by Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure.
“Year after year, Charleston has been voted the World’s Best City in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers, and it’s easy to see why,” Gifford said in the release. “From the cultural attractions and boutique shopping to the ever-evolving restaurant scene and unrivaled Southern hospitality, Charleston is truly one of a kind, and we are thrilled that we can bring this dynamism to life over a magical long weekend of events.”
Set against the backdrop of the Kiawah River, Southern Living will host the Southern Living Lowcountry Tailgate where attendees can experience the cherished Southern tradition featuring an oyster roast hosted by Matt and Ted Lee, BBQ by Erica Blaire and live music.
“We’re excited to celebrate the rich culture of Charleston and to highlight the people who bring it to life,” said Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living. “We’re also thrilled to welcome attendees to our newest Idea House in Kiawah River, which opens in August 2024, as a venue for celebrating the food, traditions, and hospitality of the Lowcountry.”
Track Covid-19 in Florence County, S.C.
New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/florence-south-carolina-covid-cases.html
These Covid tracking pages are no longer being updated. Get the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control, or find archived data from The Times’s three year reporting effort here.An updated vaccine is r...
These Covid tracking pages are no longer being updated. Get the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control, or find archived data from The Times’s three year reporting effort here.
An updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 7% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals map shows the average I.C.U. occupancy at nearby hospitals in the most recent week with data reported. The data is self-reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by individual hospitals. It excludes counts from hospitals operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Numbers for hospitalized patients are based on inpatient beds and include I.C.U. beds. Hospitalized Covid-19 patients include both confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023.
How trends have changed in Florence County
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: Weekly county death data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. Hospitalization data is a weekly average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Florence County. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government.
Historical trends in Florence County
The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated. Weekly county case data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023. Test positivity data is based only on test results reported to the federal government and is a seven-day average.
Florence resident aids homeless with food, clothing amid cold weather
Shawnia Butlerhttps://wpde.com/news/local/florence-woman-aids-homeless-cold-weather-jessica-tedesco-donations-needed-distribute-warm-clothing-affordable-housing-food-insecurity-south-carolina-january-2024
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — A Florence resident has made it her mission to help those who are less fortunate.For the past several days Jessica Tedesco has been traveling to parks, shelters and warming stations to help and talk with those experiencing homelessness while also distributing warm clothing and food to them.For several years Tedesco has worked with the homeless and was even able to help a man get off the streets and get a job."When this cold weather snap came, I was like this is death weather, like someo...
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — A Florence resident has made it her mission to help those who are less fortunate.
For the past several days Jessica Tedesco has been traveling to parks, shelters and warming stations to help and talk with those experiencing homelessness while also distributing warm clothing and food to them.
For several years Tedesco has worked with the homeless and was even able to help a man get off the streets and get a job.
"When this cold weather snap came, I was like this is death weather, like someone needs to be out there making sure they’re covered. And I just went out there and bought a bunch of jackets, clothes and started making sure they had warm gear," Tedesco said.
She also shared that she is no stranger to hard times. She was even homeless at a point in time, but through isolation and her faith in God, she was able to rise from her pain and get better.
Community members in Florence have been a huge help in dropping donations to Tedesco's home.
An app called "Next Door" allows neighborhoods to connect, get local tips, and buy and sell items, Tedesco said this, and the help of residents allowed her to reach and clothe 103 people in five days.
She noticed an increase in people living on the streets over the years and aspires to create a safe place where people can take showers, relax, eat and play games.
A huge need when I asked the people that are out on the streets is that they would love to be able to shower daily and I think those are things we take for granted, Tedesco said.
Tedesco is urging city leaders, pastors and residents to get involved and donate food, clothes, money and resources for the homeless.
People in need can be found throughout the city at parks, shelters, and warming stations.
This could be you, these are people that had great jobs good houses, cars, families.... young. I’m seeing more and more in the street, Tedesco said. "I mean people that look like they don’t belong there and their stories are heart breaking and we are all one step away from that.
Tech helps land suspect in jail after drive-by shooting at Florence restaurant
Ashley Listromhttps://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/03/13/tech-helps-land-suspect-jail-after-drive-by-shooting-florence-restaurant/
FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) - The Creekside restaurant in Florence exclusively shared security video with WMBF News that shows what led up to a drive-by shooting at the establishment over the weekend.The footage shows the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Dwayne Cooley, as his body language got more aggressive during an argument with security while he was being asked to leave.“There was a cover charge that night, and he didn’t want to pay the cover charge,” said Lori Creel, a co-owner of the restaurant....
FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) - The Creekside restaurant in Florence exclusively shared security video with WMBF News that shows what led up to a drive-by shooting at the establishment over the weekend.
The footage shows the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Dwayne Cooley, as his body language got more aggressive during an argument with security while he was being asked to leave.
“There was a cover charge that night, and he didn’t want to pay the cover charge,” said Lori Creel, a co-owner of the restaurant.
After Cooley left, arrest warrants state he fired shots at the building as he drove away. He then allegedly came back and opened fire again - this time shattering a window at the restaurant and grazing a customer with a bullet.
“I don’t see anything else I could have done to prevent this,” said Creel. “I have put every measure in place. I’m doing what I can do to provide a safe place. I hope it doesn’t deter anyone from coming out or continuing to prove this place for the community.”
Creekside said they take their customer’s safety seriously. Creel said everyone gets a pat down from her SLED-certified officers and their IDs scanned before getting in.
They also have several cameras monitoring the building, which caught the whole incident on video. These are all protocols and tech which Creel said helped investigators find and arrest Cooley after the shooting, at a nearby nightclub.
“We have done everything we know to do to keep this environment safe. In fact, after the incident happened, we pulled our cameras, pulled our ID scanner to find the individual that had done this, and helped give all of that over to the authorities so that he could be caught and he was that evening,” she said.
Creekside regulars who spoke to WMBF News also said they’ve never felt threatened inside and will continue to come back even after the scare. They also praised the tech that helped authorities track down Cooley.
“I definitely feel safe in this place, but it makes me fearful for the public,” said Clifton Craig.
“I was kind of amazed that something like that could even happen here, you know with the measures they take... They normally keep it pretty tight around here,” said Evan Defe.
The owners, on the other hand, said they’re just thankful everyone will be okay.
“We had higher forces looking over us that night. Because it could have been way, way worse than what it was,” said Creel.
The victim sustained minor injuries and is okay.
Records show Cooley posted a $15,500 bond Monday and was charged with shooting into a dwelling as well as driving under suspension.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.
Florence businesses see impact of Sunday alcohol sales in year after vote for change
Samuel Sheltonhttps://www.wmbfnews.com/2023/11/14/florence-businesses-see-impact-sunday-alcohol-sales-year-after-vote-change/
FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) - Buying beer and wine 7 days a week in the city of Florence has been a boom for businesses since Florence residents voted for the Sunday alcohol law changes a year ago.Both businesses and residents across the city weighed in on the fairly new law. Some businesses said it’s a work in progress while the Florence community said they’ve seen a difference.“It’s been a great convenience, and I think it’s benefited the retailers a lot more than they initially thought that it may,&rd...
FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) - Buying beer and wine 7 days a week in the city of Florence has been a boom for businesses since Florence residents voted for the Sunday alcohol law changes a year ago.
Both businesses and residents across the city weighed in on the fairly new law. Some businesses said it’s a work in progress while the Florence community said they’ve seen a difference.
“It’s been a great convenience, and I think it’s benefited the retailers a lot more than they initially thought that it may,” said President of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, Mike Miller.
A year ago, 71% of Florence voters said “yes” to beer and wine sales on Sundays.
It’s something Miller said previously sent residents to surrounding cities, hurting the bottom line for some businesses.
“It wasn’t just the beer and wine sales, the city was losing,” he said. “It was additional merchandise and that’s benefited the local retailers.”
Sunday alcohol sales are now pushing businesses to consider opening on Sundays.
Micky Finn’s Wine and Spirits One Stop Party Shop Owner, Rick Havekost said he waited about six months to open seven days a week, and it’s now a work in progress for sales one more day than before.
“It’s been adventurous, but it’s doing pretty well,” said Havekost. “We look forward to the Sunday sales going into the county where our new Buc-ee’s store will be. That’s when I’ll see the big impact of people coming off the interstate.”
Customers like Aubrey Foe said he’s already seen the benefits of the fairly new law.
“I love that they passed the law that you’re able to do that on Sunday,” he said. “For Florence county, for the people that visit and travel that come from all over the world, and they know that they’re able to shop no matter what day it is of the week.”
Now that Havekost is open every day of the week, he said he’s ready for more changes in the future.
“Right now no liquor stores can be open on Sunday, but I see that changing over the next 5 to 10 years,” he said. “So, we might as well start with the beer and wine side and if the state legislator ever decides to change the liquor laws, then we’ll have the staff in place and will be ready to be open on Sundays for everything.”
Havekost told WMBF News he plans to open his new location next to Buc-ees on January 15.
Copyright 2023 WMBF. All rights reserved.
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