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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Greenville, 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 Greenville 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 Greenville
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in Greenville, 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
Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!
Request a ConsultationWhat 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:
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 Greenville
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 Greenville 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 Greenville, 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 Greenville. 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 Greenville, SC
Greenville is about to get bitterly cold. Could snow come with the Arctic blast?
Caitlin Herringtonhttps://www.postandcourier.com/greenville/news/greenville-arctic-blastic-cold-snap-temperatures-snow-chance/article_2adafb4a-d381-11ef-89f0-d7987a1f24da.html
GREENVILLE — Another cold snap is headed South Carolina’s way — the most-bitter one of this winter — but will there be a second chance of snow to redeem the muddy snowmen who lined the roads last weekend?Local meteorologists say it’s too soon to know for sure, but the temperatures are going to be conducive to snow next week if the Arctic front expected to plunge south brings mixes with enough moisture.“We're monitoring and tracking the different forecast models and how they are handling the p...
GREENVILLE — Another cold snap is headed South Carolina’s way — the most-bitter one of this winter — but will there be a second chance of snow to redeem the muddy snowmen who lined the roads last weekend?
Local meteorologists say it’s too soon to know for sure, but the temperatures are going to be conducive to snow next week if the Arctic front expected to plunge south brings mixes with enough moisture.
“We're monitoring and tracking the different forecast models and how they are handling the possible return of moisture middle of next week,” National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Horne said. “It's still a ways out, and the models are not really in that good of an agreement. Next Thursday, perhaps eight or nine days from now, there could be a system spreading up moisture from the Southwest.”
With the overnight lows in the teens and temperatures that will struggle to reach above freezing next week, the Arctic air heightens the Upstate’s chances for snow.
Unlike last weekend, this system would likely only bring snowflakes — not the freezing rain or sleet that accompanied the Jan. 10 system.
“The cold air, which should be in place middle of next week, is expected to be deep enough where there's a much higher probability of simply just a snowfall,” Horne said. “If anything falls at this point, the best chances are for it to be mostly, if not all, snow.”
Temperatures will be around normal this weekend but will drop when air from the Great Lakes arrives Jan. 20.
As of Jan. 15, the forecast for one week out has a 30 percent chance of accumulating snow or sleet for the Upstate.
The last system brought 3.5 inches of snow to the mountainous Sunset community of Pickens County. Anderson and Travelers Rest reported 2 inches, and Spartanburg made the best of its snowfall of half an inch.
The previous two years left the Upstate without snow, but the later portion of winter is typically when South Carolina sees the bulk of its freezing precipitation and colder temperatures, Horne said.
All the precautions from the last winter event should be taken, though keeping faucets dripping overnight when temperatures reach the teens might be worth adding to the list, he said.
SC flu season: Norovirus, RSV, flu surge in South Carolina; hospitals restrict visitation
Nina Tranhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2025/01/15/flu-rsv-norovirus-surge-in-sc-hospitals-restrict-visitation/77695890007/
Bon Secours and Prisma Health are implementing new visitor restrictions as cases of influenza and respiratory illnesses rise across the country.Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, Bon Secours St. Francis's Eastside and downtown hospital locations will restrict children under the age of 16 from visiting. On the same date, Prisma Health will begin restricting those under 16 from visiting hospitalized patients.These precautions are being taken to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe. Visitors of the hospital are encour...
Bon Secours and Prisma Health are implementing new visitor restrictions as cases of influenza and respiratory illnesses rise across the country.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, Bon Secours St. Francis's Eastside and downtown hospital locations will restrict children under the age of 16 from visiting. On the same date, Prisma Health will begin restricting those under 16 from visiting hospitalized patients.
These precautions are being taken to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe. Visitors of the hospital are encouraged to wear masks, although they are not required to wear them.
Here's what to know about cases of influenza, norovirus, and RSV in the South Carolina.
SC among six states with highest flu cases this season
S.C. is among six states in the country with the highest amount of flu cases. This data comes from the Center for Disease Control's outpatient respiratory illness activity map that includes symptoms of fever plus a cough and sore throat. In the map, S.C. scored "very high" in influenza-like illness (ILI) activity for the first week of the 2024-25 influenza season ending Jan. 4, 2025. This is the highest category of activity level.
Between Dec. 29 through Jan. 4, 3,106 lab confirmed tests were reported, per the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH). This flu season, 10,590 lab-confirmed tests were reported. The percent of patient visits to a sentinel provider for an ILI was 8.2% ? above the state's baseline of 3.2%.
During this time period, 356 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by 54 hospitals. The cumulative hospitalization rate is 20.7 per 100,000. So far, there have been 1,047 influenza-associated hospitalizations in the current flu season. Three influenza deaths have also been reported (the cumulative mortality rate is 0.2 per 100,000). Eight influenza-associated deaths have occurred this flu season.
What SC counties have the most flu cases?
? No. 1: Oconee
? No. 2: Pickens
? No. 3: Anderson
? No. 4: Greenville
? No. 5: Spartanburg
Flu season statistics across the country, per CDC
? 9.1 million flu illnesses
? 110,000 hospitalizations
? 4,700 deaths
Information on the flu vaccine can be found at the CDC.
Norovirus
Norovirus cases are also climbing this flu season in S.C., frequently referred to as the "stomach bug" or "stomach flu" despite not being related to influenza. This virus is highly contagious, affecting the stomach and intestines and resulting in gastroenteritis. Individuals who come down with gastroenteritis typically experience symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, along with stomach cramps.
The stomach bug can spread in the following ways, per SCDPH:
? Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
? Touching an object, such as a door knob or keyboard, which is contaminated with norovirus, then placing a hand to mouth.
? Having direct contact with another person who is infected and shows symptoms (for example, sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).
Read this previous Greenville News story for more information regarding norovirus.
RSV
Each year in the U.S., RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) leads to approximately 2.1 million outpatient (non-hospitalization) visits and 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations among children under 5 years old, as well as 100,000-150,000 hospitalizations among adults under 60 years and under. The virus usually peaks from late December to mid-February.
RSV is common, affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. It is difficult to distinguish its symptoms from the common cold or other respiratory viruses, like the flu or COVID-19. The virus is spread through an infected person coughing or sneezing near you (viral droplets entering the eyes, nose or mouth), direct contact with the virus (kissing the face of a child who has it), or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
While RSV usually does not cause severe illness in healthy adults and children, it may cause older adults and infants younger than 6 months to become very sick, leading to hospitalization. It can also cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than a year old.
Severe cases of RSV may require those sick to receive the following:
? Additional oxygen.
? IV fluids if they can't drink enough to stay hydrated.
? Intubation (have a breathing tube inserted through the mouth and down to the airway) with mechanical ventilation (a machine to help a person breathe).
The CDC recommends immunizations to protect infants, young children, and older adults from RSV.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
Upstate city among South Carolina's 6 most eccentric towns: What to know, full list
Nina Tranhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2025/01/13/6-most-eccentric-towns-in-sc-gaffney-recognized-by-worldatlas/77670199007/
What's orange and can be spotted miles away on I-85?We'll give you a hint: it's a fruit.If you live in South Carolina, the answer to this question is a no brainer. Gaffney's 135-foot-tall peachoid water tower has caused many drivers to turn their heads during their commute in and out of the state. Those who haven't seen it yet can count on the sight being one not easily forgotten.Thanks to the giant peach, the town of Gaffney was recently listed among ...
What's orange and can be spotted miles away on I-85?
We'll give you a hint: it's a fruit.
If you live in South Carolina, the answer to this question is a no brainer. Gaffney's 135-foot-tall peachoid water tower has caused many drivers to turn their heads during their commute in and out of the state. Those who haven't seen it yet can count on the sight being one not easily forgotten.
Thanks to the giant peach, the town of Gaffney was recently listed among World Atlas' six most eccentric towns in S.C. Here's what the website had to say about Gaffney, and what other towns made the wacky list.
What did World Atlas say about Gaffney?
Gaffney, located in Cherokee County, is known as the "Peach Capital of S.C." In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population to be around 12,484 people.
In its eccentric towns list, World Atlas mentioned the peachoid landmark, which was constructed in 1981. The water tower can hold up to 1 million gallons of water and is "worth stopping to see its realistic design, which even includes a leaf and stem." Netflix's "House of Cards" series also featured the roadside attraction in Season 1, Episode 3.
And if you think the fruit fun ends with the peachoid, you are mistaken. Things get pretty peachy at Gaffney's S.C. Peach Festival, which is hosted by the town every July, peach eating and live music abound. Those who want to visit the town without getting in on the peach craze can explore Gaffney's history at the Cherokee County Museum, as recommended by World Atlas.
"Located in a former post office built in 1914, this impressive attraction features exhibits on Native American heritage, Revolutionary War battles, and the region's textile industry." said World Atlas.
Why is the Gaffney water tower shaped like a peach?
According to the Society of Architectural Historians, the Gaffney water tower is shaped like a peach to symbolize S.C.'s position as the country's leading peach-producing state. The idea was originated in 1974-1975 by the Gaffney Board of Public Works, which was looking for the right landmark to represent the eastern end of the S.C. Scenic Highway 11. The structure would need to hold a symbolic (or advertising) value while also serving a purpose, and at the time, the town was in great need of a water tower. Federal funding was secured to advance the project, and in October 1979, the Board of Public Works enlisted the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company to build the tower.
World Atlas' 6 most eccentric towns in SC
? Bowman
? Bishopville
? Ridgeway
? Yemassee
? Gaffney
? Camden
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
Temperatures to drop next week in Upstate, NWS monitoring chance for snow: What we know
Nina Tranhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/greenville/2025/01/17/cold-front-coming-to-the-upstate-sc-lows-in-the-teens-chance-of-snow/77780461007/
...
Last week, the Upstate enjoyed its first snowfall in three years, and made the best of the moment.
Some residents went sledding while others built snowmen with the few inches of snow they had on their lawns.
Now, a cold front is forecast to move into the area next week, with a potential for snow. Although the chance for snow is uncertain, the chance of temperatures dropping remains high, according to Ashley Renhberg with the National Weather Service at GSP.
"So we have a front that's coming through this weekend, and basically what's happening behind it is we have this really strong arctic high pressure system building in," she said. "So that's actually what's bringing in the cold temperatures early next week."
Here's how low temperatures will drop next week.
How cold will next week be in the Upstate?
The coldest days next week will be on Monday and Tuesday, particularly at night. The high on Tuesday will be around 33 degrees, with lows in the mid and to upper teens Monday night and Tuesday night. Single digit wind chills through the teens will occur Monday night due to the cold front's lingering, breezy northwest winds. Wind chills will move into the teens and low 20s Tuesday morning before falling back down to the upper single digits to low teens Wednesday.
What are the chances for snow next week?
The NWS is currently monitoring the potential for snow on Tuesday and Tuesday night, but their confidence in this occurring remains low.
"The models have kind of been flip-flopping back and forth on whether there's going to be enough moisture far enough north for us to see snow," said Renhberg. "Right now, we only have like a chance for that Tuesday into Tuesday night across the South Carolina Upstate. It's like 33% or less at this point."
Forecast heading into next week, per NWS
? Saturday: Rain likely before 1 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
? Saturday night: A 30% chance of showers, mainly after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Light and variable wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
? Sunday: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
? Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.
? Monday: Sunny, with a high near 34.
? Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.
? Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32.
? Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.
? Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.
? Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.
?Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
What channel is South Carolina women's basketball vs Alabama on today? Time, TV schedule to watch game
Nick Grayhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2025/01/16/south-carolina-womens-basketball-alabama-channel-today-time-tv-schedule-streaming-info/77721448007/
South Carolina women's basketball faces its first road test against a ranked opponent in SEC play with a game at No. 19 Alabama on Thursday.The Gamecocks (16-1, 4-0 SEC) are in the ...
South Carolina women's basketball faces its first road test against a ranked opponent in SEC play with a game at No. 19 Alabama on Thursday.
The Gamecocks (16-1, 4-0 SEC) are in the teeth of their SEC schedule, with games against Alabama, Oklahoma LSU and Tennessee in the next two weeks.
Alabama (16-2, 3-1 SEC) won at Ole Miss on Sunday and is second in the SEC in three-point shooting.
Here's how to watch the South Carolina women's basketball vs Alabama game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
What channel is South Carolina women's basketball vs Alabama on today?
South Carolina vs. Alabama will broadcast nationally via streaming on SEC Network+, which can be accessed by logging into your cable/streaming subscription that includes the SEC Network.
LAST GAME:How Bree Hall, Sania Feagin were instrumental in South Carolina's win vs Texas, Madison Booker
South Carolina women's basketball vs Alabama time today
The South Carolina women's basketball vs. Alabama game starts at 7 p.m. Thursday from Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.
South Carolina women's basketball vs Alabama predictions, picks, odds
Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin's prediction: South Carolina 68, Alabama 52
Alabama keeps things close throughout the first half but South Carolina has a strong third quarter that separates the score.
South Carolina women's basketball schedule 2024-25
Record: 16-1, 4-0 SEC
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