Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in Greenville, SC

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Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions

Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.

Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.

We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Greenville or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.

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Medicare Greenville, SC

Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!

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What is Medicare?

If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.

There are four parts of Medicare:

 Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Greenville, SC

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:

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:

 Senior Medicare Plans Greenville, SC

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:

 Medicare Plans Greenville, SC

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.

 Senior Health Insurance Greenville, SC

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
 Healthcare Greenville, SC

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.

 Burial Insurance Greenville, SC

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.
 Medicare Advantage Greenville, SC

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.

Latest News in Greenville, SC

List ranks SC No. 1 state for US movers in 2023. Greenville a Top 5 city. What to know.

In 2023, South Carolina remains the No. 1 hotspot for American movers, with Greenville placing No. 5 when it comes to top cities for incoming residents.MoveBuddha analyzed post-pandemic trends and patterns to determine popular states and cities and why they chose to move there.South Carolina, North Carolina and Montana led moves out-of-state for 2020 through 2023.In addition to the allure of ...

In 2023, South Carolina remains the No. 1 hotspot for American movers, with Greenville placing No. 5 when it comes to top cities for incoming residents.

MoveBuddha analyzed post-pandemic trends and patterns to determine popular states and cities and why they chose to move there.

South Carolina, North Carolina and Montana led moves out-of-state for 2020 through 2023.

In addition to the allure of warm weather and proximity to sandy beaches, the report also states South Carolina is 11.5% cheaper than the national average in terms of cost of living. When it comes to the great outdoors, remote workers looking for an escape in nature can enjoy activities such as sailing and hiking.

Urban areas like California, New Jersey and Connecticut had significantly more outbound moves than inbound. When it comes to the most searched states with at least 10K mover queries, North Carolina, Florida and Colorado attracted the highest proportions of inflow in 2023.

From Crybaby Bridge to Gassaway Mansion:9 haunted spots in Greenville, Upstate SC

Areas like Greenville are experiencing growth due to affordability, a steady climate and better access to outdoor activities, while expensive areas drive Americans away when cost of living becomes a challenge. Greenville's strong job market also makes it a desirable city to live in, with many work opportunities in healthcare, tech and manufacturing industries.

Nearby Asheville (No. 1) and Myrtle Beach (No. 3) were also in the Top 5 for most popular cities for movers.

Here is a closer look at the most popular and least popular states:

Most Popular States of 2023

? No. 1: South Carolina, 2.11

? No. 2: Hawaii, 1.91

? No. 3: Alaska, 1.82

? No. 4: North Carolina, 1.74

? No. 5: Montana, 1.74

? No. 6: West Virginia, 1.69

? No. 7: Tennessee, 1.62

? No. 8: Arkansas, 1.49

? No. 9: Maine, 1.49

? No. 10: South Dakota, 1.43

Least Popular States of 2023

? No. 1: California, 0.54

? No. 2: New Jersey, 0.64

? No. 3: Connecticut, 0.54

? No. 4: Ohio, 0.77

? No. 5: Maryland, 0.77

? No. 6: Illinois, 0.79

? No. 7: Nebraska, 0.79

? No. 8: Massachusetts, 0.81

? No. 9: Louisiana, 0.81

? No.10: Pennsylvania, 0.83

See where we rank:Greenville in Top 5 on Conde Nast list for best small cities in US.

Top Cities to move to in 2023:

? No. 1: Asheville, North Carolina, 3.01

? No. 2: Ocala, Florida, 2.94

? No. 3: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 2.87

? No. 4: Dillon, Colorado, 2.46

? No. 5: Greenville, South Carolina, 2.28

? No. 6: Saint Augustine, Florida, 2.15

? No. 7: Wilmington, North Carolina, 2.02

? No. 8: Franklin, Tennessee, 2

? No. 9: Pensacola, Florida, 1.99

? No. 10: Kissimmee, Florida, 1.98

Exit Cities of 2023

? No. 1: Bakersfield, California, 0.48

? No. 2:Bronx, New York, 0.49

? Oakland, California, 0.51

? Stamford, Connecticut, 0.53

? San Mateo, California, 0.55

? Sunnyvale, California, 0.55

? Pasadena, California, 0.55

? Fresno, California, 0.56

? San Jose, California, 0.57

? Columbus, Ohio, 0.58

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at [email protected]

This list of Carolina restaurants recently announced they're going out of business

GREENVILLE, S.C. —New restaurants opening, longtime favorites closing, and others just making news--it's hard to keep up with what's coming and going in South Carolina and North Carolina.(Above video was published on Aug. 8, 2023.)We've put all that foodie news in one place below, with recent closings, soon-to-be openings and other stories about dining spots in our area you'll want to put on your To-Do list.If you know about a restaurant opening, closing or other fo...

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

New restaurants opening, longtime favorites closing, and others just making news--it's hard to keep up with what's coming and going in South Carolina and North Carolina.

(Above video was published on Aug. 8, 2023.)

We've put all that foodie news in one place below, with recent closings, soon-to-be openings and other stories about dining spots in our area you'll want to put on your To-Do list.

If you know about a restaurant opening, closing or other foodie event you think we should feature, email us the info at [email protected].

RECENT CLOSINGS

Sandy Flat Café, intersection of Highways 290, 253 — or Mountain View Road — and Keller Road in Taylors

One of the owners of the Greenville County business said the restaurant part of this convenience store and gas station will close at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28.

After 60 years, South Carolina restaurant closing up shop, owner says

O'Charley's, 671 Fairview Road, Simpsonville

The answering machine at the Greenville County restaurant, as well as a Google search, said this location is permanently closed.

Buxton Hall Barbecue, 32 Banks Avenue, Asheville

The restaurant popular with residents and tourists will serve up its last plate on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Popular Asheville restaurant to close soon

World Piece, 109 West Stone Avenue, Greenville

World Piece, one of the restaurants in the West Stone shopping retail center on Stone Avenue, announced to its customers that Saturday, Oct. 28, will be its last day of business.

Two Chefs Café and Market, 644 North Main Street, near Stone Avenue, Greenville

After more than 25 years in business in the North Main area of downtown Greenville, Two Chefs' last day in business will be Friday, Oct. 27.

Downtown Deli & Donuts, 147 East Main Street, Spartanburg

The restaurant commemorated its seventh year in business last month and, at the same time, announced it would be closing on Sept. 15.

Mug and Muffin Café, 2222 Augusta Street, Greenville

On Sept. 1, Mug and Muffin Café posted a sign on the door of the business this week, telling customers, "We have decided to close."

OPENING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ben & Jerry's and JINYA Ramen Bar, 301 University Ridge, Greenville County Square

RocaPoint Partners’ Greenville County Square County, the mixed-use community underway in downtown Greenville, announced two tenants this week – Ben & Jerry’s and JINYA Ramen Bar. Both eateries are expected to open in 2026.

O-Ku, 30 West Broad Street, Greenville

Located next to the green space where Ice on Main is held on Main Street in downtown Greenville, O-Ku opened the doors on its take on Japanese cuisine in July.

Indaco, 40 West Broad Street,

Indaco, also in downtown Greenville, is a modern Italian restaurant featuring woodfire pizza and handmade pasta, that opened over the summer.

MORE RESTAURANT NEWS

Ben & Jerry's, JINYA Ramen Bar coming to Greenville County Square, officials confirm

GREENVILLE, S.C. —RocaPoint Partners has announced that Ben & Jerry's and JINYA Ramen Bar will be joining Greenville County Square.Video above: WYFF News 4 Morning Headlines 10/25According to officials, the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop to the Greenville County Square is PRIMO Partners, the only Black-owned and led multi-unit franchise group of Ben & Jerry’s. Officials say PRIMO Partners is expa...

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

RocaPoint Partners has announced that Ben & Jerry's and JINYA Ramen Bar will be joining Greenville County Square.

Video above: WYFF News 4 Morning Headlines 10/25

According to officials, the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop to the Greenville County Square is PRIMO Partners, the only Black-owned and led multi-unit franchise group of Ben & Jerry’s. Officials say PRIMO Partners is expanding their portfolio to Greenville with the opening of their 16th Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop.

“Being anchored in the triangle region of North Carolina and Atlanta, Greenville has been on our radar for about a decade,” said Antonio McBroom, the CEO of PRIMO Partners. “We fell in love with the potential and promise of the city and its rich cultural history. Part of our mission is investing in and building change to support future entrepreneurs, and we felt this particular development project perfectly aligned with that. PRIMO Partners is excited to bring a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop to Greenville residents and visitors alike.”

Officials say that the store will serve Ben & Jerry’s signature ice cream flavors as well as fresh-packed pints, milkshakes and non-dairy options.

“We’re excited about the additions of Ben & Jerry’s and JINYA to Greenville County Square,” said Phil Mays, the principal of Roca Point Partners. “We’re looking forward to seeing them get to know the people and charm of the city, and for the Greenville community to have even more delicious options to choose from. We’re diversifying our tenant mix with a variety of concepts to give something for everyone to enjoy.”

JINYA Ramen Bar will also be coming to Greenville County Square along with Ben & Jerry's, according to officials.

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According to officials, JINYA will be a casual, full-service restaurant with a full bar and outdoor patio seating that serves 13 signature ramen bowls with more than 25 toppings and a variety of Japanese tapas with rice bowls and curries.

Officials say Capital announced that they are relocating to Greenville County Square, more than doubling the company’s office space and adding 300 jobs to the local area.

Both eateries are expected to open in 2026, officials said.

Greenville Co. Schools approves Elevate incentive program for 2 Title I schools

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —A pilot program to address two struggling Title I schools in Greenville County has been approved, leaving some teachers disappointed.The Elevate incentive program aims to bring up Alexander Elementary and Lakeview Middle School's test scores."We feel as though we have not been heard," Lakeview Middle School teacher Lynnette McMaster said. "None of the board members, the administration, has visited Lakeview and spoken to the teachers about the problems that ar...

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

A pilot program to address two struggling Title I schools in Greenville County has been approved, leaving some teachers disappointed.

The Elevate incentive program aims to bring up Alexander Elementary and Lakeview Middle School's test scores.

"We feel as though we have not been heard," Lakeview Middle School teacher Lynnette McMaster said. "None of the board members, the administration, has visited Lakeview and spoken to the teachers about the problems that are happening there."

There were so many people signed up for public comment Tuesday night, the district reduced the time they were allowed to speak. Ultimately, the board voted 8-4 to move forward with the program.

Under the program, current teachers would have to reapply for their jobs. It will cost the district $4.5 million to give teachers at the two schools a $5,000 bonus, based on student performance.

Frustrated teachers could be seen leaving the meeting after the final vote came down to implement the program.

"No one questions their caring, their commitment, their improved performance," Superintendent Dr. Bruce Royster said. "We should not have schools in the bottom five percent."

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That bottom five percent means the state would take over Lakeview in 2025 should test scores not improve. Alexander Elementary is not in immediate danger of being taken over.

Teachers at the meeting came to both schools' defense.

"I hurt for my co-teachers because I feel demoralized, demeaned and kicked to the curb," Elizabeth Bailey, a retired media specialist who worked at Alexander Elementary, said.

"Until this year, I have not seen much support in the eight years that I have been there," McMaster said.

Trustee Lynda Leventis-Wells said the program would bring in teachers who only want a higher paycheck. She also gave an ultimatum.

"You give Lakeview the resources, manpower and support next year and not do the Elevate, and they don't improve test scores, I will not run for the board again," she said.

The superintendent said the state has given them a Jan. 15 deadline to submit a plan to prevent Lakeview from being taken over by the state.

Peak fall foliage season in SC: Our 5 top picks for leaf-peeping near Greenville, Pickens

As temperatures fall, the canopy of leaves that cover much of Upstate South Carolina will soon follow suit.These leaves will not go without a spectacular display of colors, vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow blanketing the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills."They will probably be at peak toward the end of October, the last week," said Casey Siter, Caesars Head State Park ranger, "we can't always guarantee, it can change last minute. Let's say we get a big storm and the leaves are gone by next w...

As temperatures fall, the canopy of leaves that cover much of Upstate South Carolina will soon follow suit.

These leaves will not go without a spectacular display of colors, vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow blanketing the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills.

"They will probably be at peak toward the end of October, the last week," said Casey Siter, Caesars Head State Park ranger, "we can't always guarantee, it can change last minute. Let's say we get a big storm and the leaves are gone by next week, but typically it peaks at the end of October."

Though not as popular as Asheville and our neighbors to the north where the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for its fall colors, you can experience the changing of the seasons below the state line.

"Leaf season is our busiest season so our visitation tends to increase by the hundreds if not thousands, especially during the weekends," said Siter. The parks with reservation systems sometimes turn down hundreds of visitors per day during leaf-peeping season.

"My biggest tip is to plan ahead. If you want to have a smooth trip definitely check websites and plan ahead. If you can get reservations definitely get them," she said. Parks like Jones Gap State Park have a reservation system on the weekends.

Here are our favorite leaf-peeping spots in Upstate SC:

Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower

About an hour northwest of Greenville, in Pickens County, Sassafras Mountain is the highest peak in SC with an elevation of 3,554 feet offering a 360-degree view of the mountains. The tower is easily accessible and is free to the public.

Caesars Head State Park

Located less than an hour northwest of Greenville, Caesar's Head State Park Overlook is easily accessible and free to the public. There is no parking reservation system for this park.

Bald Rock Heritage Preserve

Bald Rock is a roadside pull-off along Geer Highway with a panoramic view, just ten minutes down the road from Caesars Head State Park. Parking is located along the highway. It is easily accessible and is free to the public.

Jones Gap State Park - Jones Gap Falls Trail

To be immersed in the fall foliage, Jones Gap Falls offers the perfect experience, according to Caesar's Head State Park ranger Casey Sider. Located about 45 minutes northwest of Greenville in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this 3-mile out-and-back moderate trail is perfect for anyone trying to experience the foliage up close. There is a fee for this park and a parking reservation is required on the weekends. Check out the South Carolina State Parks website to book a reservation.

Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain is only about 20 minutes northeast of Greenville and has seemingly endless trails to explore, from short, easy walks to challenging hikes with elevation gain. There is currently no reservation system for Paris Mountain State Park but there is an entrance fee. This is a busy park and can fill up fast. Park rangers will close the entrance for visitors if they reach capacity.

Reach Greenville News photographer McKenzie Lange via email at [email protected].

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