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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 Hilton Head 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 Hilton Head
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 Hilton Head 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 Hilton Head, 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 Hilton Head. 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.
Latest News in Hilton Head, SC
Potential next problem storm for SC? Florida looks to send Hilton Head its troubles
Sarah Haselhorsthttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather-news/article279552074.html
Three weeks have passed since Idalia swiped the Lowcountry as a tropical storm and since then, the area has dodged other threats swirling in the Atlantic. But on Wednesday, meteorologists were watching two systems, one of which that will unequivocally impact South Carolina’s coast, a local weather official said.While Hurricane Nigel will come “nowhere near” the state, Severe Weather Liaison Frank Strait said, ocean swells from the storm could kick up the surf and increase the risk of rip currents beginning Thursday....
Three weeks have passed since Idalia swiped the Lowcountry as a tropical storm and since then, the area has dodged other threats swirling in the Atlantic. But on Wednesday, meteorologists were watching two systems, one of which that will unequivocally impact South Carolina’s coast, a local weather official said.
While Hurricane Nigel will come “nowhere near” the state, Severe Weather Liaison Frank Strait said, ocean swells from the storm could kick up the surf and increase the risk of rip currents beginning Thursday.
A tropical wave located off the west coast of Africa has environmental conditions that look as though it could form into a tropical depression late this week as it moves westward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic between 10 and 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office. The chance of formation within the next week is 70%.
“Models seem to agree on eventual development of this feature but not on where it goes,” Strait said. “The longer it takes to get its act together, the further west it gets. It seems more likely to develop and move north out of the tropics early like Nigel did, but we’ll watch it.”
However, a stationary front near Florida is the one to watch.
Meteorologists predict a storm will form east of Florida on Thursday and move north. While the brewing system “looks to be” non-tropical, Strait said it may become semi or fully tropical as it spins over waters that are 3 to 4 degrees warmer than normal.
“Whether it’s a non-tropical gale or a tropical storm, it will affect SC,” Strait wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
While it’s unclear how strong or how far inland the storm will become, the state’s coast will “at minimum” get dangerous surf, high rip current risks and hazardous marine conditions, Frank said Wednesday.
The NWS Charleston Office said those impacts could be seen for portions of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States late this week and into this weekend. On Wednesday, formation chance of the system was 30% within the next seven days.
Strait shared one silver lining among the looming uncertainties: astronomical tides are going to be low this weekend.
Unlike the clash between the supermoon and Tropical Storm Idalia that made tides rise even higher and exacerbated flooding in the Lowcountry.
Earlier this week Strait reminded that September’s weather pattern is particularly precarious and is “ripe for sneak attacks” from tropical cyclones.
“The weather pattern for the rest of September will feature cold fronts pushing through the southeastern states and becoming stationary over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and southwestern Atlantic Ocean,” Strait said Monday. “Also, we’re coming to the time of year when weak low-pressure areas forming over Central America can spawn tropical cyclones; those can also spin up fast because waters are always very warm over the western Caribbean Sea.”
If the systems formed, the next two storm names on the list are Ophelia and Philippe.
This story was originally published September 20, 2023, 10:44 AM.
‘Nothing too crazy:’ Hilton Head Island residents grateful for low impacts from Idalia
Tyler Manionhttps://www.wtoc.com/2023/08/31/nothing-too-crazy-hilton-head-island-residents-grateful-low-impacts-idalia/
HITLON HEAD ISLAND, Sc. (WTOC) - Idalia is now hours clear of our area, but WTOC has been on Hilton Head since noon Wednesday tracking the conditions.“This one appears to be the storm that just wasn’t,” said Hilton Head resident Robert Harris.Idalia huffed and puffed testing every ounce of strength in all kinds of objects.But with all said and done, residents here are thankful it wasn’t worse.“A lot of wind a lot of rain. Nothing too crazy like what we really expected,” said Hil...
HITLON HEAD ISLAND, Sc. (WTOC) - Idalia is now hours clear of our area, but WTOC has been on Hilton Head since noon Wednesday tracking the conditions.
“This one appears to be the storm that just wasn’t,” said Hilton Head resident Robert Harris.
Idalia huffed and puffed testing every ounce of strength in all kinds of objects.
But with all said and done, residents here are thankful it wasn’t worse.
“A lot of wind a lot of rain. Nothing too crazy like what we really expected,” said Hilton Head resident Alex Harris.
We saw conditions worsen as the storm approached, but the town’s mayor says the only thing damaged is property.
“We’re at 28-30 trees that have fallen whether over roadways, cars or houses,” said Mayor Alan Perry.
With zero injuries reported on Hilton Head Island at this time, efforts to take care of those few dozen trees are already taking priority.
”We’ve got crews out there already that are working on some of the trees. The fire department responded to that and got them cut off and moved away and then tomorrow they’ll go through and get them picked up but come the weekend it’ll be back to business back to normal.”
He expects Labor Day tourism business to go off like Idalia never even happened... another storm to be looked back on as nothing more than a stress test.
“It’s also a good time to run your programs to make certain you’re prepared for the big one.”
Some of the other concerns emergency management had coming into this storm were flooding and storm surge. As far as flooding goes, the mayor says they’ll assess Thursday morning with daylight.
Although he says around the island, there was more rain Tuesday and Wednesday morning than Wednesday afternoon. As far as storm surge goes, he says the tide never got as high as they were worried it could, and the storm moving through when it did helped mitigate any impacts they might’ve seen from that.
Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.
Actor Jason Weaver to host entertainment masterclass at SC State
HBCU Gameday Newswirehttps://www.islandpacket.com/sports/college/article280910663.html
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University (SC State) will host renowned film and television actor and singer Jason Weaver for an entertainment industry masterclass Oct. 30-Nov. 1 on campus."From Dream to Screen: SCSU Industry Insider Masterclass Featuring Jason Weaver" will be a three-day workshop designed to educate and prepare future trailblazers about the business of entertainment, as well as ho...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University (SC State) will host renowned film and television actor and singer Jason Weaver for an entertainment industry masterclass Oct. 30-Nov. 1 on campus.
"From Dream to Screen: SCSU Industry Insider Masterclass Featuring Jason Weaver" will be a three-day workshop designed to educate and prepare future trailblazers about the business of entertainment, as well as how to establish and build a lifelong career in the film and television industry.
Weaver is best known for his ongoing portrayal of "Rashad" on the Showtime original series "The Chi" and as the singing voice of "Simba" in animated classic "The Lion King."
"Our goal is to empower students to establish and nurture a lifelong career in the dynamic world of film and television by offering valuable insights into how the film industry actually works and creating an experience for aspiring actors and allowing them to dissect and perform scenes and get feedback and constructive critique," Weaver said.
SC State students were invited to register for the class earlier this semester, and the slots quickly filled up.
"This masterclass is a golden opportunity for South Carolina State University students to hear about what it takes to be a success in the extremely competitive world of entertainment," SC State President Alexander Conyers said. "We are deeply appreciative of Mr. Weaver and his team's willingness to share their valuable insights and experiences with our students.
"I also thank Dr. Macie Smith, vice chair of the SC State Board of Trustees, for arranging and helping coordinate this fantastic enhancement to our curriculum," Conyers said.
Smith described having Weaver teach the class as a game-changing experience for SC State students.
"Here at SC State University, we are creating opportunities for real-world career-building skills for our students," Smith said. "Not only will they receive one-on-one training from an amazingly talented actor and businessman, but they'll have an opportunity to display their skills through role play and receive constructive communication about areas for improvement.
"We've been waiting a while to pull this off, and thanks to President Conyers, Provost Frederick Evans, and our leadership team we are prepared to welcome Jason Weaver and his team to campus for an opportunity that's sure to prepare our students for successful careers in the film and television industry," Smith said.
As a result of attending this masterclass, students will:
Begin to explore potential career pathways to the entertainment industry and gain sound advice and best practices into how to attain career advancement. Potential pathway areas such as cinematography, wardrobe, make-up, Digital Visual effects otherwise known as (CGI), editing, and screenplay writing.
Build confidence around the art form of acting and other industry positions through scene work practice and technique development.
Be able to effectively apply acting techniques and styles to effectively produce a self-tape audition for a film/TV project.
Gain a better understanding of the benefits and ever-evolving business model that currently exists within the entertainment industry.
Learn more about the current actor and writer's strike and the importance of labor unions in the film and television industry.
Get direct industry insight from notable actors and entertainers who have years of experience within the film and television industry.
Weaver's visit is being coordinated with the SC State College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
About Jason Weaver
Born on July 18, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, Jason Weaver has always been surrounded by the world of entertainment. His mother Kitty Haywood, a legendary studio singer, was a staple in his young life and encouraged his pursuit of singing as well as acting. In being surrounded by some of the best entertainers to date, Jason learned some of the most intricate works of the industry and found himself even more intrigued and driven in his goal of stardom.
The post Actor Jason Weaver to host entertainment masterclass at SC State appeared first on HBCU Gameday.
Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2023
This story was originally published October 23, 2023, 5:58 PM.
This SC airport is up for sale. Here’s where and for how much
Lyn Riddlehttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/state/south-carolina/article280744040.html
Here’s a real estate deal not often seen — a private airport with a 2,240-foot asphalt runway on 40 acres for sale in Abbeville.Asking price: $1,497,50.Known as SC81 by the Federal Aviation Administration, the airport once was home to a flight school run by Michele Keilman. She and her husband Ken decided to sell because they were spending mos...
Here’s a real estate deal not often seen — a private airport with a 2,240-foot asphalt runway on 40 acres for sale in Abbeville.
Asking price: $1,497,50.
Known as SC81 by the Federal Aviation Administration, the airport once was home to a flight school run by Michele Keilman. She and her husband Ken decided to sell because they were spending most of their time in the Tampa, Florida, area where Mrs. Keilman has run other flight schools.
Realtor Todd Harper of Wilson Kibler said the airport, located at 82 Hanger Road about 2 miles south of historic downtown Abbeville, was developed in the 1950s and served for a time as Abbeville’s community airport.
Kielman bought it about 20 years ago, he said.
The property includes 8 acres zoned for residential. The rest is zoned commercial. There is a single family home on the property that the Keilmans recently renovated.
The runway is not long enough to handle jets, but there is room for expansion, Harper said. Typically, small jets can land on 6,000-foot runways.
Harper envisions the property as a home for a wealthy aviation enthusiast with plenty of room for a large house, a group of fliers or as a flight school or other aviation-related business.
“It’s very rare to get an asphalt runway,” he said.
And rare too to find an airport for sale.
In his research he’s found fewer than five.
There is a 5,000-square-foot hangar, five outdoor covered pushback hangars, five outdoor tie downs for general aviation planes and multiple entry points for the vacant land surrounding it, which is largely wooded.
Another use for the property is for aviation groups that do camp outs.
“It is a beautiful area,” Harper said. “State parks, natural forest, the Savannah River in the middle of South Carolina.”
This story was originally published October 20, 2023, 6:00 AM.
Here are the 5 best pizza restaurants on Hilton Head SC for 2023, Tripadvisor says
Sarah Claire McDonaldhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article280742945.html
Hungry for pizza? With all the different kinds, many pizza lovers have their preferences.However, many seem able to agree on the top five on a popular travel site.Without including local food trucks, here are the five best pizza spots on Hilton Head Island, according to an updated list from Tripadvisor for 2023.Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House Shelter Cove Giuseppi’s Pizza in Shelter Cove ranks fifth among the top pi...
Hungry for pizza? With all the different kinds, many pizza lovers have their preferences.
However, many seem able to agree on the top five on a popular travel site.
Without including local food trucks, here are the five best pizza spots on Hilton Head Island, according to an updated list from Tripadvisor for 2023.
Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House Shelter Cove
Giuseppi’s Pizza in Shelter Cove ranks fifth among the top pizza locales on Hilton Head. Although one of three locations total, of which two lie on the island, the Shelter Cove spot ranked the highest on the popular travel recommendation site. The restaurant has been serving pizzas, pastas, subs, wings and more since 1984 and has gained notoriety and awards along the way.
The Shelter Cove location can be found mid-island at 50 Shelter Cove Lane and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Giuseppi’s Pizza also does delivery and pickup for those who do not wish to sit inside.
Bella Italia Pizza
Ranked fourth, Bella Italia can be found in Port Royal Shopping Center, located at 95 Mathews Drive, and serves specialty and gluten-free pizza pies as well as subs and other Italian entrees. The pizza parlor is open Tuesday through Sunday and opens at 4:30 p.m. for those who wish to place a pickup order or choose to dine in.
Local Pie Hilton Head
Local Pie on the island placed in third overall for having the best pizza on Hilton Head. Local Pie Woodfired Pizza has two locations in the area with the other being stationed in Old Town Bluffton. The Hilton Head locale can be found at 55 New Orleans Road daily for select hours. The establishment has won several accolades throughout the years and is the first and only true Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza on Hilton Head Island, according to their website.
Fat Babies Pizza & Subs
Ranked second overall, Fat Babies Pizza and Subs is a counter-service locale that specializes in making thin-crust pies and sandwiches in a relaxed setting. The laid-back pizza spot can be found on the south end of the island at 1034 William Hilton Parkway and is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
One Tripadvisor reviewer described it as having the best pizza on Hilton Head and continued, “We have had pizza from a few different places on Hilton Head and Fat Baby’s has the best pizza. It is a wood-fired pizza so the crust is thin and crispy! It’s a must-stop in Hilton Head if you want pizza.”
Dough Boys
Finally, ranked as the best pizza on Hilton Head Island on Tripadvisor, Dough Boys is described as being an intimate joint that features classic and unique style pizzas, sandwiches and calzones.
Found at 1 New Orleans Road and open daily for select hours, Dough Boys is a family-owned establishment serving the best pizza on the island, according to their website, and has been in business since December 2013. The pizza hot spot offers a small, comfortable restaurant that offers guests the opportunity to dine in, order takeout and island-wide delivery.
For those who want a firsthand account of the reviews given to Dough Boys, Tripadvisor holds a collection of positive feedback from the local pizza locale, some including pictures of the order.
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