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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 Isle of Palms or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
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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:

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 Isle of Palms
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 Isle of Palms 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 Isle of Palms, 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 Isle of Palms. 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.
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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.
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Listening to your specific needs.
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Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude.
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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 Isle of Palms, SC
Isle of Palms residents to decide on capping short-term rental licenses in upcoming vote
Sydaija Smallshttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/isle-of-palms-residents-to-decide-on-capping-short-term-rental-licenses-in-upcoming-vote-wciv-abc-news-4
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — There are less than 25 days until a big decision is made on the Isle of Palms.Should short-term rental licenses be capped at 1,600?"We moved here deliberately," said Billy Lempesis, a resident of IOP, "understanding that it was a beach community. I have family here. It's always been a wonderful place. It's hard to understand the necessity of restricting short-term rentals."Isle of Palms residents to decide on capping short-term rental licenses in upcoming vote (WCIV)...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCIV) — There are less than 25 days until a big decision is made on the Isle of Palms.
Should short-term rental licenses be capped at 1,600?
"We moved here deliberately," said Billy Lempesis, a resident of IOP, "understanding that it was a beach community. I have family here. It's always been a wonderful place. It's hard to understand the necessity of restricting short-term rentals."
Isle of Palms residents to decide on capping short-term rental licenses in upcoming vote (WCIV)
Read more: SCDC uses new technology as a solution to stop inmates using contraband cellphones.
Many people say they're still unsure how they will vote.
"There's a lot more information that people need to find out if they're not clear because there's a gray area," said Debbie Strable, a resident of IOP for 22 years. "It is not what black and white, it's not quite clear to a lot of people. And it certainly isn't maybe 100% to me."
News 4 spoke with Mayor Phillip Pounds on Friday.
Read more: Gov. McMaster joins 18 other governors in urging Biden for stronger stance on Israel-Hamas conflict.
He said the city already has a little over 1,600 licenses issued.
News 4 asked him if this passes, would it impact property value and property taxes.
To that, he said he didn't think there would be an immediate effect on either one.
he also made a comparison to other Lowcountry beaches.
"If you look at what's going on at Folly Beach, who put a cap in earlier this year, you know, their, their property values have gone down, you know, pretty significantly in just a few months," said Pounds.
Read more: Dental clinics provide free care to patients in sixth annual Smiles From the Heart event.
Mayor Pounds said it's most important to know exactly what it is you're voting for.
"I would just encourage our residents to get educated, you know, from whatever source they use, to get their facts," Pounds said. "You know, whether it's the city's website or their couple of neighborhoods sites that have popped up. Uh, you just make sure you're educated on what your choice is."
A petition was created to get this referendum on the ballot.
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Right now, IOP is the only Lowcountry beach community without a short-term rental cap.
Isle of Palms: Things to Do and See at This Coastal SC Beach
Andrea Beamhttps://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/isle-of-palms-charleston
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach. About Isle of PalmsRecently my family traveled to Charleston to ...
If you are planning a family vacation to the SC coast, a stellar beach to visit is Isle of Palms. Things to do at IOP near Charleston are endless. Isle of Palms is convenient, family-friendly, and fun. You can even make a fun day trip out of it! She shares all the information that you need, including things to do, where to eat, and how much parking costs if you’re just planning a quick day trip at this local South Carolina beach.
About Isle of Palms
Recently my family traveled to Charleston to spend the day at Isle of Palms. Yes, you read that right – we went for the day. Isle of Palms is completely doable as a day trip. It’s perfect if you’re like me and live on a budget but long to breathe in the salt air.
Let me tell you, I was so impressed. There’s a quaint beachfront road lined with restaurants and shops. The shops are your typical beach shops filled with t-shirts, trinkets, and every size/shape boogie board to hit the market. You know, the kind of shops full of souvenirs found only on the coast.
There are also plenty of unique places to eat, a wonderful and clean beach, and fun shops to explore!
Isle of Palms: Things to Do With Your Family
One of the best things to do while in town is to head to the beach. The beach at IOP is flat, and there is plenty of room, even during high tide. The boys had a great time with boogie and skimboards. You can also spend the day looking for seashells, building sandcastles, or just enjoying the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. You can occasionally catch live music right by the dunes!
South Carolina’s crazy weather pattern has created a more hazardous environment for swimmers, so always be cautious of rip tides. In the midst of your family fun, make sure to keep an eye on the colored flag at the lifeguard stand.
Big Family Day Trip Tip: Isle of Palms County Park
If you park at Isle of Palms County Park, you’ll have restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available to you. This is a big deal when you’ll have 3 hour plus ride back home!
The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on Saturday, so plan to get there early in the day if you want a large space on the beach to set up camp. If you are in need of chair and umbrella rentals, there is a company for that! You can rent surfboards, bikes, chairs, and umbrellas from IOP Beach Chair Co. They even rent accessible beach wheelchairs.
You’ll also find rentals for chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards available at a cart by the restrooms at Isle of Palms County Park.
Bonus tip: There is a Harris Teeter across the street from Isle of Palms park. It’s a good place to stop before the beach to load up on snacks, fruit, or even some pre-made sandwiches. You’ll save some money here over restaurants and beach carts!
There’s certainly no shortage of food choices. Whether you enjoy live music and seafood, or you’re looking for some good ol’ American burgers and fries, you will find a delicious meal at Isle of Palms. One of the most popular places is Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. They have mostly seafood options and use fresh and local ingredients, which would make for a great dinner after a long day on the beach. They also have a pretty decent kids’ menu, which is always a plus.
If you are looking for something delicious right off Ocean Boulevard, then Smugglers Island Eats and Raw Bar will hit the spot. They pride themselves on a family-friendly atmosphere with a casual vibe. Smugglers, of course, offers seafood like fried shrimp baskets but also has smash burgers and vegetarian options if you want something else. Their frozen daiquiris are delicious by the way!
One of the most popular beach restaurants in IOP is Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill. They have lots of seafood dishes like crabcakes and shrimp and grits that are delicious, but they also have burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant is located by the ocean on Ocean Boulevard and offers a rooftop bar for patrons to enjoy a delicious cocktail while taking in the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are a nature lover, then going on an ecology tour of the waterways and marshes near IOP would be a perfect addition to your trip. Barrier Island Eco Tours has public tours that are guided by a naturalist and include boat excursions, dolphin tours, an exploration of Capers Island, and more. You are certain to see lots of sealife on your excursion, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the SC coast while also having a blast. The company offers public trips, private charters, school trips, and special events throughout the year.
Isle of Palms Beach Parking
The beachfront Isle of Palms County Park offers great parking, snack bars, restrooms, and beach access. Admission prices vary depending on the season but car prices do not exceed $15 during the week, and $20 on Saturday. If Saturday is your only option for travel, you’ll want to get an early start. The County Park lot will fill up, I promise. I’m speaking from experience.
Parking on the street is an option, but the spaces are limited on the weekends. There are electronic pay-boxes along the sidewalk, so make sure to have a card handy (it’s inexpensive). We lucked out with a spot on the street directly in front of beach access with a clean bathhouse.
Between the County Park and plenty of public beach access, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Isle of Palms. Whether you are renting a home, having a day trip, staying at Wild Dunes Resort, or vacationing at one of the few hotels in town, you are certain to find your Isle of Palms vacation worthwhile.
Visit the Isle of Palms website for more information on where to eat, what to do, and where to stay if you need more than a day trip.
Find a Place to Stay in Isle of Palms
Use the map below to find the perfect place to stay in Isle of Palms. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links through an affiliate relationship with Stay 22.
What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting the Isle of Palms?
Are you a beach lover?
Check out our list of the 20 Best Beaches in the Southeast!
Isle of Palms leaders facing backlash for pricey parking tickets
Sophia Radebaughhttps://www.counton2.com/news/isle-of-palms-leaders-facing-backlash-for-high-priced-parking-tickets/
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Some parking tickets on the Isle of Palms have reached $100 for minor infractions.Now people say they’re concerned the island is price gouging.From January 2020 to December 2022, records show that 14,000 parking tickets were issued on the Isle of Palms.The majority were for $100 dollars, but none were issued for less than $50 dollars; prices members of the Charleston Beach Foundation say are way too high.“I did an analysis, and found that the average ticket statewide ...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Some parking tickets on the Isle of Palms have reached $100 for minor infractions.
Now people say they’re concerned the island is price gouging.
From January 2020 to December 2022, records show that 14,000 parking tickets were issued on the Isle of Palms.
The majority were for $100 dollars, but none were issued for less than $50 dollars; prices members of the Charleston Beach Foundation say are way too high.
“I did an analysis, and found that the average ticket statewide is $30, not $100,” Founder of the Charleston Beach Foundation, Myra Jones said.
Jones filed a lawsuit against the Isle of Palms in 2020 over the ticket prices.
A judge eventually ruled that the city had the right to set the price at what they think is necessary.
“The judge noted that the state law, the South Carolina state law allows $100 fines,” IOP City Councilmember, Blair Hahn said.
However, Jones is fighting prices again, calling them excessive and unnecessary.
Jones said, “For comparison, tickets on Sullivans Island are $50 and on Folly Beach they’re $60.”
Jones is also concerned the high ticket prices could backfire and damage the island’s economy.
“We’ve hear from thousands of people who will not go to the Isle of Palms because of the $100 tickets,” Jones said.
Councilmembers aren’t concerned about the ticket prices driving people away.
Hahn said, “If you come out here on any weekend, the island is full. So, if our goal is to keep people, stop people from coming to the island, we’re doing a terrible job.”
Leaders say the ticket prices are a minor price to pay to keep the roads and citizens safe.
“We were not strictly enforcing parking, not as strict as we were this year. People were double parking, parking close to the road. Fire trucks couldn’t get through in a safe manner, police couldn’t get through in a safe manner,” Hahn said.
The Charleston Beach Foundation says they plan to take the issue to the Statehouse and introduce legislation that would not allow municipalities to write unreasonable tickets for minor parking infractions.
High liquor liability policy hurting some Isle of Palms bars
Sophia Radebaughhttps://www.counton2.com/news/high-liquor-liability-policy-hurting-some-isle-of-palms-bars/
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)- The post commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Isle of Palms is calling for the governor to rethink requirements for a liquor liability policy.On Saturday, the post had to a temporarily close its doors, the owner saying he wasn’t sure when they would be able to reopen.The VFW Post 3137 has been around for over 50 years, serving as a place for vets to come hang out.“We call it comradery,” Post commander Bo Stallings said.It’s one of the top veterans&rs...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)- The post commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Isle of Palms is calling for the governor to rethink requirements for a liquor liability policy.
On Saturday, the post had to a temporarily close its doors, the owner saying he wasn’t sure when they would be able to reopen.
The VFW Post 3137 has been around for over 50 years, serving as a place for vets to come hang out.
“We call it comradery,” Post commander Bo Stallings said.
It’s one of the top veterans’ posts in the country, with a wall of awards to prove it.
Stallings said, “The All-American award here that you see, the All-American post is very hard to get.”
For the first time since it opened, the post had to temporarily shut down for three days.
“We had to close the doors Saturday at midnight,” Stallings said.
The uncertainty of if and when it would reopen raised concern among the more than 1,200 members.
“My phone and email have been blowing up,” Stallings said.
Stallings says the closure was because they couldn’t afford their liquor liability insurance.
“As of this morning, I was told 66 VFWs across the state have had to close because of this insurance policy,” Stallings said.
In South Carolina., bars must maintain at least $1 million of liquor liability insurance.
It’s a bill that passed in 2017.
Stallings says this law is killing bars, and his neighbor at the Windjammer agrees.
“There’s plenty of local establishments and bars that are feeling the blunt of this and don’t have the money to pay this insurance,” Owner of Windjammer, Bobby Ross said.
Stallings says its time to rewrite the law, to make it less stressful for bar owners to have insurance, and he’s calling on the governor to make the change.
“It’s just out of hand with this insurance. I don’t know what the remedy would be other than the governor taking his pen and saying hey let’s make it go away,” Stallings said.
Stallings says they were able to secure a new policy they can afford, so they’ve opened their doors back up for service.
Ribbon cutting held for The Outpost at the Isle of Palms Marina
Tim Renaudhttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/ribbon-cutting-held-for-the-outpost-at-the-isle-of-palms-marina/
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – The ribbon was cut early Tuesday morning on the newly renovated Isle of Palms Marina market, The Outpost.Michael Shuler, whose company took over the lease for the Isle of Palms Marina store months ago, said the new shop will offer a “little bit of everything” whether you are a local or visitor.“It’s got exactly what you need at a marina. It...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – The ribbon was cut early Tuesday morning on the newly renovated Isle of Palms Marina market, The Outpost.
Michael Shuler, whose company took over the lease for the Isle of Palms Marina store months ago, said the new shop will offer a “little bit of everything” whether you are a local or visitor.
“It’s got exactly what you need at a marina. It’s part convenience store, part boutique, part kitchen- and it’s convenient, it’s quick, it’s easy whether you come by boat or by vehicle, it’s a little something for everyone,” he said following Tuesday’s opening celebration.
Isle of Palms city leaders and residents gathered for the ribbon cutting. Shuler promised that although the business is open, it will remain a work in progress. “We’re not stopping now. We’re listening, we’re going to keep getting this right,” he said.
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Shuler said he’s been coming to the Isle of Palms Marina since he was a child and understands its significance to the community.
“This place is very important to me. I think what we’ve done here is going to give us another forty years of fun times at the Isle of Palms Marina and we welcome everyone to come enjoy it with us,” he added.
After obtaining the lease earlier this year, Shuler’s team went to work renovating the space and reconfiguring the parking lot to make it more efficient. Inside, you’ll find the ship store, a deli, and plenty of opportunities to pick up a souvenir.
“We dove right in,” said Shuler. “We knew that we had a renovation on our hands so we tried our best to get it done and make sure we could open and serve the public this summer.”
The Outpost is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
“We’ve got to be here to meet the needs of people first thing in the morning when they are out fishing with the sunrise and we’ve got to meet the needs of people when they are coming back off the boat in the evenings,” said Shuler.
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