843-991-2695Free Consultation Request
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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston, 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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston, SC
Charleston children’s museum to expand to upper Dorchester County
Megan Fernandeshttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/childrens-museum-rosenwald-school-st-george-charleston-bulldog-tours-ghost-tour/article_20cbc106-6786-11ee-be6e-8786d94ff82e.html
The historic Rosenwald School in St. George will take on a new life to inspire young minds, as part of the space becomes the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s first satellite location.The upper Dorchester County location is the first step in the museum’s goal to live up to its name by “representing more of the Lowcountry,” CEO ...
The historic Rosenwald School in St. George will take on a new life to inspire young minds, as part of the space becomes the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s first satellite location.
The upper Dorchester County location is the first step in the museum’s goal to live up to its name by “representing more of the Lowcountry,” CEO Karen Coltrane said.
It is expected to come online next year, primarily as a center for field trips or special events. The buildout of the exhibits is being funded by more than $300,000 provided by Boeing Co. and other local donors.
Erin Fisher, a senior manager for the 787 maker’s community engagement efforts, said that developing a workforce pipeline is more than just targeting high school and college age students.
Investments like these are meant to help younger children across the state embrace curiosity, problem solving and science- and math-based concepts, with the hope that it will set them down a career path in advanced manufacturing or engineering, she said.
Tuskegee Airmen event
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will welcome a special VIP guest on Oct. 15: Lt. Eugene J. Richardson Jr. was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first African-American fighter pilots to see combat during World War II and who were credited with advancing civil rights for minorities who served in the military.
Richardson, who was born in 1925, will share personal experiences from his time in the Army Air Corps from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Also, a documentary titled “In Their Own Words: The Tuskegee Airmen,” will be shown in the Smokey Stover Theater on the Yorktown aircraft carrier. It’s included with the purchase of a general admission ticket.
Back in jail
A local company’s longstanding old historic city jail tour is back, just in time for spooky season.
Bulldog Tours of Charleston paused the visits while the 221-year-old building underwent extensive renovations to help preserve and stabilize it. Tickets are now on sale for tours starting Oct. 20.
The company started leading guided trips of the jail at 21 Magazine St. in 2004. Owner John Laverne says that visitors will notice some differences.
“We’ve added more history about the building itself, which has played a large role in Charleston’s history,” he said.
With the renovation, the building has now been brought into the 21st century, with heating and cooling systems and updated restrooms.
“Exhibits will make it look and feel like it did in 1802,” Laverne said.
Around town
‘Banned Books Week’ event at N. Charleston bookstore highlights ban history
Melissa Rademakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/10/12/banned-books-week-event-n-charleston-bookstore-highlights-ban-history/
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A North Charleston bookstore hosted its fourth annual “Banned Books Week” panel on Wednesday.“Banned Books Week” is a national event promoted by the American Libraries Association that highlights historic book bans and their impact on access to information.Librarians, authors and a bookstore owner gathered at Itinerant Literate Books in North Charleston to share their thoughts on the history and process of book bans.Attendees say understanding what a “book ban...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A North Charleston bookstore hosted its fourth annual “Banned Books Week” panel on Wednesday.
“Banned Books Week” is a national event promoted by the American Libraries Association that highlights historic book bans and their impact on access to information.
Librarians, authors and a bookstore owner gathered at Itinerant Literate Books in North Charleston to share their thoughts on the history and process of book bans.
Attendees say understanding what a “book ban” actually is, is critical in a time where many districts are seeing challenges to material. For example, Berkeley County is evaluating the content of 93 books right now.
READ MORE: Advocates, school board members question validity of parent’s 93 book challenges
“Overall, the reason we like to have this event is because we want the number one question I feel like we get in the store is like oh my gosh, this book was banned, like why was it banned?” Julia Turner, co-owner of Itinerant Literate Books, said.
Historically, certain books have had lasting bans in school districts, and the week even highlights books that were and are banned by certain countries. Turner says now, the “ban” that makes headlines, is people challenging books that appear in schools and libraries.
“It’s not like it’s not the government. That’s like saying you can’t read these are people in your community raising these issues,” Turner said.
So far, a Berkeley County Committee has reviewed 10 of the 93 challenged books. The committee recommends keeping at least four books district-wide and three in just high schools.
“I would say that determining age appropriateness is something that our librarians are best equipped to do. They often went and got master’s degrees. These are these are highly qualified people,” ACLU Communications Director Paul Bowers said.
Most at the event opposed major bans across a school district, instead asking people to take up content conversations with their student’s teachers and librarians to create a personal path for their reading journey.
“I’m a parent myself, and my kids are getting to an age where we talk about current events. And I think, you know, there are things that you can decide as a parent, my kids, but where we draw the line was deciding that nobody’s kid is,” Bowers said.
The request that the Berkeley County School Board evaluate 93 books came from one parent – and was sent on behalf of all school district students. The district says they are following policy by having a committee review the books and make recommendations.
The next evaluation meeting of the next 10 books will take place on Oct. 26.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
New comedy club Wit’s End from comic Josh Bates coming to North Charleston
Alan Hovorkahttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/comedy-club-wits-end-opening-north-charleston-sc/article_e49b91e8-56eb-11ee-9da7-f79064cdbabd.html
NORTH CHARLESTON — Stand-up comedy in Charleston will have a new home not far from Park Circle after The Sparrow closes later this year.Comedian Josh Bates announced a new venture with entrepreneur Rick Blind that will bring a combination bar and theater to 3324 Rivers Ave. The new space, set to open in in Feb...
NORTH CHARLESTON — Stand-up comedy in Charleston will have a new home not far from Park Circle after The Sparrow closes later this year.
Comedian Josh Bates announced a new venture with entrepreneur Rick Blind that will bring a combination bar and theater to 3324 Rivers Ave. The new space, set to open in in February, will include about 5,000 square feet of space divided between the bar, a 90-seat theater, a green room that doubles as a podcasting studio and a forthcoming VIP area.
The new comedy club that will step in for The Sparrow as the gym for Charleston stand-up comics sits across the street from the Starlight Motor Inn and next door to Jackrabbit Filly ownership’s new restaurant, King BBQ. The Sparrow became a hub for comics plying their craft in part due to its long-running weekly open mic nights.
Having a theater space means Wit’s End will be able to host other forms of entertainment as well. Future plans include bringing community theater events to the space, in addition to hosting sketch and improv comedy events. Bates said he and his partner might even work with King BBQ on events.
Comedy at The Sparrow became a spin-off brand that’s brought in rising stars in the stand-up world to Park Circle after the bar’s owner, Cami Kind, tapped Bates to evolve entertainment offerings in 2019.
In July, Kind announced the bar would close after more than a decade because of a lease dispute. She said that she would not reopen The Sparrow elsewhere.
The upcoming closing left Bates needing to find a new path forward for Comedy at The Sparrow, whose open mics became so popular that they switched from walk-in signups to advance registration on Mondays.
The last day of comedy at The Sparrow is Dec. 9. Bates said he plans on a smooth transition for comedy fans when Wit’s End opens in February. He has booked national comics to play in the club’s opening weeks, along with a concert series.
Bates said more information on the club will be shared in the coming months.
Get a weekly list of tips on pop-ups, last minute tickets and little-known experiences hand-selected by our newsroom in your inbox each Thursday.
Leidos Announces New Manufacturing Facility in North Charleston, South Carolina
Leidoshttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leidos-announces-new-manufacturing-facility-in-north-charleston-south-carolina-301870860.html
Facility will insource production of key security products and bring new jobs to the regionRESTON, Va., July 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE...
Facility will insource production of key security products and bring new jobs to the region
RESTON, Va., July 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, today announced plans to establish a new security systems manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. This will be the company's third security systems manufacturing location in the U.S., expanding its presence and support to customers. Leidos will invest $31.7 million in the new facility, creating up to 170 new jobs in the region over time.
"This facility brings more manufacturing back into the U.S. and expands Leidos' global security capabilities for the aviation and critical infrastructure markets," said Jim Moos, Leidos Civil Group president. "We're thrilled to expand into the North Charleston area and look forward to making a positive impact in the community."
The new facility will produce security systems for Leidos' Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) operation. SES offers a comprehensive suite of fully automated and integrated products for aviation, shipping ports, border crossings and critical infrastructure customers. These systems provide threat detection by screening baggage, cargo and people at checkpoints around the world.
"Leidos' $31.7 million investment in their new facility here in the Lowcountry will lead to significant job growth and economic development," said Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-1). "We congratulate them on their expanding operation and thank them for putting their faith in South Carolina."
Located in Ladson Industrial Park, the new 150,000-square-foot facility will enable Leidos to onshore more manufacturing increasing the company's critical capacity to support its growing customer base. The new plant will optimize manufacturing efficiency, quality and safety through application of best-in-class manufacturing processes. The facility is currently under construction and is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2024.
About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Contact: | Melissa Dueñas |
(571) 526-6850 | |
Thomas Doheny | |
(571) 474-4735 | |
Victor Melara | |
(703) 431-4612 | |
SOURCE Leidos
‘A collaborative effort’: Dorchester Co., N. Charleston break ground on senior center
Caitlin Ashbaughhttps://www.live5news.com/2023/08/15/collaborative-effort-dorchester-co-n-charleston-break-ground-senior-center/
The City of North Charleston and Dorchester County have taken the first steps in a land partnership to build a new senior center.NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of North Charleston and Dorchester County have taken the first steps in a land partnership to build a new senior center.Dorchester County Council unanimously approved a notion Monday night to continue the collaboration with the city to construct the facility on Patriot Boulevard.“It’s truly a collaborative effort that shows how governments ca...
The City of North Charleston and Dorchester County have taken the first steps in a land partnership to build a new senior center.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of North Charleston and Dorchester County have taken the first steps in a land partnership to build a new senior center.
Dorchester County Council unanimously approved a notion Monday night to continue the collaboration with the city to construct the facility on Patriot Boulevard.
“It’s truly a collaborative effort that shows how governments can work together for the greater good,” North Charleston City Councilmember Kenneth Skipper said.
Plans for the center are still in the early stages, but officials say it will mirror two existing locations in North Charleston: one in the Northwood area and another on Dorchester Road.
The cost for construction is set to be around $7 million, with $2 million being granted from the state.
“Being able to maximize what we’re getting from the state, assistance from the county as well as what the city can do, it’s really just a win for everybody” Skipper said.
This partnership is not the first between the city and Dorchester County.
The center will be just a walk away from two other projects connected to such collaborations: the city’s newest aquatic center and a public library, set to open its doors on Friday.
The new center will prioritize health and wellness and socialization for seniors by providing access to exercise equipment, group classes, outdoor spaces and more.
Officials say this decision comes from a need to put our local aging populations first and to create positive relationships between Lowcountry governments.
“We are not working in a vacuum, we all work together,” Skipper said. “Oftentimes, we focus on the youth and we forget about the aging population. It’s important that they have activities and places to go to exercise and interact with others.”
The project still has to go through planning and design work before construction starts.
Once it begins, Skipper told residents to expect it to take around 18 months to complete.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
