Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions

Ask us Anything

843-991-2695

Free Consultation Request

Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in North Charleston, SC

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

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

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

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

Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
What is Medicare?
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in North Charleston
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance in North Charleston, SC
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance North Charleston, SC

Guiding You Through The Confusion of Medicare!

Request a Consultation

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 Plans North Charleston, 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:

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

Senior Health Insurance North Charleston, 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.

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.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

North Charleston's special election is on Tuesday. Here's what you need to know.

NORTH CHARLESTON — The day after Memorial Day, voters in city Districts 3 and 5 will choose City Council members to fill two seats that were left vacant after a sweeping federal investigation.Fifteen candidates are vying for the two positions — seven candidates for District 3 and eight for District 5. One candidate, Carlos Jones, withdrew ahead...

NORTH CHARLESTON — The day after Memorial Day, voters in city Districts 3 and 5 will choose City Council members to fill two seats that were left vacant after a sweeping federal investigation.

Fifteen candidates are vying for the two positions — seven candidates for District 3 and eight for District 5. One candidate, Carlos Jones, withdrew ahead of the election.

District 3 is located between Rivers Avenue and Interstate 26 and south of University Boulevard.

District 5 covers the neighborhoods between Ashley River and Dorchester Road in the southern portion of the city.

The special election is May 27. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can visit scVOTES.gov to check their polling place ahead of the election.

Voters can cast a ballot early at the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections headquarters at 4340 Corporate Road in North Charleston through May 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As of noon on May 21, 310 people voted early in the election, which is about 2 percent of the registered voters in the two districts, said Isaac Cramer, the executive director of the election board.

North Charleston elections use plurality voting, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins and a simple majority is not required.

The election is expected to cost the city between $30,000 to $40,000, Cramer previously told The Post and Courier.

The special election came after former councilmembers Sandino Moses and Jerome Heyward resigned from public office after federal corruption charges were filed against them and six other individuals.

Heyward, who represented District 5, faced charges ranging from bribery and wire fraud to money laundering. Moses, who represented District 3, was charged for allegedly failing to alert authorities of the attempted bribe to influence his City Council vote. The two entered guilty pleas on Feb. 28.

District 1 Councilman Mike Brown was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bribery regarding programs receiving federal funds. He is among four defendants who pleaded not guilty March 11.

Gov. Henry McMaster suspended Brown from office, but because he has not resigned, District 1 constituents will not vote for a new councilmember in this election. His seat will remain unrepresented until he is acquitted or convicted.

The 15 candidates on the ballot are:

District 3

District 5

Governor, SC officials urge preparation now for hurricane season

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The devastating and deadly impacts from Hurricane Helene last year proved hurricanes are statewide events in South Carolina, not just on the coast.With the next hurricane season just days away, Gov. Henry McMaster headed to North Charleston on Thursday to share the latest on preparations and what South Carolinians need to do now to be ready.State leaders said they have been preparing since last winter for this hurricane season.Now they say it’s time for all South Carolinians to get r...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The devastating and deadly impacts from Hurricane Helene last year proved hurricanes are statewide events in South Carolina, not just on the coast.

With the next hurricane season just days away, Gov. Henry McMaster headed to North Charleston on Thursday to share the latest on preparations and what South Carolinians need to do now to be ready.

State leaders said they have been preparing since last winter for this hurricane season.

Now they say it’s time for all South Carolinians to get ready.

“Don’t wait for the warning,” Rob Perry, deputy secretary for engineering with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, said. “Don’t wait for the press conferences. Do it now — that way you’re prepared.”

The director of the state’s Emergency Management Division, Kim Stenson, said South Carolinians should take three important steps: prepare their homes; know their evacuation zone, if they live in one; and remember their route to evacuate.

“We always hope to never be faced with an evacuation, but in the event an evacuation is ordered, our goal is to ensure there’s a safe movement of traffic and distribution near evacuation routes,” Lt. Col. Travis Manley, the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s deputy commander of operations, said.

SCEMD also reminds the many South Carolinians who live in low-lying areas to take that into consideration during their planning by preparing for potential flooding.

While South Carolina leaders emphasize annually that the impacts of hurricanes can and will be felt across the state, that reality was unscored last year with Helene, the deadliest storm in state history.

Stenson said Helene’s impacts in the Upstate and on the western part of the state as a whole, further away from the coast, did not change South Carolina’s hurricane preparations this year or its response plans.

“You can easily have hurricane-force winds all the way up to our northern border with North Carolina,” Stenson said. “So it really hasn’t changed anything. It’s just opened up a few eyes because we’ve not had that here in South Carolina for a number of years.”

Stenson and McMaster said they believe the state’s plans held up well then and feel confident in them headed into this season, if South Carolinians take them just as seriously.

“If a hurricane slams right into us, then it will qualify as a disaster, more than likely,” McMaster said. “But a disaster does not have to have a loss of life, with preparation and understanding of what’s happening.”

The state’s preparations will continue into next month, including the annual lane reversal drill on June 4.

South Carolina Highway Patrol said traffic will not be impacted, but they ask drivers to be aware of law enforcement who will be along the roads, preparing to keep people safe in emergencies.

SCEMD encourages South Carolinians to pick up one of its 2025 hurricane guides, which are available around the state and accessible online.

The guide is full of vital information like what to do if power goes out, how to file an insurance claim, what to do with pets, and maps out all the state’s evacuation zones.

Qatar-Boeing deal could boom business in South Carolina

(NewsNation) — A deal has been signed by Qatar Airways to purchase betweeen 160 and 200 Boeing jets, according to the White House.“This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, t...

(NewsNation) — A deal has been signed by Qatar Airways to purchase betweeen 160 and 200 Boeing jets, according to the White House.

“This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, totaling over 1 million jobs in the United States during the course of production and delivery of this deal,” the White House said.

The jets will be produced and delivered over a seven-year period, from 2029 to 2036.

Boeing has not yet confirmed or commented on details of the agreement.

The deal, which includes Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets, could give one South Carolina city a major job spike at its Boeing manufacturing plant.

The North Charleston plant is where all 787 Dreamliners are assembled, said Scott Stocker, who is the vice president and general manager . It currently employs more than 8,000 workers.

Mayor Reggie Burgess said while he’s not sure exactly how many jobs the Qatari deal could bring, his city will “fill them all.”

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of jobs,” he added.

Local business owners told NewsNation the deal would be a game-changer.

“Most of our business, our contractors, they are truck drivers, they’re just working-class people. And if it can bring more of those in here, then it would definitely, definitely improve everything for us,” said Li Farmer, a restaurant manager in North Charleston.

Korean Air recently agreed to purchase up to 50 Boeing planes, some of which will be assembled in North Charleston.

It’s a big boost for Boeing after a tough year, production problems and worker strikes.

Though the company has seen some layoffs in recent months, Boeing announced a plan in December to invest $1 billion in North Charleston’s plant, with a goal of adding 500 jobs in the next five years.

Makin’ a splash: Charleston County water parks are ready for summer

With summer right around the corner, so are the Holy City’s famously sweltering days. To beat the heat, we suggest a trip to Charleston County’s water parks.The three splashy attractions — plus the pool at West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood — will open for weekend fun starting Saturday, May 17,...

With summer right around the corner, so are the Holy City’s famously sweltering days. To beat the heat, we suggest a trip to Charleston County’s water parks.

The three splashy attractions — plus the pool at West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood — will open for weekend fun starting Saturday, May 17, with daily operations beginning Friday, May 30. With activities for all ages, you’re sure to cool off in no time.

Pro tip: Be sure to check their website before you plan your trip — schedules are subject to change.

Goggle at these water parks:

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark Location: Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston Highlights: The 65-ft Washout slides, the 27,000-sqft Big Kahuna wave pool, The Rollin’ River lazy riverSchedule: Opens weekends only starting Friday, May 17 (10 a.m.–6 p.m), runs daily from Friday May 30– Sunday, Aug. 10 (weekdays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., weekends: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.), then returns to weekends only through Labor Day, Sept. 1.Admission: $24.99 general admission

Splash Island WaterparkLocation: Palmetto Islands County ParkHighlights: 200-ft body flume, 16-ft otter slide, raindrop waterfallsSchedule: Opens weekends only starting May 17 (Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday: 1–6 p.m.), daily hours from Friday, May 30–Sunday, Aug. 3 (Weekdays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday: 1–6 p.m.), closes for the season after Sunday, Aug. 3Admission: $9.99 general admission; $2 per person Palmetto Islands County Park gate admission also required

Splash Zone Waterpark Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr.Highlights: 200-ft tube slide + open slide, rainforest-themed play structureSchedule: Opens weekends only starting May 17 (Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday: 1–6 p.m.), daily hours from Friday, May 30–Sunday, Aug. 3 (Weekdays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday: 1–6 p.m.), closes for the season after Sunday, Aug. 3Admission: $15.99 general admission

Pro tips: Admission for kids + seniors costs a few dollars less than general admission at each park. Go after 3 p.m. on weekdays to snag cheaper general admission. If you’re planning to visit the water parks a lot this summer, you might want to splurge for a Splash Pass 2025.

You better believe we’ll be floating down the Rollin’ River soon — see you there, Charleston.

North Charleston special election to cost taxpayers thousands

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The North Charleston city councilmen who pleaded guilty to corruption charges are still costing the taxpayers money even after giving up their positions.A special election to replace Jerome Heyward and Sandino Moses is just about to get underway with early voting starting on May 12.Heyward and Moses vacated their seats after they pleaded guilty to charges that stemmed from a federal corruption investigation.A third city council member, Mike Brown, has been suspended in connection with that...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The North Charleston city councilmen who pleaded guilty to corruption charges are still costing the taxpayers money even after giving up their positions.

A special election to replace Jerome Heyward and Sandino Moses is just about to get underway with early voting starting on May 12.

Heyward and Moses vacated their seats after they pleaded guilty to charges that stemmed from a federal corruption investigation.

A third city council member, Mike Brown, has been suspended in connection with that same FBI corruption investigation. Brown has pleaded not guilty and will remain suspended pending the outcome of his case.

There are 15 candidates vying for the two seats in the special election, which will take place on May 27. There are seven candidates running for the Moses’ District 3 seat and eight candidates running for Heyward’s District 5 seat.

But elections don’t just happen. They require organization, facilities and manpower. All of that costs money. The Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is hosting the election, but the city of North Charleston is paying for it.

“We do have two seats up and there are eight polling locations. Most of our costs are personnel related, hiring a poll worker, training them and so forth,” Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections Executive Director Isaac Cramer said.

Cramer says the special election is expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

In most cases, state law requires special elections if a vacancy is made with more than 180 days before the next election. Cramer says special elections are common and they’re doing about one per month.

There is a bill in the state legislature that would streamline special elections. Senate Bill S.38 would change the election calendar to limit the number of special elections that could be held.

“It basically establishes four election dates a year,” Cramer said. “So, instead of having an election any Tuesday in the calendar year in South Carolina, you would have four dates that we have to go by and that will help make things more simple, help us attract and retain poll workers and also to get polling locations.”

Those dates would be in January, April, June and August. The state Senate passed the bill but it awaits action in the House.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.