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Senior Medicare Advantage plan insurance in West Ashley, 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 West Ashley or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.

Medicare West Ashley, SC

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 West Ashley, SC

This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.

This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.

This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.

Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).

The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:

At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.

Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in West Ashley

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:

Medicare Plans West Ashley, SC

As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:

  • To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
  • Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
  • If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
  • If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
  • Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
  • You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
  • In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.

For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in West Ashley 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 West Ashley, 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:

Senior Health Insurance West Ashley, 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.

Healthcare West Ashley, SC

Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules

Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer senior Medicare Advantage Plan insurance in West Ashley. 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
Burial Insurance West Ashley, SC

Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.

Paying for Your Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance

How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.

We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.

Medicare Advantage West Ashley, SC

The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment

Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:

  • Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.
  • Listening to your specific needs.
  • Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude.
  • Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Medicare West Ashley, SC

Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.

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.

Latest News in West Ashley, SC

‘It shouldn’t be on us’: Couple says water in fuel at West Ashley station damaged vehicle

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A Lowcountry couple faces thousands of dollars in repairs after they say water in diesel fuel purchased in West Ashley damaged their vehicle.Adrienne Lett and her partner Uriel Salazar contacted the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to request diesel fuel be tested after they filled up their 2023 GMC Truck at the Circle K on Ashley River Road on New Year’s Eve. Lett said they were able to make the short drive home, but the next morning was another story.“We tried to drive the c...

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A Lowcountry couple faces thousands of dollars in repairs after they say water in diesel fuel purchased in West Ashley damaged their vehicle.

Adrienne Lett and her partner Uriel Salazar contacted the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to request diesel fuel be tested after they filled up their 2023 GMC Truck at the Circle K on Ashley River Road on New Year’s Eve. Lett said they were able to make the short drive home, but the next morning was another story.

“We tried to drive the car. I guess we tried to drive the truck out of our driveway and it stalled almost immediately. It completely stopped working,” Lett said.

Salazar’s truck started to make an erratic rattling noise and he got a notification saying water was detected in the gas tank.

“That’s when I started freaking out because I have this $100,000 asset that I’ve been taking like pristine care of over the last two years and to have it just not work anymore. It was very frustrating,” Salazar said.

The SCDA’s report listed traces of water and sediment in the fuel. While waiting for the results, they both continued to contact Circle K for answers, but say they haven’t received much in return.

“For us, we’re lucky we have multiple cars, but if this was one family truck and you relied on it for work and now you’re out of work for over a week, that’s very frustrating for a lot of families,” Salazar said.

Since the SCDA report came back, the diesel pumps now have zip ties and red tags saying they’re not for use.

“Ultimately, we shouldn’t have to pay for this,” Lett said. “This is it’s not our fault as this is the gas station’s fault and they should have coverage for this and whatnot and it shouldn’t be on us.”

Lett and Salazar both said they want to spread this news because they’re now starting to wonder how many people have had this problem.

Circle K did not respond to a request for comment.

Anyone who thinks they have purchased contaminated should contact SCDA at 803-737-9700, the number listed on the SCDA inspection sticker attached to the pump, the agency’s website states. The receipt from the purchase or the type, grade, date and pump number will help investigators trace potential issues with the gasoline.

“Consumer Services, a division of SCDA, investigates complaints on motor fuel quality and/or quantity issues,” the website states. “Customers can assist in this process by contacting SCDA as soon as possible after the purchase so that we may dispatch an inspector to visually inspect and collect a sample for lab analysis while the product is still available.”

The SCDA can provide a copy of the lab analysis that consumers can use to support their claims.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Century-old Charleston insurer in dispute with SC regulators

A Charleston insurer marking its 100th anniversary has been ordered to stop issuing new policies in South Carolina after regulators determined its financial condition to be "hazardous" under a directive that is now on hold.Atlantic Coast Life, which is headquartered in West Ashley and once owned the iconic downtown building that now houses the Wentworth Mansion, had been operating under confidential state supervision since last spring, along with the affiliated Southern Atlantic Re Inc.The S.C. Department of Insurance...

A Charleston insurer marking its 100th anniversary has been ordered to stop issuing new policies in South Carolina after regulators determined its financial condition to be "hazardous" under a directive that is now on hold.

Atlantic Coast Life, which is headquartered in West Ashley and once owned the iconic downtown building that now houses the Wentworth Mansion, had been operating under confidential state supervision since last spring, along with the affiliated Southern Atlantic Re Inc.

The S.C. Department of Insurance recently released details of its investigation into the companies "as part of our ongoing efforts to protect the consumers of South Carolina,” said Michael Wise, the agency's director.

“We will continue to work with our fellow state regulators to ensure companies conducting insurance business are adequately funded in compliance with the law,” Wise added in a written statement.

The public disclosure drew a sharp rebuke from Advantage Capital, the owner of the two insurers.

“While we remain committed to working with our regulatory counterparts, we completely disagree with South Carolina’s assertions and their sudden decision to breach confidentiality," a spokesman for New York-based A-Cap said in a written statement.

The state last month directed Atlantic Coast and Southern Atlantic to stop writing new business, including life insurance policies and income-producing annuities. The order was put on hold Dec. 30, a day before it was to take effect.

The South Carolina crackdown follows nearly identical actions that Utah announced last year against three other carriers that A-Cap owns. The two states have been working together on a "full examination" since last January.

Regulators are concerned that A-Cap has heavily invested money from policyholders into businesses under its control, raising potential conflicts of interest.

South Carolina flagged to a credit-rating report issued in February that questioned the company's risk-management practices. The analysis from A.M. Best pointed to the "uncertainty of the quality of assets" backing the capital reserves for A-Cap's insurance operations, including Atlantic Coast and Southern Atlantic.

The state put the carriers and their owner under confidential supervision April 10. It cited their close financial ties to a Miami private equity firm called 777 Partners with "extensive" interests in airlines and sports teams, as well as insurance businesses.

The department then disallowed more than $660 million in investments Atlantic Coast and Southern Atlantic provided to help measure their financial strength and ability to pay claims. It also determined the two insurers were severely undercapitalized once the numbers were recalibrated.

A-Cap said it stands behind the financial information it has submitted. Atlantic Coast Life and Southern Atlantic "will continue to be strong," it added.

"South Carolina’s conclusions are incorrect based on an apparent misinterpretation of their own statute. ... We look forward to correcting the errors in South Carolina’s position on this matter," the spokesman said in the prepared remarks.

A-Cap bought Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. in 2015 from the family that co-founded the business in Charleston 90 years earlier.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to show the S.C. Department of Insurance's order was put on hold effective Dec. 30.

Charleston celebrates groundbreaking of Ashley River Crossing Pedestrian Bridge

Published: Jan. 8, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A long-awaited project that would make the City of Charleston more accessible and connected for pedestrians, cyclists and other nonmotorized users will finally become a reality Wednesday.The Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge project has been in the works for almost 15 years now and after undergoing several changes and design revisions, the plan is complete, so the project will begin Wednesday afternoon. Leaders for the City of Charleston will break ground an...

Published: Jan. 8, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A long-awaited project that would make the City of Charleston more accessible and connected for pedestrians, cyclists and other nonmotorized users will finally become a reality Wednesday.

The Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge project has been in the works for almost 15 years now and after undergoing several changes and design revisions, the plan is complete, so the project will begin Wednesday afternoon. Leaders for the City of Charleston will break ground and begin construction on this massive project.

This bridge will connect West Ashley to downtown Charleston.

Project leaders plan to start construction on the West Ashley side and build across to the downtown side, connecting to Brittlebank Park, Bee Street and Lockwood Drive and then eventually tying into the City Marina.

Chief Policy Officer for the City of Charleston Logan McVey said that they plan to connect many projects within this one including the Ashley River Walk and the Battery extension with one goal in mind: making the City of Charleston one, connected city.

“That’s what’ll be really important is the idea of the City working together and us viewing the City not as different places - as West Ashley versus Downtown or Downtown versus West Ashley - but as one city that is connected with just a little bit of water in between,” McVey said.

In theory, once this project is complete, it would be possible to bike or walk all the way from outer West Ashley to the Isle of Palms.

The vision is that pedestrians and cyclists could take the West Ashley Greenway to the Ashley River Crossing then ride around the peninsula using the Battery extension to ultimately hop on the Ravenel Bridge. It is all about connectivity within the city, which is something leaders have been really trying to prioritize.

This project originally began under the city’s former leadership, but City Council approved the suggestions Mayor Cogswell made to the project and it will now also include a viewing platform of the Ashley River.

The project in total will cost about $90 million, which will mostly come from federal funding.

As it is such a big project, McVey said that city leaders wanted to make sure they were making the best use of this money. He said they decided to be intentional in connecting this with several other pedestrian and mobility projects in the area.

“The idea is that you’ve got something that is going to be a pretty big investment… how can the city connect that investment to other investments we are making? That’s the battery extension, that’s the Lowline, that’s all of the bike and pedestrian improvements that we are making downtown. How do all of these tie together to create a system that allows people to get around without getting into a car, takes pressure off our roads, but also makes us a healthier, better, more connected city,” McVey said.

City leaders will host a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the beginning of construction for this project Boulevard from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The groundbreaking will take place at the construction site on the West Ashley side located at 25 Folly Road Blvd.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

MUSC eyes West Ashley for an emergency outpost as a North Charleston warehouse sells

Bye, bye, endless shrimp. West Ashley might be getting an even better deal, with a health kicker.A freestanding emergency department to be operated by the Medical University of South Carolina is being reviewed by the city of Charleston. The development is proposed for the 2080 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. — the site of a shuttered Red Lobster.The location would complement the existing MUSC Health West Ashley Pavilion, which opened nearby at Citadel Mall in Decemb...

Bye, bye, endless shrimp. West Ashley might be getting an even better deal, with a health kicker.

A freestanding emergency department to be operated by the Medical University of South Carolina is being reviewed by the city of Charleston. The development is proposed for the 2080 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. — the site of a shuttered Red Lobster.

The location would complement the existing MUSC Health West Ashley Pavilion, which opened nearby at Citadel Mall in December 2019 within the former JC Penney department store.

Business

Sebastian Davis with ADC Engineering spoke on behalf of the applicant for the project Dec. 12, requesting preliminary approval from the city's Technical Review Committee.

“We are planning to provide a new building, essentially, that fits the site better,” he said.

Plans call for a single-story structure. MUSC, which was still finalizing plans as of its board of directors meeting last week, plans to lease the building, according to Andrew Pardue of E4H Environments for Health Architecture.

The property owner is affiliated with Plano, Texas-based Intuitive Health, a physician-led company that specializes in emergency care. It bought the former seafood restaurant, which Red Lobster vacated in early 2023, for $3.75 million in October.

Business

Currently, there is no access to the property from Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. The entrance is around the corner on Orleans Road. Access to the property from The Citadel Mall is an easement, not a right of way.

Some of the proposed renovations include tearing out the existing chain-link fences and adding sidewalks.

"This whole bookend of Sam Rittenberg is critical to the future of that corridor," said Eric Schultz, the Technical Review Committee's administrator.

“We want this to be really dressed up and a really good-looking building and landscape," he added.

The applicants next meet with the city's zoning board.

Just sold

A warehouse at 6470 Dorchester Road in North Charleston has sold for $3.85 million.

Built in 2022, the 18,352-square-foot property formerly was home to Majestic Bath & Kitchen and Atlantic Coast Electric Supply.

The property consists of two showroom areas and a large interior office space with a mix of private and communal offices. Two roll-up doors are located in the back of the warehouse, along with a loading dock and a fenced laydown yard. The city of North Charleston rezoned the property to light industrial in March 2021.

The buyer is Tavares Properties LP, and the seller is Dorchester Road Properties SC LLC, according to county real estate records.

Buying behind

One of the Charleston's oldest and largest real estate firms has added an Upstate property to its portfolio.

The Beach Co., through its Beach Real Estate Funds affiliate, has acquired Ryder Junction Apartments in Greer. The community features 264 units with resort-style amenities at 900 Conductor Circle.

The deal is the third investment for Beach Investment Fund II, following properties in Charlotte and Orlando.

Now leased

Despite a summertime structural scare that forced a building-wide evacuation, the iconic Peoples Building in downtown Charleston continues to gain new tenants. The latest addition: Frontier Growth, a private equity firm that targets investments in the software-as-a-service sector.

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Senior Medicare Plans West Ashley, SC

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