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Understanding Medicare is not a simple task. Here at Focus Senior Benefits, our team prides itself on taking an individualized approach to education, even before discussing plan options. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are not the same. We work to understand our clients’ budget, health, and coverage priorities, to layout the most appropriate plan.

Our Plan Advisors host multiple educational events per month that focus on covering how Medicare works, and what clients need to know. These free-of-charge, no-obligation meetings, help seniors understand Medicare in a stress-free environment. Focus Senior Benefits strives not only be able to service our clients regarding coverage options, but we want to ensure they are knowledgeable of the product as well. We know you have questions and we have the answers. Call us today to find or when we will be in your area! 

Each year in the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), thousands of consumers change their Medicare plan. Sometimes the plan they choose is not as beneficial as they originally thought.

The plan may have had an attractive benefit, such as low doctor visit copayments or a low monthly premium, which may have fit your needs at that time.   As we all know, things can change.  Your health can change, your living situation can change and most importantly, your financial situation can change.  A plan that may have been a good fit for you last week may no longer be a fit at all.

So, how do you change your plan if you are unsatisfied with your current selection?  The first thing you need to know, when considering  changing plans outside of AEP, is whether or not you are in a program that gives you Special Enrollment Period (SEP) eligibility.  To see if you’re eligible for a SEP, contact Focus Senior Benefits and we can help you make that determination.

If you do not qualify for a SEP, we would recommend making a list of your current and developing needs.  This list can assist you in making an educated choice when selecting a new plan come October 2018.

We’ve all heard the saying “more isn’t always better, sometimes it’s just more”.  Occasionally, more is good.  However, when it comes to your Medicare premium, more is just more.

Your benefits are important to you.  They provide a safety net that protects you from the uncertainty of facing unforeseen medical issues, and let’s face it, we all want that reassurance. But what happens when the cost of your safety net and reassurance it too high?  You begin to sacrifice necessities such as paying your bills, buying food and purchasing household goods.

Good news!  There are programs offered that are designed to provide assistance, with you in mind!

Programs such as Medicaid (Access), Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) and PACE, are available to those who need assistance.  Programs like these can pay your monthly premiums, partial or full, and can help pay for prescription drugs.  These programs are free to join and we, at Focus Senior Benefits, will gladly help you navigate them to see if they can help you, at no cost to you.

We all want the most out of our benefits, so why not take advantage of these programs?  Don’t fall into the “sometimes it’s just more” trap!

Life is full of uncertainties and now that you’re approaching retirement, your health coverage should not be one of them. So, what happens now? How do you get Medicare? Where should you turn and more importantly, who can you trust?

The first question you should ask is, “when do I need to sign up?” Typically, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65^th birthday.  You have to remember that not everyone’s situation is the same, therefore it is important to meet with someone who will be able to cater to your own personal situation. We know that your mailbox may be full of flyers, ads and promotions for carriers and the plans they offer. It can get overwhelming when trying to find what is right for you when there are countless options available.

Our advice to you is to look at your past two years of medical history, form a budget, write down any questions you may have, and give the team at Focus Senior Benefits a call.  At Focus Senior Benefits, our main focus is to answer questions, provide guidance, and find the plan that best works for you.  Remember, retirement is your reward and you’ve earned it. Don’t let your Medicare stress you out! Get covered!