Summer has officially begun, and so has hurricane season! Medicare “season” will begin October 1. We hope that you are prepared for summer and for hurricane seasons. Remember, if you travel to take a list of all your current medications.
If you expect to enroll in Medicare for the first time, please read the next three paragraphs.
How do I sign up for Medicare? If you have not received your Medicare card, showing start dates for Part A and Part B and you want to enroll in plan during the next few months, call Social Security, 800-772-1213. Social Security will help you determine if you qualify for Extra Help and will enroll you in Original Medicare. If you do not have a start date for Part B on your Medicare card, the only additional plan you can enroll in is a Prescription Drug Plan. You will NOT be able to enroll in an Advantage Plan or a Medigap Plan. Ten thousand people a day are turning 65, so don’t wait until the last minute.
If you have an Advantage Plan, read the next 2 paragraphs.
Recently, we have fielded some questions about the OTC benefit available in many Advantage Plans. OTC stands for Over The Counter. This benefit may be offered monthly or quarterly, and the amount of the benefit varies among the carriers. The OTC benefit is available to purchase non-prescription products that help us stay healthy and comfortable. If you aren’t sure if you have this benefit, call your carrier, your agent, or one of us.
Gym benefits are available through most Advantage Plans. This benefit might be referred to as Silver Sneakers or, if the carrier has enhanced the benefit, it may have another name. In order to use the benefit, call your carrier and ask for your Fitness Code and a list of exercise facilities in your area that participate in the carrier’s program. Be aware that some fitness facilities may limit the number of visitations you can make each month.
Use your benefits!
We are both independent, licensed and insured Health Insurance Agents, registered in Florida. We represent most of the insurance carriers who provide Medicare or ACA Plans on the Space and Treasure Coasts.
Additionally, we are appointed to sell ARP (America Rescue Plan), also known as the affordable Care Act (ACA), or “Obamacare.”
Nan Thornton
772-559-2794
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