Specializing in Medicare, Covered California, and Life Insurance.
Proudly serving Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, and all of California.
Medicare: What it is and what you need to know:
Medicare: What it is and what you need to know:
Medicare: What it is and what you need to know:
Believe it or not, turning 65 may be the best birthday of your life!
Why? You get to enroll in Medicare!
Even if you aren't retired or drawing Social Security. You still need to consider your Medicare options starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month.
Medicare is the Federal Health Insurance program for people aged 65 and older and some people with disabilities. Medicare was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Medicare can be confusing at times. There are a lot of letters involved ABCD etc. and seemingly arbitrary rules.
Over 65 million people are on Medicare and about 10,000 people per day turn 65 in the United States. Medicare spending was $944.3 billion in 2022. Medicare is a good program overall. For example, When you sign up for Medicare you are allowed a free medical exam.
A great resource is Medicare.gov
What Medicare covers and what it costs:
Medicare: What it is and what you need to know:
Medicare: What it is and what you need to know:
Original Medicare has two parts, A and B. Part A covers hospitalization and is free to most people. Part A has a $1,632 deductible for every 60 day benefit period in 2024. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, surgery, and other services. Part B only pays about 80% of your medical claims and has a $240 annual deductible in 2024. Part B is $174.70 per month (or more depending on your income) and Medicare bills you directly each quarter. Once you start drawing Social Security the $174.70 is automatically withheld from the benefit payment.
Some of the things Medicare doesn't cover are:
· Long-term care (also called custodial care)
· Most dental care
· Eye examinations related to prescribing glasses
· Dentures
· Cosmetic surgery
· Acupuncture
· Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
· Routine foot care
How to begin and what you need to do...
Medicare: What it is and what you need to know:
How to begin and what you need to do...
The first step is to enroll in Medicare three months before your Birthday month.
You can enroll in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B in the following ways:
1. Online at www.SSA.gov.
2. By calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM.
3. In person at a Social Security office.
You have a 7 month enrollment window to finalize your enrollment in Part A and
Part B.
You can enroll in Medicare 3 months before your 65 birthday, during your birthday month, and 3 months after your birthday month. This enrollment window applies to both Medicare and Medicare Advantage and Prescription drug plans.
If you are already enrolled in Medicare, Open Enrollment is from October 15th to December 7th each year. Open enrollment applies to Medicare Advantage and Drug Plans.
In California people who have a Medicare Supplement can shop and compare their Supplement and change to a different company up to 60 days after their birthday. This California Birthday Rule is a great benefit for people with a Medicare Supplement.
What is Plan G?
I can also help you with Covered CA, Individual, or Small Employer Group health Insurance.
How to begin and what you need to do...
Medicare Part B covers about 80% of your medical bills. The remaining 20% is your responsibility. A Medicare Supplement is an insurance policy issued by a private company that helps cover this remaining amount. With Medicare Supplement Plan G you pay the $240 Part B deductible, then Plan G pays the rest of your covered medical claims after Medicare pays their 80%. Please contact me and I will be happy to answer all of your questions related to Medicare.
Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plans. Part C and Part D
I can also help you with Covered CA, Individual, or Small Employer Group health Insurance.
I can also help you with Covered CA, Individual, or Small Employer Group health Insurance.
Is Medicare Advantage right for you? Call me today so we can discuss the benefits and trade offs associated with Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage is known as Part C.
Prescription Drug Plans are known
as Part D.
Most of the commercials you see on TV are advertising Part C plans.
"We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 19 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."
I can also help you with Covered CA, Individual, or Small Employer Group health Insurance.
I can also help you with Covered CA, Individual, or Small Employer Group health Insurance.
I can also help you with Covered CA, Individual, or Small Employer Group health Insurance.
Individual and Family Health Insurance:
Everyone needs some form of health insurance to protect themselves and their family from catastrophic medical bills. If you're self employed or your employer doesn't offer health insurance contact me today.
The State of California will penalize you if you do not have health insurance. How much is the penalty?
There are two methods of calculating the penalty. The monthly penalty amount for a responsible individual is an amount equal to one-twelfth of the greater of either of the following amounts:
- A flat amount based on the number of people in the household – $900 per adult 18 years or older and $450 per dependent child, up to an annual maximum of $2,700.
- A percentage of the household income – 2.5% of all gross household income over the tax filing threshold.
Employer Group Health Insurance:
Finding and keeping skilled employees is one of the biggest challenges for business owners. Health insurance is a key benefit that quality employees appreciate and often expect.
Life Insurance:
Life insurance is critical to your family's financial plan. Term and Permanent life insurance both have their benefits. Which will work best for you depends on your specific life goals.
Contact me
Call or email me today if there is anything I can do for you.
Phone number: 530-632-7421
calebgiffininsurance@gmail.com
Office Location: 327 E. Redwood Ave, Suite C
Fort Bragg CA 95437
CA Lic. # 0G46143
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: By appointment.
About me:
Since 2013 I have helped my clients find the right health insurance plan that meets their needs and budget as a Broker and Covered California Certified Agent.
The health insurance industry is constantly changing. It's important to have a broker on your side and watching out for your best interest long after your initial policy is issued.
I am committed to helping my clients obtain the best solution for their situation.
As a broker I always offer more than one quote. If you choose to work with me the insurance companies will have to compete for your business.
Contact me today so I may provide a personal and confidential consultation.
There is no charge to you for my service. The insurance companies compensate me directly so why not take advantage of my specialized knowledge, at no cost to you?
My phone number is 530-632-7421.
