Did you know that in Alabama alone, there are over a million people enrolled in Medicare, and in Florida, there are more than 4.6 million people enrolled? Depending on where you live, you could be part of these statistics!
But, now that you have Medicare, what’s next? These are important pieces of information that you should keep in mind, as here you can find out the freedom you have with your policy and the features you can take advantage of as a Medicare newcomer.
1) You’re not stuck with a policy
The freedom to choose policies is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because of the high probability of a plan that’s just right for you. A curse because of the fear that you could have joined something better.
For instance, you may have joined Medicare Parts A and B, but you’re in need of a more comprehensive plan. You can switch to Medicare Advantage from October 15 to December 7 during the Open Enrollment Period, and your new coverage begins January 1 of the upcoming year.
2) Take advantage of the Welcome to Medicare visit
This can be seen as two pieces of information wrapped into one because the cost is tied to the service. First, understanding whether your healthcare provider accepts Medicare assignment can be the difference between paying nothing, covering some costs out-of-pocket and getting no financial assistance at all.
Find a healthcare provider who accepts Medicare assignment to get this service for free. The Welcome to Medicare Visit is a free service offered to Medicare newcomers. You have within 12 months to take advantage of this offer. It focuses on preventive care, helping you identify any issues you can address before your newly diagnosed condition worsens down the road.
The Welcome to Medicare visit offers education, screenings, and vaccinations to build your knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices and raise your awareness about your health status to craft a plan for your future.
3) Being new to Medicare gives you more options for savings
Medicare enrollment itself is time-sensitive, but your chance to get a Medicare Supplement plan is only available for a narrow span of time. You have six months to join it once you turn 65 while also being enrolled in Medicare Part B. After that, you may not be able to get it if you change your mind and decide to get it at a later date. If you reside in Florida and are under 65 but new to Medicare, keep in mind that you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, but you may pay a higher premium.
Medicare Supplement plans take what are already low out-of-pocket costs and they make them even lower. That is if you’re not enrolled in Medicare Advantage. This only works with Original Medicare. But this is only an option that a new policyholder can consider. You have the freedom to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, but you must act quickly before it’s too late.
Make your next move
We believe in giving our beneficiaries the knowledge they need to get the most out of their Medicare plan. If you’re new, we can make you feel as if you’ve had it for years. At Sunsurance Agency, we provide services to several locations – Dothan and Enterprise in Alabama, and Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Pace in Florida. Call us today at 334-441-3905.