Medicare
Navigating Medicare? We're Your Guides.
Medicare can be confusing. We'll help you understand your options—Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D—and find the plan that's right for you.
Why Choose Health Benefits Enrollment Center for Your Medicare Needs?
Medicare Expertise: We're certified specialists who know Medicare inside and out. We'll explain the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and help you make sense of your choices.
Unbiased Advice: We work for you, not the insurance companies. Our goal is to find you the best coverage, period.
Support Every Step of the Way: From enrollment to understanding your benefits, we're here to answer your questions and provide ongoing support.
“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [insert number of organizations] organizations which offer [insert number of plans] 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.”
Common Medicare Questions, Answered
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Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare is the traditional health program from the federal government, consisting of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). It offers you the freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is an "all-in-one" alternative offered by private insurance companies. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare does, but they often bundle in extra benefits like prescription drugs, dental, and vision, and usually operate with a network of local providers (like an HMO or PPO).
Medicare Enrollment Periods
You can typically enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. It starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after.
If you miss your IEP, you can make changes to your coverage every year during the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7. There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for qualifying life events, like moving or losing other coverage.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally does not cover most prescription drugs you take at home. To get this coverage, you need to enroll in a separate, standalone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
Alternatively, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include prescription drug coverage as part of their bundled benefits. It's important to review your options to ensure your medications are covered.
The Parts of Medicare
Medicare is broken into different "parts":
Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient hospital stays.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover doctor visits and outpatient care.
Part C (Medicare Advantage): An all-in-one plan from a private insurer that bundles Parts A, B, and often D.
Part D (Prescription Drugs): Standalone plans that help cover the cost of medications.
What is a Medigap plan?
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is extra insurance you can buy from a private company that helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare. These costs can include things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
It's important to know that Medigap policies only work with Original Medicare. They cannot be used with a Medicare Advantage Plan. These policies are standardized and offer different levels of coverage to help manage your out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I have to pay for Medicare?
For most people, Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) has a standard monthly premium that most people pay.
If you choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Part D Prescription Drug plan, you may have an additional monthly premium, although many Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium.
Can I have other insurance while on Medicare?
Yes, it's common to have other insurance alongside Medicare. For example, if you are still working, you may have coverage from an employer. People also purchase Medigap and Part D plans to work with their Original Medicare.
It's important to understand how your different insurance plans work together. The rules about which plan pays first (primary payer) can depend on the type of coverage you have and your specific situation.
What is the Annual Election Period (AEP)?
The Annual Election Period, or AEP, runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is the main time for people who are already enrolled in Medicare to review their coverage and make changes for the following year.
During AEP, you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change your Medicare Advantage plan, or change your Part D prescription drug plan. Any changes you make will take effect on January 1.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental and vision?
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental or vision care. However, this is one of the most common "extra benefits" that many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer.
If dental and vision coverage is important to you, looking at the Medicare Advantage plans available in your area is a good way to find a plan that bundles these benefits with your hospital and medical coverage.
What is an HMO vs. a PPO plan?
These are types of networks often used by Medicare Advantage plans. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) generally requires you to use doctors, hospitals, and specialists within its specific network to be covered, and you often need a referral from a primary care physician.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) offers more flexibility, allowing you to see both in-network and out-of-network providers, though your costs will usually be lower if you stay in-network. You typically don't need a referral to see a specialist in a PPO.
The HBEC Difference
Self-Paced Enrollment
You are in control. Use our straightforward online tools to explore your options and enroll on your own schedule, from the comfort of your home.
Step-by-Step Video Explanations:
You're never alone in the process. Our founder, Robert Lewis, provides straightforward video explanations for each step, showing you how to review your options.
A Supportive Process:
Our goal is to provide the information and a supportive framework you need to choose the right coverage for yourself and your family with a full understanding of your decision.
Commitment to Community
We're dedicated to serving our community and helping individuals and families access the healthcare resources they need.
OUR MISSION
Our mission at Health Benefits Enrollment Center is to provide a straightforward and supportive way for you to understand your insurance options. We are committed to offering accurate information and a respectful process, so you can enroll in the right coverage for yourself and your family with a full understanding of your choice.
OUR VALUES
Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty and ethical practices.
Client Focus: Your needs are our priority. We are dedicated to providing a supportive framework and the tools you need to find the right coverage.
Knowledge: We are committed to maintaining a high level of knowledge and professionalism to ensure the information we provide is accurate and helpful.
Your Straightforward Enrollment Starts Here.
Our unique process uses clear video explanations from our founder,
Robert Lewis, to help you understand your choices and enroll online.
