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McKinney, TX
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Stacey 214-923-6545
Shawn 214-531-3351
Medicare Advantage
The Thomas Promise
Your Health. Our Priority.
We will work hard to earn your trust by finding coverage that fits your individual needs.
Why Is a Medicare Supplement a Good Idea
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are health plan options within the Medicare program. By joining one of these plans, you typically receive all your Medicare-covered healthcare through the Medicare Advantage Plan, which may also include prescription drug coverage.
Types of Medicare Advantage Plans include:
Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
Private Fee-for-Service Plans
Medicare Special Needs Plans
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you use the health insurance card provided by the plan for your healthcare needs. These plans often offer additional benefits and lower co-payments compared to the Original Medicare Plan. Most Medicare Advantage Plans are managed care plans, such as HMOs or PPOs, and may require you to see doctors within the plan’s network or visit specific hospitals for services.
To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You will need to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium to Medicare, and you may also have to pay a monthly premium to your Medicare Advantage Plan for the extra benefits they offer. In 2022, the standard Part B premium amount is $170.10 (or higher depending on your income), although some people receiving Social Security benefits may pay less.
When can I enroll?
Medicare has specific periods when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can enroll in a plan when you first become eligible for Medicare, which is from three months before the month you turn 65 until three months after the month you turn 65.
For example, if you turn 65 on May 5, your eligibility period starts on February 1 and ends on August 31. If you are disabled and receive Social Security Disability Insurance, you can join an Advantage Plan from three months before to three months after the 25th month of your disability. You can also switch or drop your Medicare Advantage Plan during the enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 each year.
This information is obtained from
www.medicare.gov
.
By contacting the phone number on this website, you will be directed to a licensed agent.
Insurance carriers we work with on a daily basis:
How much do I have to pay for Medicare?
In 2024, the standard Medicare Part B premium amount is $174.70/month. If you didn't work long enough and pay Medicare taxes, you could also be required to pay a Part A premium (but most people don't). The Part B premium can be adjusted based on income. Right now they are looking at the 2022 tax return to determine if you will pay the standard amount or if they will charge you IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).
Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I'm still working & covered by my employer group health plan?
If you are still working and covered by your employer group health plan and your employer has 20 or more employees, you are able to delay Medicare enrollment without a penalty for late enrollment. Most people will go ahead and enroll in Part A, which is zero premium if you worked enough time and paid Medicare taxes. The only time you will not want to get Part A is if you have an HSA. Medicare plans don't have a high enough deductible for you to quality for having an HSA account. Find out more info here: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65. Many people continue to work after 65 but still go on Medicare insurance because it may be less expensive and have more benefits. Contact me to help you compare Medicare costs and benefits to your employer plan.
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Seniors can sign up for Medicare during several key periods:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This period starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday. This gives you a total of 7 months to enroll without facing any penalties.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you or your spouse are still working and covered by an employer group health plan, you can sign up for Medicare Part B during this period. You have 8 months to enroll after your employment or coverage ends.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you miss the IEP and SEP, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year. However, you might face a late enrollment penalty.
If you have any specific circumstances or need more details, feel free to ask!
Why should I use an independent agent?
As independent agents, we don't work for just one insurance company. We represent multiple companies including United HealthCare, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Amerigroup, Cigna, Wellcare, Omaha, and more. Different companies and plans could be a better fit for different people.
We are able to help you by comparing plans available in your area that meet your needs. We will check networks to find out which plans your doctors accept, and will check drug costs to find the best Part D Drug plan for you. There is never any pressure. We are here to help answer your questions you have now and in the future.
We are able to help you get enrolled and help with plan changes in the future. Also, there is never any cost to use for our services and we take your privacy very seriously. Your info is never shared.
Who is eligible for Affordable Care Act?
To be eligible for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, you must meet the following criteria:
Residency: You must lawfully live in the United States.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present non-citizen
Incarceration Status: You must not be incarcerated
Medicare Coverage: You must not be covered by Medicare.
Additionally, the ACA provides financial assistance to help reduce the cost of health insurance for individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Some states have expanded Medicaid under the ACA, making more people eligible for coverage.
If you have any specific questions about your eligibility or need help with the application process, feel free to ask!
Stacey Thomas & Shawn Thomas are licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug Plan organizations. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated or endorsed by any government agency.