COVID-19 Q&A
At Evolve Insurance Group, we are here to help however possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are offering the flexibility of virtual consultations and enrollment appointments via video or phone to ensure your safety and health during this time. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Q&A:
I was recently laid off and I am eligible for Medicare. Should I enroll now?
Yes, if you have recently lost group/employer coverage you should enroll in Medicare Part B after you have deferred your Part B coverage. You can enroll on the Social Security website or call 1-800-772-1213 Monday-Friday. You are eligible for a SEP (Special Enrollment Period) for 8 months without being subject to penalty for not enrolling in Part B when first eligible. The Part B premium is based upon your income. The average Part B premium for 2020 is $144.60.
Once you have your Medicare Part B you are able to select a secondary plan to help cover the remaining 20% Original Medicare does not cover. You are able to select either a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement Plan (sometimes referred to as Medigap Plan) + Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) to receive coverage. Click here for more information about signing up for Medicare. More questions and want to speak with a human? Call 814.707.3124.
How is Medicare adapting to address COVID-19?
Medicare is covering the lab tests for COVID-19. Medicare beneficiaries will pay no out-of-pocket costs. Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations including if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and may have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead need to say in the hospital under quarantine. At this time there is no vaccine for COVID-19. If one does become available in the future, it will be covered by all Medicare Rx plans (Part D).
-Information via Medicare.gov
I am turning in the next 6 months. What are my next steps to enroll in Medicare and select my secondary coverage?
First, you will want to apply to enroll in Original Medicare through Social Security around 3 months before your 65th birthday. You are able to enroll through the Social Security website, in-person appointment at your local Social Security office or phone. You will be automatically enrolled if you are receiving Social Security.
After you have been enrolled in Original Medicare and have received your Medicare ID card schedule your free consultation to review your health, budget, and lifestyle. We will evaluate the available plans, your needs and wants to determine the best plan for you. We will enroll you in the determined plans so you can get back to your life (not worrying about Medicare!). Schedule your consultation today here.
Do I need to do anything special or different to enroll during COVID-19?
No, continue to follow the set deadlines or your Initial Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Period.
Is there a cost or fee for working with a broker versus going to a local senior center or directly to the insurance carrier?
No, there is never a fee for working with a broker-yay! A broker is compensated by the insurance carrier, so you pay the same plan premium whether you enroll yourself or work with an independent licensed broker. The benefit of working with a broker is the relationship and expertise. We act as the liaison between you and the large insurance carrier. Questions about your coverage or a bill? Contact us and don't worry about spending time on-hold with a large insurance carrier. Also, we conduct annual reviews to confirm your coverage is still adequate for your needs and budget. An annual client review is not something a large insurance carrier or local senior center will typically do.
Do you have other questions? Give us a call at 814.707.3124 so we can assist.
Calling the number above will direct you to a licensed sales agent