Allsup Reaching Retirement Age Guide
People often aren’t sure what to expect or where to begin. We help many people newly eligible for Medicare with important questions about coordinating with their employers’ plans and meeting their spouse and dependent needs at the same time.
Belleville, IL (Vocus/PRWEB) March 01, 2011
Thousands of baby boomers are now entering the Medicare program each month for the first time. It’s not uncommon for new Medicare enrollees to have many questions about the program, which is why Allsup has released its free “Medicare and Reaching Retirement Age” guide. Allsup is a nationwide provider of Medicare plan selection services and Social Security disability representation.
People who are new to Medicare and don’t understand how it works may just enroll in traditional Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B), while neglecting to review all their other choices. They might not realize the repercussions this can have on their access to healthcare.
“It’s risky not to pay close attention to the choices available to you now that you are eligible for Medicare,” said Adrienne Muralidharan, senior product specialist for the Allsup Medicare Advisor®. The Allsup Medicare Advisor is an impartial, fee-based Medicare plan selection service that helps people understand and choose the most affordable and appropriate Medicare coverage for their healthcare needs. (Allsup is not a Medicare plan provider and does not accept commissions from insurance providers.)
“People often aren’t sure what to expect or where to begin,” Muralidharan said. “We help many people newly eligible for Medicare with important questions about coordinating with their employers’ plans and meeting their spouse and dependent needs at the same time.”
To help people who are new to Medicare, Allsup has released a free guide, “Medicare and Reaching Retirement Age.”
Obtain a free copy of the “Reaching Retirement” guide by phone: (888) 271-1173, or e-mail: MedicareHelp(at)allsupinc(dot)com.
Many baby boomers becoming eligible for Medicare may still be on their employers’ plans. “Throughout their careers, many people could easily choose from the two or three pre-screened choices offered by their employer,” Muralidharan said. “Now, they are faced with dozens of options and multiple cost considerations, not just for medical coverage, but also prescription drug and supplemental coverage.”
The guide covers topics including:
- Medicare eligibility and how to enroll. Most people have a seven-month window in which they can first enroll in Medicare.
- Medicare options and costs. Most people are familiar with traditional Medicare (Part A/hospital and Part B/medical). Other plan options—prescription drug (Part D), Medicare Advantage (Part C) and supplemental plans—are less familiar, Muralidharan said. “It’s important to understand these types and how they work together. Some combinations of coverage are better suited for certain people than for others.”
- Coordinating Medicare with private coverage. It’s crucial to coordinate employer-offered care with Medicare because of potential penalties and considerations for your spouse and dependents.
- Penalties for not enrolling in Medicare when first eligible. Because penalties last for as long as a person has Medicare, the costs can be substantial. “It’s perfectly acceptable not to enroll in Medicare if you already have coverage,” Muralidharan said. “However, certain steps must be followed to make sure that you have an approved deferral.”
- Changing Medicare plans. It’s important that beneficiaries understand when they can change their coverage. All Medicare beneficiaries have the option of switching coverage during annual enrollment, which is from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 for 2012 coverage. Other enrollment periods may be available depending upon individual circumstances.
“Healthcare costs can be a significant part of a senior’s fixed income,” Muralidharan said. “People who carefully choose and re-evaluate their coverage from year to year can save thousands of dollars throughout their lifetime.”
For an evaluation of your Medicare options, please call an Allsup Medicare Advisor specialist at (888) 271-1173 or go to http://medicare.allsup.com.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, Medicare and Medicare Secondary Payer compliance services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs more than 700 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. The company is based in Belleville, Ill., near St. Louis. For more information, visit http://www.Allsup.com.
The information provided is not intended as a substitute for legal or other professional services. Legal or other expert assistance should be sought before making any decision that may affect your situation.
Contact:
Mary Jung
(773) 429-0940
Rebecca Ray
(800) 854-1418 ext 65065
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