Human Resources Department of Retirement
Have you ever wished that you could simply pick up the phone and talk to a real, live, local person and get some of your questions answered? My clients have laughingly referred to me as the Human Resources Department of Retirement. That made me smile, and it made my heart smile as well. I am honored to help you in this way. You will have questions from time to time about multiple retirement topics, please allow me the privilege of walking down this retirement journey with you.
- Dental, vision, and hearing
- What if my doctor doesn’t accept my healthcare coverage?
- What do they mean when they say I have to pay a Part A premium?
- The Part B premium changes every year?
- What if I am on my spouse’s group coverage?
All of these are real topics and questions that people have asked about. I am so thankful to say that we can navigate together the answers that fit your needs.
What are Your Medicare Coverage Options?
Original Medicare Coverage needs a secondary coverage to conver the holes. The secondary coverage you select will fall under one of theses two categories.
Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement + Prescription Drug Coverage
OR
Medicare Advantage – Part C
Trying to sort through the details of those plans can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for; that is where I can help. There are things that you need to be aware of when making your choices. Make sure you are aware of all the facts. The following link will provide some beneficial information.
Extra Help & Medicare Savings Program
Do you qualify?
Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program are programs that are housed under Medicaid. Before getting on Medicare, you either had Medicaid coverage or you did not. Once you get on Medicare, Medicaid turns into a whole different animal. There are levels of Medicaid that your income can qualify you for. Each level provides a different amount of coverage.
- Extra Help with Prescription Medication and Part D Costs – Your copayments for medications is determined by the Level you qualify for. It can also help cover the Part D enrollment penalty, if you have one.
- Full Benefit A (Level 2 & 3)
- Semi Benefit (Level 1)
- Medicare Savings Program – Assistance with Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, and Coinsurance.
- QMB – Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program – Your premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles can be covered as well as enrollment penalties you may have.
- SLMB – Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program – Pays for your Part B premium, Part D (prescription drug plan) premium, and possibly any penalties you might have.
- QI – Qualified Individual Program – Pays for your Part B premium, Part D (prescription drug plan) premium, and possibly any penalties you might have.
Medicare Education & Local Education Events
YOU are INVITED TO!
Education is the cornerstone of confidence in your Health Insurance future. I strive to provide each of my clients with a firm knowledge of their Medicare Coverage Options and what that means for them. This education can be provided in a classroom setting at a library, over the phone, in a virtual meeting, or by sitting down at your kitchen table with your family. There is no charge for the meeting and no obligation. This is a free public service to equip you with the decision-making tools to make the best choice for your specific situation. Medicare is not one-size-fits-all.
Throughout central Louisiana at parish libraries, I host free community events that promote Medicare Education. Details are covered about how Medicare works, how much it costs, programs that cover your premiums if you are eligible, and much more. See our Upcoming Seminars tab for more information.
Prescription Drug Plan Counseling
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) can be added to Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, OR they are included in your coverage with a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
The information needed to evaluate your drug coverage typically involves:
Name of Prescription + Dosage + Frequency + Form + Pharmacy you prefer
Pair this with cross-referencing different options for specific situations, and it will help you get the best available coverage for your needs.
This service that I provide is extremely valuable and free. It can greatly affect your out-of-pocket costs throughout the year and should be taken very seriously.
Cori Richerson Insurance Benefits Specialist 