What You Need To Know Before You Enroll in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. At Hafetz and Associates – located in Linwood NJ – a team of trusted, dedicated and unbiased licensed insurance consultants will provide invaluable guidance and advice as they research and compare insurance plans that are right for you.

Open Enrollment for Medicare 2023 commences October 15 and ends December 7, 2022. Having an expert who can help guide you through the structure, plans, benefits and costs of Medicare can make a big difference as you explore your options at no additional cost to you!

 “Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is here to help you navigate your options and make the best recommendations for your individual needs,” said Hafetz and Associates President Scott Hafetz. “Through highly personal attention and exceptional customer service for over 30 years, Hafetz and Associates is a trusted and devoted advisor.”

 Here tips about enrolling in Medicare:

  1. If you are between the ages of 63 and 65, now is the time to start planning for Medicare Supplement Insurance. Supplemental (Medigap) insurance is coverage for those who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and is available to all – but if you plan to have it or want more information about it, the best time to ask is BEFORE you turn 65. That’s because it is only during the first six months after you turn 65 that you can buy any Medicare Supplement insurance plan Hafetz company sells without the risk of being turned down or charged more because of a health condition.With a Supplement Plan, you won’t have to  worry about finding a new doctor, shopping for a plan each year, or network changes. With a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, you also avoid the hassle of out-of-pocket costs, which puts the control right where it belongs… with you.
  2. Enrollment is not always automatic when you turn 65. You’ll have to sign yourself up for Medicare on or around your 65th birthday, unless you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.
  3. Find out well before your 65th birthday when your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates are and put them in your calendar. Around your 65th birthday (or 25th disability check), you’ll have a 7-month window of time when you can sign up for Medicare (your IEP). Your IEP includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
  1. If you’re planning to work past the age of 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare. If you have credible health care from your employer, or are covered under a spouse’s health care plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to delay enrolling without penalty. There are exceptions – for example, if your company employs less than 20 people, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your IEP.
  1. There are several parts to Medicare coverage and many coverage choices to consider. Your personal situation (health and lifestyle needs, your employment status, health conditions, prescription drug use and if you need dental or vision coverage) will determine which parts of Medicare you should enroll in.
  1. Hafetz and Associates will guide you through every step of Medicare Enrollment and determine your best coverage needs, at no additional cost to you.

You need not navigate the many Medicare decisions and choices alone. A knowledgeable Hafetz Medicare Consultant can take you through the entire process and develop and coverage plan that fits your unique needs for FREE. If you’re nearing the age of 65, visit our website or give us a call today at 888-805-7701. We’re here to help!

Hafetz also offers a variety of health and dental insurance products and services for both groups and individuals, making the switch to Medicare seamless. Licensed consultants may also provide information to employed seminar attendees on the benefits of choosing to transition from their Group plan to Medicare, and which plan is best for their situation.

 To make an FREE, no-obligation appointment with one of our expert MediCare Consultants, call 888-805-7701. For more information about Hafetz and Associates, visit hafetzandassociates.com.

Tag(s):  

CMS Developing Initiative to Enable Access to Eight Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests for Medicare Beneficiaries in Early Spring

February 2022 – Individuals enrolled in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage will be able to get over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost starting in early spring. Under the new initiative, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. Tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. This policy will apply to COVID-19 over-the-counter tests approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This is the first time that Medicare has covered an over-the-counter test at no cost to beneficiaries. There are a number of issues that have made it difficult to cover and pay for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. However, given the importance of expanding access to testing, CMS has identified a pathway that will expand access to free over-the-counter testing for Medicare beneficiaries. This new initiative will enable payment from Medicare directly to participating pharmacies and other participating entities to allow Medicare beneficiaries to pick up tests at no cost. CMS anticipates that this option will be available to people with Medicare in the early spring.

Until then, people with Medicare can access free tests through a number of channels established by the Biden-Harris Administration. Medicare beneficiaries can:

  • Request four free over-the-counter tests for home delivery at covidtests.gov.
  • Access COVID-19 tests through healthcare providers at over 20,000 free testing sites nationwide. A list of community-based testing sites can be found here.
  • Access lab-based PCR tests and antigen tests performed by a laboratory when the test is ordered by a physician, non-physician practitioner, pharmacist, or other authorized health care professional at no cost. In addition to accessing a COVID-19 lab test ordered by a healthcare professional, people with Medicare can also already access one lab-performed test without an order, also without cost sharing, during the public health emergency.

Read the full article from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, here.

Tag(s):  

Shop NJ’s New Health Insurance Marketplace with Hafetz and Associates at NJMARKETPLACE.COM

Hafetz stands ready to help New Jersey residents navigate the state’s new health insurance marketplace

The Individual Insurance Enrollment Period for 2021 continues into the new year until January 31, 2021. New Jersey now has its own health care coverage marketplace and additional subsidies for 2021. The Hafetz team recently launched its new website, NJMarketplace.com, to help New Jersey residents shop for Individual Healthcare Insurance plans, providing assistance-free, no-obligation consultations and enrollment for qualified New Jersey residents.

“We encourage New Jersey residents to shop the marketplace with Hafetz and Associates to see just how much they can save,” said Hafetz and Associates President Scott Hafetz. “Our team is eager to help you pick the best plan for you and your family, at no additional charge.”

The Hafetz team stands ready to help New Jersey residents navigate the state’s new healthcare insurance program. Hafetz and Associates continues to be a trusted and devoted advisor, and is committed to using its experience and knowledge to provide the highest quality service to its clients.

Prepare for the Individual Insurance Enrollment Period by filling out the form for your FREE consultation at NJMarketplace.com or call 609-872-0001, option 2. 

###

Categories:

Tag(s):  

Hafetz and Associates Introduces NJMARKETPLACE.com

Hafetz stands ready to help New Jersey residents navigate the state’s new health care insurance marketplace

The Individual Healthcare Insurance Enrollment period for 2021 began Sunday, November 1 and continues until January 31, 2021. New Jersey now has its own health care coverage marketplace, and Hafetz and Associates, along with their new website NJMarketplace.com, provides assistance for a free, no-obligation consultations and enrollment for qualified New Jersey residents.

“We understand that the new insurance marketplace offered by New Jersey can be confusing,” said Hafetz and Associates President Scott Hafetz. “No one needs to navigate it alone. The Hafetz team is ready to help you pick the best plan for you and your family, at no additional charge to you.” 

Hafetz and Associates helps New Jersey residents navigate the state’s new health care insurance program. Through highly personal attention and exceptional customer service for over 30 years, Hafetz and Associates has been a trusted and devoted advisor. 

Prepare for the Individual Open Enrollment Period by filling out the form for your FREE consultation at NJMarketplace.com or call 609-872-0001.

###

Categories:

Tag(s):  

Medicare Enrollment – Don’t Navigate Through This Alone; Ask the Hafetz Experts

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. At Hafetz and Associates we have a team of dedicated and unbiased licensed insurance consultants who are trusted advisors who can provide invaluable guidance as we research and compare insurance plans that are right for you. Having an expert who can help guide you through the structure, plans, benefits and costs of Medicare can make a big difference as you explore your options at no additional cost to you!

Here are five things you should know about enrolling in Medicare:

  1. Enrollment is not always automatic when you turn 65.
    You’ll have to sign yourself up for Medicare on or around your 65th birthday, unless you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.
  2. Find out well before your 65th birthday when your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates are and put them in your calendar.
    Around your 65th birthday (or 25th disability check), you’ll have a 7-month window of time when you can sign up for Medicare (your IEP). Your IEP includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
  3. If you’re planning to work past the age of 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare.
    If you have credible health care from your employer, or are covered under a spouse’s health care plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to delay enrolling without penalty. There are exceptions – for example, if your company employs less than 20 people, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your IEP.
  4. There are several parts to Medicare coverage and many coverage choices to consider. Your personal situation (health and lifestyle needs, your employment status, health conditions, prescription drug use and if you need dental or vision coverage) will determine which parts of Medicare you should enroll in. 
  5. Hafetz and Associates will guide you through every step of Medicare Enrollment and determine your best coverage needs, at no additional cost to you.
    You need not navigate the many Medicare decisions and choices alone. A knowledgeable Hafetz Medicare Consultant can take you through the entire process and develop and coverage plan that fits your unique needs for FREE. If you’re nearing the age of 65, visit our website or give us a call today at 609-872-0001. We’re here to help!

Free Zoom Seminars

Hafetz and Associates will present free Medicare seminars several times a month from through December online via Zoom. 

The seminars will discuss the basic parts of Medicare including Medicare Part A and Part B, Part C Advantage plans, Part D prescription plans and supplemental plan coverage. Following each seminar will be a question and answer session, as well an opportunity to schedule a private consultation with a Hafetz Medicare representative. 

This is an opportunity to ensure that everyone is knowledgeable about their Medicare plans and benefits. 

The Free Zoom Medicare Education Seminar schedule is as follows:

November 2020

December 2020

Participants will need to download the ZOOM app to their computer, tablet or cell phone via zoom.us prior to the seminar. If interested, visit this link  and click on the seminar of your choice to RSVP; a Hafetz Medicare representative will then send you the meeting number and password.

Hafetz also offers a variety of health and dental insurance products and services for both groups and individuals, making the switch to Medicare seamless. Licensed consultants may also provide information to employed seminar attendees on the benefits of choosing to transition from their Group plan to Medicare, and which plan is best for their situation.

About Hafetz and Associates 

Hafetz & Associates provides individual and group employee health products through innovative and cutting-edge ideas tailored to meet every client’s specific needs. Through highly personal attention and exceptional customer service for over 30 years, Hafetz and Associates is a trusted and devoted advisor.

For more information about Hafetz and Associates, visit hafetzandassociates.com or call 609-872-0001.

Categories:

Tag(s):  

Five Things to Know Before You Enroll in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. Here are five things to know to help you better prepare for the process:

  1. Enrollment is not always automatic when you turn 65.
    You’ll have to sign yourself up for Medicare on or around your 65th birthday, unless you’re receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65.
  2. Find out well before your 65th birthday when your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates are and put them in your calendar.
    Around your 65th birthday (or 25th disability check), you’ll have a 7-month window of time when you can sign up for Medicare (your IEP). Your IEP includes your 65th birthday month, the 3 months before and the 3 months after.
  3. If you’re planning to work past the age of 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare.
    If you have credible health care from your employer, or are covered under a spouse’s health care plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to delay enrolling without penalty. There are exceptions – for example, if your company employs less than 20 people, you will need to enroll in Medicare during your IEP.
  4. There are several parts to Medicare coverage and many coverage choices to consider.
    Your personal situation (health and lifestyle needs, your employment status, health conditions, prescription drug use and if you need dental or vision coverage) will determine which parts of Medicare you should enroll in. 
  5. Hafetz and Associates will guide you through every step of Medicare Enrollment and determine your best coverage needs, at no additional cost to you.
    You need not navigate the many Medicare decisions and choices alone. A knowledgeable Hafetz Medicare Consultant can take you through the entire process and develop and coverage plan that fits your unique needs for FREE. If you’re nearing the age of 65, give us a call today. We’re here to help!

Categories:

Tag(s):  

Medicare Advantage (network-based plans) and Medicare Prescription Plans – Keeping Up With Annual Changes

Every year Medicare Advantage (network-based plans) and Medicare Prescription plans change.  Now they can change everything from the premium, to the network, and the copays.  Its so important to make sure that you are looking to see each calendar year what the best benefit for you will be.

Here at Hafetz and Associates we are able to help compare multiple plans to help you end up with coverage that is the best fit for your needs. Each year may bring new medications or a new diagnosis and its important to change your plan each year to help cover those changes.

Tag(s):  

Medicare Supplements/Medigap Plan Changes Coming in 2020

There are some big changes coming up in January 2020 that will be affecting Medicare Supplements/Medigap plans.  With all the information going around here are the facts.

Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is changing the coverage on the Part B deductible to ‘newly eligible’ Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2020.   Plans F, High Deductible F and C will be leaving the market for anyone getting Medicare Part A on or after January 1, 2020.  If you currently have these plans you can keep them and there will be no change to their benefits.  If you have Medicare Part A effective date prior to January 1, 2020 you will still have the option to switch into these plans if you wish, they will still be available for purchase.  But anyone that gets Medicare Part A on or after January1, 2020 will not have the option to enroll in these plans.

Reach out to Hafetz and Associates to answer all your questions about MACRA and what plans are available to you!

Tag(s):  medicare1

Recent Posts

Categories