Are you turning 65?

Are You Looking for a Plan that Fits Your Budget with More Benefits?

Mike Erney of M. Erney & Associates - Highland, IL - St. Louis Metro East

Reliable Medicare Plans Highland, IL

M Erney & Associates stands as a respected name in healthcare coverage in Highland, IL, offering personalized Medicare and Supplement plans for our esteemed clients. As you reach or exceed the age of 65, securing the right Medicare plan becomes essential.

It’s more than just obtaining insurance; it’s a step towards assurance, where enhanced coverage and additional benefits contribute to your overall well-being. Our team is equipped with the expertise to clarify the complexities of various Medicare options and is ready to assist you in making informed decisions. We’re here to guide you through a selection of tailored plans that align with your specific health and financial considerations. We warmly invite you to connect with us to explore and identify a Medicare plan that’s precisely attuned to your individual needs and preferences. Each decision counts when it comes to your well-being, and we’re here to support those choices with expert advice and optimal solutions.

Medicare Coverage Plans Highland, IL

Medicare Part A
This plan helps pay for your care when you’re in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. It covers 80% of these costs and includes hospice and some home health care services to ensure patients receive the necessary inpatient care.
Medicare Part B
This policy is essential for taking care of costs related to doctor visits and outpatient care, with a coverage limit of 80% for medical expenses. It encompasses the provision of medical supplies and emphasizes preventive care, enhancing the overall health of enrollees.
Medicare Part C
Part C (or Medicare Advantage plans) includes Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plans. Enrollees benefit from structured network plans, reduced premiums, and the potential inclusion of additional benefits encompassing dental, vision, and hearing services, enhancing the scope of coverage.
Medicare Part D
This is a distinct prescription drug plan operated by private insurers sanctioned by Medicare, aimed at enhancing the affordability of prescription drugs for enrollees. It can operate as a standalone plan or be integrated into Medicare Advantage Plans, offering flexibility and comprehensive drug coverage.
Medicare Supplements
These are strategically constructed to cover the residual expenses not addressed by Original Medicare. Enrollees of Medical Supplement Plans enjoy the absence of co-pay, the liberty to select preferred doctors and hospitals, and coverage that is applicable across the U.S., although with higher premiums.
Medicare enrollment form example up close - Highland, IL - St. Louis Metro East

Medicare Enrollment

in Highland, IL

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) occurs three months before to three months after your 65th birthday month, a window to enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, or consider a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan. Don’t miss the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), from October 15th to December 7th each year, a time to review and adjust your Medicare plans to meet your current health needs.

Special circumstances like moving or significant health changes allow for changes during the Special Election Period (SEP), ensuring your coverage remains appropriate for your situation.

Navigating these periods can be complex; M Erney & Associates is here to offer personalized guidance to Highland, IL residents to ensure optimal personalized Medicare coverage

Knowing Your Medicare options

in Highland, IL

Understanding Medicare options is key for making informed decisions that align with your healthcare needs. Highland, IL residents can turn to M Erney & Associates for detailed insights and personalized assistance.

Original Medicare, managed by the federal government, includes Part A and Part B, each offering distinct benefits. Part A covers hospital and inpatient care. The premium for this part depends on how long you’ve paid Medicare taxes. With a track record of 40 or more quarters of contributions, you enjoy premium-free Part A. For 30-39 quarters of contributions, the premium is $274, and it’s $499 for fewer than 30 quarters. This plan covers 80% of hospital expenses.

Part B, focused on outpatient services and doctor visits, has a standard premium of $164.90 for 2023, though this can vary depending on your 2021 income. It also covers 80% of medical expenses, complementing the coverage provided by Part A.

Contact us today to understand your options and create a customized plan for your healthcare and financial needs.

Older couple speaking with agent, discussing options for medicare enrollment - Highland, IL - St. Louis Metro East

Frequently Asked Questions

If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement online at Medicare.gov. You can print an official copy of your card from your online Medicare account or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048) to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail.

If you already get Social Security benefits, you do not need to sign up for Medicare. We will automatically enroll you in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) when you become eligible. We will mail you the information a few months before you become eligible.

Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. However, if you decide to sign up for Part B later, your coverage can be delayed and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage.

Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will NOT automatically receive Part B. They must elect this benefit. If you don’t get Social Security benefits and are not ready to apply for them yet, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. The easiest way to apply for Medicare is by using our online application or you can make an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). However, you may need to have a personal interview with us to review the risks of dropping coverage and for assistance with your request. To find out more about how to terminate Medicare Part B or to schedule a personal interview, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your nearest Social Security office. If you send us a request to terminate your Part B and then change your mind, you must send a request to cancel the request of termination before the date that Part B ends.

Medicare Part B premiums vary based on beneficiary’s income and can change each year. For current rates visit the Medicare Cost site. Each year, Social Security sends a letter to people collecting Social Security benefits (and those who pay higher premiums because of their income) stating each person’s exact Part B premium. You can get details at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

If you have Medicare Part A, but you did not enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you may sign up during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), or you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The annual GEP runs from January 1 to March 31, with coverage starting the month after you enroll. You may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for not signing up when you were first eligible. Those with group health plan coverage through an employer or spouse may qualify for an SEP.

In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium.
More information on Medicare late enrollment penalties:

Part A Late Enrollment Penalty (Medicare.gov)

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty (Medicare.gov)

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty (Medicare.gov)

You may have health insurance coverage under a group health plan based on your or your spouse’s current employment. In this case, you may not need to apply for Medicare Part B at age 65. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and be able to delay signing up for Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty. Coverage based on current employment does not include COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), Retiree health coverage VA (Veterans Affairs) health coverage, or Individual health coverage (such as through the Health Insurance Marketplace). Find out how your coverage works with Medicare at Medicare.gov or contact your employer or union benefits administrator.

States must help pay some of the Medicare costs for beneficiaries who have limited income and resources. Under these programs, states help pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and copayments. Some of these programs also pay additional Medicare expenses for elderly and disabled people. To find out if you are eligible for state help, contact your local medical assistance office. A representative can tell you the specific requirements and help you apply. For more information see (Medicare.gov).

Some people with higher income may pay a larger percentage of their monthly Medicare Part B and prescription drug costs based on their income. We call the additional amount the income-related monthly adjustment amount. Visit Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficiaries to see if the adjustment amount applies to you.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Some younger people are eligible for Medicare including people with disabilities, permanent kidney failure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS). Medicare helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

Original Medicare included:

Part A—Hospital insurance helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or limited time at a skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), and some home health care and hospice care.

Part B—Medical insurance helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies that the hospital insurance does not cover.

Other parts of Medicare are:

Part C—Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies and approved by Medicare. These plans generally help you pay the medical costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Part D—Prescription drug coverage helps pay for prescribed medications.

TRICARE is the health care program serving military service members, retirees, their families and survivors worldwide. 
More Information: TRICARE and Recent Changes In The Law

Signing up for Medicare Part B may provide you with additional service and location options.

If you don’t sign up for Part B when you are first eligible, you may have to wait to sign up, which will delay your coverage, and you may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare Part B.

Visit Medicare.gov ​for more information.

Mike Erney of M. Erney & Associates - Highland, IL - St. Louis Metro East

Meet Mike Erney

My name is Mike Erney. I am a local Independent Insurance Broker licensed in Illinois and Missouri. I specialize in the senior healthcare market and have helped hundreds of individuals with their Medicare plan options and decisions.

I am contracted with most carriers that have plans available in your area. My mission is to help anyone newly eligible for Medicare or those wanting to review their current plan to insure they are receiving the best benefits available for their specific situation and needs.

Let me help you make Medicare easy…Call today!