Take Advantage of Our Free Medicare Services
As you begin your research for Medicare coverage in Ohio, you’ll find there are numerous coverage choices, premium levels and enrollment rules and it can seem overwhelming.
Our licensed Medicare Agent will work with you to help you understand what you need to do and when you need to do it, so you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.
Be sure you are making the right decisions for yourself and your healthcare.
Connect with a licensed agent today and bring your questions about Medicare. All meetings are free-of-charge.
Why you should work with Safe Harbor as you make decisions about Medicare:
- We know one size does not fit all. We represent almost every large insurance carrier in Ohio so your options are not limited.
- We understand healthcare expenses play a large role in your financial wellbeing. That’s why we feel a responsibility to help you find the best coverage for your budget.
- We do not believe one meeting or phone call is enough to make such an important decision. We take as much time as you need to be sure you understand your options and ask the questions necessary to make the best choice for your healthcare needs.
- We are independent and objective. We focus on helping you get the policy that works best for you – no matter which company provides the coverage.
- We make sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered. It’s a necessary step not everyone takes.
Schedule a Complimentary Medicare Consultation
We will review your healthcare needs to determine which Medicare coverage options will fit your situation. Medicare enrollment can be confusing, and our team of Ohio-based Medicare agents will work with you to guide you through the process. There are many coverage options to choose from and choosing the right plan will ensure you have the coverage you need for:
- Your specific doctors
- Prescription drugs
- Dental
- Vision
- More
Connect with a licensed agent today and bring your questions about Medicare. All meetings are free-of-charge.
Our most frequently asked questions
The first time you can enroll in Medicare is called your “Initial Enrollment Period.” This seven-month period usually begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. Note: if you wait until the month you turn 65 or the three months after, your Part B coverage will be delayed and could cause a gap in your coverage.
If you or your spouse stop working or lose your workplace group health coverage, you have eight months to apply for Medicare coverage before you incur late enrollment penalties. It is best to start planning for Medicare several months before your workplace coverage ends so there is no break in your health coverage.
If you have credible medical and prescription drug coverage from your or your spouse’s current workplace, you may delay enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B without accruing penalties. Note: If you have COBRA or retiree coverage, or if your employer gives you an amount of money to purchase health insurance, this would not be considered credible coverage.
Many people enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) when they turn 65, even if they have health insurance from an employer. This is because most people paid Medicare taxes while they worked and therefore do not pay a monthly premium for Part A. Note: If you contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) you may want to consider delaying enrolling for Medicare as you will no longer be able to contribute to your HSA.
If you delay enrollment in Medicare after you turn 65 and have not had credible insurance coverage from your or your spouse’s current workplace, you will be charged late enrollment penalty in addition to your plan premiums.
The penalty for part D is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium times the number of months you went without creditable coverage. The Part B penalty is 10% for every 12-month period you go without coverage. Neither of the penalties ever go away.
In general, as long as you continue to pay any necessary premiums, your Medicare coverage should automatically renew every year. That being said, it’s still a good idea to review your coverage annually. Benefits, provider and pharmacy networks, drug formularies, and cost sharing can all change from year to year and affect how much you pay out of pocket. Comparing plans annually is one way to make sure your coverage continues to meet your health needs and budget.
If you are already receiving your Social Security benefits, you will be automatically signed up for Medicare and sent your Medicare A & B card a few months before your 65th birthday.
- Go online to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778
Every year all Medicare beneficiaries are given an opportunity to make changes to their current coverage.
From October 15 – December 7 during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7).
From January 1 – March 31 those with Medicare Advantage plans have a second opportunity to make changes to their current coverage. During this time, you are able to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare and join a separate Medicare drug plan.
Our firm is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the federal Medicare program or any other government agency.
We do not offer every plan available in our area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in our area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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