Medicare Planning
When the time comes to enroll in a Medicare plan, the options may feel overwhelming. Our Medicare consultancy advisors in Denver, Colorado will help you understand everything you need to know about the program so you can make an informed decision when selecting your coverage.
Learn more about what Medicare covers, how much it costs, how to enroll, and what we will do to guide you through the process and make it more manageable. Call our office to speak with a Medicare consultancy advisor today.
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What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare
This is a federal insurance program for individuals older than 65 — or younger than 65 if you have a disability
Participants may pay small monthly premiums for non-hospital coverage
Fairly standard across the United States
Medicaid
This is an assistance program for low-income individuals of all ages
There is usually no cost for covered medical expenses — though a small copayment is sometimes required
Program varies from state to state
What You Need to Know About Medicare in Denver, Colorado
Participation in this health care plan for seniors is essentially mandatory if you want to have health insurance. While you can, and probably should, have additional private insurance, you must enroll in Medicare in order for supplemental insurance to take effect.
When you turn 65, Medicare becomes the primary insurance/payor for most Americans. Under Original Medicare, any private insurance you may have is secondary and will not pay until Medicare has paid its share. If you are still working and covered by an employer health insurance plan that covers 20 or more employees, that will remain the primary payor before Medicare.
What Does Medicare Cover?
There are several parts to Medicare. Whether you are in Denver, Colorado or Dallas, Texas, it is important to understand what is covered so you can make the most informed decisions as you approach this stage of your life.
Part A covers part of the cost of hospitalizations.
Part B covers part of the cost of doctor visits and other health care services.
Part C are Medicare Advantage plans sold by private insurance companies and take the place of Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
Part D covers part of the cost of prescription drugs and is offered through private insurers.
Medicare Supplement Plans (or Medigap) help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles. This is provided by private insurance companies.
Medicare Part A helps cover hospitalization costs, while Part B covers doctor visits and other medical services. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare. Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private plans.
Medigap plans, sold by private insurers, help pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. We assist clients in evaluating these options to complement their coverage. This helps to ensure better protection against unexpected expenses.
Most people become eligible at age 65, with an Initial Enrollment Period beginning three months before your birthday month and three months after. Missing this window can lead to penalties, so timely enrollment is key. Our advisors help navigate these periods for seamless coverage.
The Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing changes to Medicare Advantage or Part D plans effective January 1. We review client plans annually to ensure they still fit evolving needs. This proactive approach helps to optimize coverage.
Original Medicare does not cover long-term care, most dental care, dentures, cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, hearing aids, or routine foot care. We educate clients on these gaps and explore supplemental options. Planning ahead avoids surprises in retirement.
Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurers, provide an alternative to Original Medicare by bundling Parts A and B, often including Part D and additional benefits. These plans must follow Medicare rules but vary in costs and networks. We compare options to find the best fit.
Medicare options are complex, and mistakes like late enrollment or poor plan selection can result in lifelong penalties or higher costs. As fiduciaries, we provide strategic advice tailored to your situation. This removes overwhelm and aligns coverage with your goals.
Common pitfalls include delaying enrollment, assuming Medicare covers all services, or not reviewing plans annually as needs change. Our consultancy helps identify and avoid these issues. We focus on informed, strategic decisions.
Yes, our experienced advisors provide guidance on options, enrollment, and costs with complete transparency. We act in your best interests as fiduciaries. This service integrates with your overall retirement strategy.
Reach out to our team through our website's Talk to an Advisor section or schedule online for a complimentary assessment. We are here to discuss your Medicare questions and provide personalized insights.
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