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4081 Cascade Rd SE, Ste 300
Grand Rapids, MI  49546
Tel: (616) 451-3300

MEDICARE GUIDANCE

NEW TO MEDICARE?

Now that you are approaching your 65th birthday, planning to retire, or living with a disability, you may need the advice of a professional.  Voyage Benefits can simplify this important shift in healthcare protection with confidence and ease.  We help you to understand the "Parts" of Original Medicare, develop specific strategies, and evaluate plan options based on individual needs.

All at no cost to you.  

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These are some of the questions we can help answer for you:

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  • How much will Medicare cost?

  • What does Medicare cover?

  • Do I need to sign up for Medicare at age 65, or can I delay enrollment if I'm still working?

  • Can I continue to participate in a Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)?

  • How will I cover my spouse who is not yet eligible for Medicare?

  • What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans?

  • Do I need to purchase a Part D prescription plan if I have little or no drug expenses?

 

Once enrolled in a Medicare plan, Voyage Benefits continues to provide service throughout the year by performing annual coverage reviews, answering service and claims questions, and assisting with policy changes and administration. 

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Additionally, we work with businesses and employers to educate employees on preparing for retirement.  By providing on-site educational Medicare 101 seminars and easy access to resources, employers are able to rest easy knowing their employees are given accurate information and will be transitioned to the appropriate Medicare plan within the right time frame.  

Want to change insurance carriers or adjust your plan design? Most of the time, you only have one opportunity to make plan changes, which is during the Annual Election Period. Once you're enrolled in a policy, you may not be able to change it again for a full year.  

MEDICARE ANNUAL ELECTION PERIOD

October 15 - December 7

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Review of your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan

During the Annual Election Period (or Open Enrollment Period), you will have the opportunity to review your current Medicare Advantage plan and switch to a new plan, if it makes sense.  Let us explain how your plan may be changing for the upcoming year, and look for alternative plans which may:

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  • Reduce your monthly premiums and provide lower out-of-pocket costs

  • Allow access to your preferred doctors and specialists without a referral

  • Cover prescription drugs with convenient 90-day mail order delivery

  • Include preventive dental, vision, and hearing benefits

  • Provide unlimited emergency and urgent care benefits while you travel

  • Offer a free gym membership or home fitness kit

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Update your Prescription Drug (Part D) plan

If you are enrolled in a Part D Prescription Drug plan, it is wise to conduct an annual review of your prescription coverage.  Each year, Part D plan sponsors may choose to update their list of covered medications, make adjustments to generic and brand-name drug tiers, or make slight changes to the plan's benefits.  Voyage Benefits can help determine if:

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  • All of your medications will be covered by the plan

  • If the plan has an annual deductible, and what copays may apply

  • If there are any restrictions that the plan implements (quantity limits, prior authorization, step-therapy)

  • Which pharmacies are considered "preferred" by the Part D plan

  • When, or if you will reach the Medicare Coverage Gap (aka "the donut hole")

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Enroll in a Medicare Supplement

As an alternative to Medicare Advantage plans, many Medicare beneficiaries choose to purchase a Medicare supplement, or "Medigap" plan.  Voyage Benefits can assist in helping you find a supplement plan that:

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  • Fills in the "gaps" left by Medicare (deductibles, copays, coinsurance)

  • Allows you the freedom to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare

  • Provides the same level of benefits and coverage anywhere in the US

  • May offer you guaranteed coverage, no matter what your health status is

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 8 organizations which offer multiple products in your area.

Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

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