Who is Senior Benefit Services?

by: Amanda Westbrook, Marketing Manager | 9/29/16 | Senior Benefit Services, Blog, Life & Health Insurance  | www.sbsteam.net | 800.627.2768

"We are often asked as a company: "What makes you different?" Beyond many things we can list is the underlying fact that we DON'T work for one insurance company - we work for YOU." -David McNerney, Company President

Who is Senior Benefit Services?

Founded in 1975, Senior Benefit Services (formerly known as Barnes Insurance Group) has grown to become one of the largest senior benefit organizations in the nation. We're an Insurance Brokerage that specializes in the Life & Health Industry with a majority of our focus on the Senior Market and people aging onto Medicare (ages 65+). However, with our large portfolio of products readily available, we can also assist anyone in the family with their insurance needs. Our portfolio includes: Medicare Products, Life Insurance, Cancer Coverage, Long Term Care, Dental/Vision/Hearing, Investments & Annuities, and MORE.

What do we do?

We stated that we are an insurance brokerage - but what does that mean? It means that out of all of those top-rated companies that you are familiar with, and may even be insured with, that we represent over 50 of them! Yes, you read that correctly. When we sit down with our clients, we are able to lay out a wide range of over 50 companies with their corresponding portfolio of products, to help figure out which one works BEST for that persons' unique and individual needs. Nobody is the same when it comes to what type of coverage they require - even husband and wife differing at times - so it's very important that we do the research to a have full, comprehensive knowledge of what's out there. 

What else makes us unique? For starters, the average age of one of our independent agents is 25. Some may think that's "too young" or makes them "less knowledgeable." But think about these few things:  1. The insurance market, as I'm sure you're aware, is a constantly changing market place. Therefore, no matter if you've been in the industry for 2 years or 20 years, you can never stop learning or "know enough." 2. Adding on to that - as a brokerage we're constantly required to stay informed on trends and new products, as well as participate in continuing education on a regular basis. We're schooled, trained, and experienced to provide the best services nation-wide. 3. We're here to work with you FOR LIFE. Being the younger demographic that we are, we're able to grow with you, keep you updated each year, and always be the one you can trust when it comes to your decision making and planning. In other words, we're never going anywhere! Some final thoughts: Our services are truly one of a kind. Yes we sell insurance, but that's not our priority. There are over 40 Million seniors in the marketplace and an shockingly low average of around 1,000 agents in each state.  We sit down with too many people that have been taken advantage of, haven't seen their agent for years, or have simply been lost alone in the sea of all this information. We offer our services at no cost to you, so let us come sit down with you and start planning.

We're just one phone call away: 800-627-2768

Visit us Online at: www.sbsteam.net

You’re 65 and Working: What about Medicare?

Repost: 
Medicare Tips & Resources | Tue, Jun 14, 2016 @ 09:00 AM

You’re 65 and Working: What about Medicare?

Posted by Medicare Made Clear: Retirement used to be closely linked to turning 65. No more. The full retirement age — when you can receive 100% of your social security retirement benefit — is 66 for anyone born in 1943. And, it’s 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.

However, Medicare eligibility still begins at age 65, even if retirement does not. People on disability could be eligible for Medicare before they turn 65.The question is: What do employed 65-year-olds do about Medicare

Medicare Before You Retire? Maybe

If you or your spouse is working, then you may have health insurance through an employer. It’s important to understand how Medicare may work with your existing insurance.

Before you do anything about Medicare, you need to talk with your employer health plan administrator. Questions you may want to ask include:

• What kind of health plan do I have? For example, many employer plans are HMOs (health maintenance organizations).
• Does my employer require that I enroll in Medicare?
• How would my health insurance change if I enrolled in Medicare?
• How much is deducted from each paycheck for health insurance? (Remember that you do not pay taxes on payroll deductions for health insurance. You need to consider the tax savings to determine the total value.)

This information may help you evaluate your Medicare choices and decide what’s best for you.

Enroll in Medicare Part A? Probably

Most people enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) when they turn 65, whether they are working or not. This is because Part A is premium-free for most people. You earn this benefit by paying into the Medicare program while you’re working. You qualify for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse contributed to Medicare for at least 10 years.

In general, hospital expenses are covered first by your employer health plan. Medicare Part A is the secondary payer. It’s a good idea to enroll in Part A as soon as you’re eligible, so you don’t have to worry about signing up later.

There may be reasons to delay Part A, such as if your employer health plan is a Health Savings Account (HSA)—employer contributions could stop if you have Medicare. It’s very important for you to learn how Medicare may change your employer health benefits.

Enroll in Medicare Part B? Depends

Medicare Part B (doctor and outpatient coverage) charges a premium. In 2016, the monthly premium starts at $121.80 per month for new enrollees. It may be more for people with higher incomes.

Many people who have employer coverage delay enrolling in Part B to postpone paying the premium. You can sign up later during a Special Enrollment Period without penalty.

Part B may be of limited value when you have other health insurance. Exceptions may be people who are self-employed or who work for an employer with less than 20 full-time employees, since Medicare would become the primary payer in these situations.

It’s very important to find out how Part B would work with your employer plan before making your decision.

Conclusion

You have a number of Medicare decisions to make when you become eligible for Medicare. This is especially true when you have other health insurance. You may want to start learning about your choices ahead of time. Preparation may help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Brought to you by UHC - Medicare Made Clear 

https://blog.medicaremadeclear.com/Youre-65-Working-What-Medicare/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=blog2016_kcR&WT.mc_id=880576

Medicare Made Clear

10 Key Medicare Facts

Your Medicare journey may be smoother when you understand the rules of the road.

Medicare is a complex subject. Watch this video to get the main ideas behind it. Then you can dig deeper into what’s most important to you

10 Key Medicare Facts Summary

1. There are two main ways to get Medicare.

   • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) which is provided by the federal government
   • A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) offered by a private insurance company

2. With Original Medicare, you may pay a share of the cost.

   • You contributed to Medicare by paying taxes. That’s why you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65.
   • Original Medicare may not pay for everything. You may pay a share of the cost in monthly premiums and copays.

3. Medicare supplement insurance helps with some out-of-pocket costs.

   • Medicare supplement insurance plans help with some of the expenses Medicare Parts A and B don't pay.
   • Medicare supplement insurance plans are offered by private insurance companies

4. Prescription drug coverage may help limit drug costs.

   • Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage. However as a Medicare member you can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
   • Prescription drug plans, also known as PDP, and Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies.
   • You can enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan to go with your Original Medicare coverage.
   • You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

5. Coverage choices vary by plan type and state.

   • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the same across the United States.
   • Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug (Part D) plans are offered by private insurance companies and may be available only in certain counties, states or regions.
   • Medicare supplement plans travel with you nationwide. The plans are standardized, but the availability may vary by state.

6. Your initial enrollment in Medicare is time sensitive.

   • The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first chance to enroll in Medicare. It’s the three months before your 65th birthday month, the month of your birthday, and the three months after your birthday month.
   • If you are eligible for Medicare due to disability, your IEP is based on your disability date.
   • Late enrollment penalties may be incurred for missing certain enrollment periods for Part B and prescription drug coverage.

7. Your health care needs may change over time.

   • After you choose your Medicare coverage, you can make changes once a year during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 through December 7.
   • You may change your coverage at certain other times if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
   • Review your coverage each year to see if it still fits your needs.
   • These enrollment period restrictions do not apply to Medicare supplement insurance.

8. Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

   • In some cases you may be able to enroll in or switch plans at times besides your IEP or Medicare Open Enrollment.
   • You may qualify for an SEP if you retire and leave a health care plan sponsored by your employer or union.
   • You can usually use an SEP to change your coverage if you move out of your current plan’s service area.

9. Medicare can work with other health insurance.

   • Group or retiree health insurance sponsored by an employer or union can work with Medicare.
   • Your plan administrator can help you figure out how Medicare could work with your current coverage.
   • Medicare supplement plans work with Original Medicare, but not with Medicare Advantage plans.

10. Help is available.

    • Medicare can be complicated, but help is available.
    • You may qualify for financial help.

Medicare Made Clear: Brought to you by UnitedHealthCare

https://www.medicaremadeclear.com/about/medicare-facts?mrcid=display_fed&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=display&utm_content=Top10_3&utm_campaign=MMC+YouTube_TrueViewVID