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Medicare
If you're turning 65 or are over 65, secure your health and peace of mind with Medicare coverage. Serving individuals in Springfield and throughout Southwest Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need more than Original Medicare?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers only about 80% of healthcare costs, leaving Springfield, Missouri residents with potential out-of-pocket expenses for services like prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing care. To avoid these gaps, many turn to Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies, or Part D Prescription Drug Plans. At Smith Insurance Solutions, we help Springfield residents explore these options to ensure comprehensive coverage and protection from unexpected medical costs. Let us guide you through your Medicare choices for a plan that fits your needs.
Does Medicare cover Dental Coverage?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most routine dental care, leaving Springfield, Missouri residents responsible for services like cleanings, fillings, dentures, and extractions. To get dental coverage, many turn to Medicare Advantage Plans, which often include dental benefits, or standalone dental insurance. At Smith Insurance Solutions, we help Springfield residents explore their options to ensure their dental needs are covered alongside their Medicare plan. Contact us to find a plan that fits your healthcare and dental needs.
How Do I Enroll in Medicare?
Enrolling in Medicare depends on your situation. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B when you turn 65. If you're not yet receiving Social Security, you'll need to apply through the Social Security Administration, either online or by visiting a local office. It's best to start the enrollment process three months before your 65th birthday to ensure timely coverage. At Smith Insurance Solutions, we guide Springfield residents through every step of enrolling in Medicare to make the process hassle-free.
How much does Medicare Cost?
The cost of Medicare depends on the parts you enroll in. For most Springfield, Missouri residents, Medicare Part A is premium-free if you've worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. If not, the Part A premium can be as high as $505 in 2024. Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services, has a standard monthly premium of $174.70 in 2024, but this can increase based on your income. Other costs, like deductibles and coinsurance, apply to both Part A and Part B. If you choose additional coverage, such as Medicare Advantage or Medigap, premiums and out-of-pocket costs will vary based on the plan. At Smith Insurance Solutions, we help you understand Medicare costs and find the best plan for your needs.
A Simple Guide to Enrolling in Medicare for Springfield Residents Turning 65
Written By: Tim Smith (Owner of Smith Insurance Solutions)
A Simple Guide to Enrolling in Medicare for Springfield Residents Turning 65
Turning 65 is exciting, but with it comes important decisions like enrolling in Medicare. If you're living in Springfield, Missouri, and feeling a bit confused on how to get started, don’t worry! At Smith Insurance Solutions, we’ve helped many people in our community make sense of Medicare. Our local office at 3253 E Chestnut Expressway Suite 320 is dedicated to making this process easy for you. Let’s walk through the steps together.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older. It has two primary parts:
- Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health services.
- Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.
Once you understand these basics, you’re already on your way!
Step 2: When and How to Enroll in Medicare
Most people can sign up for Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after.
How to Enroll
- Automatic Enrollment: If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Expect your Medicare card in the mail a few months before your birthday.
- Manual Enrollment: If not, you’ll need to sign up. You can do this on the [Social Security website](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/), or visit the Springfield Social Security Office at 1570 W Battlefield Rd.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling unsure or confused, our Smith Insurance Solutions office can help you with every step to ensure a smooth enrollment experience.
Phone: 417-771-0193
Email: [email protected]
Step 3: Choosing Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Once enrolled, you’ll need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage (Part C).
- Original Medicare: Offers flexibility to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, but doesn’t cover extras like dental or vision.
- Medicare Advantage: These plans often bundle Medicare coverage with extras like dental, vision, and prescription drug plans. Some plans even include fitness memberships.
At Smith Insurance Solutions, we’ll sit down with you, look at your needs, and help you find the right plan. We know Springfield’s doctors, hospitals, and Medicare networks and will help you make the best choice.
Step 4: Consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan
If you go with Original Medicare, you may want to consider adding a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. This helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments.
At our local office, we’ll walk you through the available Medigap plans to ensure you find one that fits your healthcare and financial needs.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)
If you stick with Original Medicare, you’ll need to add Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. We’ll help you compare different Part D plans in Springfield to find the one that covers your medications and fits your budget.
Step 6: Ongoing Support—Yearly Plan Reviews
At Smith Insurance Solutions, our service doesn’t end with your enrollment. Every year, we’ll review your plan with you to make sure it still meets your needs. Medicare plans and your healthcare situation can change, so we’ll keep an eye on things to ensure you’re always on the best plan for your needs.
Why Choose Smith Insurance Solutions?
Our local office at 3253 E Chestnut Expressway Suite 320 is here to provide personalized guidance and ongoing support. We are your Springfield neighbors and have years of experience helping people just like you understand Medicare, compare plans, and make confident choices. We’ll also review your coverage yearly to ensure you’re always in the best position.
Final Thoughts
Medicare may seem complex, but with the right help, it’s manageable! At Smith Insurance Solutions, we’re dedicated to providing clear, local assistance. Whether you're just starting the enrollment process or looking to review your plan, we’re here for you—right here in Springfield.
Stop by our office at 3253 E Chestnut Expressway Suite 320 Springfield, Mo 65802 or give us a call today at 417-771-0193! We’ll help make Medicare easy for you!
Check out our website at www.smithsinsurancesolutions.com
Serving Southwest Missouri
Your Local Team For Total Coverage.
We know the needs of our community better than anyone else. That's why we're here to make sure you're insured at a rate that makes sense for you.
"Tim is extremely accessible. He Smith Insurance Solutions goes to whatever lengths necessary to meet the cutomer's needs. He is always professional and courteous. I highly recommend this group of people!"
- Carol Frederic
"Tim Smith was excellent at explaining the Medicare options, He was patient and thorough with explaining our options. Excellent first impression of Smith Insurance Solutions."
- Dennis Owen
"Very professional, other agents blew my mom off due to her age, but from the moment we called to make an appointment to the actual in person appointment, my mother was made to feel like she was important and they had her best interests in mind."
- David Munoz