Is now the time to opt to make a change?
By Carl Lishing, HealthMarkets Insurance Agency
How do you know when it’s time to choose Medicare? If you’re retired, the answer might be obvious. But if you’re one of the people aged 65 and over (or if you’re within six months of your 65th birthday) and are still working while participating in your employer-sponsored healthcare plan, you may be less sure.
It’s a common misconception that in order to participate in Medicare you must be collecting Social Security. The fact is, the two are not connected. Another point of confusion can often be that if a person is still working but is of Medicare-eligible age, they have to wait to participate in a Medicare plan until they are retired.
The fact is, if you are eligible for Medicare, regardless of your employment status, you can, and sometimes should, opt to make a change.
Things to consider when comparing Medicare to your employer-sponsored healthcare coverage include deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket costs, medications, access to care and premiums. You may be carrying other people on your healthcare plan at work. What will happen to them if you go on Medicare?
When you sit down with me for a no-cost review, we’ll go over your individual situation to determine if staying on your employer-sponsored plan or moving to Medicare is the best fit for your needs. And we’ll talk about options for anyone you carry on your current plan. Sometimes staying put makes the most sense. Sometimes opting for Medicare is the better move. Whichever way the cards fall, you can feel confident that you’ve made the right choice for your particular situation. And, as always, my guidance is free of charge.
You can reach licensed insurance agent Carl Lishing at 216-228-0765. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 16506 Detroit Avenue, in Lakewood. Office hours currently by appointment. Find out more at ClevelandInsurance.info.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. HealthMarkets does not offer every plan available in your area. Any information they provide is limited to those plans they do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) to get information on all of your options. 49523-HM-0323