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Southern Maine Retirement Services

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Personalized Guidance

Preventing & Protecting Yourself From Fraud

January 20, 2023 by SMRS Team Leave a Comment

Between robo-calls, spam emails, and junk mail it can seem like there is a never-ending stream of attempts to get your attention and your information. Sometimes scammers may use Medicare as a ploy to hook you in. We want to help you be on guard, and take the steps to protect yourself and your information.

Fraud Protection graphic
Guarding Information

It’s as important to keep your Medicare information private as it is to keep other personal numbers and data private. Use the same care with your Medicare card as you use with your credit card. Keep it in a safe place, and never share the number with anyone except your doctor’s office or a confirmed insurer or Medicare representative.

You will never receive an unsolicited phone call or email asking for your Medicare information unless it’s from a plan you are already a member of. Among the ploys that scammers may use to try to get your information are offering free medical services in exchange for the information, pitching plans that aren’t actually part of Medicare, or threatening a loss of coverage if you don’t comply.

If you do get an unexpected or unsolicited call, never give out your information – always take the time to contact Medicare, your doctor, or even us here at Southern Maine Retirement Services to help figure out if a request is legitimate – and if it’s not, how to report the fraud attempt. Taking the time to do this is much easier than dealing with the aftermath of identity theft that can occur if your Medicare information falls into the wrong hands.

Reviewing Bills

While we’re all often inundated with paperwork, bills, and other items needing our attention, it is important to take the time to review your medical bills and Medicare coverage information. Keep an eye out for these kinds of errors on your bills, receipts or service summaries:

  • Repeat charges for an appointment or service you only had once
  • Charges for services or supplies you never had
  • Dates that don’t match up with what you have on your calendar

If you notice these kinds of aberrations on documents you receive from your doctor or Medicare, contact your provider to let them know and see if there’s an explanation for the discrepancy. If there is not an explanation and you suspect fraud or that your Medicare information is being used by someone else for services, contact Medicare to report it at: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

For more information about identifying and preventing Medicare fraud, visit here.

Uncertain? Call Us.

We’re always here to help you understand Medicare and bring you more peace of mind in retirement. To chat with our knowledgeable team, please give us a call at (207) 647-2900 or 1-(866) 866-4340.

Filed Under: Personalized Guidance, Tips

Common Medicare Terms Defined

December 14, 2022 by SMRS Team Leave a Comment

When you start reading about Medicare, it can be like reading a different language. The vocabulary used throughout forms and informational packets takes some getting used to. In this blog, we go over some of the basic phrases to get you started.

Medicare Enrollment Form document with glasses and pen

The Parts & Plans

An understanding of the basic options is important as you start perusing Medicare information. These are some of the terms you’ll encounter as you look at the plans available through Medicare.

Original Medicare – Refers to Medicare Parts A & B

Medicare Advantage – Refers to Medicare Part C

Medigap – Insurance coverage provided by private companies that can be used in conjunction with original Medicare

Part A – Covers inpatient hospital care, inpatient skilled care and skilled care in your home

Part B – Covers doctors visits and outpatient care

Part C – Often called Medicare Advantage, Part C refers to being completely on a private insurance plan rather than being insured by Original Medicare as provided by the government. Part C/Medicare Advantage are still strictly regulated.

Part D – Covers prescription medications

Enrollment & Costs

As you dive into the different plans, you’ll see terms that indicate costs and who is responsible for them. Many are similar to traditional insurance terms. You’ll also encounter phrases about enrollment rules and coverage periods. Here are some of those you’re likely to see frequently:

Open Enrollment – Refers to October 15 – December 7, the annual time period when you can enroll or adjust plans and have coverage start on January 1st

Benefit Period – The time period beginning from the day of your admittance to a hospital or inpatient facility to 60 days after you last received inpatient care, during which claims can be filed for that care

Coinsurance – The amount you’re responsible for paying; a percentage of the cost of care

Copayment – The amount you’re responsible for paying; a fixed amount depending on the service

Coverage gap (donut hole) – After you reach the annual limit on full coverage for prescription medications under Part D, you will be in the “coverage gap” or “donut hole” and be required to pay for a percentage of the cost of your prescription medications.

Premium – The monthly cost for a Medicare plan; many people qualify for premium-free Medicare

Have Questions About Medicare?

We’re always here to help you understand Medicare terminology, enrollment periods, benefits and the ins and outs of every plan. To chat with our knowledgeable team, please give us a call at (207) 647-2900 or 1-(866) 866-4340.

Filed Under: Medicare Eligibility, Personalized Guidance, Tips

Planning Retirement in 2022

January 12, 2022 by SMRS Team Leave a Comment

Anxious about your medical insurance after your retirement? Don’t worry you are not alone. Over 10,000 people are eligible for medicare every day. A large number of people who are nearing retirement or have already retired have similar questions regarding their medical insurance and health care. The importance of healthcare coverage increases as you age; getting the best healthcare insurance package is necessary before you plan your retirement.

Planning Retirement for 2022

A large number of people like you are actively looking for the best options to choose from and that is where our role comes in. We can assist you in choosing the most appropriate health care option by simplifying medicare and retirement plans in 2022 to help you in making informed decisions within your budget.

How to Find Out Which Option is Best For You?

Finding the most suitable option for your healthcare needs within your budget can be challenging. You need to take into consideration that each option has its pros and cons. Our team at Southern Maine Retirement Services simplify various coverage options and explain them in detail. Our objective is to make sure you understand each option in-depth and there aren’t any questions unanswered.

How Can We Make a Difference?

At SMRS, we care for our clients by providing them personalized guidance, making sure they get the best medical insurance options. We take pride in going the extra mile to assist and inform people in stressful times near their retirement. Our team listens to your requirements and understands your situation in detail. That is why even if we cannot offer the medicare plan that makes the most sense for you, we make sure you have the tools and the resources to choose it for yourself.

Connect With Us

Our experienced team is here to assist you through your retirement journey in 2022 in the best way possible. If you still have any questions please feel free to give us a toll-free call at (866) 866-4340 or drop us a mail at sonya@smaineretirement.com. We are looking forward to serving you!

Filed Under: Medicare Eligibility, Personalized Guidance

We Care: Personalized Guidance

December 6, 2021 by SMRS Team Leave a Comment

Retirement can be a worrisome transition in your life. Getting the right guidance can ease up a lot of issues and can also prevent miscalculated decisions. If you are planning to retire early due to health reasons and do not qualify for Medicare then you would want to explore various medical insurance options. Trust us, you are not alone, over 10,000 adults are turning 65 every day and most of them are concerned about their health insurance.

We Care: Personalized Guidance

As a local, family-owned agency located in southern Maine, our goal is to help people by providing them with personalized guidance. We highly care for our clients as we make sure they get the top medical insurance options. Furthermore, we take pride in going the extra mile to help and educate people in these stressful times before the age of 65.

Our Personalized Guidance for Best Decision

The toughest part is to decide which insurance option is best for you and aligns with your requirements and budget. That’s where we jump in and help you decide the best medical insurance option for you through our personalized guidance.

Before anyone guides you, you must list down all your current and forthcoming health needs along with a tentative budget that you can afford. Once you are done with that, leave the rest to us. We will not only help you figure out the best option but will also save a lot of your hard-earned money.

Our support won’t be limited to choosing the most appropriate medical insurance option but we will also guide you in transitioning to medicare once you have turned 65.

Reach Out to us for More

You must be having a lot of questions about your health insurance that went unanswered above. Feel free to connect with our team who will help you out in the best way possible. Your welfare is our utmost priority. Looking forward to connecting with you.

 

Contact Us at:

Toll-Free: 1-(866) 866-4340
Email: sonya@smaineretirement.com

Filed Under: Medicare Eligibility, Personalized Guidance

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The whole Medicare process is very intimidating to me . Sonya has a wealth of knowledge and made me feel comfortable. She did the research for the networks my Drs are in, shared that info and much more. She did not pressure me at all as to which decision to make And was fine with me not deciding anything at this point. I would highly recommend her.

— Karen C.

Call us, toll-free!

866-886-4340

Copyright © 2023 Southern Maine Retirement Services | Developed by Anania Bailey

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.