Where to begin with Medicare?
Medicare is a great program. You have been paying into it your whole life, but you must do your homework to be sure you understand all aspects of Medicare so that you get the most out of it. 99% of the information you get in the mail is trying you to get you to buy their plan. An independent agent who focuses on Medicare is the ideal way to go. Independent agents are not captive to any one company. They represent many types of companies and plans. They will first educate you, show you all options and then help you select the plan that best meets your needs. Click Here to view answers to many of your questions.
Terpstra Benefits is an independent agent. We will help you understand how Medicare works, show you when and how-to sign-up, show you all available plans and answers all your questions. There is never a charge for our service. It is against the law for an independent Medicare agent to charge a fee. You can buy direct by phoning a call center or call us at 800-705-1908 and schedule a free no obligation consultation either over the phone, online or come to our office.
Approaching Medicare?
Unless you are covered under an employer group health plan, you must sign-up for Medicare when you turn age 65 or you most likely will be subject to a life-long penalty when you do eventually sign-up. If you choose to remain under your employer group health, your Medicare sign-up period is deferred until you lose the employer coverage. Be sure to check with your employer if your prescription drug plan is a “Creditable Rx Plan.” If it is not, then you would be subject to a lifelong penalty as well.
You are eligible to begin Medicare on the 1st of the month of your birthday month of your 65th birthday. The cost is $134.00/month (more for higher wage earners). If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits prior to age 65, Medicare will sign you up automatically. However, if you are not receiving Social Security, you must sign-up. It does not happen automatically. Contact us via phone or e-mail and we’ll send you a free step-by-step guide of how to sign-up in your area.
The ABC's Of Medicare
Medicare has several moving parts that you need to understand. If you click on the video to the left, you can view seven 2 to 3 minute videos that provide an overview of some of the things you need to know. We highly recommend you watch them, as they provide you with lots of valuable information.
Terpstra Benefits has in depth knowledge of everything you see in these videos and can provide you with information and quotes on all available plans mentioned.
Customer Testimonials
“Scott, after being in an employer group almost my entire life, Medicare had so many new things to learn. You were helpful in getting me signed-up with Medicare and then explained the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare HMO plans. Thank you for explaining Medicare supplement plans and helping me find the best one for me. Also, thank you helping me select a prescription plan too.”
“Scott and Cathy, you were helpful in guiding me through all of my options and choices. Thank you for taking as much time as I needed to help me make an informed decision.”
“You guys were great. When I moved to California, I was hoping that I could find an agent who would was good as the one I had in Minnesota. You were so thorough in explaining all my options. Thank you for going the extra mile by calling my former insurance company to coordinate the transfer. Thank for making it an easy transition.”
“Shortly after I turned 64, my mailbox began to overflow with tons of Medicare advertisements. I was at a loss of where to begin. Thank you for taking the time to help me understand all the details of Medicare and helping me feel confident that I knew I was making the right decision. You were so patient with me and answered all my questions. I will be sure tell all my age 64 friends to call you.”
“After my husband died, there were so many things I had to take care of. It was often overwhelming. He had always handled the insurance. The two of you were angels. Dealing with insurance companies makes my blood pressure rise. Thank you for taking that burden from me. You took so much time to be sure I felt comfortable with my options. Thank you for helping me get signed up with my Supplement plan. I am especially thankful for helping me find the prescription drug plan that was best for me.”
“I thought the process of finding and enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan insurance would be require much research to find the right plan for my wife and myself. Scott, you made that process simple. I’m grateful that we chose you to help us with this important decision.”