If you are turning 65 soon and need guidance, we are your experts!  We take you step-by-step through the process. If you are confused about Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans, we are here to help you know the basics so that you find exactly what you need.

Do you know the first steps in preparing for your 65th birthday? Do you understand how Medicare works, and what plan(s) you need to supplement original Medicare? We are experts in Medicare plans. We’ll patiently take you step-by-step through the process, so you will be well educated and covered by Medicare plan(s) that suits your budget and coverage needs.  If you are currently on Medicare and want to talk about making changes, we can help you.

Your Medicare TO-DO LIST:

1. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B three months before your 65th birthday. Go to www.ssa.gov/medicare. Contact us for assistance if you need help.  

Phone: (510) 339-1483     Email: admin@fairbanks-ins.com

1. Once your Medicare Parts A and B are in place but before your birthday, we will review Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D Prescription Drug Plans.  
2. Enroll on the chosen plans before your Parts A and B date, typically first of the month of your birthday month.

Medicare General Information

If you’d like to get a quick quote for yourself, you can do that now.  Then give us a call for our help!

Get a Medicare Plan Quote Now

Learn the four parts to Medicare:

Part A — Hospital Insurance

Part B — Medical Insurance

Part C — Medicare Advantage (see below*)

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage (see below**)

What doctors can I see?

With Original Medicare Parts A and B (and a Medicare Supplement), you can go to any provider that accepts Medicare. You do not need a referral to see a specialist.  If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (a Medicare Part C plan) you will need to select a Primary Care Physician, and stay in that doctor’s Medical Group – a specific network of providers – typically near your home area.  You will not be able to see doctors outside that Medical Group. Most Medicare Advantage Plans are HMO types of plans.  

Does Medicare have a premium?

Yes, for most people! You pay a premium for Part B. 

Why do I need insurance plans with Medicare?

Original Medicare has “gaps” in coverage.  We have many years of expertise in finding the right way to fill those gaps.  Many seniors elect to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan {clickable link} in addition to Parts A and B, which can help cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurance not covered by Original Medicare.  You can join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in addition to the Medicare Supplement plan.

Medicare has a website just for you:  www.medicare.gov

You can obtain a quick quote from us, but we always advise a conversation first.  Phone: (510) 339-1483     Email: admin@fairbanks-ins.com

We’ll provide information with your preference of an in-person meeting, a mailed enrollment kit, or emailed information – once we’ve reviewed with you the plans that fit your needs. NOTE that after January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Plan F will no longer be sold.  If you have Plan F now, nothing will change in 2020.  

We work with Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, AARP, and many other carrier plans. With over 20 years of experience, our depth of knowledge, high level of service, and our honesty are the qualities our clients appreciate.    

Medicare Supplement Plans

If you have Original Medicare Parts A and B, you will probably want to include a Medicare Supplement Plan (along with a Part D Prescription Drug Plan). These plans bridge the “gap” in costs that are not fully covered by Original Medicare.  Many Medicare Supplements cover deductibles, coinsurance, and Foreign Travel Emergencies. There is no need to obtain a referral to see a provider, and you can see any Medicare-approved provider or facility.  

*Part C — Medicare Advantage Plans

Advantage Plans are plans that “bundle” Part A and Part B, and usually Part D.  In most cases you need to use a network of the plan’s doctors, you often need a referral to a specialist, and some plans cover extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.  You pay a premium in most cases for a Medicare Advantage Plan and typically you must also pay a premium for Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are sold by insurance carriers and are mostly HMO plans, but there are limited network PPO plans available in some areas. For a quote, please contact us. 

**Part D — Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Contact us for our guidance with Prescription Drug Plans. It’s essential to get the right plan suited to your exact prescription drug needs. Note that you are not required to purchase a prescription drug plan, but you may be subject to the Part D Late Enrollment Penalty if you do not have creditable coverage. For more information, go to the Medicare.gov information page.