Comparing Medicare plans, making decisions, and enrolling can be complicated and intimidating. The experts at GIS are here to help employers and Medicare-eligible employees navigate the Medicare landscape.
Who is GIS Healthcare?
GIS Healthcare is a national employee benefits general agency providing Medicare education and enrollment services. We work with employers and individuals to provide information and support to help Medicare-eligible employees evaluate their options, identify the best coverage, and limit their out-of-pocket expenses. To get started, send us an email at jen.flores@gisbenefits.net or call 773.541-8000 for a no-cost consultation .
Our Services
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide all Part A and Part B benefits. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also offer prescription drug coverage. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, most Medicare services are covered through the plan. Your Medicare services are not paid for by original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Medigap or a Medicare Supplement helps fill “gaps’ in original Medicare and is sold by private companies. Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered healthcare services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) policy can help pay some of the remaining healthcare costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Hospital Plans
Depending on the state you live in and the insurance carrier, some insurance plans may be available to help cover out-of-pocket expenses for hospital care and fill all or some of the gaps in most Medicare Advantage Plans. Many hospital plans are indemnity-type plans, meaning they pay the insured directly, regardless of other insurance coverage. Health questions may be included to determine eligibility.
Part D – Prescription Drug Plans
Medicare Part D is an optional outpatient prescription drug plan for people with Medicare. The plans, which are provided through private insurance companies approved by the federal government, help to cover the cost of prescription drugs. Available as a stand-alone or as part of Medicare Advantage Plans, the coverage and costs vary from plan to plan.
Cancer Plans
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans pay part of cancer treatments. Other cancer insurance plans are built to pay a lump-sum benefit to help pay coinsurance and copayments that often accompany cancer treatment. Plans may also be available in your state to cover advanced screening. Qualification includes pre-existing condition look-backs.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans
Original Medicare does not cover normal dental, vision, or hearing costs. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer some coverage for these costs. Insurance and discount plans are available through private insurance companies to help cover these costs. These companies determine what the plans will cover, if there will be a deductible or copay, and how much the premiums will be. Some plans may exclude some pre-existing conditions.
Testimonials
Can I continue to work and enroll in Medicare?
Yes, you can. But we recommend evaluating all your healthcare options (i.e., enrolling in Medicare vs. staying on an employer group health plan or vice versa). Don’t assume that one option is better than another. We can help you compare options so you can make a confident, educated decision for your healthcare needs.
What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage Plans (also know as “Part C”) are offered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage Plans offer all the benefits covered under Original Medicare and more like Dental, Hearing, and Vision. Medicare pays a fixed fee to the plan you choose in accordance with the 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.
What are Medigap policies?
A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan. Those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, while a Medigap policy supplements Original Medicare benefits. You can only have a Medigap policy if you have Original Medicare. You cannot have Medigap coverage if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. For a Medigap policy, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You pay a monthly premium to a private insurance company for your Medigap policy – in addition to the monthly premium for Part B coverage that you pay to Medicare. Medigap policies cover only one person. If you and your spouse want Medigap coverage, you will each need to purchase a separate policy. Any standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed renewable even if you have health problems. This means that the insurance company cannot cancel your Medigap coverage as long as you pay the premiums. In the past, some Medigap policies included prescription drug coverage. However, Medigap policies sold after January 1, 2006, are no longer allowed to include prescription coverage. If you want prescription drug coverage, you can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
If I am disabled, when can I get Medicare?
You automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B if you get:
- Disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months
- Certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months
You don’t need to sign up. You automatically get your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 25th month of disability. When you decide how to get your Medicare coverage, you may choose to get a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and/or Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). There are specific dates when you can sign up for these plans or make changes to the coverage you already have.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are both government healthcare programs, but they are different. Medicare is generally for people who are older or disabled. Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources.
Contact us
Reach out by email or phone to get started. jen.flores@gisbenefits.net 773.541.8000.
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 your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or federal Medicare program. Participating sales agencies represent Medicare Advantage [HMO, PPO, PFFS, and PDP] organizations that are contracted with Medicare. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal.