Questions and answers
The questions we hear most, answered plainly. If yours is not here, call and ask. There is no cost.
Working with Silver Oak
No. Our advice, plan comparisons and yearly reviews are free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurance company you choose, and plan premiums are the same whether you enroll with us, with the carrier directly or on Medicare.gov.
No agency does. We are appointed with 11 carriers in Georgia and South Carolina. We do not offer every plan available in your area, and we will tell you when a plan we do not offer may fit better. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.
Yes. In-home appointments are available across Chatham, Bryan, Effingham and Liberty counties, and on scheduled days in Glynn County and the Bluffton and Hilton Head area. We also meet at our Abercorn Street office or by video.
No. We call once to confirm your appointment at the time you prefer. We never sell or share your information with call centers or other agencies.
Enrollment and timing
Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. Use our IEP calculator on the Turning 65 page to see your exact dates.
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year, with changes starting January 1. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also make one change between January 1 and March 31.
If you have group health coverage from your own or your spouse's current employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty. Smaller employer plans often require Medicare to pay first. We compare both before you decide.
Moving out of your plan's service area creates a Special Enrollment Period. You generally have the month before your move and two full months after to choose a new plan.
Plans and coverage
A Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare, lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare and has a higher premium with low out-of-pocket costs. A Medicare Advantage plan replaces how Original Medicare pays claims, usually has a network, lower premiums, a yearly out-of-pocket maximum and extra benefits.
It is usually wise. Without Part D or other creditable drug coverage, you may pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part D coverage later.
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, and stand-alone plans are available if you have a Supplement.
For most military retirees, Medicare pays first and TRICARE for Life pays second. To keep TRICARE for Life, you generally must have both Part A and Part B once you are eligible.
For caregivers and families
Yes, with your parent's permission. We can hold a three-way video call, and carriers have authorization forms so you can speak with them directly about claims and billing.
People with both may qualify for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans and special enrollment options during the year. We review their Medicaid category before recommending anything.
Bring the envelopes to a review. We sort what matters, such as the Annual Notice of Change, from marketing mail, and set up a simple folder and a yearly review date.
