CDIS Blog
Understanding Your Core Medicare Coverage
Understand the foundational parts of Medicare:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Keep in mind that Part A has a deductible, and after 60 continuous days in the hospital, copays may apply.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers a range of outpatient medical services, including doctor visits, preventative care (like annual wellness exams), and durable medical equipment. Typically, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B combined) covers about 80% of these services.
Exploring Your Plan Options
Now, let’s explore your plan options to help cover the remaining costs:
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): Helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as the Part A deductible and Part B coinsurance (the 20% you’d typically pay).
Additional Coverage: Some Medigap plans also cover excess charges under Part B.
Monthly Premiums: These plans typically have a monthly premium.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan): If you choose a Medigap plan, you’ll typically need to enroll separately in a Medicare Part D plan for outpatient medications.
Nationwide Freedom: Medigap plans let you see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans (Part C): An “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
Private Insurance: Offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Network-Based: Often limited to providers within a network (like HMO or PPO).
Premiums and Cost-Sharing: May have lower premiums but include copays and deductibles for services received throughout the year.
Extra Benefits: Often include vision, dental, hearing, and other benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D: Most MA plans include drug coverage in one convenient plan.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Choosing the Medicare plan option that best suits your individual healthcare needs and budget is an important decision. Talk to a licensed agent who can guide you through each option and help you make an informed choice.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Experienced a life-changing event (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving, or changes in Medicaid eligibility)? You may qualify for a SEP to enroll outside the standard windows.
We’re Here to Help
Call us today at 1-855-890-2583 for personalized assistance!
CDIS Blog
Simple Steps to Medicare Enrollment & Eligibility
Who qualifies for Medicare?
If you’re 65 or older and have worked (or your spouse has) for at least 10 years paying Medicare taxes, you likely qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A — hospital coverage that includes inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health services.
Under 65? You may still qualify if:
You’ve received Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits for 24 months.
You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or need a kidney transplant.
Even if you haven’t paid Medicare taxes, you can usually buy coverage if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
When and how to enroll?
If you’re getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’re typically enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. You’ll get a welcome packet about three months before your 65th birthday.
Not getting benefits yet? Contact Social Security three months before turning 65 to get started.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months:
Three months before your 65th birthday.
The month of your 65th birthday.
Three months after your 65th birthday.
You can still enroll even if you’re not retiring yet, and you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if certain conditions apply.
Ready to start your Medicare journey?
To speak to an Education Specialist Call 1-855-890-2583 now!
CDIS Blog
With so many insurance agencies out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. So, why choose 551 of IL/ CDIS of NM, OK, and TX?
What sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional service and a people-first approach. We believe insurance should be simple, accessible, and stress-free. Our experienced team ensures you understand your options, feel confident in your choices, and receive the best possible support at every stage. Integrity and a genuine dedication to our clients drive everything we do.
A Team You Can Rely On
We’re more than just an insurance agency — we’re your trusted partner, here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Navigating insurance can be confusing, but with us, it doesn’t have to be.
Our team of licensed agents is dedicated to helping you find the best coverage. We take the time to understand your needs so you can feel confident in your choices.
Through continuous training and staying current with the industry, we’re committed to providing the guidance and support you deserve.
What You Can Expect from Us:
• A direct connection between you and your insurance provider
• One number for all customer service needs
• Customer Service Advocates who prioritize your best interests
• Personalized support from licensed agents who tailor your coverage
• Clear, straightforward explanations of your insurance options
• Ongoing assistance, education, and follow-up at every stage
• Bilingual support – Spanish-speaking assistance available
Education & Community Support
Our mission extends beyond providing insurance — we’re here to educate and empower our community. We offer resources on key topics like the Medicare 707, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D. Our goal is to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Whether you have questions about benefits, plan changes, or need support navigating your policy, our team is here to help. We go beyond the typical insurance agency experience — because you deserve more than just coverage. You deserve real support from people who care.
Not affiliated with the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
CDIS Blog
Your Medicare Readiness Checklist:
Get Ahead 9 to 12 Months Before 65
Confirm your Medicare eligibility by contacting the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Review your current health insurance policy to understand how your coverage may change when you turn 65.
Start searching additional coverage options to help cover any costs not included in Medicare.
Fine-Tuning Your Options: 4 to 8 Months Before 65
Get familiar with the basics of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D.
Check with your doctor to confirm whether they accept Medicare or participate in other Medicare plans.
Explore supplemental coverage options to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by Medicare.
We’re here to help! Call 855-890-2583 to speak with an Education Specialist for expert assistance.
The Home Stretch: 1 to 3 Months Before 65
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. If you haven’t received your enrollment information, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Planning to take early Social Security benefits? Sign up now—it may take up to three months to receive them.
Ensure your spouse and/or dependents have alternate coverage once you transition to Medicare.
Let us guide you! Call 855-890-2583 to speak with an Education Specialist about your next steps.
Happy 65th Birthday!
Haven’t received your Medicare card yet? Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Provide your doctor’s office with a copy of your Medicare card and any supplemental coverage you’ve enrolled in.
CDIS Blog
Turning 65? It’s time to understand how and when you can enroll in Medicare!
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance): Automatically enrolled at no cost if you’ve worked 10 years and qualify for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance): Automatically enrolled (with fee), but can opt out. Still working and covered by an employer health plan? Delay Part B without penalty and enroll during a later SEP.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
Miss your IEP? Sign up for Medicare Parts A and/or B from January 1 – March 31. Coverage begins July 1, but late enrollment penalties may apply.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Experienced a life-changing event (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving, or changes in Medicaid eligibility)? You may qualify for a SEP to enroll outside the standard windows.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
From January 1 – March 31, if you’re enrolled in an MA plan, you can:
• Switch to another MA plan.
• Drop your plan and return to Original Medicare, with the option to add a Medicare Supplement and/or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
From October 15 – December 7, you can:
• Move from Original Medicare to an MA plan (with or without prescription drug coverage).
• Join, drop, or switch PDPs.
• Switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare (with supplemental coverage options).
Act Early. Stay Covered. Avoid Penalties.
Enroll or make changes before your window closes to ensure coverage starts January 1 of the following year.
