Sage Senior Solutions, LLC

About Sage Senior Solutions

My name is Stefanie and I am your local, neighborhood licensed Medicare broker/agent. I've lived in Bloomington, MN since 2011 and truly love living here. Originally from Southern California, I relocated to the Twin Cities with a corporate job in 2005. When that job ended, I decided to stay in Minnesota....having fallen in love with all the things to do in the Twin Cities - the nature that surrounds us, trips "up north", trips downtown, winter (yes....even the snow!), and all the genuinely kind people I have met along the way.

After leaving my corporate job and trying to figure out what to do next in life (and after much trial and error!), a friend referred me to a major health insurance company that was hiring Medicare agents for their Annual Enrollment Period. In all honesty, I had NO desire to work in insurance (does any child dream of being an insurance agent when they grow up?), but she kept encouraging me and telling me it was all about educating the Medicare population and helping them find the best plan for them. I have always wanted a career that would allow me to educate and help others, so I decided to give it a try... and my friend was right!! I loved teaching seniors (and some younger Medicare recipients) about Medicare, and helping them find the best plan specificially for each individual (because what might be a great plan for your spouse or best friend, may not be the best plan for YOU!).

I left my corporate insurance job in March of 2024 to venture out on my own. This offered me the opportunity to not only offer a much great variety of plans to seniors, but also to focus on helping my community. The greatest compliment I can receive is hearing someone tell me that they finally understand Medicare and what it is they are signing up for, or what they've been paying for...and that they feel confident that they are in the best plan for their needs.. Everyone needs insurance (including us agents!), and I love making sure my clients are treated as I would like to be treated.

If you (or someone you know!) needs help finding the right Medicare plan, please reach out to me. There is never a cost to you or your loved one, and my goal is always to educate and help you select a plan that is best for YOU.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medicare?

Medicare (also known as "Original Medicare" or "Medicare Part A and Part B" is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, but it also covers certain younger people with disabilities and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Originating in 1965, Medicare was designed to address the lack of health insurance coverage for the nation’s elderly. Today, it continues to provide financial security and health benefits to millions of Americans.

In the United States, Medicare helps cover hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other healthcare needs. The program is divided into several parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare. Understanding these parts is essential to choosing the right coverage for your situation.

When can I enroll in Medicare and/or change my plan?

IEP: Inital Enrollment Period.

You can enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 and first become eligible for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period. This "enrollment period" begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turned 65. (Example: If you turn 65 on February 5th, your IEP would begin November 1st (three months prior to your birthday), and end on May 31st (3 months after your birthday).

AEP : Annual Enrollment Period

Runs October 15th – December 7th each year.

AEP is the time period in which you can add, change, or drop your Medicare Advantage plan or your prescription drug plan.

OEP : Open Enrollment Period Runs January 1st – March 31st each year. During OEP, those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one time change to their plan or return to Original Medicare.

SEP : Special Enrollment Period These occur with special circumstances. Some examples are: Leaving a group employer plan, moving out of your plan's service area, and becoming eligible for or losing low-income assistance.

What is Medicare Part A? Part B? Part C? Part D?

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, lab tests, surgery, and home health care. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical supplies. It is a standard monthly premium that most people pay, which can vary based on your income. In 2024, the standard Part B premium is projected to remain relatively stable compared to previous years.

Medicare Part C is also known as a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide all Part A and Part B benefits and often include additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Many also include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans vary in cost and benefits, and also can vary greatly depending on where you live (your city, county, or state).

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage (think Part "D" for "drugs"). These plans are also offered by Medicare-approved private companies. Part D plans can help lower the cost of prescription drugs and protect against higher costs in the future. Premiums and the specifics of what is covered can vary from one plan to another.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people (of all ages) with limited income and resources.

Why work with an independent Medicare broker?

Working with an independent Medicare broker can be a good idea for several reasons, including:

1. Save Time: Medicare brokers are knowledgeable professionals who can guide you through the process of selecting the best Medicare plan for your specific needs. They have expertise in navigating the complexities of Medicare and can help you understand your options more efficiently.

2. Save Money: Medicare brokers have access to a wider pool of plan options and can help you find a plan that offers the coverage you need at a more affordable price. They can compare different plans and provide recommendations based on your specific requirements, potentially helping you find a less expensive option.

3. Understand Your Plan Options: Medicare can be confusing, with various plan options and coverage details to consider. A Medicare broker can provide personalized guidance and explain the different parts of Medicare, helping you make informed decisions about your coverage.

4. Year-Round Support: Medicare brokers offer ongoing support and assistance throughout the year. They can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about your Medicare plan, ensuring that you have access to the support you need when you need it.

5. Personalization: Medicare brokers can tailor their recommendations to your individual needs. They take into account your specific health conditions, budget, and preferences to help you find a plan that is well-suited to your unique circumstances..

6. No Cost to You: Medicare brokers can tailor their recommendations to your individual needs. They take into account your specific health conditions, budget, and preferences to help you find a plan that is well-suited to your unique circumstances.expertise and assistance without incurring additional costs.

In summary, using a Medicare advisor can help you save time, money, and stress by providing personalized guidance, access to a wider range of plan options, and ongoing support throughout the year. They can help you navigate the complexities of Medicare and find a plan that best fits your individual needs.

DISCLAIMER

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 7 organizations which offer 71 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at http://www.medicare.gov

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About Sage Senior Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

DISCLAIMER

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Sage Senior Solutions, LLC