Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans in Lancaster SC: The Pros and Cons Which One is Right for You? As people age, their healthcare needs tend to increase. Fortunately, the government has established Medicare, a federal health insurance program that covers a wide range of healthcare services for those aged 65 and older, as well…
What are 5 Things People Look for in a Local Insurance Agent in Lancaster SC? When searching for a local insurance agent in Lancaster SC, people typically look for someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and responsive to their needs. Here are some more specific details and examples of the top things people look for in…
How Age Affects Your Insurance Rates: Understanding the Impact and Finding the Best Coverage with HFC Insurance From Auto to Life Insurance, Knowing How Age Impacts Your Rates Age can have a significant impact on your insurance rates. Insurance providers consider age as a key factor when determining your rates. Different age groups are…
When Should I Evaluate My Insurance Needs? A Guide from HFC Insurance Don’t Wait for the Unexpected – Ensure You Have the Right Coverage with Our Expert Help Insurance is an essential part of protecting your assets, your family, and your future. But with so many options and policies available, it can be…
The Top 5 Myths About Insurance Insurance is something that most of us will need at some point in our lives. Yet, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding insurance that can prevent people from obtaining coverage. In this blog post, we’ll debunk the top 5 myths about insurance and set the record…
Your Credit Score and Insurance Rates: What You Need to Know How Does My Credit Score Affect My Insurance Premiums? As a savvy consumer, you may be aware that your credit score plays an important role in determining your financial health. But did you know that it can also impact your insurance premiums? Your…
A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Insurance: Protecting Your Assets and Future with HFC Insurance From Auto to Medicare, Understanding Your Insurance Coverage Options Insurance is an essential part of protecting your assets and your future. But with so many types of insurance available, it can be hard to know which policies…
5 Common Myths About Life Insurance You Need to Know Debunking Misconceptions About Life Insurance Life insurance is a crucial financial product that can provide valuable protection for you and your loved ones. However, many people have misconceptions about life insurance that prevent them from getting the coverage they need. In this article, we’ll…
What are the Drawbacks of Purchasing Insurance Services Online & Why You Should Choose a Local Insurance Agency The Importance of Using a Local Insurance Agency The internet has made it easy to purchase almost anything online, including services such as insurance. While buying insurance online or using an out-of-state provider may seem convenient,…
How Does HFC Insurance Provide Outstanding Customer Service to Our Clients? At HFC Insurance, customer service is more than just words. It’s our culture. Join our family to see what we are talking about. Here are some of the key factors that make our customer service stand out: Local Support We are…
The Ultimate Guide to Medicare: Why HFC Insurance is Your Best Option Introduction to Medicare If you’re new to Medicare, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the different plans and options available. However, understanding the basics of Medicare is essential in making an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. Medicare is a federal health…
5 Common Issues People Face When Choosing Insurance and How to Avoid Them When it comes to choosing insurance, many people face common issues that can lead to inadequate coverage, unexpected expenses, and other problems. Here are five of the most common issues people encounter when choosing insurance, and some tips on how to…
5 Reasons Why You Need Insurance & How We Can Help Insurance is something that many people don’t think about until they need it. However, insurance can be an essential part of financial planning, providing protection and peace of mind when unexpected events occur. Here are five reasons why you need insurance and how…
The Ultimate Guide to Personal Insurance in Lancaster SC Personal insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection to individuals and their families against various risks and uncertainties. It can help individuals cover expenses related to medical care, property damage, and liability, among other things. Understanding Personal Insurance Personal insurance is…
What Should You Look for in an Insurance Agent When looking for an insurance agent, it is important to consider the following factors: License and experience Make sure the agent is licensed and has experience in the type of insurance you need. This will ensure that they are knowledgeable and able to…
The Do’s and Don’ts of Insurance Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of insurance: Do’s: Shop around for the best coverage and rates before purchasing insurance. Read and understand your insurance policy, including coverage limits and exclusions. Keep accurate records and receipts of your insurance claims. Review and update your…
Once you qualify for Medicare, you have some choices regarding paying for prescription drugs out-of-pocket drug costs. Basic Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover prescription drug costs (except in the case of injectables given by a professional). You will have to either pay out of pocket, arrange outside coverage, or buy coverage via…
Choosing the right Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions you have to make as a senior. Since there are hundreds of policies to consider when choosing, and an overabundance of information to plow through with each one, most people just get frustrated and guess when they choose a policy. But by taking…
Medicare can be hard to navigate, even if you’ve been enrolled for years. As open enrollment approaches – it starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7 – you’ll want to pay attention to some of the most common mistakes people make. Not understanding the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage With Original Medicare,…
Don’t get a Medicare Part D penalty. The Medicare Rights Center recently issued a brief to show the many complex issues of knowing when to enroll in Part D of Medicare. The brief also outlined what would happen if mistakes were made. After receiving a lot of questions and complaints from the previous year, Medicare…
How much does Medicare cost? Is Medicare free? Is Medicare Part B free? What are my Medicare premiums in 2023? Many don’t realize that Medicare isn’t free. The costs for Medicare Part B and Part D, as well as supplemental coverage, are something that many don’t anticipate in retirement. It can surprise you when you…
What is Medicare Part D? Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. Medicare Part D is a federal program that began in 2006. It provides Medicare beneficiaries with access to retail prescription drugs at affordable copays. Prior to 2006, people on Medicare had to pay high retail prices for their medications. This program helps seniors…
Medicare Part C is strictly voluntary. It is the official name for the program we now know as Medicare Advantage. Part C plans provide you an alternative to traditional Medicare. Not everyone will feel like Part C is the best fit for them. Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private…
What is Medicare Part B? It is your outpatient medical coverage for medically necessary healthcare services. What is Medicare Part B? What does Part B cover? Many people think of it as medical coverage, but it actually covers things both in and out of the hospital. Think of Part B coverage as any care administered…
Medicare Part A is your hospital coverage. It provides you with affordable inpatient care. So, what’s does Part A cover? It’s going to cover a semi-private room with a bed for you, and all your regular meals while you are there. It will cover medications furnished to you by the hospital and any necessary lab…
When Can I sign up for Medicare? Who is eligible and when can you get Medicare? Medicare eligibility begins for most people at age 65. Individuals who have been entitled to Social Security disability for at least 24 months also qualify. There are other situations someone can qualify for Medicare under the age of…
What is Medicare and how will it work? What will it cover? Though these may seem like simple questions, the answer is complex. The idea here is to simplify those questions so you can make an informed decision that is right for you. Medicare is a national health insurance program in the US for people…
When you’re shopping for a Medigap insurance policy, it can be tempting to focus on one number: The monthly premium. For several reasons, however, it is wise to consider various factors. A Medigap policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare plan coverage by helping to pay…
When you turn 65, you have some important decisions to make about your Medicare benefits. You must also make these decisions within a specific time frame. It’s important to understand your choices, and the timeline by which you must make them in order to avoid penalties. Normally, most Americans become eligible for Medicare benefits when…
What Questions Should I Ask a Pharmacist in Lancaster SC? I had the privilege of interviewing Hugh Mobley at Mobley Drugs in Lancaster, SC. He’s a local pharmacist that’s been in the community for over 40 years. In this podcast, Hugh answered several questions people should ask their pharmacist. I have transcribed that podcast…
Is There a Time I Can Only Enroll In Insurance? When can you enroll in insurance? That depends on what type of insurance you are looking for. Medicare Initial Open Enrollment Period Generally, when you turn 65. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months…
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Why You Should Be Careful on How You Purchase Insurance in Lancaster SC Sometimes we long for the simpler days of old in Lancaster SC. One thing I’m glad has changed is how we purchase things. The internet, specifically, Amazon, has made purchasing some things, a whole lot easier. Just…
Estimated reading time: 1 minute Questions You Should Ask a Pharmacist Most people at some point will take medications. Below are some questions that may have crossed your mind at times. Does it really matter what time of day you take medications? What vaccinations are important for seniors? How does age increase the…
Retirees are spending an average of $4,000 a year on out-of-pocket health care costs, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. In its annual report on senior spending, EBRI noted that average annual out-of-pocket health care costs have remained steady for the past five years and that non-recurring costs create the most expenses for people.…
Home Insurance and Power Outage Survival Guide Your home insurance policy is not the only important document you need to keep. There are many things in life we cannot control. The weather and outside forces, are just a few. That’s why we have put together this Home Insurance and Power Outage Survival Guide for…
People who are older than 60 are generally happier than younger adults and teens, new research has found. According to a survey on happiness and aging by banking giant HSBC, people are the happiest between the ages of 60 and 80. The study acknowledged that we are living longer than ever before thanks to health…
For high-net-worth individuals, the financial consequences of being sued can be serious business. They typically have more assets at risk should be they be hit with a large court settlement or judgment and, while compensatory damages may be standard across the board, some juries have seen fit to punish the rich especially hard for their…
At some point we all feel it … those regular body aches creeping in, getting tired easily and feeling low on energy. And you ask yourself: Why do I feel so old? People reach their physical peak when they are between 30 and 35 years old, and after that the average person experiences a bit…
Confused about your Medicare supplement options? You aren’t alone. As you reach the age of 65, you have a lot of decisions to make. Most people understand that standard Medicare Part A coverage, or Part A and Part B, by themselves, offer a pretty skeletal medical benefit. Deductibles are significant, and without some additional protection…
About Medicare Supplement Plans In this article, we will discuss the difference between a Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage Plan. Do you enjoy healthcare freedom? If you do, a Medicare supplement plan helps provide that peace of mind. Medicare supplement plans are also called Medigap plans. Having a Medicare supplement plan (Medigap) allows you to…
Who is eligible and when can you get Medicare? Medicare eligibility begins for most people at age 65. Individuals who have been entitled to Social Security disability for at least 24 months also qualify. There are other situations someone can qualify for Medicare under the age of 65: If you are permanently disabled and you…
The soaring cost of new prescription drugs is becoming a major driver in overall health insurance price increases. Some of those drugs are so expensive that they are out of reach for the average patient. When people can’t afford the drugs their doctor prescribes, it can result in either severe financial strain, even for those…
As you age, your vision changes, but these changes don’t have to negatively affect your lifestyle. With some helpful advice, both young people, and seniors, can protect their eyesight. Get Regular Eye Exams Regular eye exams can detect more than just vision changes. An eye exam can also show other health problems. The eyes can…
Getting too much rest can kill you. That’s the conclusion of a study presented by the American Heart Association. Researchers surveyed more than 500 older Americans found that long periods of sitting were strongly linked to an excess build-up of pericardial fat around the heart. This fat build-up is stubbornly persistent, even if the individual…
Restaurant and other commercially prepared foods are notoriously high in fat, salt and sugar. These foods are fine as an occasional indulgence or for a special occasion, but usually not healthy as a regular diet. According to research, eating home-cooked meals leads to better health than eating out frequently. While that’s not surprising, there are…
A new study has found that following a diet that consists of processed foods can quickly result in weight gain. The study by a team of researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda, MD, was the first of its kind conducted on humans – and with astonishing results.…
We love our dogs. In 2017, there were nearly 90 million dogs living in American households, meaning that nearly half of all households had one. Why do we let these furry four-legged friends into our lives? For most people, it’s companionship as well as an excellent burglar alarm. But there are other advantages to having…
While you should exercise to take care of your health, what you put into your body can have a great impact on how you feel and your overall general health. And as part of your efforts to stay healthy, you’re also trying to stave off diseases, like heart disease, cancer and other issues that unhealthy…
Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime. And during a time of stress, reading can also benefit your emotional well-being, stave off depression and help you get a good night’s sleep. When you read, you stimulate your brain and make it active. Also, reading requires constant…
If you drink two or more soft drinks a day, you may want to cut back. A recent study by the World Health Organization found that people who drink two or more soft drinks a day, even if they are diet sodas with no calories, have a higher risk of mortality than individuals that have…
If you are not seeing your dentist every six months for checkups, you should start immediately as doing so can prevent more serious problems in the future. But if you are between visits or haven’t seen your dentist for a while, if any of the following signs arise, you should make an appointment as early…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued new fitness guidelines that recommend adults get two and a half hours of moderate exercise every week, at a minimum. The slogan of the new guidelines is “move more, sit less,” in an attempt to address the two main reasons many of us don’t get…
Back pain is one of the top reasons that people begin to lose mobility in middle age. Besides staying limber and learning techniques to strengthen your core muscles, one of the best ways to be kind to your back is to sleep on a proper mattress. Considering that you will spend roughly a third of…
You felt it coming on during your last hour of work and by the time you were driving home, the headache was pounding like a steam train digging a valley through your skull. While your first instinct might be to reach for a bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen, there are other methods that you can…
More than nine out of ten current retirees rely at least in part on Social Security benefits to fund their retirement income. The maximum monthly Social Security benefit that an individual can receive per month in 2022 is $4,000 for someone who files at age 70. Clearly, Social Security is not sufficient income for most…
If you plan on taking a long trip, you should be aware of a vein disorder that is especially common among travelers over 50. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blot clot forms in a deep leg vein. DVT is potentially fatal because a clot could travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.…
We all love our children. And if we’re blessed with a legacy to leave behind, we all want them to enjoy it. But some of our adult children are more mature with handling money than others. Many families have grown-up children who have issues that preclude leaving them any significant assets in a lump sum,…
Experts estimate that about $60 billion is lost annually due to Medicare fraud. Consumers do not have to be Medicare beneficiaries to be affected by the high cost of fraud. Costs are passed down to all Americans in the form of increased insurance premiums, higher medical care outlays and inflated price tags on medical equipment. Since…
Are you enrolled in Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan C, F or F+? If so, you may see premiums start going up. Medicare officials closed those popular plans to new enrollees as of Jan. 1 as part of the Affordable Care Act. The plans had higher premiums to begin with. But seniors flocked to them because…
After decades of tame inflation, it spiked sharply in April 2021, reaching 3.4% on an annualized basis. If sustained over a year, that would be more than twice the average inflation rate over the last decade and a half. If you’re close to retirement age, that rate of inflation is enough cut your spending power…
Being predisposed to developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is something many adults worry about. However, experts say that it could be possible to delay the progression of these diseases by taking steps to improve our health, particularly for individuals who have diabetes, are obese and/or smoke. Studies show that taking steps to address these factors…
Besides improving our overall physical health, exercise can provide a boost to our mental health as well. Exercise has been proven to lift people’s spirits as it releases endorphins in our system that can brighten our outlook and reduce our stress. This is one of the positive benefits of exercise and it’s why so many…
Everyone has had those days: You’re feeling exhausted but have to work or have other obligations like shuttling the kids around to soccer practice or a day at the waterslide park. You desperately need a pick-me-up to get you through the day. If you’re like many people, you may reach for a Red Bull or…
As natural disasters continue growing in number and severity, everybody should be prepared for quick evacuation in case of emergency. Even if you don’t live in an area known for natural disasters, you should always be prepared in case you have to make a sudden evacuation. While there is only so much planning we can…
In 1985, only 10% of Americans over the age of 65 were still in the workforce. Today, that percentage has doubled to 20%. By 2024, some 13 million Americans over the age of 65 will be in the workforce, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many people approaching retirement age wonder what…
While Original Medicare, and especially Medicare Advantage, comes with a number of great and low-cost benefits, it does not cover all health care services that you may need after you turn 65. Keep in mind that the following list includes things that Original Medicare and the majority of Medicare Advantage plans do not cover. To…
Before 2020, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan F was by far the most popular option for Medigap beneficiaries. That was because Plan F was the most generous of all the Medigap plans available on the market. It essentially covered all the gaps in Original Medicare, providing “first dollar” coverage for all services covered under Medicare. Medigap…
Many Americans are grossly underinsured against the risk of devastating long-term care costs. According to the 2020 annual “Cost of Care Survey” from Genworth, the average yearly cost for a semi-private room in a long-term care skilled nursing facility is $93,075 and rising, while the average assisted living facility costs $51,600 per year. Both are enough to…
Medicare Advantage plans were created under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. These plans are commonly called Part C of Medicare. There are some important things to know if you are thinking of purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan. We will explain those things below. Medicare Advantage plans…
Health insurance never covers everything. Neither does Medicare. You will need to meet deductibles, copays and coinsurance. So, what is a Medicare Supplement? A Medicare Supplement is a type of health insurance sold by private insurers to cover the gaps in Medicare. This is why we refer to the plans as “Medigap Plans”. Medigap picks…
Medicare in itself can be confusing, Our goal is to try and make this decision clearer for you. For instance, Medicare Supplement plans are lettered A – N and each plan covers a different set of the gaps in Medicare. As you will see, you can compare Medicare Supplement plans side-by-side using the Medicare Supplement…
There are fewer Medicare Advantage plans receiving high-quality ratings for their 2021 offerings than for this year’s. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has reported that 49% of 400 Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage received four stars or more (the maximum is five), compared to 52% in 2020. Also, there are fewer people…
Prescription Drug Discount Programs VS Medicare Part D Prescription drug discounts programs are popular today. You may say, which one is better for someone on Medicare? Below, we will make a comparison, Prescription Drug Discount Programs vs Medicare Part D. Could it be both? Making a decision between Medicare Part D or a Prescription Drug…
Why Does My Medicare Supplement Insurance Rates Keep Going Up? It is never easy to absorb a rate increase on anything, especially during retirement. One question I often get is why does my Medicare supplement rates keep going up? Watch the short video below on why that happens and what you can do. …