Driving along Hwy 98 there is one thing I am consistently noticing: new construction. It seems every mile along 98 and 30A there are new buildings popping up. It’s not just commercial buildings. We are seeing it all from new subdivisions to apartment complexes to large shopping centers. The thing we are not seeing enough of at the moment are new doctors’ offices.
One of the primary challenges that our growing population faces is the strain on healthcare facilities and resources. Hospitals, clinics, and medical practices that were designed to serve a smaller number of people now find themselves grappling with an increased demand for services. Longer wait times, difficulty in securing appointments, and overcrowded emergency rooms have become commonplace. This not only affects the quality of care but also the overall patient experience.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. We still live in an incredible area and more and more infrastructure is coming to accommodate these needs, eventually. What is important now is to understand what all of your healthcare options are and who you can contact to navigate those complexities.
If you are new to Walton County, welcome! There is so much to love here. Obviously, we have stunning beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, but our vibrant community is also home to some of the friendliest people you will meet. That being said, you are likely going to need a new healthcare plan. If you currently are enrolled in a group plan you have 63 days to update your coverage. If you are currently enrolled in Medicare, you have 60 days to update your plan after the month you report your move. Now the hard part is finding a great doctor who is accepting new patients. This is just one of the ways an independent broker can help.
As of this writing, we still don’t have access to the 2024 individual plans. I expect to be able to see those in October just before the November 1st open enrollment period.
If you are aging into Medicare in the next few months, you don’t want to wait until the last minute. As a reminder, for those of you turning 65 or retiring and coming off your employer plan, if you are not collecting social security, you need to request your Medicare card with both parts A & B. You must be enrolled in both in order to add a Medicare Supplement plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
You can initiate your enrollment up to three months before you want your plan to go into effect. For example, if you are turning 65 in January, you should request your Medicare card in October. After you apply, which can be done at a Social Security office or online at www.ssa.gov/medicare, it will take at least 30 days to process your application. You can’t apply for an Advantage Plan without your Medicare number showing both Parts A & B effective dates, which are typically the first day of your birth month.
If you stayed on an employer plan after age 65, my recommendation is to request your Medicare card three months before you want your Medicare plan to go into effect.
For those of you on Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans if you want to make any changes, don’t forget the AEP (Annual Election Period) is October 15th to December 7th. If you need help with any of this, please call us!
One way to make sure that you receive a plan that fits your needs best is to work with a local and independent, certified Medicare broker like us. Give us a call if we can help! Our services are free and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Christian Regalado, christian@evergreenhealthins.com, (850) 687-7606
Author: Sowal Editor
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