FAQ
Medicare:
How much does Medicare cost?
Medicare has two base parts. Part A (hospitals) and Part B (doctors). Part A is usually free. Part B has a monthly premium. In 2024 that base premium is $174.70 per month. That premium can go up or down depending on income and plan choice. The base Medicare Part B premium for 2025 is $185.00 and the Part B deductible is $257.
How do I pay Medicare Part B?
If you are collecting Social Security in any form, you will have the Part B premium taken out of your check each month automatically. If you are not yet collecting Social Security, Medicare will send you a quarterly direct bill. Once you receive your first bill you can change the frequency of your payments. Once you collect Social Security you will quit being billed and the premium will be taken automatically.
How do I decide which plan is best?
Medicare decisions are far from one size fits all and have to address YOUR needs and concerns. Some decisions are NOT reversible once you pass your 65th birthday! Working with an established and independent broker (such as ourselves) costs you nothing but a few minutes of your time, which we guarantee will be well worth it. We simply answer your questions and help you shop the entire market.
Does Medicare have penalties?
Medicare can impose penalties for late enrollment, gaps in coverage, or having income higher (IRMAA) than a certain threshold based on your tax return 2 years prior to today. There are certain forms and workarounds to paying premiums and penalties, but they only apply to certain situations. We can help navigate practically any situation.
What are some important phone numbers?
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
What are some important links?
- Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/
- Social Security/Medicare Extra Help information: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
- Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/
- Marketplace: https://www.healthcare.gov/
- Forms for turning on Medicare Part B if you have A already (CMS 40B): https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/cms-forms-items/cms017339
- Forms for proving creditable prescription drug coverage (CMS L564): https://www.cms.gov/medicare/cms-forms/cms-forms/cms-forms-items/cms009718
About Us:
Do our services cost anything?
No, our services cost you nothing. We get paid by the insurance company if someone chooses to utilize us when selecting a plan.
What areas do you service?
Guardian Oak is based out of Streetsboro, Ohio (44241) and our mailing address is in Hudson, Ohio (44236). All of our services are offered to Ohio residents. Commercial property/casualty services we can assist with in any state. Personal property/casualty we can assist with in Ohio, Florida, and South Carolina. We can assist with health and life in Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, New York, and Illinois.