Skyline Benefit - Covered California & Medicare Agents

Like larger companies, small businesses are typically able to deduct their health insurance expenses from their federal business taxes. For example, you can usually deduct premiums from small business taxes. You can also deduct contributions to an Health Savings Account (HSA) from small business taxes. And, in many cases, you can set aside tax-advantaged dollars to help employees buy coverage on their own.

Unlike individual health insurance plans, small business health insurance plans can be purchased at any time of the year as long as you qualify as a small business. You generally need to have at least one full-time employee on payroll in order to qualify for coverage. You will need to pay at least 50% of the monthly premiums for your employees. However, you are generally not required to contribute toward premiums for their dependents.

If you are eligible for a small business health insurance plan, your coverage is generally guaranteed by the insurance company, which means your employees and dependents cannot be rejected for coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions. All the eligible employees of your small business, and their eligible dependents, have the option to enroll in the new plan regardless of their medical condition. You need to have at least one payroll employee in order to qualify for small business health insurance coverage. You also need to pay at least 50% of the monthly health insurance premiums for your employees. You can shop for small business health insurance coverage at any time of the year. You don't need to wait for a special open enrollment period.

You have three options: 1. Original Medicare It includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D). However, this option is not recommended as Original Medicare covers about 80% of your overall healthcare cost with no out of pocket maximum. 2. Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) Medicare Advantage plan is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These bundled plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Most plans are HMO plans and have $0 premium. They have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare and most plans offer extra benefits like vision, hearing and dental. 3. Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) Medicare Supplement plans help to fill gaps in Original Medicare and they are sold by private companies with a monthly premium ranging between $150 and $300. With this plan, you can go to any providers that accept. More freedom.

Most people should enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) when they are first eligible, but certain people may choose to delay Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). In most cases, it depends on the type of health coverage you may have. If you have Medical coverage from your employer, you may be able to delay Medicare Part A and B without having to pay a penalty if you enroll later.

If you sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) during the first 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, your coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage starts the first day of the prior month.

When you are first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B. Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 Includes the month you turn 65 Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 Some people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically and other people have to sign up for it. In most cases, it depends on whether you are getting Social Security benefits.

Heather, we are an independent Medicare agency, and our Medicare team can help your mother apply for her Medicare. There are a few ways to sign up for Medicare but during the pandemic, we recommend online thru Social Security's website. Have your mother come in with her ID and we will help her sign up for her Medicare online. Once she gets her Medicare card, we can also assist her with finding the right Medicare plan for her. Thank you.