One of the biggest choices you’ll face is whether to go with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. While both are designed to help cover what

Original Medicare doesn’t, they work in very different ways. Let’s walk through the key questions to help you figure out which option fits your lifestyle, budget, and health needs best.

🩺 1. What Are Your Healthcare Needs?

Do you want the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare—no referrals required?

• If yes, Medigap might be a better fit. You can see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage plans usually have a provider network, which means you may need referrals and must stay in-network for lower costs.

Do you have chronic conditions or expect frequent doctor visits?

• Medigap offers more predictable out-of-pocket costs, which can be helpful if you see specialists regularly or need ongoing care.
• Medicare Advantage may have lower upfront premiums but can involve more cost-sharing (like copays) each time you use services.

💸 2. What’s Your Monthly Healthcare Budget?

Do you prefer a lower monthly premium, even if it means paying more when you need care?

• Medicare Advantage plans often have lower (or even $0) monthly premiums, but you’ll pay as you go—copays, coinsurance, etc.

Would you rather pay a higher monthly premium for fewer surprises?

• Medigap plans usually cost more each month, but they help cover your Medicare deductibles and copays, so your expenses are more predictable.

🧳 3. Do You Travel Often?

Do you travel out of state or spend part of the year in a different location?

• Medigap plans travel well. You’ll have nationwide coverage with any provider that accepts Medicare, and some plans even offer emergency care abroad.
• Medicare Advantage plans may limit coverage to your local network area, except for emergencies.

🏥 4. Are You Comfortable Managing Referrals and Networks?

Do you mind staying within a provider network or getting referrals to see specialists?

• Medicare Advantage plans typically require this.
• Medigap plans do not—you have more flexibility and don’t need referrals.

🧠 5. Do You Understand the Basics of Each Option?

Medigap (Medicare Supplement):

• Works with Original Medicare
• You pay a monthly premium for added coverage
• No network restrictions
• Doesn’t include prescription drug coverage (you’ll need a separate Part D plan)

Medicare Advantage (Part C):

• Replaces Original Medicare coverage
• Often includes drug coverage and extras (like dental, vision, hearing)
• Lower monthly premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs
• May require staying in-network and getting referrals

🤝 How Simply Insurance Can Help

You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Simply Insurance, we work with you one-on-one to:

• Compare plan options side-by-side
• Understand the trade-offs based on your health, lifestyle, and budget
• Walk you through enrollment step-by-step

We believe the best Medicare plan is the one that fits your life—not the other way around.

Ready to Explore Your Medicare Options?

Give us a call at 720-291-00572 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed advisor. We’ll help you make sense of your choices and feel confident in your decision.

✅ Step 1: Know When You’re Eligible

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. However, you may also qualify earlier if you have a disability or certain medical conditions. Not sure if you’re eligible? We can help you check.

📅 Step 2: Understand Your Enrollment Window

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts seven months—starting three months before the month you turn 65, including your birthday month, and ending three months after. Enrolling during this time helps you avoid late penalties and ensures your coverage starts on time.

🏥 Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Medicare

You have two main paths to consider:

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Covers hospital and medical services.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offered by private insurers and may include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.

Not sure which one fits you best? That’s what we’re here for.

📝 Step 4: Apply How It’s Easiest for You

You can apply for Medicare in a few different ways:

• Online: Visit ssa.gov to apply quickly and securely.
• By Phone: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
• In Person: Schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office.

📄 Step 5: Gather Your Info

To make the process smooth, have the following documents ready:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• Any current health insurance information

⏳ Step 6: Don’t Miss Key Enrollment Periods

If you miss your IEP, you still have options:

• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): For life events like losing employer coverage.
• General Enrollment Period (GEP): Runs from January 1 to March 31 each year—but late penalties may apply.

Whenever possible, try to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to keep things simple and cost-effective.

Let’s Make Medicare Easy

Getting the coverage you need shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you're leaning toward Original Medicare or exploring Medicare Advantage plans, Simply Insurance is here to help you every step of the way.

Have questions? Want personalized help? Give us a call at 503-324-4511 and talk with one of our trusted healthcare advisors.

What Is Hospital Indemnity Insurance?

Hospital indemnity insurance is a supplemental insurance plan that pays you a fixed cash benefit if you’re admitted to the hospital. It’s designed to help cover the out-of-pocket expenses your regular health insurance might not fully take care of—like deductibles, copays, or everyday bills that pile up when you’re recovering.

It’s Not Health Insurance—It’s a Safety Net

Unlike traditional health insurance, hospital indemnity coverage pays you directly—not the hospital or doctor. That means you can use the money however you need, whether it’s:

• Covering your hospital deductible
• Paying for follow-up care or medications
• Making up for lost income while you're out of work
• Handling everyday expenses like rent or groceries

When Does It Pay Out?

Each policy is a little different, but most hospital indemnity plans pay a set amount per day you’re hospitalized. Some may offer additional benefits for:

• ICU stays
• Surgical procedures
• Outpatient services
• Emergency room visits

Let’s say your plan pays $250 per day, and you're in the hospital for 4 days. You’d receive $1,000 in cash benefits, no questions asked about how you use the money.

Who Should Consider Hospital Indemnity Insurance?

This type of coverage isn’t just for the elderly or those with chronic conditions. It’s a smart choice for many situations, especially if:

• You have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)
• You’re worried about unexpected out-of-pocket costs
• You have children or dependents and need to stay financially stable if hospitalized
• You’re looking for added peace of mind without paying a lot for full supplemental insurance

If your job or lifestyle makes a hospital visit more likely, or if your current health plan leaves gaps in coverage, hospital indemnity insurance can be a low-cost way to protect your savings.

What Does It Cost?

Hospital indemnity insurance is often more affordable than you’d think. Many plans cost just a few dollars a week, depending on your age, location, and the coverage level you choose. And because it’s supplemental, you can pair it with your existing health plan—no need to switch or replace anything.

Our goal is to help you feel prepared—not overwhelmed—when it comes to your healthcare needs.

The Bottom Line

You can’t always prevent a hospital stay, but you can prepare for the financial impact. Hospital indemnity insurance is a simple, affordable way to add a layer of protection—so a medical emergency doesn’t turn into a money emergency.

1. Filling the Gaps

Life doesn't always follow a schedule. If you're between jobs, waiting for a new policy to start, or relocating, short-term insurance can fill in the gaps and keep you protected until your long-term plan kicks in.

2. Coverage During Life Changes

Graduating college, starting a new job, or moving to a new city? These transitions can leave you without insurance—even temporarily. Short-term plans offer quick, reliable coverage while you get settled and explore your long-term options.

3. Travel with Confidence

Planning a trip? Whether it’s for work or play, travel always carries a bit of risk. Short-term travel insurance can cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage—so you can travel worry-free.

4. No More Waiting Around

Some long-term plans make you wait before coverage kicks in. Short-term insurance gives you immediate protection, helping you avoid the stress of being uncovered during a waiting period.

5. Ideal for Unique Work Situations

Freelancers, gig workers, and temp employees often find traditional insurance doesn’t quite fit. Short-term coverage is a flexible solution that can be customized to meet your specific needs—on your terms.

6. Budget-Friendly Protection

Short-term plans typically come with lower monthly premiums, making them a great option if you're watching your budget but still want quality coverage.

7. Flexibility You Can Count On

Need coverage for a few days? A few weeks? A few months? Short-term insurance lets you choose how long you need it—and what benefits are most important to you. There’s no long-term commitment, just coverage that fits your timeline.

The Simply Insurance Advantage

Whether you're between jobs, traveling, or navigating a major life shift, short-term insurance is a smart, flexible option that adapts to your needs. At Simply Insurance, we make it easy to find affordable coverage that works for your situation—without the hassle.

Explore short-term insurance options with us today and get the peace of mind you deserve, even when life’s a little unpredictable.

Clear Understanding Is Key

During any Medicare insurance appointment, it’s important that the information being shared is fully understood. Licensed agents are trained to listen for signs of confusion and to pause and clarify when needed. But sometimes, extra support can make all the difference.

Why Having Someone You Trust Matters

If a Medicare beneficiary isn’t fully able to make decisions on their own, having a trusted person—like a spouse, adult child, or caregiver—can ensure that:

• The beneficiary understands the plan options being discussed
• Decisions are made in their best interest
• Mistakes or miscommunications are avoided

This kind of support helps prevent enrollment in plans that may not align with their healthcare needs or personal preferences.

Best Practices for Insurance Appointments

If you’re working with an agent and know that a loved one needs help with their healthcare decisions, let the agent know. It’s perfectly okay—and encouraged—to involve a Power of Attorney or Authorized Representative in the conversation.

Agents are here to help guide the process, and including someone the beneficiary trusts makes the experience smoother and more secure.

Our Commitment: Empowering Informed Decisions

At Simply Insurance, we’re committed to making Medicare simple and transparent. Having a representative at your side isn’t just a good idea—it’s a smart step toward making informed, confident decisions about coverage.

Need help navigating Medicare or have questions about how to involve a Power of Attorney in your appointment? Schedule a free consultation with us at SimplyInsurance.com—we’re here to help every step of the way.

The Real Cost of Dental Care

Routine dental visits might seem manageable, but when more serious procedures come up, costs can escalate quickly. Here’s what you might expect to pay out of pocket without

• Basic cleaning & exam: $125 – $300
• Filling a cavity: $100 – $300 per tooth
• Root canal: $700 – $1,500+
• Crown: $800 – $2,500
• Braces or Invisalign: $3,000 – $8,000
• Dental implants: $3,000 – $5,000 per tooth

These estimates vary based on location and provider, but one thing is consistent: without insurance, dental costs can add up fast.

How Dental Insurance Helps

Dental insurance is designed to keep your out-of-pocket costs lower while encouraging preventive care. Here’s a general breakdown of what most plans cover:

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays): Usually covered 100%
• Basic procedures (fillings, extractions): Typically covered at 70%–80%
• Major procedures (crowns, root canals, dentures): Often covered at 50%
• Orthodontics (braces, aligners): May have limited or no coverage, depending on the plan

Keep in mind, most plans also include an annual maximum (commonly between $1,000 and $3,000). Once you hit that limit, you’ll pay the rest out of pocket.

The Hidden Risk of a Lapsed Policy

Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: if your dental coverage lapses—even briefly—you may face waiting periods when you re-enroll. Many plans require a 6–12 month waiting period before covering major procedures like root canals or crowns.

For example, if you let your policy lapse and then sign up again only to discover you need a root canal, your new plan may not cover it right away. That means you’re on the hook for the full cost. Ouch.

Smart Tips for Managing Dental Costs

• Don’t skip preventive care. It’s usually fully covered and helps catch issues early.
• Understand your policy. Every plan is different—know what’s covered before you need it.
• Use your benefits before they reset. Schedule needed treatments before your annual maximum resets at year-end.

The Simply Insurance Takeaway

Dental insurance won’t eliminate every cost, but it can go a long way in reducing unexpected bills—and preventing small issues from becoming big ones. Just be sure to keep your coverage active and choose a plan that fits your needs.

The best part? You don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment to get a standalone dental policy. At Simply Insurance, we make it easy to explore your options and find affordable coverage any time of year.

Protect your smile and your savings—get started today with Simply Insurance.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
This is your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after—giving you a total of seven months to enroll.

Annual Election Period (AEP):
Also known as Open Enrollment, this period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During AEP, you can:

• Switch Medicare Advantage plans

• Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan

• Join a Prescription Drug Plan

• Change or drop your current drug coverage

Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
Life happens—and Medicare accounts for that. A SEP lets you make changes to your coverage outside regular periods if you experience certain qualifying events, such as moving, losing other insurance, or becoming eligible for extra help.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP):
From January 1 to March 31, if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

• Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan

• Drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare

• Join a Prescription Drug Plan if you're switching to Original Medicare

5-Star Special Enrollment Period:
Medicare assigns star ratings to plans based on performance. If a plan earns a 5-star rating, you may switch to that plan once during the period from December 8 to November 30 of the following year.

Why It Matters:
Choosing the right enrollment period helps you avoid late penalties and coverage gaps. At Simply Insurance, we’re here to help you understand your options and enroll with confidence.

Let’s make Medicare simple—together.