Plain-English answers to the questions we hear most often. Don't see yours? Get in touch.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, and for some younger people with qualifying disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It has four parts: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage — an all-in-one plan from a private carrier), and Part D (prescription drugs). Most people in Michigan become eligible the month they turn 65.
If you're already receiving Social Security, you're enrolled in Parts A and B automatically when you turn 65. If not, you apply through SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Once you have Parts A and B, we help you choose the right Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D plan from over 40 carriers. Call (269) 979-8600 for a free consultation.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window starting 3 months before the month you turn 65. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7, when you can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 – March 31. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you lose employer coverage, move, or qualify for Extra Help.
Part D is Medicare prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies. If you don't enroll when first eligible and don't have other creditable drug coverage, you'll pay a permanent late-enrollment penalty added to your premium for life. We match Part D plans to your actual medication list and preferred pharmacy in Michigan so you don't overpay.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one plan from a private carrier (Priority Health, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, HAP, and more) that often includes prescription drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, hearing, and a grocery card — usually with low or $0 monthly premiums but copays for services. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance — higher monthly premiums but very predictable costs. We compare both side by side for you.
The standard Medicare Part B premium and deductible amounts change every year and aren't finalized until CMS publishes them in the fall. Higher-income enrollees pay an IRMAA surcharge based on their tax return from two years prior. Call us at (269) 979-8600 and we'll walk you through the current numbers and how they apply to your situation.
Some Medicare Advantage plans — especially Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for people with chronic conditions or who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid — include a monthly grocery and over-the-counter benefit loaded onto a flex card. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by plan and ZIP code. We can check which plans in your Michigan county offer this and whether you qualify.
No. Our services are 100% free to you. We're paid by the insurance carriers, not by our clients — and that compensation is regulated and the same regardless of which carrier you choose, so you get unbiased advice.
Yes. We help individuals, families, and the self-employed in Michigan find major medical coverage both on and off the Healthcare.gov marketplace, plus short-term plans, dental, vision, and supplemental cash-benefit plans for cancer, heart attack, stroke, and hospital stays.
Term life covers a set period (10, 20, or 30 years) at the lowest cost — best for income replacement while you're working or raising a family. Whole life is permanent coverage with guaranteed cash value growth. Universal life is permanent coverage with flexible premiums. Indexed Universal Life (IUL) adds market-linked cash value growth with downside protection — often used to transfer assets to the next generation income-tax-free and probate-free.
Final expense is a small whole-life policy (usually $5,000–$50,000) designed specifically to cover funeral, burial, and final medical costs. It's simplified-issue, meaning easier qualification with no medical exam — great for older applicants or anyone with health concerns. Benefits go directly to your beneficiary tax-free.
A fixed indexed annuity is an insurance contract where your principal is guaranteed by the issuing carrier and your growth is linked to a market index (like the S&P 500). You participate in market gains up to a cap, but you cannot lose money to a market downturn — your worst year is 0%. There are no advisory fees, and many provide guaranteed lifetime income you can't outlive.
Yes. We help Michigan residents protect retirement savings by rolling 401(k), 403(b), and IRA balances into safer, no-fee, tax-advantaged vehicles like fixed indexed annuities. We coordinate with your Social Security claiming strategy so you have predictable, guaranteed income for life — no market risk and no advisory fees.
Full retirement age depends on the year you were born. For anyone born in 1960 or later, it's 67. You can claim Social Security as early as 62 (at a permanent reduction) or delay up to age 70 (for an 8%-per-year increase). The right claiming age depends on your health, marital status, and other income — we help you think it through alongside your insurance plan.
Yes. All five of our licensed agents are available for in-home appointments throughout Michigan, in addition to in-office, phone, and video meetings. Whichever is most comfortable for you — at no cost.
We're based in Battle Creek, Michigan and are licensed throughout Michigan, plus approximately 10 additional states. Call us at (269) 979-8600 and we'll confirm we're licensed where you live.
Over 40. Because we're independent, we shop the entire marketplace on your behalf — including Priority Health, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, HAP, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, and more — instead of pushing one company's products.