Archives: 2018

6 Cost Control Strategies for Group Benefits

Managing employee benefits costs is a critical concern for many businesses, especially as premiums and healthcare expenses continue to rise. The average price of providing employee benefits has increased by 5-7% annually over the past five years. To keep your organization competitive while controlling expenses, consider these six strategies for reducing group benefits costs without compromising the value you offer employees.

1. Assess Employee Utilization of Benefits

Understanding which benefits are used and which are underutilized can help pinpoint areas for cost savings. Conduct surveys or gather data to identify which programs employees engage with most. For example, wellness programs and smoking cessation initiatives can be promoted further if engagement is low. Conversely, benefits that aren’t being used—such as a seldom-accessed vision plan—can be eliminated, reducing unnecessary costs.

2. Optimize Plan Design

Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to benefits, tailor your offerings to fit the needs of your workforce. High-deductible health plans (HDHPs), zero-cost sharing options, and telemedicine are all viable choices for reducing premiums. Work with a benefits advisor to design a plan that balances cost control with value, ensuring employees receive meaningful coverage. Some more custom options for group benefit programs include: 

• Tiered health plans: Offer multiple levels of coverage, from basic to comprehensive, allowing employees to choose based on their needs and budget.
• Health savings account (HSA)-compatible plans: Pair high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with HSAs to give employees a tax-advantaged way to save for medical expenses.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs): Provide FSAs for healthcare and dependent care, helping employees manage out-of-pocket costs with pre-tax dollars.
• Supplemental insurance options: Employees can add voluntary coverage like dental, vision, life, disability, or critical illness insurance.
• Zero-cost or low-cost preventive care: Cover routine checkups, vaccinations, and screenings at little to no cost to encourage proactive healthcare.

3. Encourage the Use of Telehealth

Telemedicine has rapidly grown in popularity, and for good reason. Encouraging employees to use telehealth services for non-urgent issues can dramatically reduce costs by cutting down on unnecessary emergency room visits and in-office consultations. This is especially effective for remote or rural employees with limited access to healthcare providers.

4. Invest in Employee Education

A common mistake companies make can be offering benefits without properly educating employees about how to use them. Employees who don’t understand their benefits may make costly decisions, such as visiting the emergency room for minor illnesses instead of using telehealth services. Providing comprehensive benefits education—through in-person sessions, webinars, or digital tools—can help employees make better choices and reduce overall healthcare expenses for your company, like keeping your premiums from increasing.

5. Explore Pharmacy Cost Management

Pharmacy costs are a major driver in rising employee benefits expenses. Encourage employees to opt for generic or biosimilar medications, which can provide the same therapeutic benefits at a lower cost. A prescription risk management program can also help identify and mitigate unnecessary pharmacy spending, ensuring employees use medications efficiently and affordably.

6. Streamline Administrative Costs

Benefits administration can be costly, mainly if it’s handled manually by HR staff. To reduce overhead, consider using an automated online platform for enrollment, benefit communications, and claims management. This saves time and empowers employees to manage their benefits, leading to fewer mistakes and greater self-sufficiency. Outsourcing some of these administrative tasks to a third-party provider can further reduce in-house costs.

Keeping Quality High and Costs Low: Using Your Group Benefits Program Right 

By employing these six cost control strategies, businesses can keep their employee benefits programs affordable without sacrificing quality or employee satisfaction. The key is to stay proactive—regularly assess your plans, gather feedback, and adjust based on the evolving needs of your workforce. With careful planning and strategic partnerships, reducing benefits costs is possible while offering a competitive package that attracts and retains top talent.

Need help working out the best group benefits plan for your company? Our agency offers a free consultation to discuss group benefit strategies. Contact one of our agents today.

A Guide to Paying Medicare Premiums Online

As you get closer to retirement age and you have met all eligibility requirements, you gain the opportunity to enroll in Medicare. Your premiums will be lower but must be kept current, just like any other insurance policy. Thankfully, Medicare has several options for paying your premiums online. 

How Often Will I Receive Medicare Bills?

Most people have their Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) premiums automatically deducted from their Social Security benefits (or Railroad Retirement Board benefits). However, if you don’t receive these benefits, Medicare will send you a bill for the premium.

• Part A: You’ll receive a monthly bill if you pay for Part A (hospital insurance).
• Part B: If you only pay for Part B, you’ll receive a premium bill every three months.
• Part D: If applicable, you will also receive monthly bills for Part D’s income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA); if you are below a certain income bracket, you do not have to pay this. IRMAA is a sliding scale charge added for those with higher incomes. 

Three Ways to Pay Your Medicare Premium Bill

There are four main ways to pay your Medicare premiums online. Each option has advantages. Choose the best one for your needs.

1. Pay Through Your Medicare Account

The fastest and most secure way to pay your premiums is by logging into your Medicare account. Here’s how to do it:

• Log in: Create or log into your secure Medicare account (https://www.medicare.gov/account/login)
• Select payment: Click on the “Pay My Premium” option.
• Choose your payment method: Use a credit or debit card, Health Savings Account (HSA) card, or checking or savings account.

Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation number. Payments from checking or savings accounts may take around five business days, while credit card payments are faster.

2. Medicare Easy Pay (Recurring Payments)

Medicare Easy Pay is a convenient service that automatically deducts monthly premium payments from your checking or savings account. You can sign up for Medicare Easy Pay in two ways:

• Log in: Log into your Medicare account and select “Sign Up for Easy Pay.”
• Complete a form: Complete and send in the paper “Authorization Agreement for Pre-authorized Payments” form. You must print this at home; your local library may also have printing services. 
• Mail it in: Send your authorization for recurring payments to:
  Medicare Premium Collection Center
  P.O. Box 979098
  St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
• Receive your confirmation: Once enrolled, you’ll see a message in your Medicare account confirming that Easy Pay is active.

Deductions typically occur on the 20th of each month, and it can take 6-8 weeks for automatic deductions to begin.

3. Paying Medicare Premiums with Your Bank’s Bill Payment Service

Many banks provide online bill payment services, where you can pay your Medicare premiums through their portals. While convenient, this method requires you to manually update your payment information each year if your premium amount changes.

How to Pay Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, and Supplement Plan Premiums

Private insurers often offer Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement plans. Payment methods for these plans vary by insurer, but common options include:

• By Phone
• By Mail
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• Online

Always check with your private insurer to determine the available payment methods for your plan.

Why Is My First Medicare Bill Higher Than Expected?

It’s not uncommon for your first bill to be higher than anticipated. This could be due to the addition of the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) or other administrative fees. If you’re unsure, you can contact Medicare for clarification or review the details on your bill.

Can I Get Help Paying Premiums and Medicare Costs?

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, assistance may be available to help cover your premiums and other costs, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. You may qualify for programs offering reduced premiums based on income level. Visit your state’s Medicare website for more information about financial assistance.

Online Payments Make Paying for Medicare Easy

By understanding your options and setting up automatic payments, you can simplify paying your Medicare premiums, ensuring your health coverage remains uninterrupted. Stay informed and choose the best payment method for your lifestyle. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you need further assistance or have questions regarding your Medicare coverage. Call one of our Medicare insurance agents for help today.

The Ins & Outs of Group Term Life Insurance

Group term life insurance is an attractive addition to an employee benefits package. It is generally very affordable for employers and advantageous to employees. In today’s competitive job market, offering employer-provided group term life insurance is a cost-effective way to show employees care about their well-being and increase job satisfaction.

What Is Group Term Life Insurance?

This type of life insurance is provided to employees by their employers, typically at little or no cost to the employee. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, usually for the duration of employment. Unlike individual policies, group term life insurance pools the risk among an entire group of people, which is why it is more affordable. 

Employers can choose from different benefit plans. Death benefits may be a fixed dollar amount, such as $50,000, or the plan may tie benefit amounts to a multiple of the employee’s annual salary. In some cases, employers may provide a base amount of coverage and allow employees to purchase additional coverage at their own expense. Premiums for supplemental coverage under a group plan are typically lower than for individual life insurance policies. Most group term plans do not require health assessments, and coverage is not contingent upon the results of a medical exam.

What Are the Key Features of Group Term Life Insurance?

Here is a summary of the key features of group term life insurance:

• Affordable life insurance: Many employers pay the full cost of a basic coverage amount, making it a no-brainer for employees to enroll. Because risk is distributed among a group of people, these plans are inexpensive for employers.
• No underwriting: Typically, there is no medical exam or lengthy underwriting process. A group term plan makes life insurance accessible to employees who might otherwise have trouble obtaining it.
• Supplemental coverage options: Many group term life insurance plans offer employees the opportunity to increase their coverage and, in some cases, extend it to family members.
• Temporary coverage: Group term life insurance usually ends when employment is terminated. For this reason, it is not necessarily a substitute for individual life insurance. 
• Limited coverage: These insurance policies may cap coverage at a multiple of the employee’s salary, which may not be sufficient to meet a family’s financial needs in case of an unexpected death. 

What Are the Benefits of Group Term Life Insurance for Employers?

Including group term life insurance in an employee benefits package is a strategic move for employers. It can set your business apart in a crowded job market and help you attract and retain top talent. It can provide employees with peace of mind and boost morale, translating into greater productivity and job satisfaction. Group term life insurance is an inexpensive way to offer employees a high-value benefit. Premiums are lower because risk is spread across the group, and they may be tax-deductible as a business expense.

Meet with our knowledgeable agent to discuss group term life insurance. We can help you tailor an affordable employee benefits package to give your business a competitive edge. 

Common Medicare Myths Debunked

As one of the most vital health programs in the U.S., Medicare serves older adults and individuals with specific disabilities. In September 2024, Medicare enrollment totaled 68 million, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). For many individuals, Medicare is a subject that can inspire confusion. It is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that could lead to missed opportunities for coverage and costly mistakes. Here, we set the record straight by debunking some common Medicare myths.

Myth #1: Medicare Covers Everything

Although Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers many essential healthcare services, including hospital stays and outpatient care, some notable gaps exist. Routine dental care, vision exams, hearing aids, and most prescription drugs are not covered. If you want more comprehensive coverage, consider opting for a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), adding a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, or a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D) to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. 

Myth #2: Medicare Is Free

Medicare is a valuable program that makes healthcare more affordable for older adults, but it is not free. Although most people pay no premium for Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance) requires a monthly, income-based premium. In 2025, the standard Part B premium was $185 per month. Higher earners pay more based on Medicare Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). Individuals with yearly incomes above certain thresholds pay additional fees on top of Part B and Part D premiums. 

Myth #3: You Are Automatically Enrolled in Medicare at Age 65

If you already receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare. For those not yet collecting Social Security benefits, you must actively enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is the seven-month period that begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. This timeline is crucial, as missing your enrollment period could result in late penalties and gaps in coverage. Individuals who delay enrollment because they have employer-sponsored coverage may qualify for Special Enrollment Periods, but strict rules apply. 

Myth #4: Medicare and Medicaid Are the Same

Although Medicare and Medicaid are government programs that make healthcare more accessible, they are not the same. Medicare is for people who are older or disabled, and Medicaid is for individuals or families with limited income and resources. Medicare is a federal program, and individual states control Medicaid programs. A person qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid is “dual eligible.” These two programs combined could cover most healthcare costs. 

Myth #5: Medicare Covers Long-Term Care

The myth persists. Medicare does not cover long-term care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It only covers short-term stays in skilled nursing facilities following hospital admissions under specific conditions. Options to explore for your long-term care needs should include long-term care insurance, personal savings, and Medicaid. 

Debunking myths and understanding the facts about Medicare allows you to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. Our friendly agent can answer any questions you may have and help you choose the best Medicare options for you. 

March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day cheer!

March is here, and that means a whole lot of basketball—not to mention a little St. Patrick’s Day luck. Just wanted to check in, share some trivia, and let you know we have a bracket attached for you to join in on the fun! We even included a recipe here to help you step up your game-day snack lineup!

March Madness is wild because anything can happen—but let’s be real, teams don’t win on luck alone. They’ve got a solid game plan, and that’s what sets the champs apart.

📌 Cool tournament facts you should know:

🏀 The SEC just made history with 14 teams in the tournament—the most ever from one conference!

🏀 First-timers are making moves—schools like High Point, UC San Diego, SIU Edwardsville, and Omaha are making their big dance debuts. (UC San Diego even pulled this off in their first year of eligibility!)

🏀 The NCAA Tournament has been around since 1939, starting with just eight teams. Oregon won the first championship by beating Ohio State 46-33. Today, it has grown to 68 teams, making it one of the biggest sporting events of the year!

And hey, speaking of game plans, you can’t watch the madness on an empty stomach. So here’s a recipe to keep you fueled through the action:

Twice-Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 4 tbsp butter, softened

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled

• 2 green onions, sliced

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

How to make them:

1️⃣ Bake ‘em – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Poke a few holes in the potatoes, then bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.

2️⃣ Mix it up – Let them cool, slice in half, and scoop out the insides. Mix with butter, sour cream, milk, ½ cup cheese, bacon, green onions (save some for garnish), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Bake again – Spoon the mixture back into the skins, top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and melty.

4️⃣ Enjoy – Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, or sour cream, then dig in while watching the games!

So whether you’re glued to the tournament or just here for the St. Paddy’s vibes, we hope you have a fantastic March filled with excitement and good fortune. And if you ever want to chat or need anything, just hit reply—I’d love to catch up!

Cheers to a month of madness, luck, and good eats!

Reduce “Quiet Quitting” with the Right Group Benefits

The modern workplace is shifting, and employees are increasingly reevaluating their priorities. Terms such as “quiet quitting” and “burnout” are no longer simply buzzwords—they are real challenges that organizations must address. Fortunately, the right group benefits can help increase employee engagement and reduce quiet quitting and burnout. 

What Is Quiet Quitting?

The term “quiet quitting” does not mean employees are quietly leaving their jobs. It means they are becoming less invested and engaged in their work and performing only core job duties and nothing more. These workers continue to fulfill their primary responsibilities, but quiet quitting indicates that employees are unhappy or experiencing burnout. In many cases, it is the first step toward an employee’s departure, either by resigning or being let go for performance that no longer meets expectations. Quiet quitting may stem from work-related stress, dissatisfaction, lack of recognition, or burnout.

What Is Workplace Burnout and What Role Does It Play?

Burnout is a chronic state of physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by decreased effectiveness and feelings of detachment. It is a key contributing factor to quiet quitting. Burnout results from workplace stress that has not been managed effectively. The ripple effect of burnout can lower morale and productivity across the organization. At a time when retaining top talent is particularly challenging, addressing burnout should be a top priority. 

How Can Group Benefits Reduce Burnout and Quiet Quitting?

One of the most effective ways to combat employee burnout and reduce quiet quitting is investing in the right group benefits to show employees their well-being matters and to help build a culture of mutual respect and trust. The following benefits can make a difference:

• Flexible work arrangements: Allowing employees to control their work locations and schedules with flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or adjusted working hours, can significantly reduce stress levels and improve work-life balance. 
• Comprehensive health insurance: Access to healthcare is fundamental. Comprehensive health coverage with stress management programs and telehealth options signals to employees that their well-being is important.
• Paid time off (PTO): Burnout often occurs when employees feel they are never free from the stresses of work. Generous paid time off and PTO policies encouraging employees to take time for themselves can help prevent emotional and physical exhaustion.
• Wellness programs: Consider initiatives such as yoga classes, gym memberships, mindfulness workshops, and financial wellness seminars. Wellness programs that go beyond the basics can have a significant impact. Employees who feel supported in all aspects of their lives are less likely to disengage.
• Recognition and growth opportunities: Employees who see a path forward from their current positions are likelier to stay committed and engaged. Tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs can help them feel valued and more invested in their roles. 

In today’s competitive landscape, it is more important than ever to proactively address the issues around quiet quitting and burnout with thoughtful group benefits and a culture of care. Our knowledgeable agent can help you tailor a group benefits package to the needs of your team. 

Retiring in 2025? 5 Medicare Enrollment Tips for Success

Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter of your life. If you are planning to retire in 2025, navigating Medicare enrollment may seem like decoding a puzzle. Nevertheless, with the right guidance and a little preparation, you can confidently make informed decisions and tackle Medicare enrollment. The following are some tips for success:

Know Your Enrollment Timeline

Timing is everything with Medicare enrollment. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months, beginning three months before the month you turn 65 and ending three months after. For example, if you turn 65 in September 2025, your IEP runs from June through December 2025. Missing this enrollment window could mean costly penalties and delayed coverage. 

If you continue working beyond age 65 and have employer-sponsored health coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when you retire. This allows you to enroll in Medicare without penalties. However, you must coordinate the transition carefully to avoid any gaps in coverage.

Understand the Different Parts of Medicare

Medicare is divided into four main parts:

• Part A (hospital insurance): Most people do not pay a premium for Part A. It covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, and some home health services.
• Part B (medical insurance): This covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part B comes with an income-based monthly premium.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans): An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, Part C plans are offered by private insurers. These plans often include Part A, Part B, and additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. All Medicare Advantage Plan members pay Part B premiums. Some plans require additional premiums, while many others do not.
• Part D (prescription drug coverage): Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Even if you do not currently need any prescription meds, enrolling in Part D when you first become eligible can help you avoid late enrollment penalties for life.

Evaluate Your Healthcare Needs

Take a close look at your healthcare needs and budget. Are you managing chronic health conditions or visiting specialists frequently? Do you need specific prescription medications? Are dental, vision, and other additional benefits important for you? The answers to these questions can help you determine whether Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) is a better choice for you. While Original Medicare offers broader provider access, it does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. Although Medicare Advantage Plans offer more limited provider access, they cap out-of-pocket expenses and often bundle additional benefits. 

Do Not Overlook Medigap Coverage

If you opt for Original Medicare, consider purchasing a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan. These policies help cover out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and co-insurance. Medigap Open Enrollment runs for six months, beginning the month you enroll in Part B. 

Compare Plans Carefully

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can vary widely. It is important to compare your options based on premiums, coverage, and provider networks. Ensure your medications are covered and your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network. Factor in premiums, deductibles, and copayments to get a full picture of the costs.

Our friendly agent will be happy to help you determine your best Medicare options and find a plan that suits your needs and budget. 

How to Improve Benefits with Employee Feedback

The benefits packages of the past do not suit our modern-day workforce. In an age where working from home has become the new normal, businesses strive to find ways to entice and retain the best talent. The best way to attract the “stars” in your industry is to find out what they want first. How? Feedback. 

How Do I Collect Employee Feedback?

Having a regular inflow of employee feedback helps executives keep a finger on the company’s pulse. Knowing how employees and associates feel about your benefits can open the door to improvements that allow management and employees to win. Collect employee feedback using the following:

• Surveys: These can provide an overview of employee sentiments. They can also be easily shared through an email or link. When tallied up, the percentages show what benefits are wanted, needed, or should be discarded according to majority opinion. 
• Focus groups: Focus groups usually consist of representative members from the different areas of your company. By discussing subjects with open-ended communication in a group setting and listening to the responses, you may find a deeper understanding of group sentiments. You can appoint a human resources staff member or hire a professional to conduct these meetings. 
• One-on-one meetings: Personal meetings can provide qualitative information to help you to understand your workforce better. 

How Do I Analyze My Feedback?

When analyzing the feedback you collect, look for broad areas of agreement. If 95 percent of surveyed employees wish they had better dental coverage, and 85 percent say they do not use vision coverage, the data provides invaluable direction. The information shows that improving your group dental insurance benefits would be appreciated company-wide.

Focus groups and personal meetings provide an in-depth understanding of employee needs. Always consider the majority opinion rather than a single person’s concerns, as the goal is to benefit the entire group. 

What Steps to Take After Your Analysis

If you get a large staff sample in surveys, you will discover clear trends. Following the “95 percent want better dental” example, you could speak with one of our group insurance agents to learn about dental programs offering better coverage. It is rewarding for employees to know their opinions matter and see changes based on their input. 

Gathering Employee Feedback: Why it Matters.

Employees’ voices matter; they need to feel heard. Encouraging employee contributions through surveys and focus groups can help:

• Increase engagement: Staff will feel like they are part of the decisions made by management.
• Increase employee tenure: Employees who feel they are being heard are more likely to stay with your company.
• Streamline costs: By conducting regular reviews, you can reduce the cost of benefits your employees don’t need or want.
• Improved culture: A continuous flow of communication between employees and management fosters greater understanding and a culture that employees appreciate.

Employee Benefits Packages That Work

If you want to improve your employee benefits, an updated group insurance policy can be crafted to suit your budget while being a powerful attraction for new hires. Talk with one of our agents today to evaluate your current benefits package—we can build a custom benefits package that reflects the real-world needs of your team.

Insure Your Love Month – Protecting Your Loved Ones

This February is Insure Your Love Month, and it’s a great time to reflect on what matters most: protecting your loved ones. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring you have the right life insurance in place and feel comfortable with your life insurance needs.

Here are three simple steps you can take to make sure your loved ones are financially protected, depending on your situation: 

1. Determine if you have coverage. If you haven’t reviewed your life insurance policy recently — or don’t have one — now is the ideal time to start. Check with your employer to see if they offer coverage, but remember, employer-provided policies often fall short when it comes to fully protecting your family. It’s important to evaluate if additional coverage is needed to secure your loved one’s financial future.
2. Determine if you have the right type of coverage. Not all life insurance policies are created equal. Whether it’s term, whole life, or another option, it’s important to evaluate which type best aligns with your family’s needs and your financial goals. I’m happy to walk you through the options to ensure you’re set up for success.
3. Determine if you have the right amount of coverage. Life changes, and so do your needs. Whether you’ve welcomed new family members, changed jobs, or bought a home, the amount of coverage you require can shift. Let’s review your current policy to make sure it provides enough protection for the life you’ve built.

This February, give your family the ultimate gift — peace of mind. If you’d like to support reviewing your life insurance or discussing options, I’m here to help.

Reach out anytime. 

What Does a Home Safety Assessment Involve?

As one gets older, getting around can become a little more challenging. One gets tired more easily; maybe one’s back is painful, or the knees or hips have become troublesome. Keeping things organized in your home environment can give you greater physical security and peace of mind. This is what a home safety assessment focuses on.

What is a Home Safety Assessment?

A home safety assessment reviews your living space and daily habits to find ways to improve the environment and reduce potential hazards. A licensed healthcare professional or medical social worker performs these assessments. 

Does Medicare Cover a Home Safety Assessment?

Yes, if you have specific types of Medicare coverage. A home safety assessment can be covered for individuals with Medicare Part B, or Medicare Advantage plans when referred by a medical professional for a home safety assessment. You must have been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least 12 months to be eligible. Many Medicare Advantage covers these assessments.

What To Expect During a Home Safety Assessment

A medical social worker will visit you to do the home safety inspection. Areas they will inspect to identify hazards will include the following:

• Kitchen
• Bathrooms 
• Stairs and steps
• Bedrooms
• Patios
• Carpeting
• Electrical cords in the home
• Tripping hazards
• Overall fire safety

Locating and addressing potential hazards helps you enjoy living in the comfort of your home without risking your health and well-being. 

What Could Be Corrected by a Home Safety Assessment?

Types of issues that could be addressed include:

• Repairing broken steps or worn or uneven carpets could be a tripping hazard.
• Removing unsecured rugs or securing them to the floor.
• Moving frequently used items to lower, easy-to-access cabinets.
• Keeping walking areas clear of clutter. 
• Addressing slippery floors in bathrooms or showers.
• Installing shower grab bars, safety rails, or handrails where needed.

How Long Does a Home Safety Assessment Take?

Each home is different, but you can expect a home safety assessment to take about one hour. At the end of the inspection process, the medical professional will review their findings with you. The inspector will then work with you to develop a plan to address any safety issues in your home. 

When Should I Get a Home Safety Assessment?

You and your family members or loved ones can decide when a home safety assessment is a good idea, or it will happen as part of your insurance coverage, but only with your consent. Some reasons older adults decide to have their homes reviewed include: 

• To allow older adults to continue to live in the comfort of their homes. 
• To update a home for individuals facing physical changes due to a medical condition. 
• To help an individual recover more safely from a recent surgery. 
• To assist a loved one experiencing a cognitive decline. 
• To prevent another injury after a fall at home. 
• To assess potential hazards when moving into a new home.
• To identify risks before a problem arises. 

Live Comfortably: Increase Your Medicare Coverage

If you only have Medicare Part A, enrolling in Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan could open the door to many additional benefits, including home safety assessments. Contact one of our agents to schedule a one-on-one meeting today and to help yourself or a loved one stay comfortable and safe.