At Cardinal Insurance Services, we believe the best Medicare decisions come from understanding your options. We take the time to explain how coverage works, answer your questions, and guide you through the process so you can choose your plan with clarity and confidence.
Clear Guidance for Your Medicare Decisions
Empowering your Medicare journey through education, guidance, and Cardinal Care.
Education
Most people are overwhelmed by the amount of information they receive about Medicare. We break it down into simple steps and make it easy to understand.
Guidance
We’ll help you compare the benefits and costs of different plan options and tailor your coverage to your individual needs.
Cardinal Care
Cardinal Care means you’re never just a number. We take the time to learn your needs, concerns and goals. You’ll receive personalized service to guide you through Medicare with compassion and clarity. From your first question, to your final decision and beyond, we’re here every step of the way.
The Cardinal Care Process
We encourage our clients to start their Medicare journey at least 6 months before they plan to go on Medicare. Together, we’ll map out a step-by-step plan that ensures we stay on top of deadlines and avoid costly penalties. You can rest easy knowing you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.
Initial Chat
In our initial meeting we’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and answer any questions you have. It’s also a chance for you to get to know us, including how we work, what we value, and whether we’re the right fit for your insurance
needs.
Personalized Plan
As you approach your Medicare eligibility date, we’ll guide you through enrolling in Medicare Part A & B, explore your plan options and compare costs. You’ll have your personalized plan, clarity on your options and peace of mind well before your Medicare start date.
Continued Care
At Cardinal Insurance Services our support doesn’t end once your policy is in place. We’re here for all your ongoing service needs including an annual review to make sure your coverage still meets your goals and needs.
Medicare Coverage Options
Medicare is made up of different parts designed to help cover your healthcare needs. Most people begin with Part A and Part B known together as Orginal Medicare. After enrolling in Original Medicare, you have two main options for additional coverage: a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan. These two options offer different coverage structures, costs and flexibility. We’ll help you understand the differences and find the the option that fits your lifestyle.
Click the links below to learn more.
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). It covers many essential services. However, there can be significant out-of-pocket costs, which is why many people explore additional coverage.
Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one option that combines your coverage into a single plan. These plans often include extra benefits beyond Original Medicare like dental and vision.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) help cover the costs Original Medicare doesn’t. These plans give you more predictability and flexibility in how you use your coverage.
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of your prescription medications, including many important vaccines.
Prescription Drug Plans
Your Questions, Answered
-
Our services are provided at no cost to you. When you choose a plan with our help, we receive a commission from the insurance carrier. These commissions are typically standardized, so we have no incentive to favor one carrier over another. Our priority is helping you find the plan that fits your needs.
-
If you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll be enrolled automatically in Part A (and usually Part B) before turning 65. Otherwise, you can call Cardinal and we’ll walk you through enrolling online via ssa.gov. You can also enroll by calling 1‑800‑772‑1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.
-
Not always. Whether you need to enroll in Medicare while still working depends on the size of your employer and the coverage they offer. In some cases, Medicare may even be more cost-effective than your current plan. Contact Cardinal
Insurance Services and we’ll help you compare your options
and determine the best path forward based on your specific
situation. -
Yes. If you delay enrolling in Part B or Part D and don't have other creditable coverage, you may face late enrollment penalties that can last for life. These penalties are added to your monthly premiums and increase the longer you wait.
Cardinal Insurance Services can help ensure you hit important
deadlines and avoid costly mistakes. -
When you go directly to a carrier, you’re only seeing their plans. At Cardinal, we’ve partnered with many trusted carriers so we can offer you personalized guidance and real choice. Medicare plans are not one-size-fits-all. Things like provider networks, prescription drug formularies, and out-of-pocket costs vary widely between plans. We take the time to understand your personal needs and help you compare multiple options so you can make a confident, informed decision. And, there’s no extra cost to you! Plan pricing is the same whether you work with us, another agent or go directly
to a carrier. -
Possibly. If your income is above a certain level, you may pay an additional amount called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) for both Medicare Part B and Part D. This is based on your tax return from two years ago. Cardinal Insurance Services can help you understand whether IRMAA applies to you, how much you might pay, and if you might be eligible to appeal the decision.