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Welcome to 2024 Open Enrollment

The annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D (Stand Alone) Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) is from October 15 to December 7. For Individual and Family Health Insurance Plans, the Open Enrollment Period extends from November 1st through January 15th. This applies to Pennie.com, Maryland Health Connection, Virginia Insurance Marketplace, as well as most Healthcare.gov states and other State-Based Marketplace/Exchanges not explicitly listed here. GetCoveredNJ and other select State-Based Marketplace/Exchanges extend this period until January 31st. Our priority is to ensure your access to health insurance that suits your specific needs. We are ready to assist you in navigating these crucial enrollment periods.

We are committed to providing exceptional support in multiple languages.

Our virtual assistant in the bottom right corner is here to assist you in various languages. Additionally, we can connect you with a trusted broker who can communicate with you over the phone or even meet you in person. Don't let language barriers hinder your experience - we've got you covered! Share your contact information and language preference with us, and we'll ensure you receive the support you need.

We utilize multiple shopping and enrollment platforms for several practical reasons:

  1. We proudly offer a wide range of products to cater to unique situations. We understand that different circumstances call for specific products, and we continuously evolve our choices to meet your needs.
  2. While some carriers and their products may not seamlessly integrate with every enrollment platform due to product characteristics and government regulations, we are committed to finding tailored solutions that navigate market complexities and regulations.

Let’s Get Started!$

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Joseph L. Covell

Licensed Independent Health, Life,
Disability, Property, and Casualty Insurance Broker

Custom Benefit Plans, Inc.
Source Insurance Group

Cell: 267-374-0975
Fax: 215-830-0908
E-mail: [email protected]

Robyn Barto

Licensed Agent and Client Advocate

Individual Health and Medicare

Cell: 267-885-8823
E-mail: [email protected]

Are you Under 65 years old or Over 65 years old (or granted Medicare due to Disability)?

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Over 65$
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Under 65$

Over 65 Years Old

The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7)

Take Me To My Options!

Want to jump straight to the plans available in your area?
Click here to visit our shopping and enrollment partner’s website through Shop & Enroll (formerly Medicareful.com)

If you choose to enroll using this tool, please ensure that DoitForMeInsurance and Joe Covell are displayed in the top right-hand corner of your enrollment dashboard, confirming us as your designated broker. Our services are fee-free, and we have established relationships with the carriers we offer. We are available year-round to assist you via phone, text, and email.

While Shop and Enroll will connect you with select carriers and plans in your area, we offer much more than what is visible there. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, or if you’d like to explore additional options or seek advice, please refer to the “How Can Do It For Me Insurance help you this AEP?” section below to schedule a phone call. If speaking on the phone isn’t convenient for you, we can assist you through text, email, Zoom, or in-person at our Willow Grove office.

If you’re looking for Medicare Supplements, click here to see some of the options available in your area!

If you’re looking for dental and vision coverage, our website provides a curated selection of options for you to explore. Use our Dental and Vision quoting tools to generate a personalized shopping experience. Furthermore, our partnership with Morgan White offers a wide range of additional options through our convenient One-Stop platform. Start exploring today and find the coverage that best suits your unique needs. If you’d like us to get in touch with you, simply fill out this form or book a phone call using our Calendly link.

Dental Insurance Vision Insurance   Morgan White/Dental For Everyone Dental and Vision

Introducing our enhanced shopping experience for this Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)!

Navigating Medicare can be confusing with its yearly changes, but don’t worry, we’re here to help every step of the way. Reach out to us via call, text, or email for assistance. Our Virtual Assistant is also available 24/7 to answer general inquiries. Access it anytime on our website.
Please note, the Virtual Assistant cannot handle specific personal data, so for personalized assistance, contact us directly.
If you prefer self-reliance, our secure quoting and enrollment tools provide a seamless option.
Follow the Virtual Assistant’s guidance or find links to these tools in the section titled “Take Me to My Options!” above

What can I do during this time period?

During this period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose or switch their current Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D (Stand-Alone) Prescription Drug Plan. It’s important to note that, in most cases, you cannot enroll in both a Medicare Advantage Plan and a stand-alone Part D Plan simultaneously. However, there are exceptions, such as Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS), Medicare Savings Accounts (MSA), Medicare Cost Plans, and specific situations.

What Can I NOT do during this time period?

Now, let’s clarify what you cannot do during this time period. It is commonly misunderstood that Medicare beneficiaries can change, or purchase Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plans without undergoing medical underwriting. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1st to March 31st, and various Special Election Periods (SEPs) like loss of Medicaid (unless instructed otherwise) or a natural disaster do not allow Medicare beneficiaries to acquire a new Medicare Supplement policy or modify an existing one without answering health questions (medical underwriting). It’s important to remember that Medicare Supplement plans can be changed at any time of the year, but medical underwriting will usually be required. However, it’s worth noting that some states, such as Oklahoma, have recently passed a bill allowing those with Medicare Supplements to change plans or downgrade around their birthday each year.

I bought a Medicare Advantage Plan by Mistake, can I safely disenroll?

Was This Your First Time in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

YES

Have you encountered a TV commercial, mail, or telemarketing call urging you to switch your current Medicare Supplement for "extra benefits"? Or did unexpected circumstances result in high out-of-pocket costs despite your agent's explanation of the differences? Regardless of the reason, if you're dissatisfied, you have protections under the Trial Period/Trial Right (link to article). If you left a Medicare Supplement, you have 12 calendar months to reconsider and return to the exact plan and carrier you had before. It's important to note that you must return to the last plan and carrier you had, unless that carrier is no longer available or in other unique circumstances.

What if you never were enrolled in a Medicare Supplement?

If you initially enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan when you became eligible for Medicare Part A, and you are within the first 12 months of enrollment, you have the opportunity to switch. You can leave the Medicare Advantage Plan and purchase a Medicare Supplement and Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Plan. You can apply as early as 60 days before your current coverage ends, but no later than 63 days after it ends. In certain situations, you may even have an additional 12 months to take advantage of this opportunity.

Was This Your First Time in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

NO

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to switch back to Original Medicare, you can enroll in a Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Plan during the AEP (and OEP). This will notify Medicare of your intention to disenroll from your Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. It's important to note that this does not guarantee the ability to purchase a Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plan without medical underwriting. Depending on your current or prior health conditions, you may be subject to increased prices or coverage denial.

How Can Do It For Me Medicare help you with your needs this AEP?

Joe Covell is the Principal of Do It For Me Insurance, Inc. (Do It For Me Medicare) and has been assisting clients with Medicare options since 2012

We operate in over 17 states and work with multiple agencies, allowing us to offer a wide range of plans. However, due to recent Medicare government-compliance changes, we now need to inform consumers of the number of carriers and plans we represent in each zip code where we sell plans. While our quoting tools populate an approximate number of plans, it’s important to note that the displayed number may not be entirely accurate as we do business with different agencies, and each agency only displays the plans we sell with them. We are committed to providing transparent information and are working towards developing an all-in-one quoting tool that will show all the carriers and plans we work with in all markets.

“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 14 organizations which offer 108 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.”

**The above statement is based on Montgomery County, PA, which is where we are headquartered. The number of organizations and plans we work with will vary depending on your specific location, and we will inform you during the consultation

We provide a comprehensive overview of all available options, regardless of whether we represent them or not. Our process is simple: we collect basic information from you and securely input it into our system. Based on your unique needs, we send you a text or email with links to up to three plans that offer the best value. You can view these plans as a PDF or access them through a portal. The portal allows you to review the information you provided and explore all licensed and certified plans we offer in your market. You can also update your prescriptions, pharmacies, and doctors to see coverage details and how copays, deductibles, and other prices are affected.

 

What information do we ask for?$
What Do We Do with This Information?$

What information do we ask for?

List of medications including:

  1. Medication Name
  2. Dosage
  3. Frequency taken (twice per day, ect.)
  4. Pharmacies Utilized

List of Doctors and Specialists (including Dentists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, ect.)

Your zip code to determine which plans are in your area!

Additional Information: If applicable, please include any other details that may help us assess suitable options for your needs. This could include an ideal monthly budget or specific health issues. However, please note that this information is not required. For Medicare Supplement/Medigap options, only your age/date of birth, zip code, and county are necessary. Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans are determined based on zip code/region, not age.

What Do We Do with This Information?

We input the supplied information into our secure Connecture/MedicareEdge system, which allows us to sort through the list of options (including those plans we don’t represent) by different criteria. We usually start by sorting the list of Medicare Advantage Plans and Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Plans by Yearly Drug Cost and Total Yearly Cost. What is the difference? Yearly Drug Cost will sort the plan options from the lowest to the highest yearly drug cost for Medicare Advantage Plans and Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Drug Plans. For Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Drug Plans, this will often show the most expensive plans in the area because they tend to have the lowest drug cost. However, they aren’t always the best overall value, which is where total estimated cost comes in. Total estimated cost factors in drug copays throughout the year, including the varying “donut hole” or catastrophic coverage copays, the plan’s deductible (if applicable), monthly premium, and related costs. We can show you when your copays will vary in cost throughout the year, so you have a better idea of what to expect as the year goes on. All of this comes at no fee for our service. We are paid by the insurance companies when we assist you in enrolling in a plan. If you purchase something through one of our partner’s websites, we also get credit and, more importantly, become your broker to help you year-round with any issues that might arise. YOU ARE NEVER BOTHERING US! We would much rather discuss things with you via phone, text, email, or however else you’d like to communicate than you calling a number on the television where you could be taken advantage of. DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR MEDICARE NUMBER to those you don’t know. That seemingly innocent voice over the phone can enroll you in something you didn’t intend to enroll in. If you see an advertisement for a specific plan, there’s a good chance we represent that plan or at least can help guide you towards making an informed decision. The commissions for Medicare Advantage and Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Plans are typically set by the government, and brokers are paid the same amount when you renew your current plan or when you change to another plan with a broker’s assistance. Therefore, it is always in a broker’s best interest to ensure you are satisfied. Prices in the majority of situations do not change whether you use us, another broker, or call either a call center or carrier directly.

Our purpose in this business is to assist individuals, and we firmly believe that by consistently doing the right thing for every person, whether or not we become their broker, we will create memorable experiences. This approach encourages individuals to choose to collaborate with us and refer friends and family who may require assistance in the future.

I’m Happy with What I Have, Do I Need To Do Anything?

Your current coverage will often roll over into the next calendar year, but it’s crucial to review it annually. Carriers may make radical changes to plans, potentially discontinuing your current plan and mapping you into a different one that may cost more or not provide the necessary coverage. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and review your plan every year. On January 1st of each calendar year, plans change, but benefits typically remain the same throughout the year. However, it’s possible for doctors to drop out of networks and medications to be removed from a carrier’s drug formulary. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) govern these changes.

Your plan is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) before AEP, which outlines any upcoming changes to benefits, costs, and provider networks. This is your opportunity to review your options for the upcoming year and make any necessary changes. We’re here to assist you, and you can also use our new AI Virtual Assistant for common Medicare-related questions. For example, you can ask about the 2024 donut hole or the Medicare Prescription Deductible.

Under 65 Years Old

Pennsylvania

How We Help With Pennie.com

Pennsylvania’s State-based health insurance marketplace is Pennie.com.
As a Pennsylvania-based small business, we have a strong relationship with Pennie, the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace Exchange. We work with all companies in PA offering Individual and Family Affordable Care Act plans.
If we missed your call, please leave a message, send a text, or an email, and we’ll get back to you promptly. For common questions about health insurance, you can also use our Virtual Assistant. It can help answer questions like income considerations, plan types, subsidies, and more.

While the assistant can provide general guidance, personalized consultations are available for specific issues. We aim to assist you with quick responses, day or night, without any service fees. The prices you see on our site and quoting tools are the same even if you enroll independently. Note that some carriers offer limited “full-price only” plans that are not available through Pennie (Off-Exchange).

Currently, Pennie.com is the only system supporting enrollment with a subsidy/tax credit in Pennsylvania. You can browse options through our Health Sherpa site, but enrollment must be done through Pennie. We can help you set up your Pennie account or handle the enrollment process for you. As your broker, we’ll provide ongoing support and keep you informed about important notices throughout the year. To add us as your broker, request assistance through the help and support section in your Pennie portal.
We value your trust and look forward to working with you.
Click here for step by step instructions on how to do so.

What’s New in the Philadelphia 5 County Region?

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Philadelphia area as two new carriers introduce new plan options. Highmark Blue Shield has made the decision to expand their service area, offering Individual and Family Plans, as well as Plans for companies of all sizes. Previously, Highmark served the entire state of Pennsylvania (including DE, WV, and parts of NY), with the exception of Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia counties. However, starting from January 1st, 2024, they will extend their reach to include these five counties. Additionally, Highmark will continue to provide Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) to qualified individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid under their brand Highmark Wholecare (formerly known as Gateway prior to Highmark’s acquisition). For 2024, Highmark will introduce some intriguing PPO options featuring a robust network of providers. They will also offer group plans for companies of all sizes.

Another significant development occurred when the Jefferson Health System acquired the Einstein Health System, including their insurance company known as Health Partners. Jefferson Health has rebranded Health Partners as Jefferson Health Plans. Previously, Health Partners only offered plans to those on Medicare, Medicaid, and qualified individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid (DSNPs). However, Jefferson Health Plans will now expand into the under 65 individual and family plan market by offering plans both on and off the Pennie health insurance marketplace/exchange. Notably, Cigna, Oscar, Ambetter, and Independence Blue Cross will continue to be active in the market, providing a range of plan options.

New Jersey

How We Help with GetcoveredNJ!

New Jersey’s State-based health insurance marketplace is called GetCoveredNJ (Getcovered.NJ.Gov), and we have been a proud partner since the very beginning!

You can also utilize our AI Virtual Assistant for some common questions regarding: “what is considered income when applying for health insurance?”, “what is a HMO, EPO, and/or PPO plan?”, “can I receive a subsidy if I am offered coverage through work?”, and so many more! The assistant is not meant to replace a personalized consultation, it is meant to help those consumers with quick questions any time of day or night or for the many who browse our website that don’t wish to be contacted. As a reminder we do not charge and fees for service and the prices you see on our site and various quoting tools available through our partners websites are the same if you go on GetCoveredNJ or through an insurance carrier’s website. The only exception to this is certain carriers offer limited plans not available through GetCoveredNJ, we have those too as we work with every company in NJ that offers Individual and Family Affordable Care Act plans!

Currently GetCovered.NJ.Gov does not support any other system for enrolling in a plan with a subsidy/tax credit in New Jersey. Click here to be taken to our official Healthsherpa site where you can browse the options available through GetCoveredNJ, however the enrollment itself must be done through GetCoveredNJ. We can help you get set up with GetCoveredNJ if you don’t currently have an account or rather someone else Do It For You, as well as become your broker to help service your account and keep you on top of any important notices that come along throughout the year. You can add us as your broker by requesting us through help and support found in the top right-hand corner of your GetCoveredNJ portal. Click here for step by step instructions on how to do so

What is New for New Jersey?

The current New Jersey carriers will continue to offer plan options into 2024, these carriers include: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Amerihealth, Oscar, Ambetter (Wellcare), and Aetna (New in 2023). In addition, United Healthcare will add to its limited off exchange (not available on GetCoveredNJ) plan options by offering state wide coverage both on and off GetCoveredNJ!

Maryland

How We Help with Maryland Health Connection!

Maryland’s State-based health insurance marketplace is called Maryland Health Connection (MarylandHealthConnection.Gov), and we have been a proud partner for years!

You can also utilize our AI Virtual Assistant for some common questions regarding: “what is considered income when applying for health insurance?”, “what is a HMO, EPO, and/or PPO plan?”, “can I receive a subsidy if I am offered coverage through work?”, and so many more! The assistant is not meant to replace a personalized consultation, it is meant to help those consumers with quick questions any time of day or night or for the many who browse our website that don’t wish to be contacted. As a reminder we do not charge and fees for service and the prices you see on our site and various quoting tools available through our partners websites are the same if you go on Maryland Health Connection or through an insurance carrier’s website. The only exception to this is certain carriers offer limited plans not available through Maryland Health Connection, we have those too as we work with every company in MD that offers Individual and Family Affordable Care Act plans!

Currently Marylandhealthconnection.gov does not support any other system for enrolling in a plan with a subsidy/tax credit in New Jersey. Click here to be taken to our official Healthsherpa site where you can browse the options available through Maryland Health Connection, however the enrollment itself must be done through Maryland Health Connection. We can help you get set up with Maryland Health Connection if you don’t currently have an account or rather someone else Do It For You, as well as become your broker to help service your account and keep you on top of any important notices that come along throughout the year. You can add us as your broker, Click here for step by step instructions on how to do so

What’s New for Maryland?

Aetna has decided to expand into the Maryland market to offer plan options on and off the Maryland Healthcare Connection Insurance Marketplace/exchange!

Virginia

How We Help with Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace!

For the 2024 Open Enrollment Season, the state of Virginia has decided to transition to a State Based exchange and will no longer utilize Healthcare.gov. The New exchange is called Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.

You can also utilize our AI Virtual Assistant for some common questions regarding: “what is considered income when applying for health insurance?”, “what is a HMO, EPO, and/or PPO plan?”, “can I receive a subsidy if I am offered coverage through work?”, and so many more! The assistant is not meant to replace a personalized consultation, it is meant to help those consumers with quick questions any time of day or night or for the many who browse our website that don’t wish to be contacted. As a reminder we do not charge and fees for service and the prices you see on our site and various quoting tools available through our partners websites are the same if you go on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace
or through an insurance carrier’s website. The only exception to this is certain carriers offer limited plans not available through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, we have those too as we work with most companies in VA that offers Individual and Family Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) plans!

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace to our knowledge will not support any other system for enrolling in a plan with a subsidy/tax credit in New Jersey. Click here to be taken to our official Healthsherpa site where you can browse the options available through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, however the enrollment itself must be done through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. We can help you get set up with Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace if you don’t currently have an account or rather someone else Do It For You, as well as become your broker to help service your account and keep you on top of any important notices that come along throughout the year. You can add us as your broker, Click here for step by step instructions on how to do so.

Healthcare.gov States

Including but not limited to: Delaware,
Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida,
Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio,
Michigan, Nebraska, and Arizona

How We Help with Healthcare.gov

We have been a proud broker partner of Healthcare.gov since the very first Open Enrollment in 2013. We have processed thousands of applications over the years and we can make the process much less stressful, at no additional cost to you for our services. We go the distance for our clients and understand the markets we serve. Getting into the weeds is our specialist and there is no situation that you can present that we won’t do everything within our power to assist with.

You can also utilize our AI Virtual Assistant for some common questions regarding: “what is considered income when applying for health insurance?”, “what is a HMO, EPO, and/or PPO plan?”, “can I receive a subsidy if I am offered coverage through work?”, and so many more! The assistant is not meant to replace a personalized consultation, it is meant to help those consumers with quick questions any time of day or night or for the many who browse our website that don’t wish to be contacted. As a reminder we do not charge and fees for service and the prices you see on our site and various quoting tools available through our partners websites are the same if you go on Healthcare.gov
or through an insurance carrier’s website. The only exception to this is certain carriers offer limited plans not available through Healthcare.gov, we have those too as we work with every company in PA that offers Individual and Family Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) plans!

Our partners at Healthsherpa have made the entire Healthcare.gov quoting and enrolling process much easier and they even help you keep track of all those confusing notices that come throughout the year. You can enroll and manage your account easily and without needing to set up or sign into your Healthcare.gov, in the majority of instances. By enrolling through our official Healthsherpa store you are selecting us as your broker to assist you year-round. Click here to be taken to our official Healthsherpa site where you can browse and enroll in options available in your area! In Healthcare.gov states, this link streamlines the process and makes it easier to track the confusing notices Healthcare.gov can send to consumers via mail and email. In most cases, you can shop and enroll without logging into your Healthcare.gov account. However, these applications can be tricky and often have issues with identity verification and confusing questions, resulting in unanswered concerns. Rest assured, we are here to provide assistance and guide you through the process.

Do you have a plan already?

In most cases your plan will roll into the next year, however it is a good idea to review as the benefits will change from year to year, and often new companies are coming into your area. If you are receiving a subsidy, remember that this is based on the upcoming year’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income. As this can often be confusing to our clients, we like to describe the program as: make your best projection as to what this Modified Adjusted Gross income will be for the upcoming tax filing year, make adjustments as required throughout the year when applicable, and then “reconcile at tax time.” Every year Healthcare.gov/State-based Exchanges will provide a 1095a form you will use when filing federal taxes to which will lists the amount of subsidy received each month of that year. If you earned more than what you originally projected you will reconcile by owing a portion back, and if you made less than you originally projected you will receive back that which you were eligible for. We cannot give tax advice but encourage you to discuss the reconciliation with your accountant or tax advisor.

When applying or renewing for the next year’s coverage you must review your projected income for the upcoming year and make any changes. You must also report other changes such as gaining or losing dependents, a change of address, or contact information.

Can You Send Me a Quote?

If you prefer not to use a quoting tool, no worries! We’ll gladly send you customized plan options via email, tailored to your specific needs and situation. Here’s the key information we require:

  • Home Zip Code
  • Date of Birth
  • Tobacco User (Yes/No)
  • Estimated Modified Adjusted Gross Income for the upcoming year
  • Number of members on your tax return

If any of these members require coverage, kindly provide the same information. However, if they don’t need coverage, simply provide the number. This information is crucial because the subsidy/tax credit is based on your federal tax filing for the upcoming year. If you don’t believe you qualify for the tax credit or prefer not to take it, then there’s no need to provide that particular information.

What is Modified Adjusted Gross Income?

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is a term used in the United States tax system to determine an individual’s eligibility for certain deductions, credits, and benefits. It is calculated by starting with the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and making specific modifications. These modifications can include adding back certain deductions, such as student loan interest, or including income that is usually excluded, such as tax-exempt interest. MAGI takes into account various sources of income, such as wages, self-employment income, rental income, and investment income. It is an important figure that helps determine the tax liability and eligibility for certain tax breaks. Seek guidance from a tax professional regarding what should and should not be included in this figure.

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