Client testimonials

“Bill is incredibly well-versed in every aspect of health insurance. Plus, he's incredibly kind and patient explaining things most of us don't know. I could not have understood or transitioned from COBRA coverage (with an employer's group plan) to private insurance and then into Medicare in only a four year period. Bill knows every nuance of different plans and goes all out to find coverage that supports your health needs, provider preferences, ongoing prescriptions and your budget. You won't find anyone better, more patient and helpful to help navigate what can be hard to compare coverage options. Simply...the best.”
Lisa G.
 
“Every time we pay our Medicare bill, we thank you! Stay safe and healthy, Bill!”
Dan S.
 
“I so appreciate Bill’s knowledge. He’s always so helpful and patient with all my questions even the dumb ones, I seem to recall he said once to me “there’s never a dumb question” He quoted and placed several of our employees and my Husband, my Mom and my own Medicare plan.  I have before and will continue to refer people to him that have questions about enrolling or changing their Medicare plan. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Sheri P.  
 
 “Bill is well versed in all things Medicare. Prior to watching Bill’s webinar I was only considering switching from my company’s medical plan to Medicare, after I was a lot more interested in what the Scan Advantage plan had to offer. I had a one on one conversation with Bill, he was very succinct in his explanation of the plan, placing my current plan side by side with the Scan plan and explaining the pros and cons of each from top to bottom.  I was sold, that it was the plan for me and my wife. This is our first year in and I’m sure we’ll be happy with the plan for many more.”      Kenneth W.
 
“Medicare sounds great when you hear about what it can do, but when you start to dig in and see all the different choices that have to be made, it can become very daunting. Bill is extremely knowledgeable about all the options you have and how your choices will affect your care and your cost. He's patient and easy to work with. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate his guidance.”
Best Regards,
Mark A.
 
“Bill Graham has researched the best medical insurance providers for my wife and myself for the last 3-4 years.  Our needs are special with our specific medications, and Bill has always found the best providers at the best pricing.  He makes the process seamless and is always there to answer any of our questions, day or night.  Bill is not just getting us the best coverage for our needs and requirements, he gives us peace of mind that what we have is the best.  We really appreciate Bill’s efforts!”
Bill H.

“Bill was so wonderful, knowledgeable, concise in his information, and prompt with any communications when he was our healthcare advisor; advising and onboarding our employees with our Employee Healthcare choices, pricing models, benefits, and issues. As a Medicare advisor, he turned all of those wonderful qualities up a notch, as most people entering the Medicare phase of life are bombarded by way too much information and not enough real facts, not always timely content, nor personalized service. Bill provides accurate information, personalized quotes and service to your individual needs and questions. My husband and I felt that we could ask him anything, especially because we didn't know anything about Medicare, where to turn, what to ask, and it was scary. Bill took a LOT of time with both of us, and he is an expert at explaining, helping, anticipating our needs, and getting us the right Medicare plan for us.  I would recommend him as a first step in one's Medicare Healthcare future. I  have referred him to many of the MD's I have worked with, as well as my sister in law, all benefitted by his expert information and all now happy with how easy he made something scary and unfamiliar, into an easy integral part of life. Hope that helps with how we feel about Bill and his abilities! He is in the right job!”
Thanks, Lucy S.
 
“Bill Graham has been a Godsend. While I consider myself an intelligent person of sound mind, sorting through the maze of Medicare requirements and options was totally mind-boggling! Bill to the rescue! He assisted me in getting my coverages placed and has been consistently available for both me and my elderly family members, answering questions and going above and beyond to help. Bill provides exemplary customer service - I do not know how I would survive without him!”
Cindy B., extremely satisfied customer

“Note to Devin - Bill knows and "speaks" Medicare options backwards and forwards. It's easy to work with him and great to start the enrollment process early in May. I handled the entire transition to Medicare without any in-person meeting with Bill - it was all phone calls, and completing e-documents during Covid times. Might be the same for you. Bill will help you understand and select which plan combination (Medicare Parts A, B, D and supplemental part C) is best for your health and your budget.”
Lisa G.

“My wife and I spoke with Bill Graham two days ago about me signing on to Medicare this year. We truly didn't have a clue as to what we were doing and had spoken to another broker who confused us even more.
Bill simplified all our choices; examined our current health care coverage and advised us in a manner that was not only extremely professional but extremely helpful.  As it is, because of our current coverage and how I plan on working a few more years we figured out that there was a simple sign-on to Medicare (A) only option for us and no other decisions to really make for a couple more years until I do step back from my current position.

Because of his professional demeanor and overall honesty to us and where we are, we plan on not only using Bill when the time comes but plan on referring him to our friends who will also be needing similar advice.

Bill is a great reflection of the integrity of your company and we wanted to let you know how happy we were working with him and how proud you should be having Bill on your team.”

Thanks so much,
Brad & Leslie G. 

How to Ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) to Start Your Medicare Benefits

If you’re almost age 65 and have decided to start your Medicare benefits, you'll just need to make a simple phone call to your local Social Security Administration office to get the Medicare ball rolling!

You can find your local SSA office by clicking the button below (Highly Recommended) or Call the Social Security Administration National phone number 1-800-772-1213.

Already have Medicare part A, and want to start your Medicare part B?

If you’re still enrolled in a qualified Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) after turning age 65 and three months,
you'll have then transitioned out of Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) into now what is known as your Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is the time when as a newly qualified Medicare beneficiary (one who is leaving an EGHP), you gain virtually unrestricted access (without regard to your health history) to activate your Medicare benefits and make elections to join any number of available Medicare Medical benefit plans designed to meet both your budget and your unique medical needs. 

If you postponed your enrollment in Medicare Part B (after age 65 and four months), you'll need to call to the SSA office and let them know! But before you do, you'll need to follow the simple steps below to process your late start (after 65 and four months) Medicare Part B activation request to stay penalty free!

1. Notify (call) your local SSA office, inform them you want to activate your Medicare Part B benefits.
2. Ask the SSA Office for their Fax number so you can submit the two required activation forms (the CMS-40B and CMS-L564)
3. Fill out the top of the CMS-L564 and then take it to the Human Resources Dept. of the Employer Group Health Plan your enrolled in now (as they must fill out the bottom half and sign the form!)! Note this form provides proof that you have had unbroken "Creditable" healthcare coverage from at or before age 65 up until now! (This form is important as it eliminates any late enrollment penalties!).   
4. You'll fill out the the CMS-40B (the request to start your Medicare Part B benefits). 
5. Fill the FAX Cover sheet with your info. and add the Fax# of your local SSA office (Remember to ask for the Fax# when you call). 
6. Fax the completed CMS-40B & CMS-L564 forms (at the same time) to your local Social Security Admin. office for processing! 
7. Wait for your new Medicare ID card to come in the U.S. mail... Now call us. It's time to pick your Medicare plans! 

Medicare FAQs

What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services (CMS) run this health program. CMS is one branch of the department of Health and Human Services. Enrollment is via the office of Social Security Administration (SSA).

Is everyone eligible for Medicare?
No, not everyone is eligible for Medicare. Medicare is available to those individuals over 65 and to those under 65 on disability for at least 24 months. If an individual has End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), he/she immediately qualifies for Medicare enrollment.

How old do you have to be to get Medicare?
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Those who are under age 65 can qualify for Medicare when they have collected Social Security Disability for at least 24 months.

How much does Medicare cost at age 65?
The cost of Medicare depends on a few things. Those with a low income will likely pay less than the standard amount by qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid. Those with a higher reported adjusted gross income will most likely pay more for both their Part B & Part D—this is called Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

Now, Medicare Part A has no monthly premium and there is no cost to those who meet the requirements. On the other hand, Medicare Part B does have a premium that usually comes out of your Social Security check, if you are already receiving Social Security. Otherwise, you’ll pay the monthly premium, which for 2025, the Part B premium starts at $185.00 a month. Yet, that’s just the premium cost. Both Parts A and B have deductibles and coinsurances that can apply when you have only Original Medicare.

Do I need Medicare Part B if I have other insurance?
If you work for a large employer and have employer coverage, you may choose to delay enrollment. When you delay enrollment because you’re delaying retirement, you won’t need to rush to sign up for Part B, but you may choose to enroll in Part A, especially since, in many cases, it’s no charge to you!

It’s important to note that if you choose to enroll in Medicare Part A, you will no longer be able to contribute to a Health Savings Account. When you retire, you can sign up for both Part A and Part B if you chose not to collect before retirement.

At what age can I apply for Medicare?
You can pre-enroll for Medicare anytime up to three full calendar months before the actual month you turn 65, but some may choose to delay their enrollment due to delaying their retirement after age 65. In contrast, others may enroll before age 65 once they’ve been on Social Security Disability for at least 24 months.

Do you have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if you are still working?
You must sign up for Medicare at age 65 if you’re self-employed with private insurance or if  you're working part-time for an employer with no employer group health coverage. However, if you work for an employer that has 20 or more (full-time employees) and your stay enrolled in a qualified employer group health plan (one that meets or exceeds the standards for creditable health coverage) you may choose to delay your enrollment. Medicare isn’t always mandatory, so you can choose whichever option makes the most sense for your situation. You should always consult your HR benefits administrator at the office where you work to confirm your plan meets the "creditable coverage" requirements and identify your plan options.

Why is my first Medicare bill so high?
If you aren’t accepting Social Security income, Medicare may bill you for 3 months of premiums at one time—unless, of course, you sign up for Medicare Easy Pay where you can choose to pay premiums monthly using a check, bank draft, credit, or debit card.

What is a Medigap plan?
A Medi-Gap/Med-Sup plan is a supplemental option for Medicare. Medi-Gap/Med-Sup plans are also known as "Medicare Supplemental" plans; these policies fill the gaps in Medicare. So, when Medicare would otherwise charge you 20% and/or a deductible, a Medi-Gap or Medicare Supplement plan could eliminate these expenses.

How long is an Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Supplement policies?
You can pre-enroll in Medi-Gap up to 6 months before the Part B effective date with some companies. But many companies only allow you to pre-enroll 3 months before Part B effective date. The Open Enrollment Period for Medi-Gap lasts for 6 months and begins the day your Part B is effective.

What is a Medicare Part C  (or MAPD) plan?
Medicare Part C is a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans sometimes have a $0 per month premium(x), and many of them include prescription drug coverage (MAPD) at no additional cost. A Medicare Advantage HMO (MAPD) plan and its benefits can vary, but you need to elect a primary care physician and group network when signing up. You can think of Medicare Part C (MAPD's) as a “bundled plan,” one that rolls Medicare Parts A, B and D all together.

What drugs are covered under Medicare Part D?
There are many drugs covered under Medicare, and every drug plan must cover the six protected classes of drugs. If you have medications that need coverage, you can use the Medicare plan finder tool to identify the policy that will cover your medications.

Does Medicare cover a home health aide?
Medicare will cover intermittent or part-time skilled nursing care. If you need long-term care or a caregiver for personal care assistance, you would be on your own for those costs.

How does secondary insurance work with deductibles?
If you have small employer group health insurance (with 19 or less employees), Medicare will be the secondary payer. In this case, if the group policy has a deductible, Medicare may pay a portion of the deductible. It’s best to discuss your coverage with your benefits administrator to determine how your policy will work with any Medicare plans.

What is the coverage gap?
The coverage gap for Part D also known as the “donut hole”. is now a thing of the past! Medication Max Out of Pocket costs for formulary drugs is $2,000.00 per year.

Do you automatically get Medicare with Social Security?
If you’re on Social Security, you’ll have automatic enrollment into Medicare at age 65. But, if you’re on Social Security Disability, you can get Medicare after 24 months.

Are there Medicare Supplement plans with no premium?
Medicare Supplements have a premium because they offer comprehensive benefits. If you’re hospitalized or in need of major treatment, a Medicare Supplement plan (Medi-Gap plan) will cover the costs that Medicare would leave you to pay.

Can Medicare drop you?
Normally, no, Medicare can’t drop you. But, if you don’t pay your premium on your Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage or Medi-Gap plans, they can drop you. Also, if you don’t pay your Part D (drug plan) premium, the drug plan can drop you. Usually, they give multiple notices before the plan terminates your policy.

Can you have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan?
No, you can’t have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medi-Gap plan. You must choose one or the other. Since Medicare Advantage plans are with private insurance companies, they handle the claims instead of Medicare. A Medi-Gap plan is supplemental to Medicare, so it can’t coordinate benefits with Part C. If you for some reason have both, the Medicare Advantage plan will cover you, but the Medi-Ggap plan won’t. Therefore, you’d be wasting money on Medi-Gap at that point. If you can’t decide between the two, work with an agent near you to determine which option really makes the most sense.

What are telemedicine services and will Medicare cover telehealth?
Telemedicine services can include telephone appointments and virtual appointments. In general, telemedicine is a remote clinical service. Medicare Part B will cover telehealth services.

Are you Looking to Find Answers to All Your Medicare Questions?
Medicare is a complex maze with an ever-changing landscape. The good news is you don't have to navigate it alone. The good people at Ashbrook-Clevidence can advise and guide you through your enrollment and benefits plan search to find and compare the best available options for you in your area. We’re here to answer all your Medicare questions, so you can feel confident in making an intelligent and informed decision.