Resources
Where to go for official information
We are glad to help, and you should also have the primary sources in hand. These are the ones we point people to most on each side of the practice.
For individuals and Medicare
Social Security
Create a my Social Security account to enroll in Medicare, check a benefit estimate, or replace a card.
ssa.gov/myaccount · 1‑800‑772‑1213
Medicare & You handbook
The federal government’s own guide, updated each year and mailed every fall. Worth keeping on the kitchen table.
Medicare & You · 1‑800‑MEDICARE
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in every state. They do not sell anything.
Extra Help with drug costs
The Low‑Income Subsidy can reduce Part D premiums and copays for those who qualify.
Veterans benefits
VA health care and Medicare each cover things the other does not. Most veterans benefit from having both.
va.gov/health-care · 1‑877‑222‑8387
Medicare fraud
If someone pressures you or asks for your Medicare number out of the blue, report it. Legitimate agents do not do those things.
Senior Medicare Patrol · 1‑800‑MEDICARE
For employers
Employee Benefits Security Administration
The Department of Labor office covering ERISA, COBRA, and plan disclosure requirements, with compliance assistance materials for employers.
dol.gov/agencies/ebsa · 1‑866‑444‑3272
SHOP marketplace
Small business coverage through healthcare.gov, including the eligibility rules for the small business health care tax credit.
IRS employer guidance
Reporting requirements, the employer shared responsibility provisions, and how benefits are treated for tax purposes.
Creditable coverage notices
Employers offering prescription drug coverage generally must tell Medicare‑eligible employees each year whether that coverage is creditable.
Small Business Administration
General guidance on hiring, payroll, and the obligations that come with employees.
Your state insurance department
State rules on small group size definitions, continuation coverage, and agent licensing. Every state has a consumer division you can call.
How to protect yourself
Nobody may call you uninvited about Medicare
An agent may not cold call you about Medicare plans without permission to contact you. If someone does, that is a reason to hang up.
Guard the numbers
A Medicare number deserves the same care as a Social Security number. An employee census deserves the same care as payroll data.
You are never required to decide today
Enrollment windows and renewal dates are real. Pressure to sign immediately is not a feature of honest advice.
Rather just ask a person?
Bring whatever came in the mail, whatever your renewal packet says, and whatever someone told you. We will sort it out.
By calling this number, you will be connected with a licensed insurance agent who can answer questions about the plans we offer. There is no cost or obligation to talk. Or email Bill@imagineins.com.