WELCOME TO OUR FAQ PAGE

FAQs

We know that navigating health and life insurance can feel overwhelming, and you likely have many questions. Below, you'll find clear, concise answers to some of the most common questions we receive—from Medicare basics to life insurance details. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your coverage.

WELCOME TO OUR FAQ PAGE

FAQs

We know that navigating health and life insurance can feel overwhelming, and you likely have many questions. Below, you'll find clear, concise answers to some of the most common questions we receive—from Medicare basics to life insurance details. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your coverage.


1What is an Independent Insurance Broker?
An insurance broker is a licensed professional who works for you, not the insurance companies. Unlike agents tied to a single provider, brokers are independent and offer unbiased guidance. We compare multiple plans to find the best coverage tailored to your unique healthcare needs and budget.
2How much are your services?
Our services are completely free to you! When we help you enroll in a plan, the insurance carrier compensates us directly—at no extra cost to you. Your premium remains the same whether you enroll through us or go directly to the carrier. By choosing to enroll with us, you get expert guidance and personalized support at no additional expense.
3What makes working with you unique?
We are a family-run business that takes a personalized, client-first approach to health and life insurance. We understand that choosing the right coverage is more than just picking a plan—it’s about protecting your health, finances, and future. We take the time to educate and guide you, ensuring you make the best decision for you and your family.
4Do you only help with Medicare, or do you offer other types of insurance?

In addition to Medicare, we help with:

  • Individual & Family Health Insurance (ACA Marketplace/Obamacare plans)
  • Life Insurance (Term, Whole Life, Final Expense)
  • Long-Term Care & Disability Insurance
  • Ancillary Health Insurance (Dental, Vision, etc)
  • Travel Insurance
5When can I apply for Medicare?
You can apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to circumstances like losing employer coverage.
6Do I need Medicare if I’m still working and have employer coverage?
It depends on a few factors. If your employer has greater than 20 employees, then you have the option to remain on your employer’s insurance or elect Medicare. If your employer has less than 20 employees, then you must leave that coverage and join Medicare. We can help guide you through all the various factors to make sure you have the right coverage.
7What is IRMAA, and how does it affect my Medicare costs?

What is IRMAA?

IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an extra charge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above a certain threshold.


How Is It Determined?

  • IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years ago (e.g., your 2023 income determines your 2025 IRMAA).
  • Higher-income earners pay more for Medicare.

Can You Appeal?

Yes! If your income has dropped due to retirement, job loss, or other life events, you can appeal IRMAA by filing Form SSA-44 with Social Security.


Need help? We can guide you through the IRMAA appeal process! 📞 Call/text us at 732-708-6506 for a free consultation.

8Does Medicare have penalties if I enroll late?

Yes, delaying Medicare enrollment without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period can lead to penalties:

  • Part B Late Enrollment Penalty: A 10% increase in your monthly premium for every year you delay enrollment.
  • Part D Late Enrollment Penalty: An additional cost added to your premium if you go greater than 63 days without creditable drug coverage.
9What is life insurance, and why do I need it?
Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing. It helps cover expenses such as funeral costs, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, and future financial needs like college tuition for your children.
10What are the different types of life insurance?

The two main types are:

  • Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). It’s usually more affordable but does not build cash value.
  • Permanent Life Insurance: Covers you for your entire life and can build cash value over time. This includes whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life insurance.
11When can I apply for NJ independent health insurance?

Anyone can apply for coverage during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs November 1 – January 31.

Outside of that window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a life event like getting married, having a baby, moving, or losing job-based coverage.

Additionally, if your annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g. $30,120 for an individual or $62,400 for a family of four in 2025), you may qualify for year-round enrollment with access to low- or no-cost plans.

1What is an Independent Insurance Broker?
An insurance broker is a licensed professional who works for you, not the insurance companies. Unlike agents tied to a single provider, brokers are independent and offer unbiased guidance. We compare multiple plans to find the best coverage tailored to your unique healthcare needs and budget.
2How much are your services?
Our services are completely free to you! When we help you enroll in a plan, the insurance carrier compensates us directly—at no extra cost to you. Your premium remains the same whether you enroll through us or go directly to the carrier. By choosing to enroll with us, you get expert guidance and personalized support at no additional expense.
3What makes working with you unique?
We are a family-run business that takes a personalized, client-first approach to health and life insurance. We understand that choosing the right coverage is more than just picking a plan—it’s about protecting your health, finances, and future. We take the time to educate and guide you, ensuring you make the best decision for you and your family.
4Do you only help with Medicare, or do you offer other types of insurance?

In addition to Medicare, we help with:

  • Individual & Family Health Insurance (ACA Marketplace/Obamacare plans)
  • Life Insurance (Term, Whole Life, Final Expense)
  • Long-Term Care & Disability Insurance
  • Ancillary Health Insurance (Dental, Vision, etc)
  • Travel Insurance
5When can I apply for Medicare?
You can apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to circumstances like losing employer coverage.
6Do I need Medicare if I’m still working and have employer coverage?
It depends on a few factors. If your employer has greater than 20 employees, then you have the option to remain on your employer’s insurance or elect Medicare. If your employer has less than 20 employees, then you must leave that coverage and join Medicare. We can help guide you through all the various factors to make sure you have the right coverage.
7What is IRMAA, and how does it affect my Medicare costs?

What is IRMAA?

IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an extra charge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above a certain threshold.


How Is It Determined?

  • IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years ago (e.g., your 2023 income determines your 2025 IRMAA).
  • Higher-income earners pay more for Medicare.

Can You Appeal?

Yes! If your income has dropped due to retirement, job loss, or other life events, you can appeal IRMAA by filing Form SSA-44 with Social Security.


Need help? We can guide you through the IRMAA appeal process! 📞 Call/text us at 732-708-6506 for a free consultation.

8Does Medicare have penalties if I enroll late?

Yes, delaying Medicare enrollment without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period can lead to penalties:

  • Part B Late Enrollment Penalty: A 10% increase in your monthly premium for every year you delay enrollment.
  • Part D Late Enrollment Penalty: An additional cost added to your premium if you go greater than 63 days without creditable drug coverage.
9What is life insurance, and why do I need it?
Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing. It helps cover expenses such as funeral costs, outstanding debts, mortgage payments, and future financial needs like college tuition for your children.
10What are the different types of life insurance?

The two main types are:

  • Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). It’s usually more affordable but does not build cash value.
  • Permanent Life Insurance: Covers you for your entire life and can build cash value over time. This includes whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life insurance.
CONTACT

Protect yourself
and your family's future


Secure peace of mind with coverage you can count on. Whether it's health, dental, vision, or life insurance
— we're here to help you plan confidently for tomorrow.



CONTACT

Protect yourself
and your family's future


Secure peace of mind with coverage you can count on. Whether it's health, dental, vision, or life insurance — we're here to help you plan confidently for tomorrow.