Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Navigating San Diego’s Medicare Changes

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Expert Insights from SBHIS Insurance Services

As we approach the annual enrollment period, San Diego’s senior population faces significant healthcare access disruptions. Major medical groups, including Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal, are discontinuing their acceptance of Medicare Advantage plans. UCSD is also ending specific Medicare Advantage Programs. To help you navigate these changes, we spoke with Pat Salas, President of SBHIS Insurance Services.

Pat recommends considering Medicare Supplements, which complement Medicare and offer comprehensive coverage. While they come with premiums and prescription drug costs, they provide the freedom to select healthcare providers without network restrictions.

What is crucial to know is that everyone affected by these contract terminations will have access to a guaranteed issue period. This means you can enroll in a Medicare supplement without worrying about pre-existing health conditions.
If Medicare supplements are financially challenging, Pat suggests exploring Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans offer robust benefits at a lower premium, albeit with potential shifts to a different healthcare system.

Taking prompt action is vital, as the enrollment period nears and the more you wait, some doctors may be inundated with new patients and your opportunities will be impacted. SBHIS offers free services and a seasoned team to guide you through the process. With thousands of San Diego seniors affected by these changes, it is essential to rely on a local, trusted resource like SBHIS.

SBHIS has been serving San Diego since 2005, assisting over 200,000 Medicare beneficiaries. As the largest Medicare Advantage Agency in San Diego, they are committed to helping you make informed healthcare choices during this challenging period.

To get started, call SBHIS at (619) 888-8189 or visit http://www.sbhis.net. Do not delay! Be sure to secure your healthcare future today with SBHIS’s expert guidance and support.

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza attended high school at The Academy of Our Lady of Peace and became the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars non-profit organizations. Currently she sits on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace and resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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