Southern Maine Retirement Services

Medicare Eligibility

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The age at which you decide to retire depends on your finances, health and career aspirations among other things. While everyone may not retire at the same age, Medicare recognizes 65 as the age when you become eligible for Medicare enrollment. This means that your retirement age has a significant impact on your Medicare eligibility.

Research Your Options

As you approach the retirement age, you need to start exploring your Medicare options. You must be aware of the healthcare options available to you from both Medicare and your employer before you make your decision to retire at 65 or wait.

Medicare Decisions can be Tough

Medicare is a difficult topic with a lot of paperwork involved especially if you are wading through the journey on your own. At Southern Maine Retirement Services, we have made it our mission to assist Medicare beneficiaries through their retirement journey, and make the whole process as smooth as possible for them. Our highly professional and experienced team is always here to help Medicare beneficiaries with their retirement plans and have all their questions answered.

Sometimes it’s hard to even know when you’re supposed to apply for a plan! Well, we’ve got you covered.

Open Enrollment Period

For the state of Maine, the enrollment period is officially open between October 15th through to December 7th. Since the enrollment window is short it is always our busiest time of year here at Southern Maine Retirement Services with most people applying for Medicare during this period.

You can also apply for Medicare at other times as well. This is usually three months before you turn 65 years old and three months after. It is extremely important that you keep track of these time frames and be fully prepared to apply when the enrollment window opens.

Let SMRS Help You!

Our amazing staff at Southern Maine Retirement Services has over fifteen years of experience working with Medicare insurance policies, and knows the industry inside out. We would have you prepared for your Medicare Eligibility and enrollment well before time so that when the enrollment opens you are good to go. Partner with us, and let our experienced team take care of your Medicare needs!

Collaborate with Us to Ensure a Smooth Retirement

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We’ll Work with You!

For you to have a comfortable and secure retirement process, you need to plan ahead. Choosing a Medicare plan that suits your needs can be a jarring experience, and is certainly one that requires a lot of paperwork. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the red tape involved. Luckily, Southern Maine Retirement Services and our team of highly professional and experienced agents is here to assist you.

We Will Find the Right Insurance Plan for You

Finding the perfect Medicare plan demands absolute attention to detail. From your health needs to your budget limitations, everything needs to be factored in to ensure you truly are getting the best Medicare available. With over 15 years of Medicare experience, our team is well-versed with all the plans and policy matters, and will help you secure an ideal healthcare plan. It’s a major part of the retirement process that everyone will undergo; let us assist you!

Medicare is Important to Us

Our founders, Mark and Sonya Allen, established Southern Maine Retirement Service to save people from the same ordeal they had to go through when Mark was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Cofounder and current owner Sonya Allen, along with her husband struggled to find the right Medicare plan that addressed their needs. They made mistakes during the process which cost them financially, and they decided they did not want others to wade through the same arduous journey of Medicare paperwork.

Mark sadly lost his battle in 2017, but Sonya and their daughter-in-law Brittany still remain committed to their vision of helping people find the right plan for their budget and needs.

SMRS is Accessible

As our name suggests, we are based out of southern Maine and are a family-owned organization. When you call us, you are not calling into a huge national call center. We know our community well, and are here to provide you all the guidance you need in order for you to have the best Medicare.

Having the right Medicare plan, and knowing exactly what it does for you, will make your retirement process all the more smooth and worry-free.

Let’s Embark on Your Retirement Journey Together!

The transition to retirement can be pretty hectic, but we are here to guide you at every step of the way. Contact Southern Maine Retirement Services to secure the best Medicare plan tailored to your needs. We can not wait to collaborate with you to ensure your smooth retirement.

Stay Active and Positive this Summer

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Our Favorite Positive, Healthy Activities for Warm Weather!

As the weather warms up, most people are excited to get outside and soak up the sun! But after COVID-19, many people are continuing to choose not to travel this summer.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sunshine and stay active while remaining close to home. Here is a list of fun and relaxing warm weather activities from us here at Southern Maine Retirement Services to inspire your summer staycation.

Spend Time Outdoors

Sunlight is vital to brain health and the immune system, not to mention a natural defense against depression and anxiety. If you suffer from sun sensitivity, there are still lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including:

Enjoy a morning or evening walk or jog — you’ll get your vitamin D and maybe catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

Hike in a wooded area where there is natural shade. Bring some binoculars and take up bird-watching or a camera to capture the natural beauty of your surroundings.

If you don’t have a garden, plant one. Gardening is a great way to stay active and spend time outdoors. Tending a garden is a natural form of exercise and provides the satisfaction of creating something beautiful.

Head to the Beach

For anyone with heat sensitivity, swimming, boating, or gentle kayaking are great ways to enjoy the beautiful Maine outdoors and stay cool. There are lots of games and activities to do on the beach or shoreside, including yoga, tai chi, frisbee, or even simply walking along the beach. Just make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Travel the World by Cooking

That trip to Europe may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some international flair at home. Create a culinary “theme night” by preparing food from other parts of the world. Look for healthy, authentic recipes online and shop for fresh produce at a local market. If you are a wine connoisseur, you can look for appropriate pairings for your meal.

Take Up a Hobby or Craft

It’s never too late to learn something new. Consider woodworking, pottery, or outdoor (plein-air) painting during the warmer months. Working on a craft or hobby is an opportunity for creative expression without judgment.

Crafting is also proven to improve motor skills, concentration, and confidence. And you may surprise yourself with a hidden talent and new passion!

Explore Maine

Explore your town or city like a tourist. Are there places in Maine you’ve always wanted to visit but not gotten around to? Our state is full of hidden gems. Visit a Portland museum, join a guided walking tour, or visit a botanical garden in Boothbay. If you live in one of the more rural areas, go for a scenic drive and bring a picnic. Think about creative ways to actively explore while being mindful of social distancing, if necessary.

 

We hope this list inspired you to stay active and positive this summer! Southern Maine Retirement Services wants you to make the most of your well-deserved retirement years. Call us today at (866) 886-4340 to learn more about our products and services.

How Medicare Affects Retirement

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Your Retirement Age Matters for Medicare. We’ll Help You Understand How.

The age at which you choose to retire depends on many factors, both personal and professional. Whether it is finances, health or your career goals and accomplishments that impact your retirement decisions, every person is going to reach the decision differently. 

While everyone may not retire at exactly the same age, Medicare recognizes 65 as the ‘retirement age’ as that is when you become eligible for Medicare enrollment.  Whether you retire before or after 65 does, in fact, impact Medicare enrollment. 

Retiring Before 65: Carefully Consider Coverage Options

If you opt to retire before 65, Medicare will generally not be available to you until the three months before you do turn 65. Certain exceptions exist, including disabilities that have qualified you for SSDI payments in the past. Before retiring prior to the Medicare eligibility age, it is important to consider your existing healthcare coverage and how retirement may affect it.

Retiring at 65: Start Researching Your Options Early

You should receive your Medicare enrollment information as early as several months before your 65th birthday. If you are planning to retire at 65 you should become familiar with the various plans available to you well before you turn 65. There are many different options, and they may or may not complement any coverage you will retain from your employer after retirement in a way that fits your needs. Knowing what your healthcare coverage options are from both Medicare and your employer may impact your decision to retire at 65 or to wait. 

Retiring After 65: A Common Occurrence

Medicare starts at 65, but Social Security doesn’t fully kick in until you turn 66. This gap often means that people will choose to work until they are at least 66. As long as you have credible coverage through your employer you will not face penalties from Medicare if you decline to enroll. However, be aware of enrollment deadlines and any penalties that exist if you are waiting to enroll. 

Employer Coverage After Retirement

In general, if you retain employer coverage after retirement it will be the second payor, with Medicare as the first. However, as outlined on Medicare.gov, there are four important things to research about employer coverage after retirement. First, is it available? Second, what is the cost and coverage? Third, what happens to your retirement coverage if you are eligible for Medicare but not enrolled? And, fourth, how does your retirement plan work with Medicare? These are all important questions and may have complex answers. While your employer’s insurance policy booklet may provide some information, it can quickly get overwhelming. 

There is a lot to consider and to research as you move toward retirement. We at Southern Maine Retirement Services are here to help you make the best decisions about Medicare coverage for you and your family. Contact us today to discuss your retirement plans and Medicare needs.

Sonya and Brittany Receive Awards from Anthem!

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Two Awards Each for SMRS’s Outstanding Providers

On Thursday, February 25th, Southern Maine Retirement Services’s very own Sonya Allen and Brittany Rand received two awards apiece from Anthem insurance. This is adding four more prestigious awards to the organization’s name.

Awards table

Sonya received Top Medicare Sales Annual Enrollment Period 2021 at the platinum level, along with Top Medicare Supplement Sales 2020 at the gold level. Brittany was awarded Top Medicare Sales Annual Enrollment 2021 at the gold level, and Top Medicare Supplement Sales 2020 at the silver level.

We’re beyond proud of these achievements, which serve as proof that Southern Maine Retirement Services remains a step above the rest for personally guiding others along the path to Medicare insurance. For professional, award-winning Medicare consultation, please contact Southern Maine Retirement Services today!

Your Trusted Medicare Insurance Agents

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We Can Be a Helping Hand through Confusing Times

Medicare is a challenging and complex concept to take on by yourself. There are seemingly endless amounts of wordy paperwork and plans to choose from, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, Southern Maine Retirement Services and our team of highly qualified, trustworthy agents is here to help you.

We’re Not Just Agents. We’re People.

Our amazing staff has over fifteen years of experience working with Medicare insurance policies. We can get down to the nitty-gritty of it and tailor our service to meet your unique needs. When you partner with us, we are partners for life, and will be with you every step of the way.

Providing the Service We Wished We’d Had

The founders of Southern Maine Retirement Services, Mark and Sonya Allen, created the company in order to aid people going through a similar situation that they’d found themselves in. At only 28 years old, Mark was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis and was forced into disability. Read more about our story here.

It takes a great amount of sympathy and empathy to take one’s struggles and use them to help out others in comparable situations. Though Mark sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2017, Sonya and their daughter-in-law Brittany continue to run Southern Maine Retirement Services with the same passion and energy that it was founded upon.

Let’s Get Through This Together

Ready to start on your Medicare journey with our trusted professionals? Contact Southern Maine Retirement Services today! We can’t wait to work with you and ease the burden on your shoulders.

Open Enrollment for Medicare: What You Need to Know

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When to Apply for Your 2021 Medicare Plans

We all know that Medicare is a tricky subject, especially if you’re encountering it for the first time. Our staff at Southern Maine Retirement Services has made it our mission to ease people through this confusing process and act as a helping hand to those who need it. Sometimes it’s hard to even know when you’re supposed to apply for a plan! Well, we’ve got you covered.

Open Enrollment Period

The official open enrollment period for Maine is October 15th through December 7th. This is always our busiest time of year here at Southern Maine Retirement Services, and understandably so. Many people choose to apply for Medicare during this period of time because it’s arguably the time that people are told about the most.

But It Doesn’t End There…

You are eligible to apply for Medicare at other times as well. The other eligibility windows are the three months before you turn 65 years old, and then the three months after. It’s important to be aware of these time frames so that you will be adequately prepared to apply when the time comes. Southern Maine Retirement Services is available year round to assist you with understanding your coverage and all the details of possible insurance plans.

Contact Southern Maine Retirement Services today to learn more about what Medicare can do to suit your unique needs. And remember to mark your calendars for open enrollment, along with the three months before and after you turn 65!

Why Choose Southern Maine Retirement Services?

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There’s no question about it – Medicare is a complicated program

As you approach retirement age, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing plans and wading through all that government paperwork. Many people do, and we’re here to help. At Southern Maine Retirement Services, you’ll find a level of service and knowledge that sets us apart from other such organizations.

We’ve Been There

Southern Maine Retirement Services didn’t just start up because the founders thought it would be a good business – it started because they were having trouble wading through mountains of Medicare paperwork. Founder and current owner Sonya Allen and her husband were grappling with his medical issue at a young age and quickly discovered the complexity of finding and enrolling in the right Medicare plan for their needs. They made mistakes along the way that cost them financially, and they decided they didn’t want others to have to struggle like they did.

In 2005, after working for another agency, the couple launched Southern Maine Retirement Services. Sonya is still dedicated to the original mission of Southern Maine Retirement Services, working each and every day to ensure everyone who comes to her for help receives the best service and gets set up with the right plan for their budget and their needs.

We Want To Find You The Right Plan For You

From Original Medicare, to the supplement plans, to the way your private insurance may affect certain benefits and everything in between, there is much to consider when enrolling in different Medicare plans. Your health needs and your budget need to be taken into account, and the details of every option need to be considered carefully to make sure you truly are getting the right plan for you. 

We’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and it’s our job to keep up with the plans and the policies, and to know what the right questions are to ask so we can find you the best plan. We approach every single client as a unique person with a unique situation, and we will work with you to find a plan that’s a good fit. And we’ll be honest – sometimes we might not be able to set you up with the right plan. But we’ll find a trusted industry partner who can.

At Southern Maine Retirement Services, our priority is to find you the most cost-effective plan for your needs. We are here to help you.

We’re Local & Accessible

As our name says, we’re Southern Maine Retirement Services. We are a locally-owned organization and we are here to provide you with first-class client service and get you the information you need. 

Call us or e-mail us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. When you call us, you’re not calling into a huge national call center. We’re right here in Southern Maine. And if we don’t have an answer right off the bat for you, we’ll work hard to find one.

Ready to take some stress off your shoulders? Contact Southern Maine Retirement Services or complete the form below to download our free guide so you can see we are here to figure out the best Medicare plan for you!

Download Our New Free Guide

Southern Maine Retirement Receives Wins 2019 Awards

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Receiving 2019 Awards For Our Commitment

February 25th, before the current social distancing laws were implemented, the Southern Maine Retirement Services team were recognized by the Top Producer Awards for 2019. Presented by Anthem, these awards recognized Southern Maine Retirement Services team’s passion for fitting their clients with the most beneficial plans.

SMRS team with 2019 awards
Owner, Sonya Allen, was awarded the Medicare Sales Leader of 2019 for her work connecting clients with the plan that fits them best throughout 2019. She was also recognized as the Medicare Supplement Sales Leader for the annual enrollment period for the incoming 2020 calendar year. And Brittany Rand received the Medicare Supplement Leader 2019 award for her work throughout the year as well!

Thank You To Our Clients

Without our clients, none of these awards would be possible, so we wanted to extend a big thank you for your continued support and partnering to find you the best Medicare plan to fit your unique situation.

If you have considered your options with Medicare and want assistance navigating the many plans out there, please feel free to call us and we will be happy to work with you

How We’re Handling COVID-19 at Southern Maine Retirement Services

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Open Normal Hours, Taking Extra Precautions

During the global COVID-19 outbreak, it is imperative that we all do our part to protect the community and those who may be most at risk from the virus.

Understanding that our line of work means that we are regularly working with an at-risk demographic, we are taking every precaution we can to protect our clients and our staff. We are following and implementing recommendations from the CDC, including sanitizing our offices between appointments.

We are planning to be open for our normal hours and are here to help you through the Medicare process. However, we understand the exceptional circumstances of these times and encourage you to heed your medical provider’s advice as well as CDC guidelines. To assist you in doing so, we are offering flexible options for conducting appointments with us.

If you do not feel well, we ask that you reschedule your appointment both for your own protection and that of others. Should you prefer to conduct your appointment over the phone, simply give us a call or send us an email to let us know that and we can meet over the phone instead of in person.

We can also provide information and consultation through the mail. Again, simply let us know that you would prefer to work with us in this way and we can make the proper accommodations.

If you have any questions, would like to receive information by mail or would like to move your appointment to a phone meeting, please call us at (207) 647-2900
or email us at sonya@smaineretirement.com.