Your Medicare & Marketplace Guide
Strategic Solutions. Simple Answers.
West Michigan:
616-970-2503
Northern Michigan:
231-843-6657
About Us
Local. Personal. Choices.
We take pride in listening to your needs and your goals before we establish a personal benefit strategy with local and national carriers for
- Medicare Supplements
- Medicare Advantage
- Prescription Drug Plans
- Health Insurance
- Critical Illness, Cancer, & Accident Plans
- Life Insurance
Experienced Guidance. Choices
Let us guide you through the maze of choices to find the right strategy to meet your needs and your financial goals. We will...
- Answer your questions
- Research & Review your options
- Identify potential subsidies
- Assist with Enrollment
Affordable.
Yes. It is true. Our services are available at NO COST to you. No catch. You can buy the same products for the same price on your own, but why not allow us to guide you through the maze to ensure you find the right one. It may actually save you money in the end!
Educational Resources
Why Westhouse Agency?
We don't just dabble in Health & Medicare benefits for individuals and small businesses - it is our specialty.
- No Bait and Switch. We won't use Medicare or Health Insurance to try and sell you something else.
- Experts. Dedication, Experience, and Focus allow us to keep up with the significant political and economic changes that impact your Health & Medicare benefits.
- Cutting Edge Technology balanced with a Personal Touch. We are in the forefront of our industry with the latest tools of the trade, but we understand that tech cannot replace the personal touch you need when selecting one of the most important aspects of both your health-care and financial-health.
- Your Team. No one person can know everything. We find extreme value in working together. As our client you have access to an entire team of experts.
- We care. Your consultation will involve a conversation to determine which is the right plan for YOUR specific needs and budget. Health & Medicare benefits are not one-size fits all!
- You decide how to meet. In person, by phone, or online.
- Options. We work with all possible carriers in Michigan. There are always a few that will not allow agents to represent them. We will still show you these options and instruct you how to access them if they are your best fit.
- NO COST! It is not too good to be true. Your options and the cost of plans remain the same whether you use our services or do this on your own - so why not allow us to guide you through the maze of Health & Medicare?
Medicare Enrollment Made Simple
1. Determine when to Enroll in Medicare A & B
See tips below on when is right for you.
2. Enroll in Medicare A and/or B at www.SSA.gov
See tips below or let us help you.
Click here to register for the Medicare enrollment clinic
3. Meet with specialist to select and enroll in
Prescription Drug plan, Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan.
Click here to schedule a free consultation.
Medicare Enrollment Made Simple
This is the first of four videos in our Medicare Made Simple Series. All the information online, from friends, family and the flyers in your mailbox can be overwhelming. When you sign up, how you sign up, which Medicare parts do you have to have, which supplemental or Medicare advantage should you have...this all varies from person to person. We are here to help break down Medicare down to the basics and guide you to the right time and plan for your needs!
Should I enroll in Medicare now or later?
Best practices if you’re...
Turning 65 and don’t have employer coverage
- Already getting Social Security?
You’re all set! You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare, and your card will arrive about 3 months before your birthday. - Not getting Social Security yet?
Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B about 3 months before your 65th birthday. at www.SSA.gov . We can help you enroll, register for the clinic above. - Next step:
2–6 weeks before your birthday month Click here or call to schedule a meeting to review your prescription drug plan, Medicare supplement or Advantage options.
Turning 65 and have employer coverage
- Fewer than 20 employees?
Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B about 3 months before your 65th birthday. at www.SSA.gov . We can help you enroll, register for the clinic above. - More than 20 employees?
Check with your benefits coordinator to see if you are required to enroll in Medicare. If required, enroll in Medicare Parts A and/or B 3 months before your 65th birthday at www.SSA.gov. We can help you enroll, register for the clinic above. - Next step:
6-8 weeks before your birthday month Click here to compare your employer plan with Medicare options. If you enroll in A or B you are NO eligible to contribute to a HSA!
Turning 65 and have Medicaid, VA benefits,
CHAMPVA, or retiree TriCare
- Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B about 3 months before your 65th birthday. at www.SSA.gov . We can help you enroll, register for the clinic above.
- 2–6 weeks before your birthday month Click here or call to schedule a meeting to review your prescription drug plan, Medicare supplement or Advantage options.
Under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability
- Medicare starts automatically after 25 months of disability benefits.
- Your card will arrive about 3 months before coverage begins—no action needed to enroll in Medicare A & B.
- 2–6 weeks before your 25th month of disability Click here or call to schedule a meeting to review your prescription drug plan, Medicare supplement or Advantage options.
Over 65 and losing employer coverage or TriCare
- Complete forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564 to Social Security (online, in person, or by fax) about 6–8 weeks in advance if possible. To obtain the forms use the link on this site under government resources or give us a call.
- Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B at www.SSA.gov 3 months before you will lose coverage to avoid gaps. You will need to submit the CMS forms at time of enrollment. We can help you enroll and submit forms, register for the clinic above.
- 2–6 weeks before you need new coverage to start Click here or call to schedule a meeting to review your prescription drug plan, Medicare supplement or Advantage options.
Over 65 and missed your initial enrollment
- Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B at www.SSA.gov during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). Coverage typically begins the first day of the month after you enroll. Be aware: late enrollment penalties may apply.
- As soon as you have enrolled in Medicare A & B, Click here or call to schedule a meeting to review your prescription drug plan, Medicare supplement or Advantage options.
How & When to Enroll in Medicare
This is the second video in our Introduction to Medicare series of five videos. We hope this helps you understand when the right time and the right way for you to sign up for Medicare based on your needs. We are always here to help you through the process! If you want someone to walk you through the process or just get you started let us know!
How to Enroll in Medicare A & B
Where
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
What You Will Need
If you already have a Social Security account
Email username and password
Phone for texting with number that is linked to your SSA account
If you need to create an account
Photo ID
Email username and password
Smartphone with texting and camera
Everyone needs
Social Security number
Place of birth (city, state, county)
Start and End Dates of any group health insurance after age 65
Need Help?
- Sign up for one of our clinics above.
- Tech support: Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
I have Medicare A & B, now What?
It is time to select:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap A-N) or a Medicare Advantage (Plan C) and
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Plan D)
The plans you select will coordinate with and fill in the coverage gaps of Medicare A & B. To determine the right plan for your needs and budget we recommend that you sit down with one of our specialists.
Click here to request a consultation or call 616-970-2503.
There is no cost or obligation. Simply gather information so you can make an educated decision on the right plan for you!
Not ready to meet? Check out one or our upcoming seminars or educational videos above!
Choosing the Right Medicare Path
This is the third video in our four video Introduction to Medicare Series. We hope this helps you understand the basics of Medicare so you can select the path that best meets your needs and your budget! If you have questions or would like personal guidance just let us know! We are here to help and as always there is no fee for our services.
Important Medicare Considerations
This the last video in our series of four videos that help you understand and apply Medicare to your needs and your budget. This final video highlights some important situations and facts that you need to consider before enrolling in Medicare and finalizing your plan selection. If you have questions or would like someone to walk you through this personally, we are here to help.
10 Surprising Facts about Medicare
Did you know...
Health Coverage & Medical Terms
It is hard to make an educated decision if the terms are confusing.
Click here for clarification of important terminology.
Health Savings Accounts
What are the annual limits and requirements?
How do I start an HSA?
What if I don't use all the money in my HSA?
What if I don't use all the money in my HSA?
What can I pay for with my HSA funds?
Are HSA and FSA the same?
Click here for more information
Contact Us!
Call, Text, Email, Drop us a Note, or Set a time to Meet!
When you initiate a text conversation with Westhouse Agency, LLC by texting one of our numbers, you consent to receiving customer care messages from us. Message and data rates may apply, and message frequency will vary.
You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for assistance. For more information, please see the links below:
Our Team
Karla Hansen
Matthew Westhouse
Karla Hansen
Kathy Dumas
Matthew Westhouse
Karla Hansen
Matthew Westhouse
Matthew Westhouse
Matthew Westhouse
Lydia Aukeman
Matthew Westhouse
Matthew Westhouse
Jevon Robinson
Jevon Robinson
Jevon Robinson
Tara Westhouse
Jevon Robinson
Jevon Robinson
Kenobi
Jevon Robinson
Lou Whiting
Greeter