Informed decisions about your Medicare coverage

Are you approaching the age when medicaare becomes a part of your healthcare journey? Navigating the complexities of Medicare can be overwhelming. Its like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces, isn't it? But fear not! Meet Jeff Metzger your trusted Medicare advisor with years of experience. I have helped countless clients find clarity in the maze of Medicare, saving them time and money. Ready to make informed choices about your Medicare coverage? Call Jeff at 614-975-8233 today and take the first step towards a worry-free Medicare journey. We'll guide you through the process, ensuring you make the right choices for your health and budget. Don't navigate Medicare alone. Call Jeff and let's start your journey towards a healthier, happier retirement.

Financial Wellness is a win-win

As Employees continue to deal with high levels of financial stress, employers are stepping in to offer benefits that address these needs, while gaining a new strategy for recruiting and retaining their workforce. As employers continue to manage the fallout of the Great Resignation, which saw record numbers of employees leave the workforece entirely or switch jobs at a high frequency, benefit leaders have had to get more creative in our efforts to attract and retain talent. For many, promising employees a secure fnancial future is a strategy thats paying off. #jeffmetzger

A Comprehensive Journey through the world of Medicare??

 Whether you're approaching the age of eligibility or simply seeking a deeper understanding of this vital healthcare program, you've found the right place.  Medicare can be a complex landscape to navigate, with its various parts, plans, and enrollment periods.  From its inception in 1965 to its evolution into the multifaceted system it is today, Medicare plays a pivotal role in the lives of millions of Americans.  Designed to provide essential medical coverage for seniors, and certain individuals with disabilities, Medicare consists of different components, each serving a specific purpose. There may be several questions including what is covered, how they differ, and when to enroll: Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part G, and Part D.

But Medicare is not just about parts and plans-its about your health, well-being, and peace of mind.  It's about understanding your options so you can confidently choose the coverage that aligns with your unique healthcare needs and preferences.  My goal is to empower you with the knowledge to navigate the enrollment process, grasp the potential costs, and recognize the benefits available to you.

I can help you with some fundamental questions:  What is Medicare?, who is eligible?, what do each of Medicare parts cover?, When and how to enroll?, How do Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans fit in?, How about prescription drug coverage?, What potential costs you should be aware of?.

So lets begin this educational journey together, equipping you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage and embark on a path to a healthier more secure future.

What is a MEWA

A MEWA is a Multiple Employer Welfare arrangement.  It's an employee welfare benefit plan, trust, or other arrangement that is established or maintained for the purpose of offering group insurance.  It is governed by trustees and bylaws that satisfy the Ohio Department of Insurance requirements.  

 Greater Savings with the SOCA Small Group Benefit Plan

A New Option for your Small Business

Your small business deserves predictable rates and competitive benefits that help keep your employees healthy and your costs in check.  The SOCA Small Business Plan offers a self-funded solution for small businesses that lets you save on overall costs. 

The SOCA benefits Plan is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA).  MEWA's allow small businesses to join together to share in the overall claims risk.  By being part of a large, self-funded pool, eligible businesses have financial protection backed by Anthem's Stop Loss coverage.

Along with financial protection, eligible businesses receive:

1. Competitive Rates

2. Fixed, predictable monthly payments

3. A variety of plan designs

4. Anthem's broad Blue Access PPO network and Essential Rx Formulary

5. Coverage for claims run-out and terminal liability coverage.  

You also receive expanded wellness offerings and innovative tools, programs and resources that work together to improve health and lower costs.  You have access to special rates and plan options created exclusively for the SOCA Benefit Plan.  This includes vision, life, disability and more. 

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are also called conditions that influence health in a person's daily life. Food insecurity, loneliness and social isolation are social determinants of health. Food insecurity refers to limited or uncertain access to enough food to live a healthy, active life. Loneliness refers to the quality of relationships within a person's network, while social isolation refers to the quantity and structure of a person's social network.

What to look and listen for:
Friends may give you cues that they are experiencing social determinants of health.  Below are some of the circumstances and comments you should be paying special attention to.

Loneliness cues:

• "I don't want to hang around old people who have nothing better to do than compare health problems"
• They made you aware of an anxiety attach they had during an everyday activity
• They make you aware that they recently lost their spouse or a close family member and have been feeling sad lately
• They live alone or they have kids who are leaving the house
• They rarely leave their home
• They experience a major life event such as retirement, divorce or moving to a new home or area
• They have recently been diagnosed with a chronic condition
• They have a physical or mobility impairment
• They are a caregiver for a family member or friend
• They have a culture/language barrier
• They live in a rural area
• They live in an unsafe community
• They are experiencing financial issues

Food insecurity cues: 

• "I want to start meal planning and find healthier recipes, but its too expensive"
• "I want to lower my cholesterol and improve my diet, but i can't afford healthy foods"
• "I had to choose between food and medication this month, and i chose medication"
• "I have a difficult time grocery shopping and finding healthy foods that won't break my budget"
• They talk about skipping meals or having a difficult time making meals stretch

Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA)

The Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) Benefit Plan is a unique self-funded option that is offered by SOCA and administered by Anthem. The SOCA Benefit Plan is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) that is backed by Anthem's stop loss and is filed with the Ohio Department of Insurance. It is governed by Trustees and by-laws that satisfy ODI requirements. It is available to small employers that have at least 2 enrolled on their medical plan, with no more that 50 total employees. These employers are required to be members in good standing with a Chamber of Commerce that is qualified to offer the SOCA Benefit Plan. This alternative self-funded solution can be a good fit for small group (2 to 50 total employees) for many reasons including: Competitive rates; Predictable, fixed monthly payments; Protection of being part of a larger self-funded pool backed by Anthem's stop loss; Anthem's broad Blue Access PPO network; Flexibility in choice of benefits plans. Jeffrey Metzger, working with MMA Insurance in Pickerington, has partnered with Anthem and the Pickerington Ohio Chamber to offer this plan to our central Ohio Chamber Members.