Skip to main content
Helping you understand Medicare options
Senior African American couple using laptop, contemplating

Helping you understand Medicare options

By Staff Reports on November 4, 2020

Figuring out which insurance option you need can be confusing — especially when you’re signing up for Medicare. There are so many choices, and how do you know if your doctor is in-network?  

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) has launched a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget while also retaining their existing hospital and doctors.   

The new helpline connects callers with local licensed agents who can assist in comparing Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program, it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is accepted by SRHS and its affiliated doctors, thus assuring continuity of care and preserving the trusted bond built up over time with their providers.  

Local consumers can access the helpline through a link on the hospital’s website

“Seniors are inundated with confusing messages from competing health plans and options, and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Paul Butler, senior vice president of payor strategy and population health for Spartanburg Regional. “This helpline is a one-stop shop for insurance information, so seniors can be confident in the selections they make.” 

Helping seniors make an important decision  

The helpline was launched through a partnership with Spartanburg Regional and MedicareCompareUSA, an insurance agency considered the nation’s leading company in helping seniors make this important decision. Not affiliated with the federal Medicare program, MedicareCompareUSA’s mission is to provide seniors the unbiased information they need while simplifying the enrollment process. 

In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s annual enrollment period. This often includes assisting members affected by Medicare plan network changes that frequently occur on an annual basis. MedicareCompare also allows members to compare options including traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.    

Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget while retaining continuity of care with their providers. 

The helpline works with Spartanburg Regional patients to ensure that they can continue to receive care from their in-network providers.  

“Members of our community have been entrusting us to be their healthcare partner for many years, and that’s a responsibility and honor we don’t take lightly,” Butler said. “This helpline will help those on Medicare make an informed decision regarding their insurance options at this important time in their life. We urge all local seniors to take advantage of this free service.” 

Contact MedicareCompareUSA  

For more information, set up an appointment by calling 855-256-1503 or learn more at https://www.spartanburgregional.com/patients-visitors/insurance/medicare-plan-comparison.