Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare, Health, Life & Annuities

We help clients with Medicare guidance and plan options, individual and family health insurance, life insurance, and annuities for retirement income planning.

No appointment is needed. Call our office directly during business hours to speak with our team.

Speaking with our office to discuss your insurance questions does not obligate you to purchase anything.

We work with individuals and families throughout Brownwood and surrounding Central Texas communities. Visit our Service Areas page for the full list.

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday month and continues for three months after. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year, and Special Enrollment Periods apply for certain life events.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is the fee-for-service program run by the federal government. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and often bundles additional coverage.

Some people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy or a Part D prescription drug plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs, while others choose a Medicare Advantage plan. Whether additional coverage makes sense depends on your health needs and budget.

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans generally cannot deny coverage or charge more because of a pre-existing condition.

An HMO typically requires a primary care physician and referrals to see specialists within its network. A PPO offers more flexibility to see specialists without a referral, both in and out of network, usually with higher premiums.

Yes. Self-employed individuals can purchase individual health insurance plans directly. We can help you compare options based on your situation.

Premiums are typically influenced by age, health, lifestyle factors such as smoking, coverage amount, and the type of policy you choose.

It depends on your income, debts, dependents, and long-term goals. A needs assessment looks at these factors to help estimate an appropriate coverage amount.

Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed interest rate. Variable annuities invest contributions in market-based options, so returns fluctuate. Indexed annuities are tied to a market index and may offer some downside protection.

Annuity earnings generally grow tax-deferred, and payments are typically taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn. A tax professional can advise on your specific situation.