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Acentria named Top 100 Independent Agency in United States

Acentria Insurance named Top 100 Independent Agency in the United States

Insurance Journal recently named Acentria Insurance a Top 100 Independent Agency. Ranking 35th of 100, this marks the first time Acentria has been named to the prestigious list, which is designed to spotlight the nation’s most successful independent insurance agencies. Acentria was one of 11 newcomers to the Top 100 Independent Property & Casualty Agency List by Insurance Journal this year.

Here’s how the process works: every year, Insurance Journal selects the top organizations from a large pool of property/casualty independent agencies around the United States with primary business in business in retail, not wholesale. These agencies are evaluated and subsequently chosen based upon their property/casualty revenue (Acentria totaled $73,807,728 in property/casualty revenue for 2020). 

“Being recognized as one of the top independent insurance agencies in the United States is a major accomplishment for our organization,” said Kevin Mason, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Acentria Insurance. “To have maintained and continued our level of growth during unprecedented times, especially around a global pandemic is a true testament to our company values as well as our valued team members. As a Foundation Risk Partners, our clients will always remain our top guiding principal as we continue our upward growth.”

Headquartered in Destin, Florida, Acentria was the only North Florida agency selected to the list. The recognition comes months after five Acentria agents were named to the 2021 Top Producers by Insurance Business America.

 We’re proud of our team’s success in 2020 and look forward to continual growth in 2021!

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Medicare 101: Everything you need to know to get started

You hear the term all the time, and clearly, it’s health-related, but what exactly is Medicare, and who is it for? If you qualify, do you also need a Medicare supplemental plan? If you’re looking for these answers, you have come to the right place. We’ll start with the basics and work our way up. 

First of all, what is Medicare? Who qualifies? 

Medicare is health insurance. It’s for people who are: 

  • age 65 or older 
  • under 65 with certain disabilities 
  • any age with end-stage renal disease (otherwise known as permanent kidney failure) 

Exploring the ABCs (and D) of Medicare 

Here’s where things get a little trickier. There’s more than one type of Medicare. In fact, there are four, and they cover different forms of care you might be receiving. Then, you might also consider adding a supplemental plan to close any gaps in your coverage. Plus, each option has a different cost structure attached to it. Let’s review. 

Part A covers the inpatient care you receive in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice and home health care.  

What does Part A cost you? If you qualify (see above) and paid Medicare taxes while working, there’s usually no monthly premium. 

Part B covers services not included by Part A. Think doctor’s visits, outpatient care and other medically necessary services. 

What does Part B cost you? It depends on your income. Once you enroll, you pay a monthly, income-based premium as well as an annual deductible.  

Mind the gapMany opt for a supplemental insurance policy, like a Medigap plan, to cover any gaps in coverage across Parts A and B. Supplemental insurance helps you pay any remaining health care costs associated with things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. 

Part C can also be referred to as Medicare Advantage Plans. These are combination plans managed by private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare. Usually, the plans include Part A, Part B and (sometimes) Part D coverage. Whatever the combination, the plan must cover medically necessary services. 

What does Part C cost you? Again, it depends. Private insurance companies assign the copays, deductibles and coinsurance attached to these plans at their own discretion.  

Part D covers prescription drugs, and it’s available to everyone who uses Medicare. 

What does Part D cost you? Like with Part C, Part D plans are provided by private companies approved by Medicare, so you pay a monthly premium. 

One more note about payment: If you have Medicare along with another type of insurance, the question of who should pay, or who should pay first, can get complicated. For example, generally, a group health plan would pay before Medicare, but there are also many exceptions. If you have a current Medicare plan in place that is not administered by Acentria, please visit www.Medicare.gov or call 855.798.2627 to speak to someone about the specifics of your situation. If you are interested in reviewing your plan options or have already purchased a plan with Acentria, please contact us directly for more information.

How do I get Medicare?  

Now that we know the different parts, how do you actually get up and running? Let’s review the key steps and information you need. 

Step 1: Fill out the questionnaire 

You should receive this from Medicare about three months before you’re entitled to start coverage. Medicare uses your responses, like whether you have group health insurance through an employer or family member, to set up your file and make sure claims get paid in the right way. 

Step 2: Communicate any updates post-questionnaire 

Let’s say something about your health insurance or coverage changes after you submit the questionnaire. All you have to do is call the Medicare Coordination of Benefits Contractor at 855.798.2627 and they will update your file. 

Step 3: Schedule a free visit 

Once you’ve started on Medicare, be sure to take advantage of a free preventive visit during the first 12 months of your coverage. The visit will allow you to assess your current health status and set up a roadmap for the future.  

Step 4: Create an account  

To access your information and track claims, head over to Medicare.gov and create an account. This is where you can also complete an Authorization Form that allows your family and friends to call Medicare on your behalf. 

We’re here for you.  

Got more questions? If you or a loved one is nearing retirement age, we’re here to help you with everything you need to know. Don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss your options today!

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Talk with your friends and family about Covid-19 vaccinations.

Covid-19 Vaccine Conversations with Friends and Family

COVID-19 VACCINE CONVERSATIONS 
How to talk to your friends and family about Covid-19 Vaccinations and navigate theses sometimes tough conversations. 

COVID-19 vaccinations are a major tool to help us return to normal. There is a lot of information out there about the COVID-19 vaccines—and many people you know may have questions or concerns, or even lack accurate information about the vaccines. You can play a key role in helping those close to you navigate this topic.

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