New to Medicare? You're not alone.
I'm Erick Vallarino, a licensed Medicare agent. I live and work here in the Valley. Turning 65 comes with a lot of mail and a few deadlines. I'll walk you through it in plain words, in English or Spanish, and my help costs you nothing.
Four things to know.
In plain words. If one of these sounds like you, call me before you decide anything.
- Your window to sign up is 7 months: the 3 months before your birthday month, that month, and the 3 months after.
- Not on Social Security yet? Medicare will not sign you up on its own. You have to, and I'll walk you through it.
- Still working, with insurance from your job or your spouse's? You may be able to wait. Let's check before you decide anything.
- Miss your window without coverage from a current job, and Part B can cost you more for as long as you have it. A 15-minute call with me can help you avoid that.
Here's how it goes.
We talk for 15 minutes
You tell me about your situation: your birthday, your work, and the insurance you have now. That's usually enough to know where you stand.
We sit down together
At your kitchen table or at my office. Bring your cards and your list of medicines. We go through it all, with no rush.
I help you sign up, and I stay
After you sign up, I'm still your agent, all year. Bills, doctors, letters, questions. You call me, not a 1-800 number.
Short answers.
Don't see yours? Call or text me. No question is too small.
Do I have to pay you?
No. My help costs you nothing. The plan pays me, not you.
Can we do this in Spanish?
Sí. In Spanish or English, whichever you prefer. Lea esta página en español.
Can my son or daughter be there?
Of course. Bring anyone you want at the table. I'll explain everything to all of you, in plain words.
Turning 65 soon? Let's talk for 15 minutes.
Call or text me, even if your birthday is still months away. We'll look at your dates together, so nothing sneaks up on you.