Factors to Consider before Hiring a Commercial Roof Contractor

Hiring a roofing contractor, especially when it comes to commercial roofing, is a decision that must be taken after thorough consideration. Proper research needs to be done before selecting one. The major reason behind this recommendation is that commercial roofing is a costly affair. If a company has hired inexperienced commercial roofing contractors, it can add to their woes and prove to be even more costly for them.

Let’s have a look at some of the factors to consider before hiring a commercial roof contractor.

Licensed and Insured

To begin with, you must ensure that the contractors you are hiring have obtained the license to offer their services. Moreover, they must also be insured. This ensures enhanced peace of mind of clients.

Committed to Excellence

Look for the commercial roofing contractors who are committed to providing exceptional services. You must do a background check and read reviews on their services. This will give you an idea of their expertise.

Extensive Experience

It is important to know about the experience of a particular contractor before hiring them. Relying on new contractors in the market solely because they are charging less than others may prove to be even more costly for you.

Proven Techniques

Ask about the techniques and strategies that will be used by contractors before hiring them. Make sure they are in accordance with the international standards. Furthermore, you must also be aware of the material used by contractors for efficiently performing the job at hand. It should be of high quality if you want to attain better results. Inferior quality results will do the opposite effect and you will have to frequently spend on money for roof repair services.

Qualified Employees

Employees hired by contractors must be qualified. Moreover, they must follow workplace health and safety standards in order to avoid landing in difficult situations.

Use of Cutting-edge Technology

Hire a commercial roof contractor that make efficient use of state of the art technology for repairing or building a commercial roof. Use of the cutting-edge technology increases efficiency, reduces cost, and produce reliable results.

Cost

While it is important to consider cost but it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when it comes to hiring a contractor for the commercial roof. The best idea is to compare prices of different top rated commercial roofing contractors before taking the final call. This practice will help you to get the best deal.

As mentioned above, the selection process of a roofing contractor can prove to be a daunting phase. To take a decision that is in the best interest of your organization, it is recommended to go online and check profiles of different contractors that offer services you require. Shortlist the profiles of companies that meet the criteria you have set, compare their prices, and communicate your requirements to them. This whole process will help you to select the best roofing contractor.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

 

 

Significant Savings Seen Using Refurbished Electrical Components

In order to be successful in business, we need to be a tad prudent with how money is spent or re-invested into the business and purchasing. Is purchasing a new piece of electrical equipment the best investment, or does capitalizing on an opportunity to purchase quality refurbished electrical components at a significant savings make a viable economic sense?

Pros and Cons

Buying refurbished electrical components has its pros and cons. The pros, it is a great way to save money and in most cases the brand name equipment are built to last. Cons, it can mean money down the drain only when you don’t buy the electrical component from a reputable source and you could end up with an item that is even more damaged or missing integral parts.

Surplus electrical components can come from a few locations:

  • Assets are recovered from manufacturing plants that are closing. The surplus electrical components are then refurbished and sold at a discount.
  • Assets can be recovered from machines that are being disposed of but still have working components. Resulting in one of two situations, the components are refurbished and resold or the entire machine is refurbished.

While one of the benefits of buying reconditioned electrical components is that the items are generally set at a significantly lower price and some equipment contractors will accept returns if an item is ‘defective,’ the down side to this is that you will not get a manufacturer’s warranty.

What Does Reconditioned Mean?

Reconditioned electrical are components that are being repurposed.  They can’t be passed or sold as brand-new products but are instead reconditioned. Whether they are damaged or not, reconditioned electrical components also known as ‘remanufactured’ electrical components are completely disassembled and restored if need be in order to ensure that they perform as expected.

Therefore, before bidding on refurbished electrical components online, there are a few things to keep in mind and if possible ask questions about the item on sale. If it’s a refurbished electrical component be sure to ask about the companies return policies.

Be Cautious Where You Get Refurb Parts From

For a refurbished electrical component, beware of as it may arrive in worse conditions than the actual online photos however you are guaranteed of its safety and reliability. With most resellers and reconditioning companies, you will not be stuck with a defective refurbished electrical component if it is in fact not the right component to fix your machines issue.  An ad may give you all the specifics about the item you are about to purchase and check the seller’s feedback and buyers’ recommendations.  It is important to buy from reputable companies.  This helps to ensure that the reconditioned components that you are purchasing are as good as brand-new OEM electrical parts.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

 

Exploring Options In Aluminum Fencing

If you have never had the experience of installing a residential aluminum fence, then you are missing out on the most popular if not the fastest growing of all fencing types in modern architecture. Not only is this fencing material weather resistant and preserves its beauty even when exposed to extremely low or high temperatures, it also comes in a beautiful selection of colors, textures, and standard finishes.

Qualities Of Aluminum

One of the best-known properties of aluminum is its durability, low maintenance, lightweight, high strength, superior pliability, easy machining, zero toxicity, and excellent corrosion resistance making it the best fencing option for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

As you explore your options when customizing your high-quality residential aluminum fence, it is important to know that in addition to the variety of styles, some simple, others ornate, aluminum fencing also comes in different grades that vary in weight. Some specifically designed for residential-grade fencing adequate for most homes and others that require heftier products for heavy-duty applications.

The Use Of Powder Coating

A specialized powder coating technology to keep a residential aluminum fence looking fresh and new as the day it was it installed means that you will never need to repaint it. This durable and maintenance-free innovation also seals and protects the metal against corrosion and rust because once the powder is applied onto the metal, it is treated under heat to meld it and form a coating that is more robust than regular paint.

A residential aluminum fence can be prefabricated to fit even the hilliest of landscapes and designs. Aluminum fences are also available in standard colors such as white, beige, brown, black, and green that come with either a glossy, lustrous, textured and beautiful metallic finishes that will compliment architectural style home and its overall surroundings.

While installing a residential aluminum fence is mostly easy, it is important to follow the installation instructions as to avoid various mishaps such as accidentally cutting any underground cables or telephone lines while digging holes for the posts or miscalculating the spacing needed for the end posts.

Hiring a Professional

It can be cost-effective to have your residential aluminum fence installed by professional because, in addition to having all the installation gear and aluminum fencing products handy, a professional installer will keep in mind various pertinent matters. They include the local zoning laws, the layout of your landscape, the posts, rails, or pickets to be used and much more before they begin digging.

Aluminum fencing has a lot of benefits and in addition to being one of the most versatile fencing materials that can be custom-made to fit most spatial needs.  When compared to steel and wrought iron, residential aluminum fences are surprisingly affordable and readily available. Because of their durability, having an aluminum fence is a long-term investment in your property that will not only be aesthetically pleasing, but will also serve a vital utilitarian purpose in regards to safety, especially securing swimming pools as well as in keeping children and pets safely contained.

Learn more about iFence USA and their vast line of custom aluminum fencing options with various grades of aluminum fence to choose from including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing at http://ifenceusa.com/residential.php.  To contact one of our aluminum fence experts call toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Support Local Roofing Contractors With Your Business

One of the best ways of supporting your local economy is by supporting local, independent businesses. This not only ensures that more money stays within your community, but also local businesses are more accountable to their local communities and in one way or another, they create employment opportunities and are invested in the well-being of the community and its future.

Choosing A Local Roofing Company

Can you say the same about your local roofing company? Are they knowledgeable about your home’s specific requirements? Do you trust them to undertake a major roofing project and deliver on time and in a professional manner? The main advantage of using your local roofing company, as opposed to a nationally owned business, is that your local contractor needs your business and wants to earn your trust and will provide you with local references so that you can see for yourself the nature of their workmanship and how well they relate to other customers.

A local roofing company with bad credibility will give you the run around until the soles of your feet are sore. A proactive local roofing contractor will always be looking around the neighborhood to assess damages or roofs that need repairs and will offer sound advice to the local community on popular architectural styles, color schemes, affordable yet durable roofing materials and much more, whether or not he or she gets the roofing job.

Proper Licensing

Contrary to popular belief, not all local roofing contractors are ‘cowboy builders’ who are only after your hard earned money and end up doing a substandard job and taking off on you. In fact, most of make it a point to get a certified roofing license. This means that they have taken the time and money to undergo industry-specific training and meet safety standards just to prove to their clients that they are experienced and knowledgeable in their field.

Depending on the state, local roofing contractors are required to submit various documents such as proof of identity, background and credit checks, education, experience, test results, etc. They also must pay a licensing fee to the state licensing board to prove that they indeed have an actual job experience; they are safe and financially responsible.

Things To Look For When Interviewing

With this in mind, it is, however, important to become a discerning customer before hiring a local roofing company because failure to do so, a poor job can mean costly roof repairs and leaks in the future. Move on to the next roofing company if the one you are interviewing does not address the following concerns:

  • It is a definite cause for concern if they do not provide their company’s full name, contacts, and address
  • They do not have a workman’s compensation and liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident
  • Your local council does not recognize their license
  • They do not have references from other homeowners that you can visit and check their previous work
  • They do not have a valid roofing company warranty that guarantees their work

 

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

 

Local Trends in Bathroom Renovations For 2018

Now that it is a new year it is time to get started on those bathroom renovations you have been considering. Start by hiring a remodeling contractor, as they’ll be able to assist you through every step of the process. Otherwise, your bathroom renovations will likely remain a fantasy.

There are many different looks and styles for bathrooms. If you examine some of the local trends in bathroom renovations for 2018, it will help to narrow down your options.

Freestanding Bathtubs

This was a common feature of Victorian homes, but is making a comeback.  Don’t expect tacky or cumbersome stylings, the new freestanding bathtubs are both modern and compact for the 2018 bathroom. A wide range of faucets can be installed too. Choices go beyond your standard chrome and stainless steel to rose gold and dark brass. Homeowners with free standing tubs in their bathroom designs are considering the addition of a rain shower head so they can still take a shower in the immense bathtub.

Granite or Quartz Countertops

Many people choose to match bathroom countertop with kitchen countertop. It doesn’t have to be the exact same color; you can opt for a similar veined pattern for a cohesive look. These types of countertops are considered permanent and are the perfect choice for a bathroom that can suffer moisture or water damage. Now you’ll never have to worry again. Bathroom countertops can also wrapped behind the toilet, giving you more space for cosmetics or decorative objects.

LED Mirrored Lights

Not only are LED lamps low in energy consumption, but they can be extremely bright so you can put on your makeup or do your hair easily. If you’re worried they’re too bright, consider adding a dimmer switch in your bathroom. In the morning you can have a minimum of light while you wake up, then when it’s time to carefully apply your makeup you can increase the lighting levels.

Vessel or Bowl Sinks

Bathroom sinks no longer have to be boring white porcelain or ceramic models. The new style of vessel or bowl sinks not only gives your bathroom a touch of style, but also functionality too. The sinks can be as small or as large as you like. Its original function is realized for people who like to put the stopper in and splash around to wash. A wide variety of faucets can be added too. These need not be boring either. Faucets come in every color of the rainbow, and can be one or two handled.

Hardwood or Wood Laminate Flooring

In the past, wood or laminate floors were frowned upon, as the moisture and water from the tub could quickly erode away at surfaces. Today’s engineered flooring panels have protective layers that are suitable for the bathroom. They come in every color of wood you can imagine.

There are many local trends in bathroom renovations for 2018. Your remodeling contractor will be able to assist you with the above choices and more. Soon you’ll have a beautiful but highly functional bathroom that you can enjoy several times a day!

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

 

Top Five Stages of Pursuing Effective IT Services from IT Consultants

If you’ve been of late thinking about IT services for your needs, you may wonder what exactly happens during the session with an IT consultant. IT consulting is geared towards customers that are already aware about their need of an IT expert, but aren’t quite sure about what kind of assistance that is required.

In fact, you may have realized the potential impact of consulting an IT service provider for your business; however, it always helps to have a basic understanding of how these specialists benefit your business. The following lists out the sequential phases of IT consulting on a macro level.

Contracting Phase

During the contracting phase, you work with an IT consultant to understand the necessary groundwork required to assist your company with IT services and how it should be carried out. At first, IT consultants discuss about the challenges faced by the client and whether they can help find solutions for the problems.

This initial stage or the entry phase is basically a discussion carried out between the customer and the IT services provider. The expectations of either side are brought to notice, thereby arriving at a plan as to how to start with the implementation.

Data Collection Phase

Once the terms are discussed and the initial session is complete, the consultant will gather all relevant data necessary to find out the best possible solution. The stage involves understanding and requesting for the information that will help in diagnosing the present turmoil faced by the business. This is a crucial stage and the effectiveness of the next stage, the diagnosis phase is based on the outcome of proper data collection.

Diagnostics Phase

With proper data accumulation, the IT consultant now proceeds to the key stage of the service, the diagnosis. A specialized consultant will design the methodologies and best practices incorporated to discover the most effective solution.

Planning Phase

For IT services, the planning phase is the most stressful of all stages of their consulting. The consultant will find out exactly what must be done and the cost incurred. Companies often want a cheaper solution, whereas the professional solutions provider will strive to propose the most beneficial way to tackle the problem.

Companies often think that IT consultants are charging more for their services, which is not true in most cases. The fact that cheap solutions will always jeopardize the reputation of the service is a vital aspect that customers must try to understand. If you find that a consultant is dedicated to a specific solution, consider this as a sign of quality and not a means to quote more money.

Implementation Phase 

The final and actionable part of the five stages of IT consulting is the implementation. In this phase, companies may want to utilize the report designed by the solutions provider so far in two ways. One, companies may decide to use the help of the consultant to carry out the implementation, or the service will only preside over the progress as IT leaders might be trained to begin implementing the solution from there.

In most cases, IT services remain involved in the process until the final outcome of the implementation is reached and periodically for maintenance after.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

 

Are You Cut Out For Real Estate?

According to the Top National Workplaces survey, real estate was the second happiest industry to work in 2016, and most people tend to agree with these findings. Imagine making a living by looking at houses all day long, having more wiggle room in your schedules than other professionals, where you are in a nutshell, self-employed, you are free to set your working hours, and your salary has no cap.

Qualities To Have As a Real Estate Agent

Real estate professionals have the propensity to inspire trust thanks to their excellent communication skills. They are not only sensitive and mature, but they also can give and receive constructive criticism and feedback, all the while staying calm during a crisis. What’s not to love about this line of work?

Mastering tactics to get more real estate listings, listing leads, and ultimately more money in real estate can prove challenging to a novice let alone a savvy realtor. The idea is to nurture potential buyers along and get them excited about the prospects of owning a home.

There are three known types of real estate listings:

1) Open Listing – allows a homeowner to sell his or her house by themselves and only pay 1 ½ of the selling broker’s commission

2) Exclusive Agency Listing – while the owner can still assert their rights to self-sell their home, in some cases the owner pays a broker to represent them

3) Exclusive Right-to-Sell Listing – this listing is the most commonly used ways where the broker has the exclusive rights to earn a commission by representing the owner and bringing potential buyer

While listing agreements are negotiable, the most common terms and conditions in regards to the length of listing can range from 30 days, 90 days, six months, one year or more. Selling commissions can be dictated by how fast a homeowner wants their house sold.

However, it is advisable that if the owner wants the agent to generate buzz and attract potential buyers, then he or she must up the total commission. The owner and real estate agent must also agree on the conditions of contract cancellation and expiration. All monies owed to the broker must be paid in full, and the broker should be willing to let the owner cancel the contract at any time if they (the homeowner) are is not satisfied with the overall real estate listing process or with the broker’s services.

The following are various ways that one can get potential real estate listings:

  • Partner with local banks, builders, mortgage providers, plumbers, electricians, marriage counselors, or dentists. They always have a good lead
  • Start advertising your services online
  • Send for sale by owner (FSOB) mail to your client list
  • Checkout vacant, inherited, or divorce homes. Unless an inherited home is in a pristine condition, most people do not want to incur renovations or building cost and are looking for a quick sale. Additionally, most divorcees that list their homes is because they are mandated to do so by the judge to sell their property

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

Shrink Sleeves Help Avoid Product Mediocrity

Your brand is destined for mediocrity if you are struggling to differentiate it from your competitors. Many companies try to be everything to their target audience and by so doing; they create confusion in the minds of their customers. Pinpoint the one thing that you do contrary to your competitors that makes your brand stand out. Do you distinguish your brand by label design, price, maybe by convenience, or by customer service and positive experiences?

All these things play a key role in your consumers’ mind’s eye anytime they interact with your brand, so do its innovative features, benefits, and niche. The key to having a competitive advantage is ensuring that your services and products stand out among other major players in the field and how you promote, advertise or market your brand is vital.

Importance Of Product Labeling

To maximize its exposure, the most important part of promoting a product is in its labeling. Today there are an abundance of choices.  There are numerous shrink sleeve label design options.  You can expect to see an increase in sales with the attractive custom printed 360-degree packaging and security seal labels that, in addition to boosting a products visual aspect, various shrink sleeve design options are also available using environmentally friendly film that appeal to an environmentally conscious public and boosts your product shelf sustainability.

Why Choose Shrink Sleeve

Shrink sleeve labels can be custom printed as per the company’s branding requirements with full-color striking images, including pertinent product information. These labels are not only strong but they are also flexible enough to wrap around an entire container and fit any shape of packaging. The most important aspect of shrink sleeve labels is that they are made from biodegradable materials that can be recycled, unlike older custom product labels that are made of plastic materials.

When you narrow it down to the biggest competitors, especially when they are offering a similar product or service as you are, how can you ensure that the customer chooses your merchandise time and time again? In this case, consumer confidence is key. By incorporating a tamper evident protection seal to ensure your product’s safety and by using the transparency of the shrink film to create an unprinted area on your product that allows consumers to view the contents inside the package on your shrink sleeve design is one way of boosting a buyers’ confidence.

Shrink Sleeve Strength and Durability

You can rest assured of your shrink sleeve designs’ durability because the labels are reverse printed behind 40-70 microns of clear film, a specific process which ensures that 360-degree graphics are protected from any wear and tear during transportation or while on the store shelves.

Creating a clear and concise brand identity through shrink sleeve design is vital because it will improve your marketing efforts and show that you are confident and you fully understand the essence of your product enough to stay consistent without misrepresenting the brand and to drive sales every time.

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at http://www.anchorprinting.com/shrink-sleeve.php.  To contact one of our label specialists call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.

Purchasing Quality Medical Equipment

A linear accelerator, LINAC, is a device that accelerates charged particles along a straight linear path of metal tubes at periodic intervals through a process known as electrostatic acceleration. This medical device is used by a radiation oncologist who in addition to consulting with patients and planning treatment sessions, also harness the therapeutic properties of radiation to treat or/and cure cancer using customized high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells without destroying the rest of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Proper Care Of Your Equipment

Technological advancements have gradually made it easy and painless in curing patients of cancer through radiation that is delivered using a linear accelerator. This is why regular preventive maintenance, quality assurance inspections, installation, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, repair and general maintenance of a LINAC is very important to ensure that the radiation concentration is even across the beam and that the device is in good working order at all times.

It takes time and extensive research, a healthy budget, planning, an understanding of your clinical goals and a commitment to quality care when planning to buy a linear accelerator that will provide patients with quality, timely and uninterrupted treatment options. Additional LINAC system costs and services will also include the following:

  • Warranty, service, and maintenance
  • 24/7 repair solutions tailored to your equipment needs
  • Redundant engineering solutions when the main engineer is not available
  • Around the clock rapid response computer-aided dispatching system
  • Machine uptime guarantee that ensures that there are no downtimes
  • On-demand parts and fast replacement of defective components for linear accelerators
  • Proper equipment removal and disposal
  • Relocation services of an existing linear accelerator
  • LINAC system costs will also include a keen project planning and logistics support
  • Power conditioners and patient positioning

Variation In Costs

There are a variety of linear accelerator systems to choose from and in addition to being budget conscious and selecting the right machine, LINAC system costs will also largely depend on the upgrades and features of each system, country of installation, adequate site planning, timeline, pre and post-installation equipment support.

A pre-owned linear accelerator such as a Basic Varian 600CD/6EX can be purchased for around $175,000 to $300,000. However, if you want a LINAC with newer systems such as the Varian TrueBeam, Elekta Versa HD, or the Cyberknife VSI and M6 prepare a healthy budget of around $750,000 to $1.5M. When you want to get the most from your existing equipment is also important to bear in mind other LINAC system costs for its accessories such as positioning lasers, treatment couch upgrades, water chillers, power conditioners, to mention a few.

Additional LINAC Services That Are Offered

There are also recognized professionals that offer LINAC services such as equipment assessments and appraisals for a fee to oncologists who are either looking to expand or close down their clinics, who want to secure funding from lenders, those that need to consolidate their debts, for insurance purposes, or simply to sell their equipment. These are just a few of the LINAC system costs that those in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging line of work should consider.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

 

Getting The Coverage You Deserve With Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

Medicare Supplement Insurance policy or Medigap is a private insurance policy sold by private companies to help pay for some of the high out-of-pocket care expenses that are not covered by the Original Medicare such as copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, at-home recovery, as well as foreign travel and emergency care.

There are eleven standardized plans lettered from A through G and K through N – and are regulated by the federal and state governments. Every Medigap insurer offers both Plan A and Plan B, but it is important to know that while Medigap policies must provide coverage for the expenses that are not covered by Medicare, not every insurer offers all twelve standardized plans.

Medigap Enrollment Requirements

You don’t necessarily need a Medigap policy if you already have a supplemental retiree health insurance through a former employer or union or if you opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Medicare Part C. In order to be eligible for Medigap supplement plans, a few things should be in place and it will also depend on the state you live in because not every state offers Medicare Supplement plans to beneficiaries under 65 years of age. Consider the following enrollment prerequisites:

  • You cannot be a Medicaid recipient
  • You have guaranteed enrollment in a Medigap policy if you are 65 years old
  • You must be and stay enrolled in Part A and Part B in Original Medicare for your hospital and medical coverage
  • Depending on your specific state and you are eligible for Medigap coverage if under 65 living with disabilities or certain conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease
  • A Medigap policy only covers one person. You and your spouse must purchase separate policies
  • In addition to the monthly Part B premium that you pay for Medicare, you will be required to pay a monthly premium for your Medigap policy
  • Provided you keep up with the premium payments, the insurance company cannot cancel your standardized Medigap policy, and they must renew it annually
  • Medigap plans do not cover private-duty nursing, long-term care, dental care, hearing aids, vision or eyeglasses, Medicare Part D, which is a prescription drug coverage plan

Open Enrollment Period

You would face late enrollment penalties if you didn’t enroll when you turn 65. Therefore, you want to sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It is the six-month enrollment period that starts three months before the month you turn 65 or at the end of 3 months after the month you turn 65.

While you can apply anytime if you missed your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Deadline, but will not only be required to go through medical underwriting, but chances are you may not be guaranteed coverage. You will also be required to pay a late enrollment penalty if you want a completely different Medigap policy or to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage but you decide to drop your old policy, and the drug coverage wasn’t a creditable prescription drug coverage.

Choosing The Right Plan For You

Depending on the policy, Medigap plans A through J include the following benefits:

  • Medicare Part A covers coinsurance and deductibles
  • Medigap Part B covers doctors’ bills
  • Medigap policies K and L include coverage of similar services as plans A-J and provide benefits that supplement those covered under Medicare Parts A and B
  • First three pints of blood annually
  • Foreign travel emergency
  • At-home recovery
  • Preventative care
  • Excess doctor charges
  • Hospice care coinsurance

While the services offered under each Medigap plan are standardized, the premium rates charged for coverage under the plans vary by insurance company and sometimes by geographic region. Additionally, Medigap policies may impose a pre-existing condition limitation of up to a six-month before the effective date of coverage. However, the waiting period can be reduced or waived completely, depending on your circumstances.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com.  Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!