SERVICES
What the journey
looks like
Whether you're turning 65, are still working and are on your employer's health plan, or have been on Medicare for years, it’s wise to work with an independent licensed broker who is certified to offer a wide variety of Medicare insurance products. A broker's only goal is to guide and assist you in determining the best plan for you. There is no additional cost because the insurance companies compensate us for the privilege of advising you.
01
Getting to know you.
The Government and Medicare companies are making big changes to Medicare in 2025 affecting Premiums, Deductibles, and Drugs Plans. Issuance companies are even pulling out of certain markets. A trusted advisor can cut through the noise, clearly explain the changes, and answer your questions.
02
Overview of the Medicare Landscape.
Our job as independent licensed insurance agents and brokers is to effectively guide you in choosing the plan that suits your individual needs. We provide invaluable assistance and support in securing the right healthcare for you.
03
Decide what's best for you.
Once you’re enrolled you will receive your new insurance cards, a welcome letter, and other helpful information and resources.
04
Fill out applications.
You can now go forward with your life adventure knowing you’ve made the best Medicare decision. Along the way, we will keep in touch, update you on important changes, assist with customer service issues and billing questions, get information on other services or products you may need, and much more.
And, when you have questions we're always here to help!
05
Onward!
ABOUT
SILVER SHIELD
Greetings!
I’m Jeff Dowler. My wife Julie and I were raised
here in San Diego. We both grew up in the San Carlos community and attended Patrick Henry High School and San Diego State University. San Diego is our home, and we never intend to leave. At this stage of our lives many of our friends and family are dealing with health issues and Medicare is or will soon be a vital part of that. Helping people make wise choices with their Medicare plans is incredibly fulfilling. Medicare can be confusing and overwhelming, and the financial impacts of poor choices can be devastating. I just want to help. It doesn't cost any more to work with someone like me. Medicare and the insurance companies pay us to advise you. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss your unique situation or needs, no matter where you are on your healthcare journey. I’ll be happy to help and if you have any questions I don’t know the answer to, I promise I will quickly get the answer for you.
BENEFITS
Strength that speaks for itself
We are your advisors and advocates and want to be the first call you make whenever you have any questions, concerns,
or needs.
Advocacy
We help simplify and streamline the process.
Efficiency
Our mission is to help you get the most appropriate Medicare insurance plan possible and keep you informed of any future changes that may impact you.
Trust
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients are saying
Both personally and professionally, Jeff is the kind of person you want in your corner when it is time to get things done.
Jeff Blanton
Jeff is a strategic thinker and genuinely committted to excellence. He is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satiesfaction. I would highly recommed Jeff if you are looking for someone who can lead and positively influence others.
I have known Jeff for 3 decades and I can attest to his tenacity and honesty. A hard-working guy always concerned about others and their needs. He truly cares about the people around him.
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What is Medicare?Medicare is federal health insurance. It is primarily for America’s seniors, but also some people under age 65 with certain disabilities and those of any age with end stage renal disease (ESRD). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administers the program, while the Social Security Administration (SSA) enrolls most individuals.* Make no mistake – Medicare is complicated. It has parts and plans that look like alphabet soup, and there are a variety of policy combinations, eligibility guidelines and enrollment periods. We hope to remove any confusion you may have about Medicare by breaking down the different options and explaining them in detail. Our goal is to provide the information you need to make the choices that are right for you. *The nation’s railroad workers pay Medicare taxes to the federal railroad administrative system rather than the SSA. These workers and their dependents are enrolled in Medicare through the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.
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What is Original Medicare?This is the program’s foundation. While it offers significant benefits, Original Medicare does not pay all of a covered person’s health care costs. (More on that later.) Medicare has four parts: Hospital Coverage Medical Coverage Medicare Advantage Plans Prescription Drug Plan
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What is Medicare Supplement Insurance? (MEDIGAP/ MED SUPP)If you hear someone mention Medi-gap (or Med Supp), these nicknames refer to Medicare Insurance Supplement policies. Private companies sell Medicare Supplement insurance; its purpose is to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Medicare Insurance Supplements offer standardized plans, this means they are all identical coverage if you are comparing the same plan, such as a plan G. However, plan premiums vary from company to company and the zip code you live in. More details: Open Enrollment Period for a Medicare supplement is from age 64 and a half to 65 and a half, OR when your Medicare Part B first takes effect Companies must sell you a Medicare supplement within the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), you can not be denied for any reason Restrictions may apply to purchasing a Medicare supplement outside of your open enrollment period.
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Part AAlso referred to as Hospital Coverage, Part A is free to people who have worked 10 years or more and paid Medicare taxes. Otherwise, you can sign up for Part A at a cost. There are premiums, copays and coinsurance costs. If you collect Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will be automatically enrolled when you turn 65. If you were eligible for Part A for two years but did not sign up, you will have to pay the higher premium for four years. Usually you do not have to pay a penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part A during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Part A includes: Hospital stays Skilled nursing facility Home health care Hospice Generally, people receive their Medicare initial enrollment package three months before their 65th birthday. Included in the package is your red, white and blue Medicare benefits card. If you choose to accept the required Part A and the optional Part B Medical Coverage, you keep the Medicare card. If not, you return it to indicate you have declined Part B.
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PART BAlso part of Original Medicare, Part B medical coverage may be similar to the health insurance you or a loved one may have had while working. You can decline Part B if you are still working and have group insurance coverage. However, we strongly suggest you review Part B benefits before choosing to decline them. Part B includes but is not limited to: Doctor visits Preventative services Outpatient medical and surgical services and supplies Lab tests Durable medical equipment Diabetic testing supplies
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PART CThis refers to Medicare Advantage plans. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. Private insurance companies approved by Medicare offer Medicare Advantage plans. The plans are required to have everything covered under Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, with the exception of hospice care. Some plans offer additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and more. In addition: Some have a network of doctors and facilities you must use You may need a referral to see a specialist Members must continue to pay their Part B premium You can only join (or leave) the plan during certain periods
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PART DMedicare’s Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) program – Part D – is optional. However, if you delay enrolling in a Medicare PDP, you may be charged a late enrollment penalty if you decide you want it later. Criteria for joining a Prescription Drug Program are: Must be entitled to Part A or have Part B coverage Live in the plan service area Live within the United States Enrollment periods include: Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) This is a seven-month period including the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month and the three months following your birthday. The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), which is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year Special Election Period (SEP) Prescription Drug Plan coverage is also available through Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) that offer drug coverage.
