Expert Medicare Guidance for Your Peace of Mind in Central Illinois

Making decisions about your Medicare insurance is one of the most important choices you'll make as you approach retirement. For many people in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties, the process of understanding and choosing a Medicare plan can feel complicated and, at times, stressful. You might be wondering if you're making the right choice, if you'll be able to keep your preferred doctors, or if you're missing a crucial detail that could lead to unexpected costs down the road.


At StAK Insurance Solutions, we understand these concerns completely. We are Mike and Natalie Klein, a husband-and-wife team living and working right here in your community. Our mission is simple: to be a source of consistent support for our neighbors. We're here to replace confusion with clarity, offering patient, personalized Medicare help to assist you in finding a plan that perfectly fits your life. We take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your healthcare coverage for the years to come.


Understanding Your Medicare Options

Medicare has many "parts," and the terminology alone can be a major hurdle! Here is a simple breakdown of the different types of Medicare plans.

Original Medicare

(Part A & Part B)

This is the foundational health coverage offered by the federal government. Although we can’t help you apply for Parts A & B, we can provide our knowledge and point you in the right direction.

Part A (Hospital Insurance):

Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. For most people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes, Part A is premium-free.


Part B (Medical Insurance):

Helps cover services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, durable medical equipment (like walkers and wheelchairs), and many preventive services. You will pay a monthly premium for Part B.

Medicare

Advantage Plans (Part C)

Offered by private insurance companies, these plans are an alternative way to get your Part A and Part B benefits. They bundle your hospital, medical, and usually your prescription drug coverage into one single, convenient plan. Many also offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs. If you prefer coordinated care and the simplicity of an all-in-one plan, a Medicare Advantage plan could be a great fit. These plans do require you to use a specific network of local doctors and hospitals.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Prescription costs can add up quickly, and Original Medicare does not cover most of them. A standalone Part D plan ensures you have affordable access to the medications you need. Each plan has its own formulary (a list of covered drugs), pricing, and pharmacy network, so choosing the right one is essential. Even if you are healthy now, enrolling in a Part D plan when you're first eligible can help you avoid lifelong late enrollment penalties. We’ll help you compare options to make sure you’re getting the most cost-effective coverage based on your specific prescriptions.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Even with Original Medicare, out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance can add up. Medigap policies are sold by private companies and are designed to "fill the gaps" in your coverage, reducing or eliminating unexpected medical costs. If you want predictable healthcare expenses, the freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your bills are covered, a Medigap plan might be the right choice for you. We’ll help you compare plans to find one that fits your budget.

How We Guide You Through Medicare

We believe the best decisions start with a simple conversation. Our process isn't about selling you a policy; it's about helping you build a plan for your future. We guide you step-by-step, ensuring you understand every aspect of your coverage.

Step 1: We Listen to Your Story

Everyone's situation is different. You may be preparing for your 65th birthday and want to ensure a smooth transition. Or perhaps you're still working and need to understand how Medicare coordinates with your current employer's health plan. Many people we help are also caring for a parent, looking for a plan that better suits their changing health needs. Whatever the case, we start by understanding your specific goals, concerns, and circumstances.


Step 2: We Help You Understand Your Choices

With a clearer picture of your needs, we walk you through the options you just read about above. We explain the pros and cons of each path (Original Medicare with a Medigap plan versus a Medicare Advantage plan, for example) as they relate to your specific situation. Our goal is to make sure you're comfortable with the fundamentals before looking at specific Medicare plans.


Step 3: We Help You Compare Plans Side-by-Side
Once you understand the basic types of coverage, we help you look at the specific Medicare plans available here in Central Illinois. We'll help you compare costs (premiums, deductibles, co-pays), check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in a plan's network, and make sure your prescription drugs are covered at a reasonable cost.

Step 4: We Provide Year-Round Support

Our relationship doesn't end once you've enrolled. Your needs can change, and Medicare plans can change each year. We are here to be your resource for the long term, ready to answer questions during the Annual Enrollment Period or anytime you need help or have a concern.

Why Choose StAK Insurance Solutions for Your Medicare Needs?

As a local, family-owned agency, our connection is to you, our client; not to a large, impersonal insurance corporation. This independence allows us to focus on what truly matters: finding the right coverage for your health and financial well-being.

Guidance from Your Central Illinois Neighbors

  • A Local Husband-and-Wife Team: We are Mike (a Veteran) and Natalie (a former educator), and we are personally committed to serving our community.

  • Deep Local Knowledge: We specialize in the Central Illinois market and have firsthand knowledge of the local doctors, hospital systems, and specific plans available here.

  • Real-World Experience: We've helped countless individuals with their unique situations, from initial enrollment at 65 to coordinating Medicare with employer or VA benefits.

An Unbiased, Educational Approach

  • Independent & Unbiased: As a licensed independent Medicare agent near you, we are not tied to any single insurance company. Our loyalty is to you.

  • Variety of Options: We are certified to offer a wide range of plans from multiple respected carriers, allowing us to find the right fit for your needs.

  • No-Pressure Philosophy: We believe in empowering you with information. Our goal is for you to feel confident in your decision, never rushed.

  • Community Trust: Our reputation in the communities we serve, from Peoria and Pekin to Morton and Metamora, is the foundation of our business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare

  • I plan to work past 65. Do I have to sign up for Medicare right away?

    Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) and is provided by the federal government. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies and bundle hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage into one plan. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage. The best choice depends on your budget, preferred doctors, and healthcare needs.

  • How can I make sure my favorite doctor is covered by my new plan?

    This is a top priority for most people. If you choose a Medigap plan to go with Original Medicare, you can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, we will look up your specific doctors and specialists to ensure they are in the plan's network before you enroll.

  • What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

    A Medigap plan works with Original Medicare to help pay for out-of-pocket costs. A Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative to Original Medicare, bundling all your benefits into a single plan, often with a specific network of providers. They are two very different ways to get your healthcare coverage.

  • I'm helping my parent with their Medicare. What's the best way to start?

    Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is designed to cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. If you prefer predictable medical expenses and the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, a Medigap plan may be a good fit. Medigap policies don’t include prescription drug coverage, so you may need to add a Medicare Part D plan separately.

  • When can I enroll in Medicare plans?

    Your first chance is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. If you miss that, you can typically make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period each fall (October 15 – December 7). There are also Special Enrollment Periods for qualifying life events, like moving or losing other health coverage.

We Can Also Help With Your Other Insurance Needs

As your life and needs change, we're here to help you protect what matters most. We also specialize in:

Providing financial security for your family.

Helping you build a plan for a secure future.

Finding the right coverage for your dental health needs.

Let's Talk. Your Consultation is Always No-Cost.

Are you ready to take the next step with confidence? If you are looking for a trusted Medicare agent near you, our team is ready to help. We invite you to have a simple, helpful conversation with us about your Medicare insurance options.


Let our family help yours.