About Fast Track Benefits

We aim to provide expert advice and quality service.

At Fast Track Benefits, our vision is to be the most trusted primary source in addressing the needs of individuals’ and organizations’ health and welfare needs. Our mission is to make sure that our partners remain informed, empowered and compliant. We use the “Three E’s” model to achieve this, providing a sense of stability in an otherwise volatile, high-cost driven environment.

The Three E’s

Our model is simple. We set out to do three things when we work with you:

Engage

We listen to our partners. We want to know what keeps them up at night. We want to know what scares them, what concerns them and what makes them optimistic.

Educate

Our top priority is making sure that everyone we help has a clear understanding of what we do, what we offer and how it helps them. We make sure that they know the advantages and challenges of the health plan or business service with which we pair them.

Enroll

This is what we do! The enrollment process seems simple; and it usually is. But it can oftentimes be daunting- for individuals and organizations. Let us walk with you each step of the way. From the quote, to the enrollment, to the receipt of ID cards, we are always here to help.

Vision

We will be the first and primary source to address the insurance needs individuals and organizations. With an emphasis on Medicare plan options, we will be at the forefront of Senior Health and Retiree Plans (SHARP).

Medicare 101

How Does Medicare Work?

Medicare is challenging. We make it simple. There are a variety of plans in your area, but more than likely, only a handful of carriers and their plans will meet your health goals and financial needs. But first things first! Here is a quick overview of Medicare and its many moving parts. You should also remember that you cannot have a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medigap plan at the same time, so you will have to decide which plan meets your financial goals and health needs. Contact us for assistance along the way!

FAQs

Here are some questions that we hear very often from our Fast Track family.
If you are still employed and/ or have employer-sponsored health insurance, you have the option of enrolling in Medicare Part B immediately or delaying your Part B enrollment until you retire (or your spouse retires if he/she is the employee). When making your decision, consider what your premiums for your current group plan, coverage benefits, copays, deductibles and prescription coverage. Some group plans are very rich, and it may be beneficial to delay Part B enrollment until retirement. Always consult a Medicare broker and your Human Resources Department to make the most informed choices.

If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled. You will receive your ID card three months prior to the month you turn 65. If you are not receiving Social Security payments, you will have to contact The Social Security Dept. to get signed up. Contact them at www.ssa.gov 60 days prior to your Part A & Part B effective date to get signed up and receive your ID cards. It takes 3 to 6 weeks to receive your card from that point.

Original Medicare Plan does not cover thefollowing services: 

  • Routine Dental care
  • Routine Vision care
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Hearing aids or Exams for fittings
  • Routine foot care
  • Long Term (Custodial) care
  • Services rendered outside of the United States
 
These services are not covered by Original Medicare, but there may be coverage offered by a
Medicare Advantage Plan.

 

Unfortunately, Dental care is not covered by Medicare unless the treatment is related to TMJ or the result of an accident. Routine eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses are not covered by Medicare, but medical conditions of the eyes (glaucoma, cataract, etc.) are covered under your Medicare benefits. For routine dental and vision care, you will need to purchase a separate policy. You also have the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan that has coverage for routine dental and vision care.

Medicare will always be primary if it is for services covered by Medicare.

CMS does not endorse or oppose your enrollment in either plan, so enrollment is not required. However, you will assume the risk of an unlimited amount of medical expenses you may incur under Medicare Part B since it has no maximum out of pocket. When it comes to prescriptions, however, CMS will assess a late entrant penalty if you do not enroll in a Part D plan when you’re eligible and/ or your current creditable drug plan expires.

If you are still working, and your employer offers you group coverage, you can defer your Part A entitlement & B enrollment until retirement. Especially if your group plan premiums are cheaper (and often tax deductible) and the plan benefits are richer than Medicare’s.

Contributions into an HSA, per the IRS, is prohibited if you have Part A and/ or Part B. You may continue to spend down the account, however, and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premiums are an eligible HSA expense. Your FSA is not impacted by Medicare eligibility.

You can not have a Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan at the same time. This means that you will have to choose between the two options. Although it is not always ideal, you can choose to decline both and just have Medicare Parts A, B and D.

You may get a health plan in The Marketplace, but you will most likely not be eligible for a tax credit to help you pay a lower premium. Even you decline your employer-sponsored insurance, you are still considered to be ineligible for a lower premium and/ or lower cost share.