Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers.

The questions clients actually ask, grouped by topic. Don't see yours? Send it over and we'll add it here.

Medicare

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window — the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Missing it can trigger lifetime late penalties for Part B and Part D.

Should I take Part B if I'm still working past 65?

It depends on your employer's size. At companies with 20+ employees, delaying Part B is usually safe. At companies with under 20 employees, Medicare is expected to pay first — skipping Part B can leave you responsible for most of every bill.

What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage bundles Parts A, B, and usually D into one plan with a network and copays. Medigap pairs with Original Medicare to cover most of the 20% Medicare doesn't pay, and lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Does Medicare cover dental, vision, or hearing aids?

Original Medicare doesn't. Many Medicare Advantage plans include limited dental, vision, and hearing benefits, and standalone dental and vision plans are widely available.

What is IRMAA?

IRMAA is the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — an income-based surcharge on your Part B and Part D premiums. Social Security looks at your tax return from 2 years ago to decide whether it applies.

ACA / Marketplace

Do I qualify for a premium subsidy?

Most households under about 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for a Premium Tax Credit that lowers monthly cost. Under enhanced subsidy rules, many households above that threshold still qualify if the benchmark plan costs more than 8.5% of income.

Can I enroll in the Marketplace outside Open Enrollment?

Yes, if you have a qualifying life event — losing job-based coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or aging off a parent's plan. You usually have 60 days to enroll.

What is Medi-Share and how is it different?

Medi-Share is a Christian health care sharing ministry, not insurance. Members share each other's medical bills based on shared beliefs and lifestyle guidelines. It can be a lower-cost option for some households but doesn't come with the guarantees of an ACA plan.

Life & Supplemental

How much life insurance do I need?

A common starting point is 10–12 times your annual income, plus enough to pay off major debts and cover education for dependents. We help you back into the number that actually fits your goals instead of selling a formula.

Term vs. whole — which is better?

Term is the right fit for most families protecting a specific window (mortgage, income until retirement). Whole life makes sense in narrower cases — final expense, estate planning, or a permanent need that will never go away.

What is final expense insurance?

A small whole-life policy (usually $10K–$25K) designed to cover funeral, burial, and end-of-life bills without leaving those costs to family.

Small-Business Benefits

What's the minimum team size for group benefits?

Two or more employees enrolled — including the owner — is enough to write a group medical plan in most states.

Do you help with the annual renewal?

Yes. We benchmark your renewal, re-shop it across carriers, and run open-enrollment meetings so your team actually understands what they're picking.

Working with Steele Choice

Do you charge for consultations?

No. As an independent broker, Steele Choice is paid by the insurance carriers when you enroll — never by you. Your premium is the same whether you use us or not.

Which states are you licensed in?

Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, and New Jersey. Additional states can be added on request.

What happens after I enroll?

You get a real person to call. We handle plan questions, ID cards, claims escalation, and an annual review so your plan still fits.

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