Medicare Enrollment Help in Flushing Queens, NY

Understanding health insurance can feel confusing, especially when you are trying to figure out Medicare enrollment for the first time. Many residents of Flushing and Chinatown in Queens face questions about Medicare coverage, Medicare advantage plans, Medigap, Medicaid, part B, part D, and all the different programs available.

If English is not your first language, or if you prefer to speak with someone who understands Chinese culture and community values, this process can feel even more complicated.

Fortunately, there are friendly and trusted resources in Flushing who can guide you through the process with cultural understanding and language support.

One of the most helpful resources available to the community is our dedicated licensed health insurance agent, Jiawen Shen, who is bilingual in English and Chinese and speaks Mandarin. Jiawen understands the unique needs of families in Flushing Chinatown and takes the time to explain Medicare choices with patience, cultural awareness, and clear communication.

Here is a simple guide to help you understand your options and get support.

Medicare Basics Made Easy

When you first look at Medicare, you will see different parts and choices. Here is a straightforward way to think about them.

Original Medicare

This includes:

• Part A which covers hospital care
• Part B which covers doctor visits and medical care

Original Medicare is run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Many Medicare beneficiaries choose this option because it is simple. You can also add medigap, also known as a Medicare supplement, to help with premiums and other out of pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage also known as Part C

Medicare advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies. These plans often include extra benefits for vision dental hearing and wellness. Many of them also include prescription drug coverage, so you do not need a separate prescription drug plan.

Medicare Part D

If you stay with Original Medicare you can add Medicare part D to help with prescription medicines.

Enrollment Periods You Should Know

Timing is important. Here are the main times you can make changes to your coverage.

• The Initial Enrollment Period when you first turn 65
• The Annual Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7
• The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31
• Special Enrollment Periods based on life events like moving or losing employer coverage

Each period has different rules and requirements. This is another reason why working with a knowledgeable agent like Jiawen Shen can be incredibly helpful.

Where Residents of Flushing Chinatown Get Medicare Help

Plan Medicare – Bilingual Health Insurance Agency in New York

Plan Medicare is a bilingual health insurance agency that has supported New Yorkers for more than 15 years and helped more than 50,000 residents make Medicare Choices.

Jiawen Shen is our dedicated bilingual Medicare agent that works closely with the various Chinese communities in and around New York City.

Jia can be reached by calling 516-900-7877.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs

These programs offer free one on one counseling to help explain eligibility, Medicare coverage, Medicare advantage, medigap, part D, enrollment period rules, and more. They also provide help in multiple languages.

Local Community Centers in Queens

Many community and cultural centers in Flushing and Chinatown offer in person events where advisors explain insurance plan choices. These centers understand the needs of immigrant families and often provide support for Chinese speaking residents.

Programs That Can Lower Costs

If income is a concern you may qualify for:

• Medicaid
• Medicare Savings Programs
• Extra Help for prescription drug costs

These programs can greatly reduce premiums and other medical expenses.

Why Working With a Culturally Understanding Agent Matters

Flushing Chinatown is a community rich with language, tradition, and family values. Many residents prefer to speak with someone who understands Chinese culture and can explain Medicare in clear Mandarin or English.

This is where Jiawen Shen truly stands out.

Jiawen provides guidance that respects cultural expectations and family dynamics. She understands common questions Chinese families ask such as how Medicare works with Medicaid, what eligibility rules apply, how parents or grandparents can compare coverage options, and how to choose between original Medicare, Medicare advantage plans, and medigap.

She takes the time to help you review premiums, compare insurance plan benefits, understand prescription drug coverage, and choose what works best for your health and wellness needs.

Having a bilingual agent you can trust makes the entire experience smoother and more comfortable.

Taking the Next Step

Whether you are enrolling for the first time or helping a parent compare options, you deserve clear support that feels personal and respectful. With community resources, online tools, and guidance from a caring local Medicare agent like Jiawen Shen, you can feel confident about your decisions.

Contact Jiawen Shen today for help with your Medicare. Jia serves residents with Medicare plans available in the following Flushing Queens zip codes: 11351, 11352, 11354, 11355, 11358, 11367, 11371, 11381.