Let's Talk About Your Coverage
Ready to get your questions answered? I'm here to help — in English or Spanish — with Medicare, ACA health insurance, Social Security planning, and more. Reach out the way that works best for you.
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare has four main parts. Part A covers hospital stays. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles A and B through a private insurer, often with added benefits. Part D covers prescription drugs. Most people also consider a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover costs that original Medicare doesn't pay.
When do I need to sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and extends three months after. Missing this window without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period can result in permanent late enrollment penalties. If you're still working and covered by employer insurance, the rules are different — and worth reviewing before you assume you can wait.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage replaces original Medicare through a private plan, often with a $0 premium but network restrictions and copays. Medicare Supplement works alongside original Medicare to cover gaps like deductibles and coinsurance, typically with higher monthly premiums but more predictable out-of-pocket costs. Which fits better depends on your health needs, budget, and how often you travel or see specialists.
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs. You'll need either a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Costs and formularies vary significantly between plans, and the right choice depends on the specific medications you take.
What is Medicare Extra Help?
Medicare Extra Help is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for Part D prescription drug costs — including premiums, deductibles, and copays. Eligibility is based on income and assets. If you think you might qualify, I can walk you through the application during a free appointment.
Can I get help with Medicare costs if my income is low?
Yes. Illinois offers several assistance programs beyond Extra Help, including Medicare Savings Programs that may pay your Part B premium and reduce your cost-sharing. Eligibility varies by program. I work with clients across Winnebago, Kane, DeKalb, and Cook counties to identify every program they may qualify for.
Medicare Basics: The Questions I Hear Most
These are the questions that come up in nearly every appointment and seminar I hold across Rockford and northern Illinois. If you're new to Medicare, start here.
Four Ways to Reach Me
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Schedule a Free Appointment
Book a time that fits your schedule — in person at my Rockford office, or by Google Meet if you prefer to meet from home.
Visit in Person
In-person appointments are the most common way my clients and I work together. My office is in Rockford, Illinois, and I serve clients throughout Winnebago, Kane, DeKalb, and Cook counties.
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Common Questions Before Reaching Out
Is Jose Gloria an independent Medicare agent or does he work for one insurance company?
I'm fully independent. I represent 8 carriers and more than 75 Medicare plans in the Rockford area, which means I can compare options across the market and recommend what fits your needs — not what benefits any single company.
What does RSSA certified mean, and why does it matter for Medicare?
RSSA stands for Registered Social Security Analyst. It's a professional credential that qualifies me to provide detailed Social Security claiming guidance. Because Social Security and Medicare decisions are closely connected — including how your claiming age can affect your Medicare premiums — having both areas of knowledge under one roof helps clients make better-informed decisions overall.
Does Jose Gloria offer services in Spanish?
Yes. I conduct consultations in both English and Spanish and offer free bilingual seminars on Medicare and Social Security throughout the year. Serving the Spanish-speaking community in Rockford and northern Illinois is a core part of my practice.
What areas does The Gloria Agency serve?
My primary service area is Rockford and Winnebago County, with clients across Elgin, DeKalb, Carpentersville, Schaumburg, and the surrounding communities in northern Illinois. I meet with clients in person, by phone, or via Google Meet.
Are you a bilingual Medicare insurance agent serving the Elgin, Illinois area?
Yes. I serve clients throughout the Elgin area and Kane County in both English and Spanish. Whether you need help comparing Medicare Advantage plans, understanding your Part D drug coverage, or figuring out when to claim Social Security, I'm available for in-person or virtual appointments.
Not Sure Where to Start? I Can Help You Figure That Out.
Whether you're turning 65, comparing Medicare plans, looking into ACA marketplace coverage, or just trying to understand your options — you don't need to have the right questions ready before you call. That's what I'm here for. As an independent broker representing 8 carriers and 75 plans in the Rockford area, my job is to help you find what fits, not to sell you what's convenient.
I've spent 12 years doing this work in this community. I'll give you a straight answer.
