You First Medicare | Stacia Huyler

Lifelong Rhode Islander • Charlestown, RI

Hi, I'm Stacia Huyler

I’m a state-licensed, independent Medicare advisor (broker), representing Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Part D (prescription), vision, hearing and dental plans.

I have worked in the healthcare industry for most of my life — from pharmacy tech to cardiac sales to helping injured workers get their medications. Now I dedicate all of my time to helping people with Medicare planning. I’m in my seventh year and truly enjoy providing honest and personalized service.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the ads, mail, and calls — call me instead, your local Medicare advisor!

Medicare Planning That Puts You First

As your independent Medicare advisor, I can provide more objective, flexible, and personalized help when navigating the complex world of Medicare options, such as Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap supplements, and Part D prescription drug plans.

Main Advantages

Access to a Wider Range of Plans and Carriers

I partner with many insurance companies which allows me to compare numerous Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans. This gives you far more choices than a captive agent, helping ensure you find coverage that best matches your doctors, prescriptions, and preferred benefits.

Unbiased and Objective Advice

Since I'm not limited to promoting one insurer's plans, I focus solely on what's best for you—considering your health needs, budget, medications, and future changes.

Potential Cost Savings

By shopping across carriers, I can identify lower-premium plans, better value options, or plans with extra perks (like dental, vision, or hearing coverage) that still fit your budget. Many people save money or avoid overpaying.

Personalized Guidance and Expertise

I am licensed, annually trained and certified (per CMS requirements), experienced in Medicare rules, and insured. I will take time to understand your unique situation, explain complex options clearly, and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Time Savings and Simplified Process

Medicare decisions can be overwhelming. I handle plan comparisons, paperwork, enrollment, and questions—saving you hours (or days) of research and stress.

No Extra Cost to You

My service is free for clients. I earn commissions directly from the insurance companies, so using me doesn't increase your premiums or add fees.

Ongoing Support

I provide long-term help, such as annual reviews, assistance with changes in your health or needs, claims issues, forms, or switching plans—acting as your trusted advocate year after year.

For Rhode Islanders • Oct 15 – Dec 7

Rhode Island's Yearly Chance to Switch Medigap Plans

Here in Rhode Island, state law gives many people with Medicare a once-a-year chance to switch to a different Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy without answering health questions. It happens during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7. And starting in 2026, more people qualify than before.

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Who may qualify

You may qualify if you've had continuous coverage since your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, with no gap longer than 90 days. That coverage can be a Medigap policy, a Medicare Advantage plan, or other creditable coverage, and it's okay if you moved from one type to another along the way.

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What you can switch to

During this window you can apply for any Medigap policy an insurance company currently offers in Rhode Island. The insurer can't base its decision on your health, your medical history, or the care you've received. A new policy chosen in this window starts January 1.

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What changed in 2026

A new law signed in June 2026 opened this right to more people. Before, only Medigap or Medicare Advantage coverage counted, measured from your Initial Enrollment Period. Now other creditable coverage counts too, and the clock starts at your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

What's my "Medigap Open Enrollment Period"?

It's the one-time, six-month window that begins once you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you delayed Part B because you had coverage through work, your window is based on when your Part B started. Not sure where you stand? That's exactly what I'm here for. I'll look at your coverage history with you and help you figure out whether a switch makes sense this year.

Call me: (401) 871-4570 Thinking about switching?
Schedule a call with me here! Prefer to meet in person?
Schedule a meeting with me here!

Rules may vary; eligibility depends on your situation. Insurers may ask for reasonable documentation of your prior coverage. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-18.2-3(h) and Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner Bulletin 2026-02 (Sept. 4, 2026). You First Medicare is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with the State of Rhode Island, Medicare, or any government agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I become eligible for Medicare, and when should I start planning?

Most people become eligible at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Start reviewing options 3–6 months before your IEP to avoid rush decisions and potential penalties. Coverage usually begins the month you turn 65 if you enroll early in your IEP.

Will I be automatically enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?

Yes, if you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits—you'll typically get auto-enrolled in Part A and Part B, with your Medicare card arriving about 3 months before your 65th birthday. If not (e.g., delaying Social Security), you must sign up actively via Social Security (online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person).

When should I enroll in Medicare Parts A and B if I already have employer group health coverage?

- Employer with 20+ employees: Group plan pays primary. You can usually delay Part B (no late penalty) while covered. Enroll in premium-free Part A when eligible for extra protection.

- Employer with fewer than 20 employees: Medicare pays primary. Enroll in both Part A and Part B when first eligible (around age 65) to avoid gaps.

Generally, you should not sign up for Medicare part A if you are actively contributing to (or your employer is contributing to) a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Check with your employer's benefits team for your plan's rules. If delaying Part B, enroll later penalty-free during your Special Enrollment Period (up to 8 months after coverage/employment ends).

Employer-sponsored plans often involve higher premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs compared to many Medicare Advantage plans, which frequently feature $0 or very low additional premiums.

What are the main parts of Medicare and what do they cover?

- Part A: Hospital insurance (inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice)—usually premium-free if you paid Medicare taxes 10+ years.
- Part B: Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services)—monthly premium (income-based).
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private all-in-one plans covering A & B, often with extras like dental/vision/hearing.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage (standalone or in Advantage plans).
Add Medigap (supplement) to Original Medicare (A + B) for extra out-of-pocket protection.

Should I choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare + Medigap offers nationwide doctor flexibility and predictable costs with a supplement. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums and extras (dental, vision, hearing), but may limit networks and involve more approvals. As an independent advisor, I compare both based on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and preferences—no bias toward one type.

Do I need Part D prescription coverage right away?

If you lack creditable prescription coverage (e.g., from an employer), enroll during your IEP to avoid the late enrollment penalty (it adds up lifelong). Even with few meds now, future needs can change—coverage protects against high costs and provides peace of mind.

What if I miss my enrollment window or want to change plans later?

Missing your IEP can mean penalties and gaps. But you have options: Annual Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) for changes effective Jan 1; Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31) for switching Advantage plans; or Special Enrollment Periods for life events (e.g., moving, losing coverage). I provide ongoing support for annual reviews and switches.

Medicare Planning That Puts YOU FIRST