When should I use Form CMS-40B?

Use Form CMS-40B if you are over 65, were covered under a group health plan through an employer, and are now ready to enroll in Medicare Part B. This form is submitted to Social Security to activate your Part B coverage.

What is Form CMS-L564 and who fills it out?

Form CMS-L564 is completed by your employer to confirm you had qualifying group health coverage. Social Security requires it alongside your CMS-40B to verify eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period and avoid a late enrollment penalty.

What if my employer cannot complete Form CMS-L564?

If your employer is out of business, unresponsive, or otherwise unable to complete Form CMS-L564, you can use Form SSA-795 (Statement of Claimant) to personally attest to your prior qualifying coverage.

How do I appeal an IRMAA Medicare premium increase?

If your income has decreased due to retirement, divorce, or another qualifying life event, you can appeal your IRMAA increase using Form SSA-44. This may reduce your Part B and Part D premium payments if Medicare is using outdated income data.

How do I appeal a Medicare Part D Late Enrollment Penalty?

Use Form CMS-1696 to request reconsideration of a Part D Late Enrollment Penalty if you had creditable drug coverage through an employer, the VA, or another qualifying source during the period in question.

How do I get Medicare to reimburse me for out-of-pocket medical expenses?

Use Form CMS-1490S (Patient's Request for Medical Payment) when Medicare should have paid a provider directly but did not, and you paid out of pocket. Submit this form to request reimbursement for covered services.

What areas does The Stern Team serve?

The Stern Team serves clients throughout Virginia and Maryland, with a focus on Northern Virginia including Manassas, Fairfax, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Fairfax County. Our agents are licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and 28 additional states.

What types of insurance does The Stern Team offer?

We help clients with Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Part D drug plans, ACA Marketplace health insurance, group health insurance for small businesses, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and short-term health insurance.

Can I meet with a Stern Team advisor virtually?

Yes. We offer in-person appointments at our Manassas, Virginia office as well as virtual meetings by video call and phone consultations — whatever works best for you.

When is the Medicare enrollment period in Virginia?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. However, if you are turning 65 or losing employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period outside of these dates. Contact The Stern Team to determine your enrollment window.

Does The Stern Team help with ACA Marketplace plans?

Yes. We help Virginia individuals and families compare ACA Marketplace plans, determine subsidy eligibility, and enroll in coverage — at no cost to you.

Is HealthMarkets a legitimate company?

Yes. HealthMarkets was founded in 1983 and is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the United States. It offers a free, technology-driven platform to browse health, Medicare, life, and supplemental insurance plans from more than 250 insurance companies. The Stern Team operates as part of the HealthMarkets network, combining the resources of a national organization with the personal service of a local Northern Virginia team.

Virginia’s Health Insurance & Medicare Experts Since 2003

Whether you’re turning 65, losing employer coverage, starting a business, or just looking for better options — The Stern Team helps Virginia families, individuals, and small businesses find the right health insurance and Medicare coverage. Our licensed advisors work with hundreds of carriers, and our guidance is always free.

Call or Text: (703) 969-1811

Get a Quote Now

Health Insurance for Individuals & Families

Finding affordable health insurance on your own is harder than it should be. Plans change every year, networks shift, and the wrong choice can cost you thousands. Our licensed agents cut through the noise to find coverage that fits your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget.

We help Virginia individuals and families with:

Individual & Family Major Medical

For those who don’t qualify for Marketplace subsidies, we work with top-rated carriers to find individual and family major medical plans that provide real coverage at a competitive price.

Short-Term Health Insurance

Need coverage for a gap period? Short-term plans can bridge the space between jobs, open enrollment periods, or life transitions. We’ll help you understand what’s covered and what’s not so there are no surprises.

ACA Marketplace Plans

If you’re self-employed, between jobs, or your employer doesn’t offer coverage, an ACA Marketplace plan may be your best option — and you may qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce your premium. We’ll run the numbers and help you apply.

Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses

Whether you have 2 employees or 50, we’ll find a group health solution that works for your business.

Compare group health plans across multiple carriers
Find coverage that fits your budget and your team’s needs
Navigate employer contribution requirements and compliance
Review and update your plan at renewal so you’re never overpaying

Medicare Made Easy

It’s not just you — Medicare is genuinely confusing. Between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D drug plans, the options can feel endless. Our licensed and certified Medicare advisors have been helping Virginians navigate enrollment since 2003.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) All-in-one plans that often include dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and more — frequently at little or no additional premium. We’ll compare every plan available in your area and help you choose the right one.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Want the freedom of Original Medicare with protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs? A Medigap policy fills the gaps that Medicare Part A and Part B leave behind. We’ll show you all your options side by side.

Part D Prescription Drug Plans Drug coverage is not automatic with Medicare. We’ll review your current medications and match you with the Part D plan that keeps your costs lowest — and help you avoid late enrollment penalties.

Medicare Enrollment Guidance Turning 65 soon? Retiring and losing employer coverage? We’ll walk you through your enrollment windows, help you avoid costly mistakes, and handle the paperwork with you. Our Medicare Forms page has every CMS form you might need, explained in plain language.

Additional Coverage We Help With

Life Insurance – Protect the people who depend on you. We work with top-rated carriers to find term, whole, and universal life coverage tailored to your family’s needs and budget.

Long-Term Care Insurance – One of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. Long-term care costs in Virginia can exceed $100,000 per year, planning ahead makes all the difference. We’ll help you understand your options before you need them.

Dental, Vision & Hearing – Often excluded from standard health plans, these benefits matter more as we age. We’ll help you add standalone coverage or find a Medicare Advantage plan that includes them.

Why Virginia Chooses The Stern Team

Independent & Objective We are not captive agents. We work with hundreds of carriers and plans, which means our only job is finding what’s right for you, not pushing a product that benefits us.

No Cost to You — Ever Our services are completely free to individuals, families, and businesses. We are compensated by the insurance carriers, not our clients.

Licensed Across Virginia, Maryland & 28 Additional States Our agents are licensed, certified, and up to date on every plan available in your market.

In-Person or Virtual We meet you where you are — our Manassas office, your home, your place of business, or a video call. Whatever works for you.

20+ Years Serving Northern Virginia Jeremy Stern and his team have spent more than two decades building lasting relationships with Virginia families and business owners. When your situation changes, we’re already a phone call away.

Ready to Get Covered?

Schedule a free, no-obligation appointment with a licensed Stern Team advisor. We serve clients throughout Virginia and Maryland, in person, by phone, or by video.

(703) 969-1811 jeremy.stern@healthmarkets.com

Schedule an Appointment – Browse Medicare Forms

Download Our Medicare Guide

Reviews of the Stern Team…

Cory Weaver on the Stern Team is fantastic He went the extra mile to help find the right health insurance plan to fit my needs and to track down information on a complicated issue afterwards. – Bob C., client since 2017

I was referred to Jeremy for Medical Insurance by my Home/Auto agent. I am more then pleased with Jeremy. He finds the right insurance at a great cost, plus if you have any issues or questions you can call him, if he doesn’t answer he will call you back with 5-10 minutes and will immediately resolve any problem you have. – Carol, Bristow VA

Yad was a pleasure to deal with! called be back when he said he would…. Response to calls and text promptly…. . He helped me out of a sticky situation and got me set up with new insurance. – James, 2025

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️