Richard Smith, Medicare Insurance Broker
Richard Smith
Alpine Advantage Health Insurance
Medicare Broker Licensed in SC, MD and NC
13+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
-
Location
Lancaster, SC
-
Phone
-
Website
-
LinkedIn
-
Facebook
About Me
Richard is the owner of Alpine Advantage Health Insurance. Richard has been in the insurance business over 12 years. Richard is an independent Licensed Health & Life insurance Agent. Richard represents many different companies, and he is licensed to sell in North Carolina and South Carolina. Richard is a Retired Sheriff and a former Chief of Police prior to getting in the Insurance business. Richard is also retired from the S.C. Army National Guard. Richard was deployed to Iraq from Feb. 2004 to Feb. 2005. Richard is married to Angela Cook Smith of Lancaster and has 4 daughters and 2 step daughters. Paige, Brantley, Michaella, Creighton, Megan, and Emery. 3 Grandchildren Teddy, Lily, and Rhyler.
Richard is currently the Secretary of Lancaster Breakfast Rotary Club and a member of the Chester Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and the Lancaster American Legion Post 31. Richard is the past Commander of the Lancaster American Legion Post 31. Richard is also a past board member of Redcross, Chester Chamber, Chester Junior Achievement and Chester Rotary Club.
Directions to My Office
My Google Reviews
108 Total Reviews (5.0 )
March 5, 2026
Richard was very professional and very helpful definitely will keep in touch with him for any other details thanks Richard
March 5, 2026
Richard was very professional and very helpful definitely will keep in touch with him for any other details thanks Richard
February 25, 2026
I recommend him to anyone. Very helpful and attentive
February 25, 2026
I recommend him to anyone. Very helpful and attentive
February 14, 2026
Richard did a great job helping us with Medicare plans and supplements.
Q&A with Richard Smith
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: Make sure you are signed up with Medicare. If you are still working and have group insurance all you need to do is sign up for part A. If you are not covered through work insurance or you are in ACA health plan you need to sign up for part A and Part B and part D as a minimum to avoid late enrollment penalties. There are other options see a local agent who can help you make the best decision that is right for you.
How can I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
Answer: Medicare does not pay for this type of coverage. But if you have a Medicare Advantage plan they generally provide some coverage. Medicare Advantage plans coverage varies so see a local agent who can help you find the best plan that fits your needs.
What should I do with my Medicare plan if I'm diagnosed with a rare disease requiring specialists?
Answer: Check with your local agent to see if you are on the best plan. Especially during Annual Enrollment and Open Enrollment. If you are outside of these enrollment periods you may have to wait to do anything. Not unless you qualify for a special enrollment period or qualify for special needs plan.
Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?
Answer: No, if you are on a Medicare advantage plan you must go to a doctor that takes your Medicare Advantage plan if you are a hmo plan.
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan that is a PPO. You may go out of network but you generally pay more for going out of network. There is a catch on this. Just because it is a PPO and you can go out of network. That provider must be willing to take your insurance. An out of network provider is not required to take your plan.
What do I do if I cannot afford my Medicare premiums?
Answer: I would recommend going to your local Medicaid office and apply for Medicaid. They have different levels of Medicaid.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid I would signup for a Medicare Advantage plan that has a part B giveback. That could reduce your part B premium where you might could afford it.
Who can help me figure out this Medicare "maze and alphabet soup" it's so confusing.
Answer: Search in Medicare Agents hub. For a local agent near you. Local agents are the best to talk to about your Medicare choices.
With a Medicare Advantage plan after I reach the max out of pocket, $3,000 or more, will I have any copays or fees the rest of the year?
Answer: Once you meet your plans max out of pocket the plan usually pays 100% as long as you are in network with your plan. This is for health only. Drugs have their own deductible and max out of pocket that they don’t apply to the health deductible or health max out of pocket.
I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and my biologic medication costs $6,000 per month. How will the 2025 Medicare Part D changes affect someone in my situation?
Answer: The maximum out of pocket for medication in 2026 $2100.00 for the year. But the drug has to be on the formulary to count against the max out of pocket. Not unless you have some kind of exemption.
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: A local agent who lives in your community is going to know way more about what’s going on with the different plans, doctors, and Medicine because they live or work in that community everyday. They actual have hands in experience using Medicare plans through themselves, helping family member's or friends. A virtual or remote only know what they see on a computer screen.
How can my Medicare plan still meet my needs if my health changes?
Answer: Great question, your Medicare plan can still meet your needs as your health changes, but it depends on the type of plan you have and how often you review it. Check with a local agent to help you determine if you may need to change or not!