Medicare help from people who live here.
An independent Medford agency, family-run since 1969. We explain your options plainly, compare the plans we offer, and stay with you long after you enroll.
Talk to a licensed local agent — no cost, no obligation.
Focused on Medicare, and nothing else.
Straus & Associates has been in the insurance industry since 1969. Medicare is our whole practice — not a sideline — which means you get a specialist's depth rather than a generalist's guesswork.
We provide a no-cost consultation to help you understand Parts A and B of Original Medicare and every option available to you. After you enroll we're still here: we send a reminder each year before enrollment periods open, because your needs change.
- No cost to you
- We're paid by the insurance carriers, never by the people we advise.
- Independent
- We compare the plans we offer to fit you, rather than pushing one carrier.
- Five languages
- English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Italian.
- Three ways to meet
- In our East Main Street office, by phone, or over video.
Three ways to cover what Original Medicare leaves behind.
Medicare Supplement
Medigap
Pairs with Original Medicare to cover most of what Parts A and B leave behind. No provider networks, predictable costs, and freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
- See any Medicare-accepting provider, nationwide
- No network restrictions or referrals
- Must be paired with a Part D drug plan
Medicare Advantage
Part C
Bundles medical and prescription coverage into one plan, usually with extras — dental, vision, gym membership, and alternative care such as acupuncture or chiropractic.
- Medical + drug coverage rolled into one plan
- Often includes dental, vision & fitness extras
- Lower premiums in exchange for copays
Part D — Prescription Drugs
Part D
Standalone prescription coverage that pairs with Original Medicare or a Supplement. Going without creditable coverage can trigger a lifelong late-enrollment penalty.
- Coverage matched to your medication list
- Pairs with Original Medicare or Medigap
- Avoids the Part D late-enrollment penalty
Supplement or Advantage? See how they compare — or let us walk you through it.
Dates worth marking.
Medicare runs on a calendar. Miss a window and you may wait a year — or carry a penalty for life. Every client of ours gets a reminder before each one.
See the full calendar- IEP7 months around your 65th birthday
- Initial Enrollment Period
Starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after. This is when most people first sign up. Missing it without other creditable coverage can mean a lifelong Part B penalty.
- AEPOctober 15 – December 7
- Annual Enrollment Period
Every year. Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join, drop, or switch a Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
- OEPJanuary 1 – March 31
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Only if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan. You get one change: switch to a different Advantage plan, or drop back to Original Medicare.
- Medigap OEP6 months, once
- Medigap Open Enrollment
Begins when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this one-time window a Supplement is guaranteed issue — no medical underwriting, regardless of health history.
- SEPTriggered by life events
- Special Enrollment Periods
Losing employer coverage, moving out of your plan's service area, qualifying for Medicaid, or a plan leaving your county can each open a window outside the usual dates.
We're your neighbors in the Rogue Valley.
Not a call center in another state. The same folks you might see at Crater Lake, on the river, or at the Growers Market — and the same folks who pick up the phone when your insurer sends a letter you don't understand.
Oregon also gives Medigap policyholders a yearly second chance to switch plans without medical underwriting, around your birthday. Most people have never heard of it.
How the Birthday Rule worksA letter from a client.
Received at our Medford office, reprinted with permission.
Dear Mr. Straus,
I wanted to acknowledge to you that Diana of your staff was an extraordinary help to me with a problem I had with my former Medigap company. She immediately spoke to the company and got back to me with a positive report. In the weeks that followed we ran into two or three hiccups, and in each instance Diana attacked the situation with the same graceful vigor.
During the past two or three years my wife and I have been clients of yours, you and every member of your staff have been not only professional, helpful, and patient with our limited knowledge of the subject at hand, but have done so in a courteous and friendly manner. All of that, in addition to saving us a good deal of money.
Who you'll be working with.
More about the agency
Jack Straus
President & Founder
Rebecca Straus
Vice President
Matt Sachen
Agent & Marketing Director
Hortencia Garcia
Administrative Assistant
Leon Sachen
Licensed Emotional Support / Greeter
Max Straus
Security Guard
Let's sort out your Medicare together.
A no-cost consultation, in our office or at your kitchen table.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [NUMBER] organizations which offer [NUMBER] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.