3 Reasons to Work With a Medicare Insurance Agent
Asking your friends and family for advice might be fine for car insurance — but not when it comes to finding the right health plan for you.
On paper, Medicare sounds like a simple concept. If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, you’ll become eligible for the program on your 65th birthday, and you may be able to enroll earlier if you have a long-term disability or serious medical condition like ALS. But ask anyone who has gone through the process of choosing a Medicare plan, and they’ll tell you: the reality is much different.
Medicare is incredibly complex, and as many clients can attest, trying to find the plan that suits your needs and budget on your own can prove to be overwhelming. With your healthcare on the line, you don’t want to end up with an insufficient plan that will leave you dipping into your own pocket to cover your medical and hospital costs.
Here are 3 reasons why it’s worth working with a licensed Medicare agent when you turn 65 and qualify for Medicare.
#1 We can help you navigate your options
First, a quick rundown on how Medicare works. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare — and the same goes if you’re younger than 65 and qualify due to a disability or disease. Original Medicare (Part A and B) is run by the federal government.
Once you have Original Medicare, you can choose to apply for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) or Medigap, also known as Supplemental Medicare. These plans are offered by private health insurance companies approved by Medicare, and they provide comprehensive and flexible coverage compared to Original Medicare.
The problem? There are hundreds of plans on the market, each with their own nuances.
That’s where a licensed Medicare agent comes in. We can help you to narrow down the options available to you and:
Compare the cost between plans. Since these plans are offered by private insurers, premiums vary — sometimes drastically.
Figure out which plans service your ZIP code. Medicare Advantage plans have a geographic element, so you can’t choose a plan that doesn’t clearly service the area you live in.
Learn which services a plan covers. For example, some plans include prescription drug coverage and glasses, while others don’t.
Determine whether a plan offers coverage outside of your service area This is helpful to know in case you travel domestically or internationally.
Decide which type of plan you need based on your budget and health status. Some of the options include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), and HMO Point-of-Service Plans (HMO-POS).
#2 We can comb through the fine print
Do you have a medical device? Or maybe a preferred hospital or doctor?
Many seniors who apply for Medicare are living with health conditions or have naturally built up a rapport with physicians over time. A licensed Medicare agent can ensure you find a plan that covers your specific needs, and allows you to get the care you need at the place or with the medical professionals you feel most comfortable with.
I’d like to share a case study with you. One of my clients came to me with a pacemaker, and the battery was due to be replaced in 8 years. He wanted to have the procedure done at the same hospital he’d been going to for years. I sifted through the Medicare Advantage plans that were available to him, and ensured the plan he applied for included that hospital in its service area.
As licensed Medicare agents, we are here to listen to your needs and find the best solution for you.
#3 Our reputations are on the line, so you can trust us
Unfortunately, there are scammers in the Medicare Advantage industry that want to exploit people in need, especially seniors.
As independent Medicare agents who work with our clients face-to-face, our reputation — and livelihoods — are the backbone of our business. We are motivated to give you an accurate, productive service, and we are genuinely here to help you find the best health plan for your unique situation. We also hold liability insurance, which provides our clients with peace of mind.
Questions about Medicare Advantage? Contact Steven today to discuss your options.