With the Medicare annual enrollment period coming up, now is the time to start preparing for 2025. Having a trusted agent or broker assist you with your options can be a time saver and provide peace of mind. But what should a good agent that offers Medicare provide you? Let’s dive into this below.
A good Medicare agent can provide several valuable services to individuals navigating the complexities of Medicare. Here are some key benefits:
1. Expert Guidance: Medicare agents are well-versed in the various Medicare plans and options (Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D). They can explain these choices in simple terms and help clients select a plan that fits their health needs and budget.
2. Personalized Advice: Since every individual has different health requirements, medications, and financial situations, a good Medicare agent can tailor advice specifically to the client’s situation, ensuring they get coverage that suits them best.
3. Cost Savings: Agents help people find ways to save on premiums, copays, and prescription drug costs by comparing plans and identifying the most cost-effective options. They are also skilled in pointing out potential subsidies or financial assistance programs.
4. Convenience: A Medicare agent streamlines the enrollment process, ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time. They also help clients avoid costly mistakes, such as missing enrollment deadlines, which could result in penalties.
5. Ongoing Support: A good agent continues to provide service even after the initial enrollment. They are available to help with future questions, assist with claims, or guide clients through changes in their plans during the annual Medicare open enrollment periods.
6. Access to Multiple Plans: Independent Medicare agents typically work with a variety of insurance companies, giving clients access to a broader range of plans compared to agents tied to a single provider. This ensures the recommendations are unbiased and more comprehensive.
7. Peace of Mind: Having a knowledgeable professional to rely on can significantly reduce the stress of making crucial healthcare decisions, giving people confidence that they have the right coverage in place.
In addition to all the above advantages, a licensed agent that offers Medicare must certify to offer Medicare plans every year. This includes certifying with AHIP and/or NABIP, and then an annual certification for each carrier they represent. This adds up to sometimes more that 40-60 hours annually, in addition to continuing education requirements. While a SHIP/ADRC representative can help guide you with unbiased advice, they cannot service your plan selection. When a problem or issue arises with your plan, your licensed and certified agent is able to step in and help resolve the issue.
As a licensed agent we offer many plans with many different companies. We are not allowed to steer an individual into any particular plan as that is against the ethics of our license. We are required to provide an unbiased education and information and I am proud to do so.
A licensed insurance agent is compensated(in most cases) for guiding you to a plan selection and completing the enrollment. Compensation is fairly standard, and you will not save money by enrolling directly with the insurance company. What you will gain is a licensed agent that should be providing you with unbiased advice, ongoing service and peace of mind for many years to come. When you find the right agent for you, that service can be incredibly valuable.
Ultimately, a good Medicare agent helps people make informed decisions, ensures they maximize their benefits, and saves them time and money in the long run. When it comes to choosing, make sure you choose the person with your best interest at hear. That relationship can serve to benefit you for many years to come.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us at any time. Our services are always provided at NO COST to you.
