If you are turning 65 and have already started receiving calls, mail, and email from everyone out there you are not alone.  These people can be quite irritating, are usually out of your area  and in most cases only represent one carrier.  When it comes to searching for Medicare Insurance should you purchase it with the help of an insurance professional? - YES!  An insurance professional will look at multiple carrier options for you and determine which carrier fits your needs and budget.  This goes for Medicare Supplement as well as Medicare Part D.

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In some cases Medicare Supplement Plans are best and in others Medicare Advantage.  Using a professional to assist you in making a decision is in your best interest.

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Supplementing Your Original Medicare Coverage

Many people with Original Medicare choose to supplement their coverage with a separate Medigap (or Medicare Supplement) policy to help them cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not. There is an initial Medigap enrollment period when you are first eligible that will give you a guaranteed issue right to purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state without being subject to medical underwriting. A broker can help you choose Medigap plans that will best fit your needs and budget. Although Medigap policies are standardized, the costs can vary.
 

Prescription Drug Plans

Prescription drug coverage is not available through Part A, Part B, or Medigap policies, so you may need to consider Part D prescription drug coverage. A PDP is a stand-alone plan offered by private insurance companies that will help cover the costs of prescription drugs. (Prescription drugs are not covered by Part A or Part B or by Medigap policies.) Licensed insurance agents can help you decide if you should enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) and can help you review and compare plans based on your particular budget and medications. Each PDP has its own formulary, or list of covered drugs, so you need to review your current prescriptions to make certain your brands and dosages are included. Costs can vary based on pricing tiers (generic vs. brand name, mail order, etc.) so it can be helpful to have an expert help you find the pan that will be right for you.
 

Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide your Part A and Part B benefits. They must offer the same benefits as Part A and Part B, but many MA plans offer additional benefits for the same cost, including vision care, dental services, hearing exams, and prescription drug coverage. Most MA plans will require you to visit physicians, hospitals, suppliers, and pharmacies within the plan’s network or pay more if you go out of network. A licensed sales agent can help you make the choice that is best for you.

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Advantages of Working With a Broker

There are distinct advantages of working with a licensed sales broker who can help guide you through the process of enrolling in Medicare insurance coverage. Consider these top ten benefits of working with a Medicare insurance sales agent:

1. Medicare expertise. 

2. Greater options Independent brokers can provide you with options from an array of carriers. 

3. Working with a broker doesn’t cost you anything 

4. Expertise Licensed sales agents in the Medicare arena go through hours and hours of training and education every year in order to sell Medicare insurance plans. 

5. Tailored guidance An insurance agent can help tailor your Medicare insurance options to fit your needs and preferences. 

6. Save Your Time You are busy – and whether you are retired or not, your time is valuable. A knowledgeable broker can save you time on research and plan comparison, especially if Medicare coverage is new to you. 

7. Experience matters As an industry expert, your licensed sales agent may have years of experience navigating Medicare. 

8. Area specialty Local brokers can provide more detailed knowledge of the plans available in your area. 

9. One-stop shopping Licensed sales agents may be able to offer you a one-stop shopping experience.

10. Service after the sale.   Your relationship with your broker doesn’t end at the sale. Instead, your insurance sales agent may be an advocate for you in the years to come, helping you address concerns with your insurance coverage.