Leah Kari, Independent Licensed Insurance Agent
Enrolling in Medicare or selecting a Medicare plan brings out the cautious side of those eligible for or on Medicare. Navigating the complexities of Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans requires careful attention to understand coverage options. Multiple plan types, varying levels of coverage and changing regulations make this a complicated process. This is not a do-it-yourself (DIY) project!
Understanding how Medicare and the Medicare plans work is critical. Consumers are astute and tech-savvy, but working with a local, licensed insurance agent can prove invaluable. Consider these positive points about working with an agent.
Ongoing training, annual certification, and licensing requirements ensure that licensed insurance agents stay current on Medicare policies and plan changes. These requirements equip agents to suggest plans that meet your needs and budget.
Access to many coverage options means finding a plan suitable for you. Medicare offers several options, including Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage), along with Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. There are important and distinct differences between using Original Medicare parts A and B, along with a stand-alone prescription drug plan, Medicare Supplement Insurance with a stand-alone prescription drug plan, and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD). Agents or brokers generally contract with multiple carriers: they compare different carriers to select the plan that suits your healthcare needs and budget.
Healthcare insurance is not “one size fits all.” Prescription drug coverage is a priority for some, while others value lower costs, or broader provider networks. An agent learns what matters most to you, offers to look up your current medications on plan formularies, verifies that your preferred doctors are network providers, if your plan requires using network providers, and explains all benefits to you. These recommendations and their services are at a zero-dollar cost to you, with no obligation to enroll in or change your current plan.
The wrong plan may lead to unnecessary expenses. An agent identifies cost-saving opportunities, such as plans that cover prescriptions at a lower cost or those offering specific benefits of interest. Thus, you find a plan that is suitable for you.
Enrollment assistance and ongoing support. Medicare and Medicare plan enrollments carry strict timelines and potential penalties for missed deadlines. An agent ensures you meet all requirements and avoid costly mistakes. After enrollment, your agent is there to help with a plan matter, if needed. You are not alone.
Services are at a zero-dollar cost to you. The insurance company pays agents a commission in most cases, and agents will disclose this to you. Agents cannot charge for services provided. The “DIY frustration factor” some experience with all things Medicare is removed, netting you countless hours of work saved and providing peace of mind.
Contact Leah Kari at leah@leahkarisolutions.com or 520–827–2460 (TTY 711). Leah Kari is an independent agent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or the Federal Medicare program.