When it comes to getting your Medicare plans set up, there are really two ways to do so. The first way is to contact the insurance companies directly (Do-It-Yourselfers). The other way, which we think is more advantageous for Medicare recipients is to use an independent Medicare agent. Here’s why:
1. There is No Cost for Their Services
First and foremost, there is never any cost to go through an independent Medicare agent to get your plans set up. If you were to go directly to the insurance companies, you will pay the exact same monthly premiums for your plan. Independent Medicare agents (like ourselves) get paid directly by the insurance companies they work with. You get the benefit of having an experienced agent on your side and they get paid by the insurance companies.
2. Not Tied to One Company
Independent Medicare agents are not tied to one company. Usually they are contracted with 7 to 10 of the major insurance companies. What that means for you is that you have the entire market of Medicare plans available to you with the help of someone who is knowledgeable about those plans and can offer objective advice to help you make your decision.
The problem when you contact insurance companies directly is that you will only hear about the plans that particular company has to offer.
3. They Can Help You Shop Your Part D
Right now in California, there are about 25 different Part D (Rx) Plans. How are you supposed to figure out which plan is going to be the best fit? An independent agent can help you shop for the most cost-effective Part D plan by searching through the Medicare.gov Plan Finder Tool.
A good Medicare agent will not only be able to help you when you are brand new to Medicare but will also be able to switch you plans in the future as formularies change and as your list of prescriptions change, hopefully saving you some money. This brings us to our final point.
4. They Will Provide Ongoing Service and Relationship
Have you ever noticed that when you contact the insurance company directly, you get someone different on the phone every time?
By going through an independent Medicare agent, you can call your agent and your agent can help assist any service issues or problems you may be having with your plan.
Or…Let’s say your plan premiums are getting too expensive and you want to shop the market. Well your independent Medicare agent can help you do that and can make sure you make changes during the right times throughout the year when enrollment periods open up.
Your independent Medicare agent is your advocate for your Medicare benefits and health plans.
If you would like more information on Medicare, request a copy of The Nuts & Bolts of Medicare book here and we will mail it out to you!
If You Would Like to Have Your Own Personal Independent Medicare Agent that specializes in Orange County and Los Angeles County, request a consultation here!
Thanks for reading!
