If you want to get secure medical coverage, you should consider Medicare. If you qualify for the program but don't know where to start, a Medicare insurance agent can help.
In this article, we’ll talk about medicare, its advantage plans, and how you can choose the right agent.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a program created for American citizens aged 65 years or more. These people often cannot pay for medical care and treatments. Hence, the US government created Medicare.
In particular, Medicare gives support to senior citizens and their families who cannot afford to pay medical bills.
Medicare can also help people with particular disabilities under 65. This is done on a case-to-case basis. Every case is assessed based on the program’s details, requirements, and eligibility.
In addition, people with end-stage kidney disease can apply to Medicare. They can get help for dialysis or kidney transplant.
There are two main branches of Medicare — Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Contact us if you need help finding the right Medicare plan.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is a medical insurance option funded by the government. Many senior citizens use Original Medicare as their primary insurance.
In particular, Original Medicare covers the following:
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A includes coverage for hospice care, inpatient hospitalization, nursing facility care, and the like.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B includes coverage for preventive services, medical supplies, outpatient care, and physician services.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D includes assistance for prescription drugs. These include shots and vaccines.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage is a medical insurance option for those who want the coverage of Original Medicare but with more coverage.
Plans under Medicare Advantage are offered through private insurance companies approved by the government. Contact a Medicare insurance agent if you need more information about such plans.
In particular, Medicare Advantage covers the following:
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C includes coverage for dental, hearing, and vision services on top of the benefits offered by Parts A and B. Medicare Part C might also include coverage for prescription drugs.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Insurance Agent
If you’re new to Medicare or simply want to know more about the program, contacting an insurance agent is a must.
However, you should not just contact any agent. You should choose the right insurance agent based on certain factors. Here’s how you can choose the right Medicare insurance agent:
1. Choose a Medicare insurance agent with the right experience.
Medicare Advantage plans vary from one state to the other. Hence, the right agent must have experience with Medicare plans in your state.
In addition, the agent must have many years of Medicare experience. You don’t want to choose an agent with no Medicare experience.
While agents with less medicare experience are generally excellent, they might not handle complicated situations well. Thus, stick to the agents with years of experience.
2. Pick an insurance agent with a solid reputation.
Any well-performing agent has a solid reputation. In a world full of scams and lies, you should choose an agent you can trust.
Before hiring an agent, ask them about their record. How many clients have they served? Were there any who complained along the way?
In addition, double-check their responses. Contact the company or clients they’re affiliated with if possible. Then, ask them about the agent’s reputation. Is it squeaky clean or are there bumps?
3. Make sure the Medicare insurance agent has a license.
All insurance agents must be licensed by the government. Contact your state insurance department to see if the agent is licensed.
Agents usually have business cards that include their license numbers. Double-check if these numbers are valid. For convenience, many state insurance departments have websites. Through these, you can check an agent’s license status.
If the agent’s license is invalid or revoked, look for another one. You do not want to get involved in an illegal business.
It’s also worth checking if an agent is independently working or not. It’s because some agents work independently and therefore offer one plan only.
On the other hand, agents under a brokerage have access to multiple plans. Remember, one Medicare plan doesn’t fit all. Everyone has different needs, so it’s better to have more options.
Moreover, Medicare insurance brokers represent dozens of plans from insurance companies. Thus, Medicare insurance brokers like Delington Financial and Insurance Services are required to be certified annually. For full disclosure, we have to pass annual tests regarding each plan we represent.
4. The right insurance agent offers a free consultation.
A free, no-obligation consultation is crucial. Hence, an excellent Medicare insurance agent must offer it.
This also helps determine if the agent wants to help people. An agent who truly wants to help offers a free consultation to educate people. On the other hand, an agent who only wants money doesn't. It’s because a free consultation requires resources.
5. Check how the agent treats clients.
Customer service matters a lot. Knowledge about Medicare won’t matter if an agent is condescending and impolite. Think about it this way. A dish might be delicious, but if the waiters are rude, your experience is ruined. Thus, you must see how an agent treats clients.
It’s best to contact the agent directly to see how they treat you. If not, at least contact the agent’s company. Observe how they speak and guide you through the process.
See if they are polite and patient enough to answer your questions. If they are, that agent is likely great for you.
Moreover, you can contact family or friends who worked with the agent before. You can also read reviews online. It’s because unbiased firsthand experience tells a lot about customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Medicare insurance agents near me?
Yes, there are Medicare insurance agents near me. Delington Financial and Insurance Services is a full-service brokerage specializing in Medicare insurance.
Do I need an insurance agent?
It’s up to you. However, working with an agent or insurance broker in California makes your search for the right Medicare plan fast and easy.
Is there anything I need to prepare before talking to an agent?
You are not required to prepare anything. However, it’s best if you have a list of needs and goals before calling an agent. This makes the conversation efficient.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for local Medicare insurance agents, look no more. Delington Financial and Insurance Services are filled with agents ready to help you.
Our agents have the qualities listed above. We have the right experience, solid reputation, license, excellent customer service, and free consultation.
Speaking of free consultations, are you ready to get yours? Call us today for a free, no-hassle consultation!