It’s easy to tell we are in the Medicare Annual Enrollment season. There are so many TV commercials and pieces of mail advertising different plans.
My husband is turning 65 next January and I am amazed at the amount of mail and phone calls he has received about joining a Medicare plan. So, I thought I would share some thoughts. Medicare plans are big business. This is good news for you, the consumer, because the plans compete for your enrollment. This leads to better plans, more benefits, and more choices.
However, some of the commercials and advertisements don’t give you the whole story. Many of them talk about great dental coverage but don’t explain that you have to change to a dentist that accepts their plan. One advertisement tells you that you are entitled to get part of your Medicare Part B payment back. This is true for people who qualify for a low-income subsidy, which is a small part of the population.
When you call the numbers on the advertisements be careful that the person on the other end of the phone helps you with what is the correct plan for you and not the plan that benefits them. I have heard of stories of people who get switched to a plan that their doctor does not accept or does not cover a drug that they need. The best thing is to sit with someone you can trust to help you choose the plan that is best for you, not for the company.
I make appointments with clients so that together, we can identify what is needed and provide information to ensure they fully understand all of the options available. Once I help someone enroll in a plan, then I become their agent and can continue to work with them each year.
During the annual Medicare enrollment period, I speak with my clients to confirm they have been satisfied with their plan or help them choose a new plan. As a Medicare health plan agent, I don’t pressure anyone, just simply provide information, present options, and let you choose what is best for your situation.
Someone asked me which plan is best. Quite honestly, it depends on what is best for each individual.
For help with your Medicare insurance needs, please contact me, Lynne Jones, at (480) 212-2246, or email jonesdvp@yahoo.com.