“I have been trying to muddle through this for months.” Said a client of mine who was trying to make sense of the material she was finding on Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plans
It would take more than the space of this article to untangle that ball of yarn. We can look at some strategies for finding relevant information, getting help if you need it, and a few pitfalls to avoid.
Help is available in the form of ethical insurance professionals. You may think that you can’t tell the good from the bad. Here are a few tips.
1)Is the agent an independent agent? You want the answer to be yes. An independent agent is not tied to just one carrier. They can talk to you and provide information about all of the plans available in your area. Having access to info on many plans will insure that you can pick the right one for you. Avoid agents that work for one carrier. If an agent can only offer plans from one carrier, you may never even see the plan that may have been right for you. You also run the risk that if the agent separates from that company he/she will no longer be able to service your policy for you. In effect leaving you without an agent.
2)Does the agent ask you the right questions before making a recommendation? Issues such as your current health, travel habits, budget, the level of coverage you are comfortable with should all be part of the initial interview. Don’t forget that this decision is about what is best for you and your situation is unique to you.
3)Try to find an agent or broker with plenty of experience with Medicare. The insurance business has many segments. It is impossible for any agent to know everything about every segment of the industry. There is just too much. Look for an agent who specializes in Medicare and Medicare Supplements. This agent will be up to date on all of the latest info and options. This agent is in a much better position to offer guidance that will benefit you long term. In this case, an agent who knows a lot about one thing is better than an agent who knows a little about a lot of things.
4)How long has the agent been in business? Each year thousands of people get into the insurance business. Each year the vast majority of those new agents leave the insurance business. Work with an agent who has established longevity in the industry and demonstrated a commitment to it. Avoid brand new agents. This will ensure that your agent will be there down the line for customer service.
5)Don’t put up with an agent who talks over your head. Be wary of an agent who uses terminology that is unfamiliar to you. There is no reason for that at all. A good agent will give you the information in layman’s terms. They will not be rushed, rather they will spend the necessary time to make sure that you are clear about the information. Then and only then will you be ready to decide what is best for you.
6)Ask yourself if it seems like the agent trying to help you or themselves. All insurance professionals are in business to make a living. It is the ethical insurance professionals who live by the fact that it is only by taking care of the customer, that you take care of yourself.
Help is available. Just take a deep breath, remember these points and you will find the right person to help you understand your Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plan options.
Let us help. Don’t tackle medicare alone. For the latest information about Medicare or for to compare medicare supplement plan options and rates in your area, call 888-347-5552 or visit www.medicarequote4u.com.
