- Medicare plans change every year.
Copays/coinsurance, premiums, plan benefits, provider networks, and drug formularies are subject to change from year to year. An agent can help you understand these changes and how they will specifically impact you.
- AEP is THE ONLY TIME you can switch from one Medicare plan to another (with some special exceptions).
Better to meet with an agent and review your coverage now when you can make changes than to do nothing now and wish you had when you can't do anything about it for another year.
- Meeting with a good, honest agent will allow you to enter the new year with confidence and peace of mind.
Everyone's situation is different. The plan your sister, friend, or neighbor raves about might be the worst option for you. The plan you've had all year might be a poor choice going forward. Without a review of your prescriptions, doctors, health needs, and finances (as well as your own personal preferences), there is no way to know what is best. Agents who specialize in helping Medicare beneficiaries are trained extensively and can take the confusion and guesswork out of this otherwise complicated and overwhelming process. A caring agent will even take extra time to find out if you might be eligible for special savings programs or assistance that could not only save you money, but potentially open up new options for coverage in the form of special needs plans (plans available only to people with certain chronic health conditions and/or receiving certain levels of assistance).
If you decide you want to meet with an agent, consider choosing an independent agent. Captive agents can only represent one carrier. They can compare all the plans available in your area, but will only be compensated for enrolling you in a plan offered by their company. Independent agents are appointed with multiple carriers and therefore have no reason to steer you to one plan over another. The compensation an agent receives is the same for any Medicare Advantage plan with any carrier.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call me anytime at 706-550-5817. I'm an independent agent committed to helping you get the most coverage at the least expense and will absolutely help you apply for any additional assistance you might be eligible to receive.