Abbie Choate, Medicare Insurance Broker
Abbie Choate
Medicare Broker Licensed in CA and NY
Contact Details
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Location
Sacramento, CA
Abbie Can Help With:
About Me
Hi, I’m Abbie Choate, a licensed Medicare agent with three years of experience helping people find the right Medicare coverage. I know that Medicare can be confusing, and my goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
I take the time to understand each person’s needs and explain their options in a clear, straightforward way. Whether you’re new to Medicare, looking to switch plans, or just have questions, I’m here to help. I specialize in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Prescription Drug Plans.
Q&A with Abbie Choate
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: What I enjoy most about working with Medicare clients is helping people navigate a system that can be really overwhelming. It’s rewarding to know that I’m making a difference by providing clarity and guidance. What means the most to me is becoming a trusted resource—someone my clients know they can rely on for honest advice and support.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: I helped a client who was losing their Medicaid (Medi-Cal) coverage and was completely overwhelmed. They had no idea what that meant for their Medicare or how they were going to afford their prescriptions. I took the time to walk them through their options, helped them apply for a Medicare Savings Program, and found a plan that covered their medications at a much lower cost. By the end of our conversation, they went from stressed and unsure to relieved and confident. That moment really stuck with me because it reminded me why I love doing this—making sure people don’t have to go through these challenges alone.
Can I change my Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time?
Answer: Yes, you can change your Medigap plan anytime, but depending on your state, you might have to go through medical underwriting. California has a birthday rule, which gives you 60 days after your birthday each year to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits—no health questions asked. New York lets you switch anytime with no underwriting, so you’re always guaranteed coverage. If you’re in another state, you might need to go through underwriting unless you qualify for a special exception. Always good to check before making a switch!
Which Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) offers the best value for most seniors, and why?
Answer: Plan G is usually the best value for most seniors. It covers almost everything except the Part B deductible, making it a solid choice for predictable costs and great coverage. It’s popular because it offers the most benefits without the high premiums of Plan F. (Which is only available for those eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020) Plus, once the deductible is paid, there are no copays or surprise bills.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: It will be different for everyone. Original Medicare lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare and pairs well with a Medigap plan to lower out-of-pocket costs, but it doesn’t cover dental, vision, or prescriptions. Medicare Advantage bundles everything, often with extra benefits like dental and vision, but you have to stick to a network of doctors. If you want flexibility, Original Medicare with Medigap is usually better. If you prefer an all-in-one plan with lower upfront costs, Medicare Advantage might be the way to go.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: If you don’t sign up for Medicare at 65 and don’t have other creditable coverage, you could get stuck with lifelong penalties. Part B costs go up 10% for every year you wait, and Part D has a penalty too if you go without drug coverage. But if you have insurance through work, you might be able to delay without a penalty. It’s best to check ahead of time so you don’t end up paying more later!