Annmarie Earehart, Medicare Insurance Broker
Annmarie Earehart
John J Boyd & Associates
Medicare Broker Licensed in MI
4+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Utica, MI
About Me
Hi, my name is Annmarie and I am your local Medicare insurance agent. Medicare is my specialty and I am dedicated to helping you find the best plan that fits your specific needs and budget. I will take on the task of searching through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies so that you don't have to. Best of all, my services come at no cost to you. Get in touch with me today to explore your Medicare insurance options. Be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Annmarie Earehart
How do you approach educating clients who are new to Medicare versus those who are considering switching plans?
Answer: The approach is a little different depending on where someone is in their Medicare journey, but the goal is always to make things clear, simple, and personalized.
1. For Clients New to Medicare
Start with the basics: I explain what Medicare is, the difference between Parts A, B, C, and D.
Focus on timelines: We go over the Initial Enrollment Period, penalties to avoid, and what steps they need to take first (like enrolling in Parts A & B).
Use plain language: Instead of jargon, I break it down into real-life examples, like how a hospital stay or prescription would be covered.
Decision framework: I walk them through their two main paths—Original Medicare with a supplement + Part D versus a Medicare Advantage plan—and explain the pros and cons of each.
Cost comparison: I often make side-by-side charts showing them what the cost would be with a Medicare Supplement vs a Medicare Advantage plan so they can see the numbers clearly.
2. For Clients Considering Switching Plans
Focus on what’s changing: Instead of reviewing the entire Medicare system again, I look at their current coverage, what they like about it, and where the pain points are (costs, doctors, prescriptions, extra benefits).
Review updates: I highlight new plan options, changes in drug formularies, or network differences for the upcoming year.
Cost comparison: I often make side-by-side charts showing their current plan versus alternatives, so they can see the numbers clearly.
Reassurance: I remind them that it’s normal to re-evaluate each year during Annual Enrollment, and that my role is to make sure they’re not paying more than they need to or missing out on coverage they value.
Should Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing, or would that just make it more expensive for everyone?
Answer: What Medicare Covers Now
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing.
It only covers these services if they’re tied to a medical condition (for example, dental surgery after an accident, or an eye exam for diabetes).
Many people add a standalone dental or vision plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles these extras in.
The Case for Adding Coverage
Pro: It could make care more affordable for older adults, since things like dentures, glasses, and hearing aids are expensive.
Pro: Preventive dental and vision care may help avoid bigger (and more costly) health problems down the road.
The Trade-Off
Con: If Medicare added dental, vision, and hearing for everyone, premiums would almost certainly rise across the board to cover the extra benefits.
Con: Not everyone uses these services equally, so some people would end up paying for coverage they don’t use.
The Current Balance
Right now, Medicare keeps premiums lower by sticking to hospital and medical coverage. People who want extra dental, vision, or hearing benefits can choose a Medicare Advantage plan with those perks, or buy a separate plan. That way, the cost isn’t spread to everyone.
I've got Medigap Plan C, and I'm curious if my recent bloodwork is included or if I need to budget for extra costs.
Answer: Medigap Plan C is designed to work with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). That means:
Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary services like doctor visits, lab work, and outpatient care. So your bloodwork is billed to Medicare Part B first.
After Medicare pays its share (usually 80% of approved costs after you meet the deductible), your Plan C fills in the gaps by covering:
The Part B coinsurance (the 20% you’d normally owe).
The Part A deductible and coinsurance.
Even the Part B deductible (which not all Medigap plans cover).
So with Plan C, your routine bloodwork ordered by a doctor and covered under Part B should be fully covered—you wouldn’t have extra out-of-pocket costs, as long as the provider accepts Medicare.
👉 The only thing to watch for is if the test is something Medicare doesn’t consider “medically necessary” (for example, certain screenings done outside the normal schedule). In that case, neither Medicare nor your Medigap plan would pay, and you’d be billed.
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: What I like most about being a Medicare agent is that it gives me the chance to truly help people during an important and sometimes overwhelming stage of life. Medicare can be confusing, with so many rules, deadlines, and plan choices, and I love being able to take that stress off someone’s shoulders by explaining things in a way that makes sense. Every person’s situation is unique—their doctors, medications, health needs, and budget are all different—so I enjoy finding the plan that really “fits” them and gives them peace of mind.
I also value the relationships I build. Many of my clients become like friends or family, and I get to support them year after year as their needs change. It’s rewarding to know that I’m not just selling a plan; I’m giving someone guidance, reassurance, and ongoing support they can count on.
What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?
Answer: Here are some simple, supportive ways to help your parents feel cared for while making Medicare decisions:
1. Listen First
Ask what’s most important to them—keeping their doctors, lowering costs, or having extra benefits like dental/vision.
Let them share their concerns before jumping into plan details.
2. Do the Homework Together
Help them compare plans by making lists or charts with premiums, copays, and coverage differences.
Keep it visual and simple so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
3. Use Trusted Resources
Look up information together on Medicare.gov, or use plan comparison tools.
Encourage them to write down questions for their insurance agent.
4. Involve an Independent Agent
Independent insurance agents (like me!) can walk them through all their choices—Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or a Supplement—without pushing one company’s plan.
Having a knowledgeable guide makes the process much less stressful.
5. Offer Emotional Support
Acknowledge that Medicare can feel confusing, and reassure them they don’t have to figure it out alone.
Remind them that the goal is finding a plan that makes them feel safe and cared for.
6. Be Present for Appointments
Sit in during calls or meetings if they’d like you to. Sometimes just having a familiar face (or voice) there makes a huge difference.
👉 The biggest way to support your parents is by being patient, listening, and making sure they know they’re not making these decisions alone.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: After you’ve been on Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and your card will come in the mail. At that point, you can use Original Medicare or choose to add extra coverage like a Medicare Advantage plan, a Part D prescription drug plan, or a Medigap (supplement) plan if you qualify. Then, when you turn 65, you get a brand-new Initial Enrollment Period, just like someone who is starting Medicare for the first time. This is a seven-month window around your 65th birthday where you can sign up for a Medicare Supplement with no health questions asked, switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or add/change your Part D coverage. In short, you first qualify through disability after 24 months, and then you get a fresh opportunity with more choices when you reach age 65. If all of this feels overwhelming, you can always reach out to an independent insurance agent who can explain the differences between the coverage options and help you pick and enroll in the plan that works best for your needs.