Bill Green, Medicare Insurance Broker
Bill Green
Green Insurance Agency
Medicare Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WA
Contact Details
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Serving
Fleming Island, FL
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Phone
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Website
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Schedule An Appointment
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Facebook
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Bill Can Help With:
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement
- Prescription Drug
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plans
- Hearing Plans
- Individual / Family Plans
- Group Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Final Expense Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Short Term Care Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Annuities
About Me
Hi I'm Bill Green, CMIP– Certified Medicare Insurance Planner®
Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Since 2014, I’ve been helping individuals in North East Florida and all over the country make confident decisions about their Medicare coverage. As the only Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP) in Orange Park, I bring a level of expertise and insight that few can offer. Whether it’s understanding the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, avoiding costly penalties, or ensuring your doctors and prescriptions are covered, my goal is to make Medicare simple and stress-free.
What sets my agency apart is the personalized, lifelong support we provide. Medicare isn’t a one-time decision—it’s something that requires ongoing attention, which is why I offer lifetime billing and claims assistance to my clients. Unlike many online or call-center-based agencies, we have a local office where you can sit down face-to-face to discuss your options. I take the time to understand what matters most to you—your health needs, lifestyle, and retirement plans—so we can find coverage that truly fits your future. That commitment to service has earned us the **most 5-star Google reviews in the area. You can see what our clients are saying at g.page/greeninsagency/review
Beyond Medicare, I also specialize in long-term care planning, Marketplace insurance, and retirement strategies**. I’m a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) member and the author of Medicare Breakdown, a guide designed to simplify the Medicare process, which you can request at [MedicareAlphabetSoup.com](https://medicarealphabetsoup.com). Whether you're just turning 65, already on Medicare, or planning for the years ahead, I’m here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your healthcare and retirement.
Directions to My Office
My Google Reviews
479 Total Reviews (5.0)
March 27, 2025
Very nice visit with Janet and Penny Excellent service, I learned alot today. Thanks for helping us with our dental and vision insurance along with explaining our Medicare. Anthony and Coni
March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025
March 19, 2025
Bill Mertens is super helpful and very knowledgeable about all the questions I had. Even helped me with some tax questions I had pertaining to qualifying for insurance. Highly recommend talking with him about all your needs.
March 12, 2025
As painless as it gets for choosing a Medicare plan. I did a lot of research on my own beforehand so I could exclude the companies that didn’t cover my doctors or local medical facilities. This helped. I narrowed it down to three choices, and Bill recommended the plan that I had also thought would be best, and he answered all my questions. If you’re not one for research, he could also take you through the entire process.
March 10, 2025
March 6, 2025
Very helpful
March 3, 2025
Bill was informative and professional, he helped me every step of the way. Really appreciate his time and help.
February 28, 2025
Bill made the process of choosing a marketplace plan so easy. He is knowledgeable and efficient. The appointment process easy to use as well.
February 25, 2025
Bill Mertens was very helpful with helping me understand my options and evaluating what would work best for my particular needs with Medicare!
February 20, 2025
February 17, 2025
Charisse was very professional and very amicable. Highly recommend!
February 12, 2025
Bill Mertens was no less than stellar in his help with securing our insurance needs. He was very helpful, informative, and patient with our inquiries. I would highly recommend his expertise and compassion for your medicare and independent insurance needs.
February 11, 2025
Bill has been super helpful helping me find health insurance and dental insurance. He’s super patient and willing to go the extra mile to help you understand what you are really paying for. Thank you so much!
February 10, 2025
I have never had such kind and reassuring service from an insurance company. They actually call back at the appointed time. Bill is great and so is his entire staff.
February 10, 2025
February 6, 2025
Bill Green and Theresa are absolutely amazing!! Bill helped me select the perfect plan to meet my personal needs and unique situation. Theresa went above and beyond to assist me with finding a PCP!! Her kindness and professionalism made me feel like she truly cared about my well-being. She's an absolute treasure!!
Q&A with Bill Green
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: Working with a local Medicare agent means you get personalized, face-to-face support from someone who truly understands the plans and providers available in your area. At Green Insurance Agency, we’ve been helping people in our community navigate Medicare since 2014, and we know how to find plans that keep your doctors and prescriptions covered. Unlike a call center, you’ll have a dedicated agent you can meet with anytime, not just during enrollment. We’re available year-round to help with billing issues, plan changes, and any questions that come up. Plus, we host in-person educational events and offer free resources like our Medicare Breakdown book to make understanding Medicare easier. When you work with a local agent, you're not just a number—you’re a neighbor.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: One client came to us after receiving a large bill for a surgery they thought was fully covered. They had enrolled in a plan over the phone with a national call center and weren’t aware the surgeon was out-of-network. After reviewing their plan details, we discovered that while the hospital was in-network, the surgeon wasn’t—something the call center never explained. We helped the client file an appeal, connected them with the right billing department, and ultimately got a portion of the charges waived. Then, during the next enrollment period, we switched them to a plan that included all their preferred doctors and hospitals. They’ve been with us ever since and now call us anytime something feels off.
Why is it helpful to follow up with your parents after discussing Medicare?
Answer: Following up with your parents after discussing Medicare can be helpful for clarity, especially since they are almost certainly on Medicare as well. However, it’s important to remember that parents often bring their own medical and financial biases into the conversation—based on their experiences, not necessarily your current options or needs. Medicare has changed significantly over the years, and what worked well for them may not be the right fit for you. Still, having the conversation can help them understand your decisions and avoid confusion down the road. It can also open up discussions about family medical history, long-term care planning, and future caregiving roles. Just be sure you’re making choices based on your situation, not theirs
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is assuming all plans work the same or that they’ll be automatically covered the way they expect. Many choose a plan based on a friend’s recommendation or a TV ad without checking if their doctors, prescriptions, or hospitals are actually in-network. Others miss key enrollment deadlines, which can lead to lifelong penalties or gaps in coverage. Some don’t realize that Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care or dental, vision, and hearing without additional coverage. It’s a complex system, and one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. That’s why working with a local, experienced agent who understands your specific needs can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Who qualifies for Medicare coverage if they are under 65?
Answer: People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they meet certain conditions. The most common reason is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who require dialysis or a kidney transplant can qualify without waiting 24 months. Those diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) qualify for Medicare immediately after they start receiving SSDI benefits. Some people may also qualify through a spouse’s work history, even if they haven’t worked enough themselves. It’s always a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable Medicare agent to understand your specific eligibility and coverage options.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is that it typically comes with a network of doctors and hospitals, so you’ll want to make sure your providers are in-network to avoid higher costs. But for most people, this isn’t a big shift—it’s similar to the HMO or PPO group or marketplace insurance you’ve likely had throughout your working years. Just like before, staying in-network usually gives you the best coverage and cost savings. These plans often have low or even $0 premiums, which can make them a more affordable option than Medicare Supplement plans. Not everyone can afford a monthly premium for a supplement, and that’s okay—what matters most is finding the right balance between cost and coverage. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s why working with someone who understands both options really makes a difference.
I’ve been paying into Medicare for years, and I’m not sure why my specialist visits still cost me so much. What am I missing here?
Answer: That’s a great question, and one we hear a lot. Even though you’ve paid into Medicare through payroll taxes, that mainly covers Part A, which is hospital insurance—not everything. Part B, which covers outpatient care like specialist visits, has its own monthly premium and usually only covers 80% of the cost after you meet the deductible. That means you’re responsible for the remaining 20%, and there’s no out-of-pocket max unless you have additional coverage. This is where a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan can help reduce or cap those costs. It’s frustrating, but you're not alone—Medicare can feel like a maze, and that's why it's worth reviewing your options to see what might lower your expenses moving forward.
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: If you're already retired and collecting Social Security when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Your red, white, and blue Medicare card will typically arrive about 3 months before your 65th birthday. Part A is usually premium-free since you've paid into it through taxes, but Part B does come with a monthly premium, which will be deducted from your Social Security check. If you don’t want Part B right away—for example, if you have other coverage—you’ll need to actively opt out. This is also the time to look at whether a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan makes sense for your situation. It’s a good idea to talk through your options with someone who can help make sure your coverage fits your needs and budget.
How do Social Security and Medicare work together for people with disabilities?
Answer: For people with disabilities, Social Security and Medicare are closely connected. If you're under 65 and approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ll automatically become eligible for Medicare after receiving disability benefits for 24 months. At that point, you’ll be enrolled in both Part A and Part B. If you have ALS, Medicare starts right away with no waiting period. Your Part B premium will typically be deducted from your Social Security check, just like it is for those 65 and older. From there, you can choose to add a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan—or even a supplement, depending on your situation. It's a complex process, but having someone guide you through your options can really make it easier.
What role do annuities play in retirement planning?
Answer: Annuities can play a valuable role in retirement planning, especially for those looking to create stability and peace of mind. While they’ve been criticized in the media, many people don’t realize that pensions and Social Security are both forms of annuities—guaranteed income for life. Just like any financial tool, there are good annuities and bad ones, and the key is finding the right fit based on your goals. We typically look at annuities for people who are risk averse, want to replace bonds in their portfolio, need a guaranteed income stream, can’t qualify for long-term care insurance, or want to leave a financial legacy. They’re not right for everyone, but for the right person, they can offer protection, predictability, and tax advantages. The most important thing is working with someone who can help you sort through the options without a sales pitch.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Supplemental/Medigap plan during the Annual Enrollment Period without answering health questions?
Answer: That’s a common question, and the answer is—it depends. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), you can leave a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, and you can apply for a Medigap (Supplement) plan. However, in most states, Medigap insurance companies are allowed to ask health questions and can deny coverage if you're not in a guaranteed issue window. The good news is that different companies have different underwriting guidelines—some may be more lenient with certain health conditions than others. That’s where working with a knowledgeable agent really makes a difference—we know which carriers are more likely to accept specific health issues and can help you navigate the process. So while switching is possible, having expert guidance can increase your chances of getting the coverage you want.
What’s an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?
Answer: An underrated benefit of Original Medicare is the flexibility to see any doctor or specialist in the U.S. who accepts Medicare, without needing referrals or staying in a network. This level of access is especially valuable for snowbirds, frequent travelers, or anyone wanting care at top hospitals across the country. But what many people overlook is that while the access is great, Original Medicare only covers 80% of approved services, and there's no cap on what you pay out of pocket. That means you're potentially responsible for an unlimited 20% of the costs unless you add a Supplement (Medigap) plan. For people who want both freedom and predictable costs, pairing Original Medicare with a Supplement can be a smart move. It’s not ideal for everyone, but for those who value nationwide access and lower financial risk, it’s definitely worth considering.
Can I use a health savings account (HSA) to pay Medicare premiums after I retire?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. In addition to paying Medicare Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage (Part C) premiums, you can also use your HSA funds tax-free to cover out-of-pocket costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for those plans. That includes copays at the pharmacy under Part D or doctor visit copays under a Medicare Advantage plan. HSA funds can also be used for dental, vision, and hearing expenses—even if Medicare doesn't cover them. Just remember, once you're enrolled in any part of Medicare, you can no longer contribute to your HSA, but you can continue to spend what you've already saved. It's a great preplanning tool for managing healthcare costs in retirement with tax advantages.
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: One piece of advice I wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan is to talk to an independent agent who can walk them through all their options based on their specific doctors, prescriptions, and health needs. Too many people choose a plan just because a friend or family member recommended it, but no two people have the exact same medical situation. What works great for someone else could end up costing you more or limiting your access to care. Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the wrong decision can stick with you for the rest of your life! An independent agent can compare multiple companies and plans without being tied to just one option. It’s one of the smartest steps you can take to avoid surprises down the road.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: The new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs, starting in 2025, is a game changer for many people on Medicare. Prior to 2025 there’s been no true cap on what you can spend each year for prescriptions, and that’s left some people paying thousands—especially for specialty drugs. Starting in 2025, once you hit $2,000 in out-of-pocket costs for covered medications, you won’t pay anything more for the rest of the year. But here’s what’s even better—you might not actually have to spend the full $2,000 yourself. Some enhanced Part D plans are structured to help you reach that cap sooner, meaning your actual out-of-pocket costs could be much lower. It’s a big step forward for making medications more affordable and helping people stay on track with their treatment.
What’s one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?
Answer: One Medicare decision too many people regret later is not considering a Medicare Supplement plan when they first become eligible. At that point, you're usually in what I call a "get out of jail free" window, meaning you can get a plan with no health questions asked. But if you wait and try to enroll later, you may have to go through medical underwriting—and could be denied based on your health. Some people start with a Medicare Advantage plan to save on monthly premiums, only to find out later that their out-of-pocket costs are higher than expected or that their preferred doctors aren’t in-network. By then, switching isn’t always simple. That’s why it’s so important to look at your long-term health needs and not just what seems cheapest upfront.
If I need long-term care in the future, how does Medicare fit into that plan, and what should I be doing now to prepare?
Answer: This is such an important question, and one that doesn’t get asked enough. Medicare clearly states in the Medicare and You handbook that it does not cover long-term care—things like help with bathing, dressing, or full-time nursing home care. Many people assume it’s included, only to find out later that it’s not, and by then it's almost always too late to get it because they can no longer qualify based on their health. The good news is there are several ways to prepare for long-term care costs, and we can help you explore options that don’t follow the old use-it-or-lose-it model. Today’s plans often provide a benefit whether you use the care yourself or pass it on to a beneficiary. Planning early not only protects your retirement savings—it also gives you more choices and peace of mind for the future.
I’m retiring next year—do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: Yes, if you're retiring next year and will be losing employer coverage, there are a few important Medicare steps to plan for. First, make sure you enroll in Medicare Part A (unless you have a HSA plan). Then when you are at least 3 months from retirement apply for Part B using the proper forms from social security (CMS40B and CMSL564) if your employer coverage is ending. You’ll want to time your enrollment so there’s no gap between your work coverage ending and Medicare starting. If you’ve delayed Part B because you were still working, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which helps you avoid penalties and let's you pick any plan you want without health quetions. You’ll also need to decide whether to add a Medicare Advantage plan or a Supplement plan, and a Part D drug plan, depending on your health needs and budget. Talking with an experienced agent ahead of time can help you make a smooth transition and avoid any surprises.