Brandon Grzywa, Medicare Insurance Broker
Brandon Grzywa
Senior Legacy Partners
Medicare Broker Licensed in NE, IA and SD
16+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Papillion, NE
About Me
Brandon Grzywa is the founder of Senior Legacy Partners, an independent insurance and retirement income planning firm serving Medicare beneficiaries and retirees throughout Nebraska and Iowa. With more than 15 years of experience, Brandon helps clients navigate Medicare, long-term care planning, retirement income strategies, life insurance, and asset protection solutions.
What sets Brandon apart is his belief that retirement decisions should never be made in isolation. Medicare choices can affect healthcare costs, retirement income, taxes, and legacy goals, which is why he takes an educational approach that helps clients understand their options before making important decisions.
Many clients work with Brandon because they want clear answers, practical guidance, and help avoiding costly mistakes. Known for his straightforward style and commitment to long-term service, Brandon strives to remain a trusted resource long after enrollment or implementation.
Through educational workshops, client seminars, and one-on-one consultations, he helps individuals and families build confidence in their retirement years while protecting the legacy they've worked hard to create.
Insuring Your Legacy — Your Way.
Q&A with Brandon Grzywa
I picked a Medicare Advantage plan based on the low premium, but now I'm facing high copays. Did I make a mistake?
Answer: Understanding the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement is a key cornerstone of initial Medicare enrollment. While circumstances change, how out-of-pocket expenses are paid differ substantially between the two policy types. Medicare Advantage plans have low premiums of $0 but include copays and coinsurance, with a maximum annual limit. In contrast, most Medicare Supplements have a small yearly deductible and little to no out-of-pocket costs thereafter.
My income fluctuates significantly year to year from investment distributions. How can I avoid IRMAA surcharges when I have an unusually high-income year?
Answer: If your income is a one-off event, you can apply for an IRMAA waiver. Other strategies include using deferred vehicles so that all distributions don't count as taxable income, or strategic Roth conversions.
Can my Medigap insurer terminate my policy?
Answer: In general, no. Most Medigap policies or Medicare supplements are guaranteed renewable. That means if the premiums are paid and up to date, the policy is considered in good standing and active.
I'm still working at 67, and I don't know if I need Part B. Why is something so basic so hard to figure out?
Answer: It can be a confusing mess of information when deciding what to do with Medicare after age 65. In general, if your company offers qualifying coverage (you should be notified every year if it does), you do not need Part B. It may be wise to review work coverage benefits and compare them to Medicare benefits and costs. What seems like a deal at work might not be when you look under the hood. Many factors will play into when is the best time to take Medicare if you're still working, like: Age of a spouse, IRMAA (Income Related Medicare Adjustment Amount), health, upcoming procedure, knee replacement, etc. Consult an independent broker like Senior Legacy Partner, we can help make the complex simple.
What are the types of Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans usually fall into three categories:
1) Standard MAPD plans. These plans are typically offered on a HOM PPO managed health platform and include Rx benefits.
2) Dual Eligible Plans (D-SNP): These plans are designed to work with your state Medicaid benefits.
3) MA only plans: These plans use HMO/PPO managed health plans. The majority is PPO. These plans DO NOT include RX benefits like a standard MAPD does. These plans are designed to be used in conjunction with VA or TRICARE benefits.
There are a few lesser-used Advantage plan options, such as Medicare Cost plans, Medicare Savings Plans, and C-SNP (chronic special needs plans), but these are not widely available or utilized.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: They are $0 premium to the consumer, but not necessarily free of charge. The federal government pays Advantage carriers a per-covered-life amount, which can be adjusted based on specific metrics.
So, yes, they cost consumers $0 premium, but not quite free of cost.
What do I need to do if I didn't take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring?
Answer: Proper planning and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth transition to Medicare. Assuming your work coverage was creditable, you should not incur any late enrollment penalties. It is wise to enroll in Medicare through the Social Security office three months before your retirement date.
Also, understanding your coverage options and which options best fit your needs is essential. Consult an independent broker for assistance in determining the best fit for your circumstances. The consultation should be free of charge to you.