Chris Hughes, Medicare Insurance Agent
Chris Hughes
NexStep Medicare Solutions
Medicare Agent Licensed in MT
Contact Details
-
Location
Hamilton, MT
Chris Can Help With:
About Me
A western Montana resident for more than 40 years, I enjoy cycling, camping, and snowboarding with my wife and son in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. After a fulfilling career in education and children's mental health — serving as both a school psychologist and mental health center manager — I found my next passion as a licensed health insurance agent and founder of NexStep Medicare Solutions. It is now my privilege to help Montanans navigate their Medicare decisions as a trusted partner in care.
Whether you're new to Medicare or considering a plan change, I'll walk you through your options in clear, straightforward language. As an independent, licensed health insurance agent, my loyalty is to you — not to any specific insurance company. I provide personalized, ongoing support to ensure you always have the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. Best of all, there is absolutely zero cost to you — you receive the same plan at the same price whether you use a broker or not.
I'm available to meet in person, including house calls throughout Missoula and Ravalli counties, as well as at a private office in the Greater Good Health Primary Care Clinic in Missoula. Online video and phone appointments are also available. Wherever you are in Montana, the choice is yours. I believe in a personalized, unrushed approach — because making the right coverage decision deserves the time and attention it takes to get it right.
Q&A with Chris Hughes
How do I compare Part D plans to minimize costs for a mix of generic and specialty drugs?
Answer: The best way to compare all your options is to go to Medicare.gov and put in your specific prescription drug information and you can compare costs for your medications between all the available Part-D plans in your area.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Supplemental/Medigap plan during the Annual Enrollment Period without answering health questions?
Answer: Other than the initial enrollment period when you turn 65 or a special enrollment period (SEP), for example if you delayed Medicare Part B because you had other creditable insurance through your employer, you will have to go through a medical underwriting process as part of the application with the insurance company if you are switching from a Medicare Advantage plan to Medicare Supplement. One other exception may be during a 1 time, 12 month Medicare Advantage trial period if it is the first time you have been on a Medicare Advantage plan. Talk to a local licensed agent about your specific circumstances.
What is the trap of Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: An important thing to realize is that during your initial 6 month enrollment period you have "Guaranteed issue" for Medicare supplement plans meaning you can sign up for a Medicare supplement plan at the same base price as anyone else without having to answer any questions about your medical history. If you chose an Advantage plan during your initial enrollment period and then want to later switch back to original Medicare and Medicare Supplement you will likely need to undergo an underwriting process that will include your medical history. Insurance carriers can then charge a higher premium or deny you Medicare supplement coverage based on your medical history. It is important to note that Medicare Advantage plans have a one time 12 month trial period during which you can switch back to original Medicare and Medicare supplement.
What is the best way to compare Medicare plans for my parents?
Answer: Honestly, the best way to compare Medicare plans for your parents is to help them schedule an appointment with a local agent. You can attend the meeting with them. However, Medicare.gov is a great resource for prelinary comparisons and general information about Medicare options for your parents.
Is it ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state?
Answer: It can be ok to work with a Medicare Agent from another state if the agent is licensed in your state. However, if possible I would recommend working with a local agent that resides in your state.