Colleen Williams, Medicare Insurance Broker
Colleen Williams
Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Medicare Broker Licensed in PA, FL and NJ
3+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Perkasie, PA
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Phone
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Website
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About Me
Hello, I'm Colleen, your neighborhood Medicare Resource. I live and work in Perkasie and the surrounding areas. My specialty is with Medicare, and my goal is to help educate you on your Medicare Rights and Entitlements. It can be very confusing and overwhelming. I like to sit down face to face with you and fully explain all of the details and your options. I will be with you every step of the way. Many of my clients refer to me as their Human Resources during retirement! This process does not cost you anything but some time. Contact me to discuss your Medicare options, and don't forget to mention that you discovered me on Medicare Agents Hub! Covering Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh, Berks and Northampton Counties. Licensed in PA/NJ/FL.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Colleen Williams
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: I truly enjoy meeting new clients and sitting down with them. I feel it's highly important to get to know my client/s better and understand their specific circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance, allowing me to recommend a plan that truly fits their needs.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: Everyone's circumstances are different, along with their preferences and affordability as well. What works for one individual may not apply to what his or her neighbor has. This is why it's important to sit down with a licensed agent to review the plan/s that will work specifically for you.
Can I change my Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time?
Answer: Yes, you can switch or drop a Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time, but be aware that there may be restrictions and potential waiting periods for pre-existing health conditions. Insurers may consider your health status when deciding whether to sell you a plan and how much it will cost.
How do you stay up to date with changes in Medicare policies and plan options each year?
Answer: Each July, I take the annual AHIP Testing required to keep up with the current changes, along with regularly going onto SSA.GOV and MEDICARE.GOV. By actively reviewing plan information, utilizing Medicare.gov resources, to staying informed about Medicare policies and plan options each year, and making informed decisions about the healthcare coverage.
Are there any tax benefits tied to paying Medicare premiums as a retiree?
Answer: You can only deduct medical expenses if you choose to itemize your deductions on your tax return, rather than taking the standard deduction. These premiums, including those for Parts B, D, and Medicare Advantage (Part C), can be considered qualified medical expenses. However, to claim the deduction, your total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
What role do you think technology will play in the future of Medicare?
Answer: Technology is constantly advancing and changing, and will most likely transform the future of Medicare. The advancement of technology will allow persons on Medicare to have more remote access to their doctors (Telehealth), along with doctors being able to monitor their patients remotely with devices. Not to mention, patients having more access to mental health care.
I've been on disability for years and am about to turn 65. Do I automatically get Medicare because I'm on Social Security, or do I need to do something?
Answer: If you have been on disability for longer than 2 years (24 months) or more, you are automatically enrolled into Parts A & B when you turn 65. You are not required to do anything, this gives you automatic enrollment into Medicare. It should come in the mail about 3 months prior to your birth date.
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: The biggest mistake that seniors make is not enrolling in Medicare during the proper time frame. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts 7 months long, 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, your birth month, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. If Medicare is not taken during this time frame, you will end up incurring penalties.
I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment?
Answer: Even if you decide to take your Medicare at 65, you are not required to take your Social Security benefits. You can always defer your Social Security until age 70 without a problem. You'll still need to apply for Medicare benefits within your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday.