Destinee Utley, Medicare Insurance Broker
Destinee Utley
Asire Life Insurance Agency
Medicare Broker Licensed in NC
16+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Raleigh, NC
Destinee 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 Destinee Utley, an Insurance Strategist with Asire Life Insurance Agency. I help Medicare beneficiaries make clear, confident decisions about their coverage without the confusion or pressure.
My role is simple: listen first, explain your options clearly, and help you choose a plan that truly fits your health needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re turning 65 or reviewing your current plan, I’m here to provide honest guidance and long-term support you can trust.
As an independent agent, I work for you—not a single insurance company—allowing me to compare plans from multiple carriers to help you find the best fit. My commitment doesn't end once you're enrolled. I'll remain your dedicated resource, available to answer questions, assist with plan changes, and help you navigate Medicare with confidence for years to come.
When you work with me, you're not just choosing a Medicare plan—you're gaining an experienced (20 years) healthcare professional and advocate who is committed to helping you make informed decisions about your coverage. Helping individuals navigate Medicare has truly become my life's passion. I hope to work with you soon!
Q&A with Destinee Utley
I'm getting conflicting information about whether Medicare covers my specific medication. How can I get a definitive answer?
Answer: Contact me so that we can do a thorough search of your medication and plans in your area. This is the upside to working directly with a Medicare Agent such as myself.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: You avoid costly enrollment mistakes- a good Medicare Agent helps you choose a plan that covers your doctors and RX coverage, prevent enrollment penalties, understand hidden cost before you get hit with them. Also, you get one-one-assistance with comparing hundreds of Medicare Advantage and/or Medicare Supplement plans.
What's the best way to avoid surprise bills for lab tests under Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Surprise lab bills under Medicare Advantage usually happen because of network mismatch, billing codes, or prior authorization rules—not because the test itself is “unexpected.” The good news is you can prevent most of it with a few habits.
Working with a creditable agent that will make the following a priority:
1. Always confirm the lab is in-network
Most Medicare Advantage plans have strict lab networks. If you go outside them, you can get balance bills or full denial.
2. If I know there is an upfront concern, I like to ask your provider’s office:
“Which lab does my Medicare Advantage plan prefer?”
Don’t assume—they often default to whichever lab is most convenient for them, not your plan.
3. Check if the test requires prior authorization
Some Medicare Advantage plans require approval for:
Advanced blood panels
Genetic testing
Imaging-related lab work
Specialty diagnostics
Use your plan’s cost estimator tools
Most Medicare Advantage carriers now have online portals or apps that show:
Estimated lab cost
If prior authorization is required and not obtained, you can still get billed.
Things that I would always advise my clients as well:
1. . Ask about coverage before the test is done
You (or the provider) can call the number on the back of your plan card and ask:
Is this CPT code covered?
What will my cost share be?
Does it require prior authorization?
This is especially important for “preventive vs diagnostic” lab confusion.
2. Watch for “non-covered” or “experimental” labeling
Even standard labs can be denied if coded incorrectly. If something seems off, ask the provider:
“Is this being billed as preventive or diagnostic?”
That classification can change your cost significantly.
3. Ask the lab if you will receive an ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice)
If a test might not be covered, they should issue an ABN so you can decide upfront whether to proceed and accept potential costs.