Elijah Ridley, Medicare Insurance Broker
Elijah Ridley
Matt Libby Insurance
Medicare Broker Licensed in TN
Contact Details
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Location
Cookeville, TN
About Me
I'm a local agent working at Matt Libby Insurance who has over 10 years experience in the Medicare field. We strive to take a consultative approach and match a policy to your needs.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Elijah Ridley
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: Being able to truly help people. There are so many questions about Medicare, enough to make normal people's heads spin. I love being able to take a consultative approach, understanding their concerns and needs, and recommending a plan that they can feel confident in.
I picked a Medicare Advantage plan last year, and I'm not sure if my hearing aids are covered. How do I figure this out?
Answer: There are four ways to find this information! One is to read through your summary of benefits, another is to read through your evidence of coverage. You can also call the carrier that your Medicare Advantage plan is through, and finally you can contact your agent!
What are disadvantages of PPO?
Answer: The major disadvantage of a PPO are the out of pocket costs when you are out of network. While it's great to be able to go to doctors or specialists outside of your network, you must understand that you're not subject to the copays that you're used to but a coinsurance amount. So make sure you understand the costs associated with going out of network.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: The most common misconception people have is that it's free. If you've worked 40 quarters you qualify for $0 premium for Medicare Part A but there is still a premium for Medicare Part B. Also if you want your prescriptions, you also have to pay for Medicare Part D. So that's why sometimes an MAPD may be a good fit since it combines everything you need into one plan. Or if you're looking for convenience, a Medigap Plan may be a great fit.
How can I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
Answer: There are multiple ways to get dental and vision coverage with Medicare. One is through a Medicare Advantage plan that offers dental and vision allowances with the plan. Another, is through a standalone plan that you can get by speaking with a broker.
So my friend told me I should just go with the cheapest Medicare plan. That sounds too simple - what am I missing?
Answer: "Cheapest" isn't always best, however it could be. The only way to know is to speak with a Licensed Medicare agent that takes the time to input your doctors and medications to recommend several options based on your needs. That could in fact be a zero premium plan or even a plan with a Part B giveback, but it all depends on individual circumstances.
I thought I was covered during my snowbird months in Florida, but apparently not. What kind of plan do I actually need for that?
Answer: You're going to need a Medigap policy. With that, Original Medicare is your actual insurance provider so you can go anywhere that accepts Original Medicare, instead of being stuck in a specific network.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: The difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is the difference between convenience or bang for your buck. With a Medigap plan, you're not stuck going to any specific Dr as you can go anywhere that accepts Original Medicare. Not only freedom, but you don't have to "pay as you go" since you don't have copays, or deductibles other than your Part B. You have a lot more freedom, as well as can have a better understanding of your medical budget since you have have to pay out of pocket for most of your medical care.
What is the main benefit of Medicare Part D?
Answer: The price of medications are continuously increasing. While there are some pharmaceutical companies that offer discounts, it still doesn't offset costs that could potentially end up with you not being able to afford life saving/maintaining medicine. Medicare Part D allows you to get the medications you need at a price you can afford.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: There is so much information that goes into truly understanding Medicare. Even after hours of using Google, reading your Medicare booklet that gets sent in the mail, and other self study, you may end up more confused than when you started. Working with a Medicare Agent allows you to spend a minimum amount of time to have top recommendations to fit your health needs based on their years of experience. They studied hard so you don't have to. Ask any and all questions you have, so you can get straight forward answers that are easy to understand. This way, you can be confident in the plan you sign up for.