Gregory Dunham, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
My goal is making sure clients understand Medicare and have their questions answered before deciding which path is the best for them. Through an education first approach, I work to ensure my client's understanding, and then get to know their wants and needs before working together to enroll in the appropriate healthcare plan(s). After enrollment, you will have an advocate to help you with questions that come up, or assistance navigating the plan you've chosen if you can't find answers from the insurance company. I am here to help before, during, and after enrollment.
After 20 years in the greater Sacramento area, I've learned that people don't want to be sold to. They want an ally and a specialist that can help them understand their options and someone who will be there when questions arise.
My wife and two children have taught me to be patient, to enjoy the little things, and that being outside and busy is the right recipe for our life.
Please reach out to me for any questions you have. I will help answer them whether it is a single conversation or an ongoing connection.
Q&A with Gregory Dunham
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: If you are turning 65, the first questions to ask are, what choices are available to me and which of those choices best suite my lifestyle and healthcare needs.
If you are 65 or older, you should be asking if the healthcare plan(s) you have are being utilized. Are there benefits you are missing or now need based on a change in health or lifestyle.
What's the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
Answer: It depends on where you live, which doctors and specialists you see, and which Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area. There is a perception of more flexibility with PPO plans since you can always go out of network, but that generally comes with more cost and isn't always worth it. A number of insurance providers offer HMO plans with national networks, but not all of them, which makes education on what is available in your area an important step.
Like many questions, the answer depends on your specific situation and how you plan to use your Medicare Advantage plan.
How can I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
Answer: It depends if you choose to add a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan on top of Original Medicare.
With Medicare Supplement, any Dental and Vision benefits beyond what is offered in Original Medicare requires a separate policy.
With Medicare Advantage, many plans include Dental and Vision benefits.
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: Take the time to get educated on what is available to you.
There are a number of options and understanding what Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers, how prescription drugs fit in (Part D), and the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans will help you make the right choice at the right time.
In the end, you should have a local advocate that can help adjust your Medicare plan(s) as your life and needs change.
I'm retiring next year - do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: That depends on your age (are you 65 or older, or do you have a qualifying health condition?) and what type of healthcare coverage you have been receiving.
If you are 65 or older, and leaving a company sponsored healthcare plan, you should review your Medicare options before retiring.
What are some lesser-known benefits or services that my Medicare plan might cover that I could be missing out on?
Answer: Generally, Medicare Advantage plans offer the most additional benefits beyond Hospital and Medical coverage.
This can include, Vision, Dental, Hearing, Gym Membership, Acupuncture, Meal Delivery, Over The counter Allowances, and Transportation. The list goes on, and what is available will depend on where you live.