Gretchen Morris, Medicare Insurance Broker
Gretchen Morris
Serenity Health Advisors
Medicare Broker Licensed in MN, AZ, FL and WI
Contact Details
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Location
Ramsey, MN
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Phone
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Website
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Schedule An Appointment
Gretchen 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
Greetings! I'm Gretchen, a Medicare insurance agent rated FIVE STARS in Minnesota by people just like you. I am dedicated to serving our local area and Medicare is my area of expertise. I am also committed to helping you pinpoint the most suitable plan for your individual needs and budget. I'll handle the research and comparison of plans from top national and local companies, so you can relax. Plus, my assistance comes at absolutely no cost to you. Reach out to me today to discuss your Medicare insurance possibilities, and remember to mention you found me through Medicare Agents Hub! I also am a certified MNsure certified Assistor so I can help with gap coverage for spouses who are not Medicare eligible.
Q&A with Gretchen Morris
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: Many people have come alongside me and made a difference in my life. I like to think I do this for my clients. Many become friends and I enjoy sharing their journey with them. What I advise can make a huge difference to my clients and I appreciate and honor that.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: It's important to have an agent who is experienced and willing to help. I had a client who was on an advantage plan and within the first year had a catastrophic health event. We were able to switch them over to a medigap plan that would ultimately save them thousands of dollars in addition to relieving their stress and giving them peace of mind. This way they could focus on getting better rather than where they were going to get the funds to pay the bills.
Is Medicare’s coverage for cataract surgery enough, or do seniors still face high out-of-pocket costs?
Answer: Original Medicare covers 80% of a variety of services including cataract surgery. Depending on how you subsidize original medicare your costs will vary. Medicare is a very individual choice and one to not take lightly. My job is to educate you on your choices to supplement and ensure you understand the pros and cons of each.
What are the most overhyped benefits of Medicare Advantage plans that seniors should be wary of?
Answer: Benefits that are advertised nationally that only a super small percentage of the population (usually poverty level) qualify for. It's misleading for our senior population and creates confusion when there doesn't need to be any.
Do I have to answer health questions when switching from one Supplemental/Medigap plan to another?
Answer: The questions that this is referring to is underwriting. Depending on your timing of the switch you may be required to go through underwriting. Again this is a case by case basis.
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
Answer: No it isn't. There are some large repeating deductibles and some hefty co insurance payments you would be liable for without extra coverage.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: If they have what is called creditible coverage (ie; coverage as good as or better than medicare) then they do not have to take medicare a and b at 65. Sometimes however their company plan may cost them MORE than medicare so that is a consideration. If they do decide they want to take medicare at 65, the other caveat is not contributing to their HSA for the 6 months leading up to that date.
What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?
Answer: 80% of the costs of Durable medical equipment, non self administered drugs and skilled doctor and nursing services. You are liable for 20% with NO MAX OUT OF POCKET. So YES you need more coverage.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: Only if you do NOT have creditible coverage according to Medicare. Your human resources dept should be able to tell you this.
How do discount cards and resources affect my Medicare Prescription Drug plan?
Answer: They do not. You can use one or the other but most advantage plans ask that you use their plans. It is ultimately your choice.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: Yes if you lose coverage you can enroll after the age of 65. This can be due to retiring for example.
What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?
Answer: Have them talk with a local dedicated Medicare Broker professional. It helps to have a guide through this process who can answer their questions directly based on their situation.
What role do you think technology will play in the future of Medicare?
Answer: We already see it in texting for signatures, shopping for plans, sharing plan change information and much much more.
What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?
Answer: GeoBlue is a great Blue Cross travel insurance that I recommend to anyone stepping outside of the american border.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: If you ever meet an agent who answers this question directly move on. These plans are not the same and you cannot say one is better than the other. They are both just different and some people like one and others like the other.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids, or do I have to pay out of pocket?
Answer: No, some advantage plans do offer this coverage though in the form of free exams and copayments for the aids themselves. Costco and Sams also offer free exams and discounted aids.