Jeannie Pond, Medicare Insurance Agent
Jeannie Pond
Fabian Insurance
Medicare Agent Licensed in FL, AZ, IN, NC, TN, TX and VA
Contact Details
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Location
Lakeland, FL
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LinkedIn
Jeannie Can Help With:
About Me
The most important thing about helping someone find the benefits they need is establishing the relationship and build trust through sharing of knowledge. My main focus with my clients is to understand their needs then match a plan that will benefit them to the fullest available. I represent many of the major carriers and strive to find the right fit.
Q&A with Jeannie Pond
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: "It's a little bit funny... This feeling inside...."
Should we be living in the now? Absolutely! It is essential to our and those we love's mental well being. It directly impacts our internal health. And...
When it comes to Medicare, seniors logically tend to focus on monthly premiums or whether their current doctor is in-network. That's what matters today, right?
But the real game-changer is understanding how each choice—Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement, drug plan tiers, enrollment timing—can either protect or limit you down the road.
Consider these questions:
What will happen with my insurance plan if my health declines?
What if I move? Travel more? Need specialized care?
What are the long-term ramifications of Copays, co-insurance, deductibles and maximum out of pocket limits?
The importance of creating a long lasting relationship with your insurance agent is that Medicare isn’t just a set-it-and-forget-it decision. Your agent is your guide to how you’ll navigate aging, health, and independence. Your agent should be helping you get prepared.
How can I make sure I'm not overpaying for my Medicare plan, and are there any tools or resources you recommend?
Answer: One of the best ways to ensure that you are maximizing your retirement income is to work closely with your agent. A trustworthy broker/agent will have frank conversations with you about ALL of the plans available in your service area. (typically based on the county of your zip code).
By consulting with Medicare.gov, you and your agent have the ability to see ALL of those plans. I thorough needs analysis will reveal many things, including your medical needs as well as your budget goals.
An agent who wants to be in business for the long haul will send you to the most suitable plan for your needs, knowing that you can always review. Additionally, when you know you have an honest and caring individual guiding you through a confusing process, you give them referrals.
How does losing a spouse impact my Medicare plan if I was on their employer coverage?
Answer: Losing your spouse is devastating and can significantly affect your health insurance coverage, especially if you were covered under their employer's plan. Knowing your resources or having a trusted broker agent can ensure that you will remain covered.
Things to know:
1. Impact and Timeframe to make a change: When your health insurance was through your spouse’s employer, the policy will typically be canceled. You should get informational packets from the employer explaining your timeframe. When coverage is terminated, a Special Election Period (SEP) opens giving you a two-month window to enroll in a Medicare Avantage Plan or a Medicare drug plan, according to https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan/special-enrollment-periods?.
2. COBRA as a possible option: You might be eligible for COBRA which typicall lasts up to 36 months in these circumstances. Keep in mind that COBRA can be pricey. You should also note that if you become eligible for Medicare, COBRA may only pay a small portion of our medical costs. You might wind up being responsible for the majority of the costs of treatment. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65/cobra-coverage?
3. If you're 65 or older and lose your spouse's employer coverage, you should enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) during your SEP to avoid late enrollment penalties. Delaying enrollment could result in penalties and gaps in coverage.
What should you do?
1. If you haven’t already done so, reach out to Social Security to inform them of your change in circumstances and to initiate the Medicare enrollment process if you haven't already done so. SocialSecurity.gov allows you to see if you are enrolled and also if you are eligible for your spouse’s benefits.
2. Since you have developed a relationship with your insurance agent, they will be able to compassionately compare the costs and benefits of