Jeff Christiansen, Medicare Insurance Broker
Jeff Christiansen
Aims Insurance Agency, LLC
Medicare Broker Licensed in AR, AZ, CO, ID, NV, TX, UT, VA, WA and WY
Contact Details
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Location
American Fork, UT
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Phone
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Facebook
About Me
"15 Seasons of enrollment for Seniors, Individuals & Families, and Small Businesses. Let an expert help you navigate the maze of health care concerns and make the right decision for your needs."
Q&A with Jeff Christiansen
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: First, do you actually need to activate your Medicare at age 65? If you are continuing to work and receive full benefits from your employer, then you don't need to activate Part B of Medicare (which usually has a monthly premium) until you retire or go part-time and lose your company insurance benefits. You won't be penalized for waiting in this situation.
Otherwise, if you are needing Medicare insurance benefits when you turn 65 there are a couple of things to do: Start 3 months in advance of the month you're going to need benefits to ensure that you're going to have both Part A and Part B of Medicare in place. It usually takes Social Security (SS) about 6 weeks to get your Medicare card set up and to you in time to enroll in some kind of supplementary plan.
If you are already receiving your SS benefits, then SS will automatically send you your red, white and blue Medicare card a couple of months before you turn 65. If you don't receive that card from them by 2 months in advance of the month of turning 65 call SS to get your card. You'll need your Medicare card that shows your Medicare #, your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) effective dates in order to enroll in some kind of supplementary insurance plan.
Remember, your Medicare card that shows Part A and Part B does not cover the required Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). You'll need to get that coverage set up with an independent agent (like me) so that it goes into effect the same time as your Part A and Part B coverage.
You'll be able to choose from a Medicare Supplement (also referred to as a "Medigap" plan) and a Part D prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C of Medicare) to help cover your medical costs that are not covered by Original Medicare (Part A & B).
Lots of choices. Lots to do. You can contact me at 801-550-1800 to answer questions that will help you go through this process properly.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I am happy to help anyone better understand the process and options of enrolling in Medicare. Many of my current clients called me months or years in advance of needing to enroll in Medicare to learn what they needed to do to properly enroll and cover their health insurance needs. We have a good talk about the steps and then I put them in my calendar to make sure I touch bases with them at an appropriate time in the future to help them through the process.
I have future clients in my calendar pipeline that won't be ready for Medicare for months or years to come. It's never too early to understand the steps you'll need to take when the time is right for you. Not doing so properly when the time comes could cost you in the form of penalties (that sometimes last a lifetime) or simply not getting the full benefits that are available to you by enrolling properly at the right time.
It's important to understand that using my services (I'm an independent insurance agent) doesn't cost you any more. I am compensated by the insurance companies when you enroll in a plan using my services. You can contact me at 801-550-1800 to answer questions that will help you go through this process properly.
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: This is a great question. I do this because of the opportunity it gives me to serve seniors and others with one of the most important services in their lives. Besides personal finances, health insurance being set up properly is one of the top needs seniors and others have. My clients become my friends. I care about you getting the benefits that you feel best meet your healthcare needs.
I'm an independent agent, and I'm compensated by the insurance company for helping you get your health insurance needs set up properly. My services never cost you more. You can contact me at 801-550-1800 to answer questions that will help you meet your health insurance needs.
How can I avoid or reduce IRMAA charges on my Medicare premiums?
Answer: The fact is IRMAA charges are calculated based on your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from 2 years ago. Know this may give you and your tax accountant time to do some financial planning that will help you pay less IRMAA charges when the time comes. You can do a Google search to see the levels of additional IRMAA charges that will be added to your base Medicare premium.
I'm an independent agent and am compensated for my services by the insurance companies. I never charge you additional fees for my services. I'm asked this question (IRMAA charges) quite often by higher income earners. You can contact me at 801-550-1800 to answer questions that will help you better understand what to expect.
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: As an independent agent I am required each year to re-certify with Medicare and each of the insurance companies I represent, in order to offer their plans and benefits to Medicare eligible individuals. You never pay me extra for the service I provide. The insurance companies pay me when I help you sign up for their insurance plan.
A local agent who is familiar with the many plan options, networks, Dr's, clinics, hospitals, and other providers locally is at an advantage over somebody who calls you from a call center somewhere across the USA, or beyond. Another advantage with me as your agent is that I'm also on Medicare. I look for the same services and benefits that you do. I study and know the providers for the many Medicare services and benefits in the same area where you're living and using services.
It might also be helpful for you to know that Medicare has strict regulations about how we as independent agents can contact you, the beneficiary. We're not allowed to "Cold Call". In order to help you with your questions about Medicare, you need to make the initial contact and request information. The biggest complaint I have from my customers is about the numerous calls they get (daily) from ambitious agents (usually in large Call Centers) trying to persuade them to switch plans. I'm always happy to help you, your family, and your friends and neighbors get the help you need for your health insurance questions. I only help those who contact me via Medicare Agents Hub, or have been referred to my by my clients.
You can contact me at 801-550-1800 to answer questions that you have about how Medicare services and benefits that will work for you in your area.