Joel Hill, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
Hi, I'm Joel, your dedicated local Medicare insurance specialist. With years of expertise in Medicare plans, I'm committed to finding you optimal coverage that perfectly matches both your healthcare needs and financial situation.
I personally research and compare options from trusted national and regional insurance providers, saving you countless hours of confusion and frustration. My comprehensive service includes personalized consultations, paperwork assistance, and ongoing support - all at absolutely no cost to you.
Contact me today for a no-obligation consultation and gain peace of mind knowing your Medicare coverage is in expert hands. Remember to mention you found me through Medicare Agents Hub to receive priority scheduling!
Q&A with Joel Hill
Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?
Answer: Some clients ignore good Medicare advice for a variety of reasons:
1. Information Overload – Medicare is complex. With so many commercials, mailers, and opinions from friends or family, it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed and make quick decisions without fully understanding the consequences.
2. Trust Issues – Some may have had bad experiences with salespeople in the past, making them hesitant to believe an agent has their best interest at heart.
3. Influence of Advertising – National TV ads and celebrity endorsements can be persuasive, even when the plans being pushed don’t fit someone’s specific needs.
4. Fear of Change – Seniors often stick with what feels comfortable, even if it’s not the best option financially or medically. Change can feel risky.
5. Focus on “Perks” Over Coverage – Many get attracted to extra benefits (like dental, vision, or gym memberships) without realizing that provider networks, drug coverage, and out-of-pocket costs matter more in the long run.
6. Misinformation From Friends/Family – Well-meaning loved ones often give advice based on their own plan or situation, which may not apply at all.
Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?
Answer: That’s a great question, and this is going to be a bit of a long answer because there’s a lot to think about with it.
I’m guessing you’re talking about the over the counter cards or the healthy foods benefit cards. The grocery cards you’ve heard about are not incentives to enroll, they’re actually benefits included in certain Medicare Advantage plans. These cards are typically part of what’s called an ‘over-the-counter (OTC) or healthy foods benefit,’ and they’re meant to help members afford nutritious food, which supports better health outcomes.
As far as gift cards, Medicare has strict rules that prohibit offering gifts over a certain value to influence enrollment decisions. What you typically see are small, government-approved tokens, usually under $15, used to encourage people to attend educational events or complete health assessments after they’re already enrolled. These are designed to promote preventive care and overall wellness, not to sway anyone’s plan choice.
The grocery cards or Flex Cards you see advertised, especially with dual-eligible Medicare Advantage plans, are not sign-up incentives. They’re actually approved supplemental benefits offered to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
These benefits are designed to support low-income individuals with things like groceries, over-the-counter items, or utilities, depending on the plan. The government allows Medicare Advantage plans to provide these extra benefits to improve health outcomes and help members manage chronic conditions.
So, it’s not about getting a gift for enrolling, it’s about providing real, ongoing support to those who qualify.
Providing the best healthcare plan for each individual should be the focus of any agent when helping a client with a healthcare plan.
Does Medicare Part A cover outpatient surgery, or is that strictly under Part B?
Answer: Medicare Part A does not cover outpatient surgery — that falls under Medicare Part B.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
• Medicare Part A covers:
• Inpatient hospital care (when you’re formally admitted)
• Skilled nursing facility care (post-hospital stay)
• Hospice care
• Some home health care (under certain conditions)
• Medicare Part B covers:
• Outpatient surgery
• Doctor visits
• Preventive services
• Durable medical equipment (like walkers or wheelchairs)
• Outpatient diagnostic tests and lab work
• Emergency room services (unless admitted)
So if someone has outpatient surgery (not admitted as an inpatient), Part B is the part that pays — and it usually covers 80% after the deductible is met.
Is my Medicare deductible supposed change from year to year?
Answer: Yes, Medicare deductibles are not fixed for life. They are reviewed and often adjusted annually either by Medicare for part A&B or your private plan (part C&D).
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: I enjoy helping others and solving problems. I’ve been in law enforcement for nearly two decades so problem solving is in my nature. Being a Medicare Agent is a different road but giving the same help I’ve given for the past 20 years.