John Anderson, Medicare Insurance Broker
John Anderson
Safe Harbor Retirement
Medicare Broker Licensed in NC and SC
Contact Details
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Location
Cary, NC
About Me
With a lifelong background in service—from flying helicopters in the U.S. Army to a 25-year career as a commercial airline pilot—I’ve always believed in doing what’s right and helping others. After retiring from aviation, I returned to the insurance world to focus on Medicare, where I guide clients with honesty, clarity, and a no-pressure approach. Our mission is simple: put clients first and always do what’s best for them.
Q&A with John Anderson
My friend got her cataract surgery covered by Medicare, but they didn't cover the lens she wanted. How does that work?
Answer: The cataract surgery and a basic lens (Monofocal) is covered by Medicare. There are optional lenses that may be offered to you by your doctor. Some of upgraded lenses are Multifocal, Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) or Toric.
Your doctor will discuss the benefits of each. You will have to pay the difference of the basic lens and the upgraded lens "Out Of Pocket", meaning you pay. Prices range depending on what the doctor charges. I've seen $600 to $2800 per eye depending on the lens chosen.
What role do annuities play in retirement planning?
Answer: In our practice, we view annuities as serving three primary roles in retirement planning: storage, growth, and income. All three can be accomplished using fixed annuities, depending on the client’s needs and stage of retirement.
In the storage role, funds are placed into a fixed annuity that earns a predetermined rate of interest. These products are often used as a conservative alternative to traditional savings vehicles. In many cases, the interest rate can exceed what is typically available through bank CDs or bonds, while also providing principal protection. Many annuity contracts also allow for limited withdrawals each year, giving retirees access to funds if needed.
A growth annuity—often a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA)—offers the potential for market-linked returns while protecting the principal. These products are tied to a market index, allowing the account to participate in a portion of market gains. However, because they are designed with downside protection, the contract owner will not lose principal due to market declines. This makes them appealing to individuals who want growth potential but are uncomfortable with market risk.
The third role is income. Income annuities are designed to provide guaranteed lifetime income, often covering both spouses. Because the income cannot be outlived, they are sometimes referred to as a personal pension plan. For many retirees, this creates a dependable monthly deposit similar to Social Security. This strategy can be especially valuable for individuals who are concerned about running out of money or who want a predictable income stream to cover essential living expenses.
When used appropriately, annuities can help address several key retirement risks—market volatility, longevity risk, and income stability. By structuring annuities around storage, growth, and income, retirees can create a balanced strategy that protects assets, allows for potential growth, and most importantly provides reliable income.
I’ve talked to a few Medicare agents near me already, and everyone seems to push something different. How do I know you’re genuinely looking out for me and not just trying to make a sale?
Answer: That’s a very fair question, and I’m glad you asked it. The truth is, most Medicare agents are genuinely trying to do what they believe is best for the person sitting in front of them. Just like in any profession, though, we all develop preferences over time based on our experiences, the clients we’ve served, and the outcomes we’ve seen. That can sometimes come across as “pushing” one option over another, when in reality it’s often shaped by what’s worked well for the majority of their clients.
For example, I personally tend to prefer Original Medicare paired with a Medicare Supplement because I value flexibility, predictable out-of-pocket costs, and nationwide access to providers. Over the years, I’ve seen that structure provide peace of mind for many retirees. That said, if someone prefers a Medicare Advantage plan, I don’t dismiss that. In those cases, I usually recommend a specific carrier—not just because of the benefits on paper, but because of the company’s reputation, financial strength, and, most importantly, the satisfaction and service feedback I’ve consistently received from my own clients.
My role isn’t to “sell” you a particular plan—it’s to educate you on how each option works and help you choose the one that fits your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and comfort level with risk. If at the end of our conversation you feel informed and confident in your decision, whether you enroll through me or not, then I’ve done my job. I want long-term relationships built on trust, not one-time transactions.
Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?
Answer: I am not sure what you are referring to using the word suspicious. Yes, some MA plans do give Food Cards and "Getting healthy" gift cards. Typically to get the food card you must qualify as someone in need. Getting health rewards help keep health care cost down. MA plans are not for everyone, but many enjoy the extra benefits. If you need help with medicare options, just let me know.