John L Herman Jr, Medicare Insurance Broker
John L Herman Jr
Health Solutions Team
Medicare Broker Licensed in MD, DE and PA
Contact Details
-
Location
Lutherville, MD
-
Phone
-
Website
About Me
A Senior helping Seniors...75 year old former Air Force and Air National Guard Pilot...successful business career...married with 5 kids and seven grandchildren. I have worked with Medicare for 10 years and know how confusing it can be. I am Licensed for ALL MAJOR Insurance Carriers in Maryland. Lifetime Baltimore resident.
My goal is to educate you and make sure the Plan you select is the best choice for you.
After spending the last three years studying MEDICARE and meeting with Seniors I am convinced that meeting your Broker face-to-face assures you the best outcome for your health care.
Call me at 410-340-9324...let's meet at your home, your Dunkin Donuts, your Senior Center or local Library...
Directions to My Office
Q&A with John L Herman Jr
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: Not getting Professional help when it is so readily available FOR FREE. Trying to know what is right for you after a few hours of research is like tying to fly around the world without a map.
Please speak with a Licensed Broker in your area...who is Independent..not someone who is working for a specific Insurance Carrier who will only show you that Carrier's options.
What role do annuities play in retirement planning?
Answer: Annuities are very misunderstood. BUT...they are one of the building blocks to a successful retirement plan. First comes your Health Care making sure your MEDICARE covers your needs for protection against costly medical needs...next is the cash flow required to live life the way you desire and part of that may be an Annuity that protects and preserves your wealth.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: There are many possibilities to such an open question...every individual has a different situation and therefore you should consult a Medicare Broker as you approach that milestone birthday. Trying to navigate MEDICARE on your own is dangerous to your health plan. You may be working and have a Health Care Plan...you may not qualify due to your wok history...ar you may face penalties by making the wrong choices at 65. Contact an Independent Broker who WILL NOT CHARGE YOU and will make sure you get this right.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: YES...and the choices you make next will determine the right Health Care for your future. A SEP allows you to change directions even though you are outside of the Annual Election Period...and SEP's come from a variety of life changes that open up opportunities...so....consult an Independent Broker who specializes in MEDICARE.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: Budget, risk level, your current health, the Doctor's you see, the Prescriptions you take, and even the Pharmacy you use all come into play when you reach 65 and enter the MEDICARE WORLD. ADVANTAGE PLANS offer may benefits like coverage for DRUGS/VISION/DENTAL and even HEARING...But might limit your choices as well.
Since every individual has a unique situation in life...a trained and Licensed Independent Broke will guide you to the right answer.
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: Knowing that a trained and Licensed Independent Broker who is certified with all Insurance Carriers in your area can guide you to the best Plan....AT ZERO COST TO YOU. If you use a Broker they will solve the Medicare Puzzle ad give you the options that make sense for your budget, health situation and risk level you are willing to accept.
I'm on a supplemental Plan N, and I'm curious if my recent MRI is covered or if I'll get stuck with a big bill.
Answer: Your PLAN N should cover the 20% of the cost of the MRI if your Doctor says it is necessary. Remember 80% of the cost of the MRI is covered by your ORIGINAL MEDICARE and your supplemental Plan helps with the other 20%. As always consult an Independent Broker for your best answers.
What's the difference between a Medicare broker and a Medicare agent?
Answer: A Licensed Agent may work for just ONE INSURANCE CARRIER…perhaps CIGNA, AETNA, HUMANA, CAREFIRST, UNITED HEALTHCARE…and therefore be predisposed to advise you that his or her company has the best Plan for the client.
An Independent Broker is someone who can be “appointed” by all of the Insurance Carriers and therefore be in the best position to advise the client. An Independent Broker guides the client to the best Plan that fits their budget, their health situation, their risk level, which Doctors the client sees, and even which Pharmacies the client uses.
How can you create a comfortable environment for discussing Medicare with your parents?
Answer: Start by reaching out to an Independent Broker who lives in their area. Set up a phone call to let the Parents know there is professional help AT NO COST TO THEM. It should be obvious that getting the right Health Care Plan is a cornerstone to peace of mind for all concerned.
An Independent Broker would be willing to meet with the family not just by telephone, but also at a Senior Center or a Public Library or even the local DUNKIN DONUTS…and never charges a fee for their advice.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: Turning 65 starts the ball rolling as MEDICARE is automatic for all who are entitled to it. Whether the Senior continues to work, whether their current employer has “credible” insurance, perhaps the Senior is ex-Military…there are many facets that determine the answer to this question.
And as always I recommend speaking with a Licensed Independent Broker who has studied hard to obtain their State License, and then studied further to become appointed to enroll clients in all major Insurance Carriers in a given area.
How can I lower my Medicare Part B premium if my income drops after retirement?
Answer: Depending on your personal situation you may qualify for a State Medicaid Program…and in certain situations have the State pay for the PART “B” premium.
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: Every State has different rules, different programs, and different Insurance Carriers…and a local Licensed Broker has the knowledge about all of them. Also, being able to call on a neighbor gives you peace of mind that they would be more readily available for questions.
A Local Independent Broker becomes an “expert” on the local rules. And remember, a Local Independent Broker NEVER charges a fee for their service to the client.
What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.
Answer: Building trust starts at the first call. Let the Broker know your concerns then sit back and listen. The Broker should share their background…show their License when requested…offer references if necessary. The “rede flags” are failing to produce their License, failure to explain how the process works to obtain Medicare and then ask the appropriate questions of the client.
A key “red flag” is if the Broker only works with one or two Insurance Carriers…the key to getting the best Plan for yourself is to work with a Broker Licensed and Certified by all of the Major Carriers in your area so you are not pushed into a Plan not right for you. And a Broker should never ask for or accept any fee for helping you as the Carriers will pay his or her fee.
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: As a 75 year old man who had the wrong Plan when I turned 65…after a few years I decided to learn more about Medicare and that lead to my obtaining my License and then find a great company that allows me to work with clients in a way that really helps them.
After breaking the ice with a new prospect it is very satisfying to see them understand I am there for their best interest…not just mine.
Clients often thank me profusely even when they find out they are already in a great Plan with no reason to change…they are grateful that I didn’t “sell” then something they didn’t need. Then they ask….”how can you come see people and not enroll them in something to earn a commission”. My answer is always the same…I am not a salesman, I am a Medicare Consultant who will either leave with a new client or leave with good karma because I left that client knowing they already had the right Plan.
What's the biggest frustration Medicare agents have when helping clients enroll?
Answer: The most frustrating part is working with someone who has done some research and is sure they know as much as I do. Or consulting with someone who has a friend or family member that is telling them what is good and what is bad.
Once people realize how much time I have spent studying Medicare and all of the rules and all of the Insurance Carriers who provide Plans…they start to trust me more than the limited research they have done and then they listen. And that is enormously satisfying.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Here are a few of the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans…not all Doctor’s accept the Plan the client wants…Plans are often available in one area, but not just a few miles away…the biggest by far though is that at times the Insurance Carriers decides the limits on care and not the Doctor or the Client.
Fortunately, the upside is that good health care is being provided through Medicare Advantage Plans and clients need this option very much.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: Education is the start of building trust. Not just talking about Plans and options…but starting with guidance in applying for Medicare, whether to get both “A” and “B’…You must first educate the client on how your got to this point as a Broker. Some clients are still working and already have “credible” insurance and don’t need Part “B” yet.
Educate the client on who you are, why you are there…and then step-by-step methodically go through the application process and once the client has their Medicare Card…explain all options based on the client’s health, Doctors, Prescriptions, and budget to find the right Plan.
Every client is unique. Every client takes different meds, has unique health issues…and has resources or none that make budget issues a realty that a professional Broker can help give the client advice so that the client can make the most informed decision.
What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: First check to see if another Medicare Advantage Plan works and is accepted by that Hospital. Also consider looking at a Hospital Indemnity Plan to go with your Advantage Plan.
Also determine what the out-of-network costs would be to keep your Plan and understand the cost risk to stay with that Hospital or review Hospitals that do accept your current Plan.
If you could change one thing about the Medicare system, what would it be and why?
Answer: Make it more consistent. Insurance Carriers change Plans too often…do not have the same benefits as other Carriers. But assuming Medicare stays as confusing as it is today…then make Brokers more available to educate people in settings that are available to more Seniors.
Letting Brokers “sell” Medicare is too easy…meaning they allow rookies to enroll clients…and even have Insurance Carriers slamming people with phone calls selling Plans by people with limited qualifications.
What's the financial risk of sticking with Original Medicare without a Medigap plan?
Answer: Original Medicare covers 80% of the costs of Hospitals and Doctors...the value of a MEDIGAP PLAN is that your exposure for the other 20% is covered. Why not consult with an Independent Broker who charges NO FEE for showing you all of the options available to protect you from the 20% exposure you have.
What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?
Answer: PART "B" covers non-hospital charges such as Doctor's fees. Having PART "B" opens up the world of MEDIGAP and MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS which could be invaluable when getting the right coverage. Since the Doctors you see and the Prescriptions you take and the budget you have for Health Care is unique to you...always consult with an Independent Broker to help guide you to the right options.
And remember...and Independent Broker should ever charge you a fee for their help.
I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?
Answer: Without a doubt one of the most confusing parts of MEDICARE are all of the various enrollment period options. ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD, OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD, SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS (SEP'S), LIFE EVENT CGANGES, EMPLOYMENT CHANGES...all contribute to the confusion which is why always consulting with an Independent Broker is your best plan of action.
How do you approach educating clients who are new to Medicare versus those who are considering switching plans?
Answer: People new to MEDICARE need to understand all of their options teaching them about budget, risk, which Doctors they use accept which Plans, Prescription coverage ad more. Those already under a Plan need to see what has changed from Carriers on the MEDICARE ADVANTAGE side and about price changes on the MEDIGAP side.
Do Medicare Advantage plans really save seniors money in the long run? Why or why not?
Answer: Every person is unique so the answer is that plans can save money under many circumstances...and occasionally when a Plan doesn't work for that client, then an Independent Broker can explain better options for the client.
I don't understand how my friend pays nothing for their plan and I pay over $200-are these plans just totally random by ZIP code?
Answer: In Maryland ZIP CODES mean nothing as elates to Plan Options because zip codes cross County and City boundaries. In fact when speaking with friends or relatives yo can never compare what they pay with what you pay unless you see the same Doctors, take the same Prescriptions, use the same Pharmacies, have the same health issues, and have the same "risk level" and budget for your Health Care Plan.
Health Care is unique to every individual and even a Husband and Wife may have different needs and therefore different Plans.
How do discount cards and resources affect my Medicare Prescription Drug plan?
Answer: A good pharmacy will try all discount plans that could save you money...and this has no impact on your Prescription Drug Plan.
Are Medicare plans and requirements different for every state?
Answer: Yes. Not only does every State have different Plans...sometimes every County within a State has a variety of Plans and options for a client. That is why it is paramount to use an Independent Broker who can navigate the maze of Medicare in your geography.
Why does Medicare allow insurance companies to bombard seniors with confusing mail and TV ads?
Answer: And don't forget countless telephone calls. On thing that would end this practice is to block Insurance Companies from selling Plans In-House. They pay telephone calling squads to dial endlessly to only represent their own Plans.
Independent Brokers do not push one Plan over another if they have integrity. The License we hold comes with the responsibility to "do what is in the client's best interest" not ours.
Perhaps a better way would be to run a series of videos that explain how Medicare works and the real options we all have...but without showing explicit Plans...make people see an Independent Broker who ca use their software to determine the correct Plan for that individual.
Why are people unhappy with Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: I believe that most people who are unhappy with MEDICARE ADVANTAGE enrolled in the wrong Plan to begin with. Too many people scratch around on the Internet and see a low price or answer the telephone and sign up with a harassing caller who puts them in a Plan without knowing all of the facts necessary to get the correct Plan.
Also...many Agents are only Licensed by certain Insurance Carriers so people end up i the wrong Plan. A good Independent Broker would show clients the good and bad of all Plans letting the client make the correct choice for their situation.
I worked for the federal government for 30 years and took early retirement. How does my federal retirement affect my Medicare options?
Answer: Health Care Plans from the Federal Government are vary good Plans. You still must wait until you are 65 to receive Medicare, except in certain circumstances. Then you would have Medicae as your primary insurance and the Federal Plan as your secondary.
I thought I signed up for both Part A and B when I got my Social Security, but now I'm getting bills for Part B. Did I miss something during the enrollment period?
Answer: Part A is usually covered by the years you paid into the system and fo most people has o premium. PART B has a premium that is based on your prior two years of income. There are circumstances where you may receive assistance, such as Medicaid whereby the State would pay your PART B premium.
Both PART A AND PART B are required to obtain Health Care Plans.
My Medicare Advantage plan advertised dental coverage, but it barely covers anything. Is this normal?
Answer: Dental Plans outside of Medicare Advantage often offer "discount" plans that still have clients paying for major dental work, so Medicare Advantage Plans often mirror those...some Plans offer higher amounts of coverage which you should review with your Broker.
So I heard something about Medicare drug costs being capped at $2,000 in 2025. Is that really happening or just talk?
Answer: 2025 did indeed bring some relief to those with high prescription costs. BUT...they must be dugs approved by your Carrier. Remember, not much is simple about MEDICARE or the variety of options available so always consult an Independent Broker who has YOUR best interests at heart.
I've been on disability for years and am about to turn 65. Do I automatically get Medicare because I'm on Social Security, or do I need to do something?
Answer: That depends on your current MEDICARE situation. You say you have been on disability but you don't say if you already have MEDICARE. My daughter is on disability from her job and does NOT have MEDICARE yet...therefore when she turns 65 she will have to apply for MEDICARE.
How can I verify if a Medicare Advantage plan's advertised benefits are legit?
Answer: The State you live in has given the Insurance Carrier a opportunity to sell their Plans and hold all of them to the standard of honest representation of what they provide. Check their complaints and you will see what others on that Plan have to say about the service they eceive.
No State would allow any misrepresentation of a Carriers Plan.
I'm turning 65 next month and the amount of Medicare mail I'm getting is overwhelming. How do I sort through all this?
Answer: STOP pouring through all of that mail and find an Independent Broker to guide you through the process. Ask Google to find a Broker in your area who will know what the local options are for you.
A Broker can walk you through the application process to obtain your MEDICARE CARD and then take the time to research your drugs, your budget, your pharmacies, which Doctors accept which Plans and give you the comfort that you are getting the right Plan.
How does losing a spouse impact my Medicare plan if I was on their employer coverage?
Answer: It means that if you are 65 you now have 6 months to get your new MEDICARE PLAN. First find out how long the current insurance lasts and then sit with an Independent Broker to see what options you have.
How do you stay up to date with changes in Medicare policies and plan options each year?
Answer: First, every August I must recertify with every Carrier in my area...so...as an Independent Broker after becoming able to enroll people in the Carriers they need...in September all Plans will be released for my chance to review them...and then in October I can meet with all clients to make sure they get the right Plan for their needs.
Hey, I keep hearing about Medicare Advantage plans everywhere. What's the real deal with those compared to regular Medicare?
Answer: MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS have additional coverage including DENTAL / HEARING / VISION and PDP (PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS). You should consult with a local Independent Boker to see which Plans and which options are available to you.
What's the most frustrating misconception you have to clear up with clients about Medicare every year?
Answer: Truthfully it is getting past the bombardment of calls and mail they get from the Insurance companies that confuse the client...not educate the client. Having people endlessly call...spout on TV...and slam them with mail harms them rather than helps them.
Callers assuring people that THEY have the best Plan even when someone else has a better Plan...this is ridiculous.
My friend said she got a free annual physical with Medicare, but my doctor billed me. What's going on?
Answer: The first thing that comes to mind is that your Doctor isn't in the network of your Plan. This is a common mistake that people make when letting a caller sign them into a Plan or when they go on-line and enroll themselves. MEDICARE is confusing...and people should always trust an Independent Broker to help them...and remember...a Broker never charges the client a fee for their help.
Don't you think Medicare's technology systems are outdated and inefficient?
Answer: Let's face it...almost everything about MEDICARE is confusing including the systems used to apply for MEDICARE...and then once you receive your PART "A" AND PART "B" card...how long would it take to figure out the right Plan for your unique situation?
Did you know that using a local Independent Broker never costs you a fee and would make sure you get the right Plan for you.