Jon Cavanaugh, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes, absolutely! As a licensed independent Medicare broker, I believe we need stricter enforcement and greater accountability in Medicare Advantage marketing.

Too many beneficiaries are overwhelmed by misleading advertisements, aggressive sales tactics, and promises of benefits without a clear explanation of eligibility requirements or limitations.

Medicare should be about education, not pressure. Agents should be reviewing doctors, prescriptions, networks, out-of-pocket costs, and individual healthcare needs before ever recommending a plan.

However, regulations should target deceptive marketing practices and bad actors rather than create unnecessary administrative burdens for ethical agents who are already following the rules.

Hold carriers, third-party marketing organizations, and individual agents equally accountable. Protect the beneficiary while allowing responsible brokers to do their jobs.

At the end of the day, our responsibility is to help people make informed decisions, not simply generate enrollments.

Answer: Great question! Medicare has several different enrollment periods, and knowing which one applies to you can make a big difference.

1. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7

This is when you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan for the following year. Changes take effect January 1.

2. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP): January 1 – March 31

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have one opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. You can also add a standalone Part D plan if you're returning to Original Medicare.

3. Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Throughout the Year

Certain life events may allow you to make changes outside the regular enrollment periods. Examples include moving out of your plan's service area, losing other qualifying coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help. The rules and deadlines depend on your situation.

4. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): When You're First Eligible

If you're turning 65, you generally have a seven-month enrollment window: three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months afterward.

5. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

These work differently! You generally have a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starting when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. You may apply to change Medigap plans at other times, but medical underwriting could apply unless you qualify for special protections. Some states also have additional protections.

My advice: Don't change your coverage just because you can. First, make sure your doctors, prescriptions, costs, and benefits still meet your needs. The most important question is: Are you currently on Original Medicare with a Supplement, or are you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan? That will help determine when and how you can make a change.

Answer: If you spend part of the year in Illinois and part in Florida, I would generally lean toward a Medicare Advantage PPO rather than an HMO, but there are a few important things to consider before making that decision.

An HMO typically requires you to use doctors and hospitals within its network, except for emergencies, urgent care, and certain other situations. That can become a problem if you're spending several months in Florida and need routine medical care.

A PPO generally provides more flexibility because you can see out-of-network providers for covered services, although you may pay more. Keep in mind that a Florida doctor must also be willing to accept your particular PPO plan.

Here's something else many people don't realize. Medicare Advantage plans have service-area residency requirements. If you're outside your plan's service area for more than six consecutive months, you could lose your coverage unless your plan offers an extended visitor or travel benefit.

Another option worth considering is Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement. This combination allows you to see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, making it especially attractive for people who split their time between states. Supplement premiums and eligibility requirements are important considerations, though.

My recommendation would be to work with an independent Medicare broker who can compare your options, verify your doctors in both states, and review your travel schedule.

The best choice isn't necessarily the plan with the lowest premium. It's the one that gives you dependable access to healthcare whether you're enjoying summer in Illinois or winter in Florida!

Answer: Yes, you can generally keep Medicare, your HealthSpring Medicare Supplement, and your new employer's health insurance at the same time. However, having three policies doesn't necessarily mean all three will pay your medical bills.

The first thing I would want to know is how many employees your new company has. This makes a big difference in how your coverage works.

If your employer has 20 or more employees, the employer's group health plan generally pays first, and Medicare pays second. If the company has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare generally pays first, followed by your employer's insurance. There are some exceptions, particularly with multi-employer plans.

Your HealthSpring Medicare Supplement works with Original Medicare to help cover certain deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It doesn't automatically pay whatever your employer's insurance leaves behind, and it doesn't provide additional coverage for services Medicare doesn't cover.

Now, here's something worth considering. If you're paying monthly premiums for your HealthSpring Supplement while your employer is providing insurance at no cost, you could potentially be paying for overlapping coverage you don't need.

Before making any changes, I would strongly recommend having an independent Medicare broker review all three policies. They can help determine which insurance pays first, whether your doctors are covered, and whether keeping all three makes financial sense.

One important warning: Don't cancel your Medicare Supplement until you've reviewed your options. Depending on your state and circumstances, you might have to pass medical underwriting to get that coverage back later.

My goal would be to make sure you're getting the most out of your employer's benefits without paying for unnecessary coverage or giving up valuable Medicare protections.

Answer: Great question! One of the biggest misconceptions about Medicare is that it automatically pays 80% of all your medical bills. That's not exactly how it works.

With Original Medicare, Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment after you've met your annual deductible. You're responsible for the remaining 20%.

For example, if Medicare approves $1,000 for a medical procedure, Medicare would typically pay $800, leaving you responsible for $200, assuming your deductible has already been met.

Hospital coverage under Part A works differently. It has its own deductible and potential daily coinsurance charges, depending on how long you're hospitalized.

So who pays the rest? That's where having the right additional coverage becomes important!

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help cover some or most of those out-of-pocket costs, depending on the plan you choose. Another option is Medicare Advantage, which replaces Original Medicare's cost-sharing structure with its own copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered Part A and Part B services.

Here's something important: Original Medicare by itself has no annual out-of-pocket maximum. That means your 20% share of covered Part B services can really add up if you experience a serious illness.

This is why I encourage people to work with a knowledgeable independent Medicare broker. A good broker can explain the differences, compare your options, and help you find coverage that protects both your health and your finances.

The goal isn't just finding a plan with a low monthly premium. It's understanding what you'll actually pay when you need medical care.

Answer: Yes, you can be turned down for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan because of a pre-existing condition, but it depends on when you apply and the state you live in.

Here's what I always tell people. Timing is extremely important when it comes to Medicare Supplements.

When you're 65 or older and first enroll in Medicare Part B, you receive a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During those six months, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health history. Even if you have diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or another serious condition, you have the right to purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state.

However, once that six-month window closes, things can change. In many states, insurance companies can require medical underwriting, meaning they review your health history and may decline your application.

The good news is that there are exceptions! Certain situations give you guaranteed issue rights, and some states offer additional protections. For example, Nevada has a Birthday Rule that allows qualifying Medicare Supplement policyholders to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits without medical underwriting.

One important detail: Even when an insurance company must accept you, certain pre-existing conditions may have a waiting period of up to six months for Medigap coverage, depending on your previous insurance coverage. Original Medicare still covers Medicare-approved services during that time.

My advice? Before canceling an existing Medicare Supplement or switching plans, speak with a knowledgeable independent Medicare broker. A good broker can explain your enrollment rights, review your options, and help you avoid losing coverage that might be difficult to get back.

Remember, just because you have a health condition doesn't automatically mean you're out of options!

Answer: Both SHIP counselors and Medicare brokers can be excellent resources, but they serve slightly different purposes.

SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. SHIP counselors provide free Medicare education and help people understand their coverage options, enrollment periods, and available financial assistance programs. They don't sell insurance or receive commissions from insurance companies.

An independent Medicare broker offers that same educational approach but can also provide personalized plan recommendations, help you compare insurance companies, and guide you through the enrollment process. A good broker takes the time to understand your doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs, and budget before recommending coverage.

One of the biggest advantages of having a Medicare broker is the ongoing relationship. Medicare doesn't stop being confusing once you enroll. Benefits change, doctors leave networks, prescriptions change, and questions come up throughout the year. Having a local broker you know and trust means you have someone to call who understands your coverage and can help you navigate those changes.

Another thing worth mentioning is that working with a Medicare broker costs you nothing extra. Brokers are compensated by the insurance companies, and your plan premium won't be higher because you used one.

SHIP counselors are a wonderful resource, especially for people looking for independent guidance. But if you're looking for someone who can educate you, compare plans, help with enrollment, and continue supporting you year after year, building a relationship with a knowledgeable independent Medicare broker can be incredibly valuable.

At the end of the day, Medicare is personal, and having someone in your corner who knows you and your healthcare needs can make all the difference.

Answer: First, congratulations on your inheritance! The good news is that receiving an inheritance doesn't automatically increase your Medicare premiums. What matters is whether that inheritance creates taxable income.

For example, if you inherit cash or a home, the inheritance itself generally isn't considered taxable income. However, if you inherit a traditional IRA or 401(k) and take taxable distributions, or sell inherited property and realize a taxable gain, that income could push you into a higher Medicare premium bracket.

Medicare uses something called IRMAA, which is an additional charge on Part B and Part D premiums for people with higher incomes. Social Security generally looks at your tax return from two years earlier. So, if your inheritance creates significant taxable income in 2026, it could increase your Medicare premiums in 2028.

Here's the important part: That increase isn't necessarily permanent. If your income returns to normal in 2027, your premiums could decrease again in 2029. Keep in mind that receiving an inheritance alone generally doesn't qualify as a life-changing event for an IRMAA reduction.

My recommendation is to speak with a tax professional before taking large distributions from inherited retirement accounts. A little planning now could help you avoid unnecessary Medicare premium increases later.

Answer: For most people who qualify for Medicare at age 65, coverage can continue for the rest of their lives. However, that doesn't mean it can never be lost. For example, if you stop paying your Medicare Part B premiums, your coverage can eventually be terminated.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurance company could stop offering that particular plan, or you could lose the plan because you moved outside its service area. That doesn't mean you've lost Medicare itself. You would generally have an opportunity to choose other coverage.

There are also special circumstances for people who qualify for Medicare before age 65 due to a disability or kidney failure, where eligibility can change.

The important thing to remember is that Medicare generally provides lifelong coverage once you qualify based on age, as long as you continue meeting the requirements and paying any required premiums. I always recommend reading notices from Medicare and your insurance company so you don't miss anything that could affect your coverage.

Answer: The first thing I would want to know is whether you had health insurance through your employer when you dropped Medicare Part B. Simply returning to work doesn't protect you from a late enrollment penalty. However, if you had qualifying group health coverage through active employment, you generally could have re-enrolled in Part B without a penalty during your Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare normally charges a 10% Part B penalty for each full 12-month period you were eligible but went without Part B or qualifying coverage. That penalty generally lasts as long as you have Part B. As for the three months of premiums, Medicare often bills people quarterly if they aren't collecting Social Security, so that charge may not actually have been for back premiums.

Since you've been paying the penalty since 2020, I would contact Social Security and request a review of how it was calculated. If you had employer coverage during that gap, ask your former employer to complete Form CMS-L564 to document it. You may have grounds to challenge the penalty. I wouldn't assume the charges were correct without reviewing your employment coverage dates and Medicare enrollment history.

Answer: There really isn't one state that has the best Medicare coverage. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) follows the same federal rules nationwide, but Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage, premiums, and provider networks can vary significantly depending on where you live.

Some states do offer better consumer protections. For example, New York allows eligible Medicare beneficiaries to purchase Medigap policies year-round without medical underwriting. Nevada has a Birthday Rule that allows existing Medicare Supplement policyholders to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits during a special enrollment window without medical underwriting.

My advice is to focus less on which state has the best Medicare and more on which coverage gives you access to your doctors, covers your medications, and keeps your overall healthcare costs manageable. The best option is going to depend on your individual needs and ZIP code.

Answer: Medicare does not set a simple limit like “30 days” or “100 days” for home health care.

If you qualify for Medicare-covered home health services, skilled nursing and home health aide services are generally considered “part-time or intermittent” when they total less than 8 hours per day and no more than 28 hours per week combined. In certain limited situations, Medicare may cover up to 35 hours per week for a short period.

As for how long it can last, Medicare can continue covering home health care as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and your doctor or other authorized provider continues to certify that the services are medically necessary. Eligibility is generally reviewed and recertified every 60 days, and Medicare does not set a limit on the number of consecutive 60-day certification periods.

There is an important distinction, though: Medicare does not cover 24-hour care at home or long-term custodial care simply because someone needs help with bathing, dressing, meals, cleaning, or other daily activities. Home health aide services are generally covered only when you're also receiving qualifying skilled nursing or therapy services.

So someone who needs a nurse or therapist at home may qualify for ongoing Medicare home health coverage, but someone who mainly needs a caregiver to stay with them several hours every day may need a different type of long-term-care assistance.

Answer: No, everyone does not necessarily pay the same amount for Medicare.

Most people pay $0 for Part A because they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.

For Part B, the standard premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month, but some people pay more based on their income. Medicare calls the additional amount IRMAA. For 2026, IRMAA can apply if your 2024 income was above $109,000 for an individual or $218,000 for a married couple filing jointly.

Your costs can also depend on the coverage you choose. Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement plans can all have different premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Higher-income beneficiaries may also pay an additional IRMAA amount for Part D.

There are also programs that may help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare premiums and other costs.

So when someone asks, “How much does Medicare cost?” there really isn’t one number that applies to everyone. Your work history, income, prescriptions, coverage choices, and eligibility for assistance can all affect what you pay.

Before choosing coverage based only on the monthly premium, I recommend looking at the total cost of the coverage... including premiums, deductibles, copays, prescriptions, doctors, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Answer: Yes, generally they can count.

For Medicare’s 20-employee rule, CMS looks at bona fide employees on the employer’s employment rolls, including full-time and part-time employees. The rule does not automatically exclude employees just because they live and work outside the United States.

The key question is whether those workers are actual employees of the same employer, or of a related company that must be combined under applicable ownership rules.

Independent contractors generally would not count toward the 20-employee threshold.

This is especially important before delaying Part B. If the employer is actually considered to have fewer than 20 employees, Medicare may be primary once you’re eligible, and the employer plan may pay little or nothing if you failed to enroll in Part B. You could also face a late-enrollment penalty and a gap in coverage.

Before anyone delays Part B based on the 20-employee rule, I would get written confirmation from the employer or benefits administrator that the plan is primary to Medicare and that the employer meets the Medicare Secondary Payer employee-count requirement.

Answer: You’ve probably seen a lot of advertisements for “Medicare OTC cards,” but there isn’t one standard Medicare card or dollar amount that everyone receives.

An OTC allowance is an extra benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare.gov confirms that some Medicare Advantage plans cover over-the-counter items that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

How much is it worth?

There is no universal amount. The allowance depends on the specific Medicare Advantage plan available where you live. Some plans provide an allowance monthly, while others provide it quarterly. The amount, the products you can purchase, where you can use the benefit, and whether unused funds carry over are all determined by the individual plan.

Depending on the plan, covered items might include things such as pain relievers, first-aid supplies, vitamins, cold medicines, dental-care products, and other approved health-related items.

How do you get one?

You generally get the benefit by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an OTC allowance. It is not a separate benefit that you apply for through Social Security or Medicare.

Some Special Needs Plans may also provide additional supplemental benefits to people who meet certain eligibility requirements.

One caution: I would never recommend choosing a Medicare Advantage plan just because it advertises a large OTC allowance. Your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, copays, maximum out-of-pocket amount, pharmacy network, and other benefits are much more important.

The OTC benefit can be helpful, but it should be looked at as one piece of the plan... not the reason you choose it. I can help you compare the plans available in your area and see which ones include an OTC benefit while still making sure your doctors, prescriptions, and overall costs fit your needs.

Answer: Yes, you may still be able to enroll in Medicare even if you never paid into U.S. Social Security because you worked overseas.

The important distinction is that Social Security work credits generally determine whether you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, not whether Medicare is available to you at all.

If you’re 65 or older and don’t have enough U.S. work credits, you may still be able to enroll in Part B and purchase Part A if you meet Medicare’s citizenship and U.S. residency requirements. If you’re a lawful permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen, you generally must have lived continuously in the United States for at least 5 years before applying.

Also, check whether you qualify for premium-free Part A through a spouse’s work record. That can make a significant difference.

One important point for people who worked overseas: Social Security has agreements with certain countries that may allow foreign work credits to help you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, but SSA specifically states that those foreign credits do not count toward qualifying for premium-free Medicare Part A.

So the answer is yes, Medicare may still be available, but whether you pay for Part A depends on your U.S. Medicare-covered work history, your spouse’s work history, and your individual circumstances.

I’d be happy to help you review your situation and determine which Medicare enrollment rules apply before you enroll.

Answer: I wouldn’t pay that $5,000 until someone takes a closer look at those bills.

Ask the provider for a full itemized statement showing what they charged, what Medicare paid, what was adjusted, and what they say is still owed. Then call 1-800-MEDICARE and have them compare the bills against Medicare’s records.

You can also contact your local SHIP counselor for free help reviewing the charges.

And since this was your late husband’s medical debt, don’t automatically assume you personally owe it. That can depend on the estate and the circumstances.

Answer: Usually, albuterol rescue inhalers are covered through Medicare Part D, but the exact inhaler and cost depend on the person’s drug plan and formulary.

One important update: brand-name ProAir HFA was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2022, although generic albuterol HFA alternatives are still available. ProAir Digihaler was also discontinued in the U.S. in 2024.

So if someone tells me they use ProAir, I’d usually check their plan for generic albuterol or another covered equivalent rather than assuming that exact brand is still available.

Answer: If you’re on Original Medicare, Part A covers up to 90 hospital days in a benefit period, and then you have 60 lifetime reserve days you can use. Once those reserve days are gone, Medicare generally stops paying for that inpatient stay, and you could be responsible for the full hospital cost.

The good news is your regular hospital days can reset with a new benefit period after you’ve been out of the hospital or skilled nursing care for 60 days. Medicare Advantage plans can work differently, so I’d always check the specific plan before assuming you’ve “run out” of coverage.

Answer: Yes... but it's during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment, October 15 through December 7, you can change your Part D drug plan for the following year.

Just keep in mind, the January 1 through March 31 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period works differently and doesn’t normally let you switch from one standalone Part D plan to another.

If you’re unsure which enrollment period applies to you, I’m happy to help you sort it out.

Answer: I think that’s a fair question. Medicare has started covering some treatments that used to be considered more “alternative,” but the coverage is still pretty limited.

For example, Medicare Part B can cover acupuncture for chronic lower-back pain, with up to 20 treatments in a 12-month period when the person is improving. It also covers certain chiropractic spinal manipulation, but generally doesn’t cover things like routine massage therapy.

From my perspective as a broker, I’d like to see Medicare continue looking at treatments that have solid evidence behind them... especially when they can help seniors manage pain, maintain mobility, and potentially reduce reliance on medications. The important part is making sure the treatment is proven safe and effective.

Also, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, so it’s worth checking the specific plan rather than assuming something isn’t covered.

Answer: Yes, Medicare generally covers shoulder replacement surgery when your doctor determines it is medically necessary.

Your cost depends on whether the surgery is performed as an inpatient or outpatient procedure. With a Medicare Advantage plan, check the surgeon, hospital, prior authorization requirements, and expected copay before scheduling.

Answer: It can. Medicare does not look at the full sale price of your home... it looks at the taxable profit reported on your tax return.

If that profit pushes your income high enough, your Part B and Part D premiums could increase, usually about two years later. Many homeowners qualify to exclude part or all of the profit, so it really depends on your specific tax situation.

Answer: Yes, Medicare can cover a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor if your doctor prescribes it and you meet the coverage requirements, such as using insulin or having a history of serious low blood sugar.

It is usually covered through Medicare Part B. With a Medicare Advantage plan, the supplier, approval rules, and your cost can vary, so I always recommend checking the plan before ordering it.

Answer: Yes, Medicare generally covers hip replacement surgery when your doctor determines it is medically necessary.

Part A may cover it as an inpatient procedure, while Part B may cover it if performed outpatient. Medicare Advantage plans also cover medically necessary hip replacements, but your copays, hospital network, and prior authorization requirements can vary by plan. Always check the plan’s rules and expected costs before scheduling surgery.

Answer: Medicare does not have a family plan. Each spouse has their own coverage and pays their own premiums.

You may each choose different Medicare Advantage, Supplement, or Part D plans based on your doctors, prescriptions, and healthcare needs. Most people receive Part A premium-free through their own or their spouse’s work history, but Part B and other coverage are still individual.

Answer: I wouldn't call any health plan completely free. Some Medicare Advantage plans do have a $0 monthly plan premium, but that doesn't mean you'll never pay anything. You'll still pay your Part B premium and may have copays when you see a doctor or receive care. I always tell people to look at how the plan works when they actually need it, not just the monthly premium.

Answer: Your daughter can help, and with your permission, she can talk with the broker, ask questions, and help compare your options.

You would still need to make the final decision and complete the enrollment unless she has legal authority, such as power of attorney, to handle it for you.

Answer: The way I explain it is that with Medicare Advantage, you still receive the Part A and Part B benefits available through Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription coverage and added benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs. Some Medicare Advantage plans even have a $0 additional monthly premium, although you still pay your Part B premium. That can provide a lot of value, but you still want to make sure the plan works with your doctors, prescriptions, and individual needs.

Answer: I'd say the biggest mistake is choosing too quickly and assuming it will be easy to change later. People often focus on the monthly premium or extra benefits without checking their doctors, prescriptions, and what they'll pay when they actually need care. They may also not realize that getting a Medicare Supplement later isn't always guaranteed. I encourage people to look beyond what works today and think about what may work for them long-term.

Answer: The CMS-L564 form is usually needed when you've delayed Part B because you had health coverage through your own or your spouse's current employment and are ready to enroll. If you and your spouse are both enrolling, you'll each need your own form. If only one of you is enrolling, only that person needs to submit it.

Answer: SilverSneakers is not included with Original Medicare. However, some Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers or a similar fitness benefit. It depends on the plan and what's available where you live. I recommend reaching out to a local independent Medicare broker to see what's offered in your area.

Answer: If you're referring to monovision during cataract surgery, it depends on exactly what your surgeon is recommending. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary cataract surgery and a standard conventional lens. However, any additional testing, premium lens features, or services used to correct near vision may not be covered.

Your UnitedHealthcare Supplement may pay some or all of the remaining Medicare-approved costs, depending on your specific plan and whether you've met the Part B deductible. It generally won't cover charges that Medicare considers noncovered.

Before the surgery, ask the surgeon for the exact lens name and a written breakdown of covered and noncovered charges. You can also have a local independent Medicare broker review your Supplement benefits, but the surgeon and UnitedHealthcare should confirm the final billing details.

Answer: If you have Original Medicare, SilverSneakers is not included. Some Medicare Supplement plans may offer SilverSneakers or another fitness program as an extra benefit while you remain on Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer fitness benefits as well.

I recommend reaching out to an independent Medicare broker in your area. They can check which plans offer it in your area.

Answer: If you only have Original Medicare, Symbicort would not be covered. Coverage would typically come through a Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Since every plan has its own drug list, it's important to check whether it covers brand-name Symbicort or the generic version and what your cost would be.

I recommend reaching out to an independent Medicare broker in your area. They can check plans from multiple carriers to see how Symbicort is covered.

Answer: There are a lot of Medicare plans out there and the same plan isn't going to work for everyone. A good agent should listen to what you need, know the plans available in your area, and help you understand your options.

If you call an insurance company directly, they can only tell you about the plans they offer. An independent Medicare broker can look at options from different carriers and help you find one that fits your needs.

I also think there's real value in working with someone local. You have someone nearby who understands the local plans and who you can actually call when you need help.