Michael Crocker, Medicare Insurance Broker
Michael Crocker
Michael E Crocker
Medicare Broker Licensed in SC
Contact Details
-
Location
Simpsonville, SC
-
Phone
-
Website
-
LinkedIn
-
Facebook
About Me
Michael is a Medicare Insurance specialist who has lived in the upstate of South Carolina for 38 years. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering Technology. In addition to insurance sales, he is the director of the NewStart Church/Bread of Life Food Pantry and is an active volunteer in working with the homeless and hungry of Greenville County. He and his wife wife Amanda have made the Greenville metro area their home since 2006, and he is the proud father of two sons, Zachary and Avery. He looks forward to assisting you will all of your insurance needs.
Q&A with Michael Crocker
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: Not utilizing a trained, licensed, and certified local professional to explain their options and make sure that whichever plan they choose covers their drugs and doctors. A mistake in one of these areas can cost a senior thousands in unnecessary bills. Since plans vary so much by location, only a local agent familiar with local plans and networks can properly advise seniors in their unique circumstances.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: I once met an individual who had paid thousands of dollars over the years due to a late enrollment penalty. I assisted him with filing an appeal and we were able to get his penalty completely removed.
Which Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) offers the best value for most seniors, and why?
Answer: The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the senior's age, location, and risk tolerance. These factors are important because some carriers specialize in providing value to seniors who are turning 65, while others tend to focus on seniors who are older. In addition, the competitiveness of a carrier (with regards to monthly premium) often depends on the zip code of the applicant. Finally, some carriers offer a stronger Plan N or innovative Plan G, while others tend to focus on Plan G.
How do discount cards and resources affect my Medicare Prescription Drug plan?
Answer: Discount cards can be helpful in certain situations. Just be aware that any prescription purchases on discount programs do NOT count against your annual maximum out-of-pocket limit, so if you are trying to get to the limit as soon as possible so that your drug costs fall to zero, you may want to avoid discount cards.
My plan covered my cataract surgery but not the lenses I actually needed—how do they get away with that?
Answer: Medicare typically covers the cost of the surgery itself, including the removal of the clouded lens and implantation of a a basic intraocular lens (IOL) only. If you or your doctor believes that a specialty lens is a medical necessity, you may file an appeal with Medicare (if you have original Medicare) or your Medicare Advantage plan (if you are on an MAPD).