Michelle Sparks, Medicare Insurance Agent
Michelle Sparks
Sparks Legacy Team
Medicare Agent Licensed in KS and MO
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Shawnee, KS
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About Me
Michelle Sparks is the founder and CEO of Sparks Legacy Team, an organization committed to helping Seniors navigate the many benefits needed to secure and protect their health and financial assets. Michelle and team are committed to building and retaining your trust.
Michelle is a retired professional with an impressive background in public service. With 35 years of dedicated service, Michelle held various positions with the Social Security Administration, ranging from technician-level roles to executive-level positions. Her commitment to serving others has been recognized and celebrated throughout her career, most recently being awarded the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award in 2023.
In addition to her extensive experience, Michelle has also pursued executive education from Harvard University, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in public service and leadership. This prestigious education has equipped her with valuable insights and strategies to effectively navigate complex challenges in service to others.
Motivated by a deep sense of compassion, Michelle has chosen to continue her mission of serving others. Leveraging her extensive knowledge and education, Michelle and her team are uniquely qualified to provide invaluable support and guidance to those seeking to understand and access senior benefits and resources.
You can trust the Sparks Legacy Team as your dedicated advocate, as they commit to working tirelessly to ensure that you or your loved ones receive the care and support earned and deserved. With her wealth of experience, Michelle and her team are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve, empowering seniors to make informed decisions with confidence, as they navigate the complexities of Social Security, Medicare, Long Term Care, and other financial and healthcare needs.
Q&A with Michelle Sparks
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: Seniors! You should begin planning and getting educated on Medicare six months in advance of your 65th birthday. All seniors need to understand the difference between Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Getting educated about Original Medicare (Part A, B and D), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Medicare Supplements will ensure each senior makes the best decision for them- this is a very individual decision that is dependent on the area you live in, and your financial and physical health. Additionally, all seniors need to know that they need to be eligible and enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and B in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan. This needs to be completed timely through the Social Security Administration to avoid penalties on premiums or a gap in coverage. This is something that several seniors I work with are not aware of, since a growing number of seniors are working beyond their 65th birthday. Seniors working beyond 65 are generally covered by an Employer Group Health Plan and may not understand how their EGHP interacts with Medicare once they reach 65, when to enroll in Original Medicare, or what documentation to show to avoid unnecessary penalties on premiums.
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: I retired from the Social Security Administration after 35 years of service. I worked on the front lines taking claims, in mid level and executive leadership. I became a broker and social security advocate for seniors because I love sharing my knowledge with seniors so they can make good decisions that impact their health and wealth. Social Security and Medicare are complex programs that seniors need help navigating and I feel strongly that they need help as they turn 65, so they are able to make the best decision possible. I get a lot of satisfaction out of breaking down both SSA and Medicare so they are easily understood. This allows seniors to make educated and confident decisions.
How do I compare Part D plans to minimize costs for a mix of generic and specialty drugs?
Answer: You can always reach out to a professional broker for help in comparing Part D plans. Or, you can go directly to Medicare.gov and click on Health and Drug Plans in the upper right hand corner of the homepage. Then click on compare health and drug plans and enter your zip code. It will allow you to enter all of your prescriptions drugs and compare all available plans in your zip code. The comparison will also show what your monthly costs will be for each prescription. Don't hesitate to call for additional help!
How do you approach educating clients who are new to Medicare versus those who are considering switching plans?
Answer: For my Turning 65 clients, I start with the ABC's of Medicare so that they understand the basics of Original Medicare. I want them to understand the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements, and Medicare Advantage plans so they are confident in making good decisions. Specifically, what gaps they want to supplement with a Medicare Supplement or what benefits they want to replace with a Medicare Advantage Plan. I also spend a good bit of time educating them on what they need to know if they plan to work past 65. The average retirement age is now well beyond 66, so comparing employer group health plan benefits to Medicare is a critical step in the decision making process. I want to ensure seniors set themselves up for success down the road, which includes the best coverage for the best price- and to avoid potential late penalties.
For my clients that are considering switching plans, because I am a broker that represents all major carriers, I routinely monitor any changes in their health/financial situation against the changes that the carriers are making. Each year carriers make changes, and each year I ensure all my clients have a complete review of their current plan, so they can compare and make changes if needed- leaving them with the confidence that they know they are in the best possible plan for them.
What are some ways to save on prescription drug costs?
Answer: There are several things to consider when saving on prescription drug costs. 1) Inform your provider who your Medicare Prescription Drug carrier is so that they can prescribe you drugs that are covered under that carrier's formulary; 2) Work with your broker every October to ensure that your prescriptions are still covered under your current Medicare carrier, and if they are not, then you may need to change drug plans; 3) Ask to make sure that your pharmacy is a preferred pharmacy with your drug plan, if not, your costs can be much higher; 4) Consider generics if they are effective and safe; and finally; 5) Ask your pharmacy if goodRX or other savings programs offer a better rate for your prescriptions. You cannot use both Medicare and these savings programs, but you can use these programs if they savings yields you a lower cost that Medicare.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: If you are turning 65 and still working you generally will have the option to either continue with your employer group health plan (EGHP) or switch to Original Medicare- Part A and Part B. Some EGHPs require you to take Medicare at 65- so this is something you will want to check on with your Human Resources/Benefits department.
The first step is to enroll in Original Medicare through the MySSA portal online via the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov). You can apply online for Medicare only- taking only about 20 minutes of your time.
Once you are enrolled in Part A/Part B of Medicare, my recommendation is to work with a healthcare broker who can compare your Medicare options to your EGHP and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you. In addition to looking at cost and coverage comparisons, they will ensure your EGHP is creditable, so that you are not at risk of a penalty for Part B or Part D.
A Medicare broker will also be ready to assist you when you do stop working and wish to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). They will also ensure you enroll during your Special Enrollment Period to avoid penalties and ensure no gap in coverage.