Nicole Hardy, Medicare Insurance Broker
Nicole Hardy
Senior Benefit Services, Inc.
Medicare Broker Licensed in MD, AZ, PA, VA and WV
8+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Hagerstown, MD
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Phone
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Website
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Facebook
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YouTube
About Me
There's a problem in this industry. Too many people see insurance agents as salespeople first and client advocates second. They see someone trying to make a commission, not someone trying to help. That perception needs to change. And I'm committed to changing it.
I'm Nicole Hardy, and I've been in the senior health insurance market since 2017. I started with a nationally known corporation, but in 2019, I made a move to Senior Benefit Services. Why? Because I learned that an agent had overcharged my own grandmother for nearly 40 years. Forty years!! When I found out, something clicked. I knew I had to do better. I knew I had to be different. And I committed right then that my clients would never have to go through what my grandmother went through.
I started working when I was 16 years old as a door-to-door salesman for the Baltimore Sun. That job taught me something about people and about sales. But it also taught me that I loved helping people. I went on to start an in-home daycare business and worked in network marketing and direct sales. Every job taught me something different. But they all pointed to the same thing. I love engaging with people. I love helping them solve problems.
I grew up just outside of Baltimore City when neighborhoods were tight-knit and life was simpler. Those days taught me what matters. Perseverance. Community. Commitment. Those aren't just words to me. They're how I live. And they're how I treat my clients.
Here's what I do. I develop close personal connections with my clients. You can call me anytime. Any reason. Any question. I'm here. I take time to understand your situation, your concerns, and what you need. Then I help you navigate your Medicare options with honesty and clarity. I don't sell you something you don't need. I help you find the coverage that actually works for you.
I challenge myself every single day to make sure my clients never experience what my grandmother did. Never feel overcharged. Never feel taken advantage of. Never wonder if their agent was looking out for them or just looking out for a commission. You deserve better. And I'm going to give you better.
The question isn't who is going to let me do this work. It's who is going to stop me. Ayn Rand said that. And it's true. I'm going to change how people see insurance professionals one client at a time.
Contact me today for a no cost consultation. Let's talk about your Medicare needs and find you the right coverage.
Q&A with Nicole Hardy
Answer: Yes, completing an SOA is a standard practice required by CMS to ensure the medicare recipient is aware of the conversations to be had and consent to discussing the options without any high pressure sales tactics. Think of an SOA as a permission slip for the agent to discuss your options. Call centers are not exempt from this practice.
Answer: There are a lot of confusing terms about diferent enrollment periods. With the Open Enrollment window, it is believed its designed this way to control risks to insurance companies. Although this is very unfair to the consumer, insurance companies are not required to make sure folks are aware of this policy. You can however speak to an advisor who may be able to assist you in finding a loophole or another election peiod to help you get insurance that fits your needs.
Answer: No, as long as you have credible coverage through an employer there will be no penalties. There will be a little bit more to the process of signing up for Part B in 7 years and/or when she retires. Nothing to worry about at this moment.
Answer: I love that I get an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many. It is truly a blessing to help folks make sense of what can be a complicated process. Also, to be able to save my clients hundreds and even thousands in some cases simply brings joy to my heart.
Answer: Medicare generally does not cover these type of devices. However, some Medicare Advantage Part C plans may offer coverage and/or allowances for these types of devices.
Answer: Extra help is a federal program that helps folks with limited income and resources pay for Part D premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Essentially it will help reduce the overall cost of most medications. This program is offered on an income limit basis.
Answer: Seek unbiased Expertise from a local SHIP office, places like commission on aging, or online at Medicare.gov. For a more personalized approach, you can also seek council from a local insurance advisor that specializes in Medicare knowledge.
Answer: You can use Medicare.gov to do an accurate comparison of the plans. There is a lot of information to go through. So, you can also seek council from a local Medicare insurance advisor who understands the plan options and can help you determine which type of plan will cover your needs best.
Answer: You may use the Medicare.gov website for online chat/information. You can also use their online search feature to see if you can find the specific answers you are looking for.
Answer: Each persons coverage should be decided on an individual basis. It's important to sit with a qualified agent who understands all of the ins and outs of all Medicare plans. This will ensure you have the best coverage specific to your needs as an individual. There are many factors used to help you determine which plan(s) will work best for your needs.
Answer: No, Medicare will not cover expenses while traveling outside the US. However, some Medi-gap polices will cover up to 80% on emergency services.
Answer: An underrated benefit would simply be, there are no networks to contend with. Simply does your provider work with Medicare. Yes, great you are welcome to see them.
Answer: Although I am not an accountant, you can deduct some Medicare premiums as qualified medical expenses if you itemize deductions using Schedule A. I would advise you to seek council from an authorized tax accountant for more detailed information.
Answer: You will have a dedicated contact person to answer questions accurately, having someone to guide you through the process effortlessly. Working with someone like myself you will have a friend vs agent. Someone whom you can depend on when things go right or wrong. No matter the situation, I will always ensure my clients get an above average level of care.