Paige Bronkema, Medicare Insurance Broker
Paige Bronkema
Gateway Retirement Solutions
Medicare Broker Licensed in NH
Contact Details
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Location
Dover, NH
About Me
I’m Paige, a licensed Medicare agent dedicated to helping you understand your options and choose coverage that truly fits your needs — without pressure or confusion.
Medicare can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I take the time to listen, explain your choices in plain language, and guide you through every step so you can feel confident in your decision. Whether you’re new to Medicare, reviewing your current plan, or looking to lower costs, I’m here to help.
My goal is simple: make Medicare easier and help you feel secure about your healthcare coverage. Book an appointment today, and let’s walk through your options together.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Paige Bronkema
How do I budget for Medicare costs if I expect my health to decline in the next decade?
Answer: The right strategy depends heavily on:
Your current age
Marital status
Net worth
Retirement income sources
Whether you want to protect assets for heirs
If you expect your health to decline in the next decade, plan for higher Medicare-related costs than average.
Expect rising annual medical expenses.
As health declines, premiums, deductibles, copays, and prescription costs typically increase.
Prescription drugs can become a major expense.
Chronic or serious conditions often require ongoing medications that add to overall costs.
Long-term care is the biggest financial risk.
Medicare does not cover most custodial care, such as extended nursing home stays or assisted living. Planning for this possibility is critical.
Create a healthcare reserve.
Set aside dedicated savings or ensure your retirement income can handle multiple years of elevated medical needs.
Be aware of income-based premium adjustments.
Higher retirement income can increase your Medicare premiums, so tax and withdrawal planning matter.
Bottom line: Build margin into your retirement plan, assume healthcare costs will rise faster than general expenses, and prepare specifically for the possibility of long-term care.
Hey, I keep hearing about Medicare Advantage plans everywhere. What's the real deal with those compared to regular Medicare?
Answer: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) = run by the government.
You can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, but you’ll need separate plans for drugs (Part D) and extras like dental/vision. No built-in cap on out-of-pocket costs unless you add Medigap.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) = run by private insurers.
It replaces A & B and usually bundles drugs + extras (dental, vision, hearing). Often lower premiums and has a yearly out-of-pocket limit, but you’re usually stuck with provider networks and prior approvals.
Bottom line:
Want freedom and flexibility → Original Medicare + supplements
Want lower premiums and all-in-one coverage → Medicare Advantage
If you want, I can help you figure out which one fits your situation best.
Can eligibility for certain Medicare Advantage plans depend on where I live?
Answer: Yes — eligibility for Medicare Advantage plans can absolutely depend on where you live.
Here’s why location matters:
Medicare Advantage plans are county-based
Medicare Advantage plans are approved and offered by county, not statewide or nationwide. That means a plan available in one county may not exist in the neighboring one.
Provider networks are local
Most Medicare Advantage plans use local doctor and hospital networks (especially HMOs and PPOs). If you live outside the service area, the plan can’t guarantee access to in-network care, so you wouldn’t be eligible.
Benefits and costs vary by area
Premiums, copays, extra benefits (like dental, vision, transportation, or fitness), and even plan types can change based on your ZIP code or county.
Moving can affect your plan
If you move to a different county or state:
Your current Medicare Advantage plan may no longer be available
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new plan
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
Original Medicare works the same nationwide, but Medicare Advantage plans are location-specific, which is a key difference to keep in mind if you travel or relocate often.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Working with a Medicare agent helps me avoid costly mistakes. Medicare has strict rules, deadlines, and potential penalties, and an agent helps make sure I enroll correctly and don’t end up with coverage gaps or higher costs later.
A Medicare agent explains my options in plain English. With all the different parts of Medicare—Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D—it can get confusing fast. An agent helps break it all down so I can understand what actually fits my needs.
An independent agent can compare multiple plans for me. Instead of being limited to one insurance company, an agent can shop several carriers at once to find plans that match my doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
They help make sure my medications and doctors are covered. An agent can check whether my prescriptions are on a plan’s formulary and whether my doctors and hospitals are in network, which helps me avoid unexpected costs.
Using a Medicare agent usually costs me nothing. My premium is the same whether I use an agent or enroll on my own, so I get professional guidance without paying extra.
A Medicare agent provides ongoing support. They can help after I enroll with questions, billing issues, or changes during Annual Enrollment if my needs change.
Overall, working with a Medicare agent gives me personalized guidance and peace of mind, instead of trying to navigate Medicare on my own.