Shannon Mayfield, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: At Idaho Summit Insurance, our mission is to provide Idaho residents with comprehensive health insurance solutions tailored to meet their unique needs. We are a dedicated team of insurance professionals committed to ensuring our clients have the information they need to make the best decision.

Idaho Summit Insurance was founded with a clear vision: to simplify the complex world of health insurance and provide personalized service to individuals, families, Medicare recipients, and small businesses. Our deep understanding of the local market, combined with our exclusive focus on health insurance benefits, allows us to offer expert guidance and support to our clients.

Our Commitment:

~Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your specific needs and recommend the best insurance plans for you.

~Expert Knowledge: Our team stays up-to-date with the latest changes in the health insurance industry to provide you with accurate and reliable information.

~Local Focus: As a North Idaho-based agency, we understand the unique healthcare needs of our community.

~Customer Care: Helping you navigate the complexities of health insurance stress-free is our top priority. We strive to exceed your expectations with every interaction.

Whether you are an individual looking for a health insurance plan, a senior navigating Medicare options, or a small business owner seeking employee health benefits, Idaho Summit Insurance is here to help you every step of the way.

Answer: While there are no "free" plans, there are some with a $0 premium. The premiums and benefits are reviewed and updated each year by CMS and the insurance companies. It is important to compare features and more importantly your unique prescription and medical needs when finding a plan that will work best for you. Premium is one of several factors to consider when selecting a plan.

Answer: It is important to discuss your situation with a licensed Medicare broker to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period and to evaluate what all of your options are.

Answer: This is a complex question that will need to be viewed from the lens of the unique needs each individual has. There are pros and cons to Medicare Advantage plans. They work great for some and there are better options for others. In order to answer this question fully, it would take a review of your personal situation.

Answer: That question also depends on several factors and will not have the same answer for everyone. It is important to know if your employer coverage is considered credible coverage for Medicare. It is also important to know who pays first- Medicare or the group coverage. That is different for different employers. Talk to a broker to discuss your unique situation and find out which options are best for you.

Answer: We start with a Medicare 101 where we go over what Medicare is, how it works, and what the high level options are. Then we dive deeper into plans after the client has a better understanding of which route would be best suited for their needs.

Answer: While there were some major changes for 2025, how they effect each person will depend on the individuals prescriptions. In order to effectively evaluate impact, it would be important to get the whole picutre of what an idividual's needs are.

Answer: There are world wide travel plans that offer coverage outside of the country. These plans are relatively inexpensive and offer peace of mind while vacationing.

Answer: Your local agent is always going to understand the unique needs of your community and how the networks will effect you. It isn't possible for any one person to be an expert in all states. Find someone who is an expert in the area that you live in and understands the needs of your community.

Answer: Depending on what your quesitons are, you can start with a broker and then the broker can help research the answer to your questions if they don't already know the answer. They can also direct you exactly where to call which should minimize transfers.

Answer: If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part A, B, or D when you are first eligible due to having employer sponsored coverge, you will want to make sure your employer coverage is considered "creditable coverage" which means it covers at least what Medicare would cover. If your coverage is not credible you could be subject to late enrollment penalties when trying to enroll after retirement.

Answer: That can only be answered by taking a look at your unique needs, the current plan you are on, and comparing it to what else is available in your area. No one should be answering this question for you without first asking several questions to understand your needs.