Sharon Bohlen, Medicare Insurance Broker
Sharon Bohlen
Bohlen Benefits Insurance Agency, a Ledden Financial Partner
Medicare Broker Licensed in OH, FL, IN and KY
Contact Details
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Location
Cincinnati, OH
About Me
My mission is to empower seniors to make informed and confident decisions about healthcare. I am dedicated to providing personalized insurance solutions that protect your health and well-being, offering peace of mind at every stage of life. Through education, compassion, and expert guidance, I aim to simplify the complexities of healthcare plans, ensuring all individuals find the right coverage for their unique needs.
Q&A with Sharon Bohlen
What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.
Answer: A quality agent will work in your best interest. She should do a thorough review of your healthcare needs without asking personal questions about medical conditions. She should ask what you value in a healthcare plan, and gather information about what you like and don't like regarding your current plan. There should be no pressure to enroll in a specific plan.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: The most common misconception about Medicare is that it is "free." Medicare has a monthly Part B premium which is paid regardless of the type of plan you choose. In addition, there may be co-pays and co-insurance for services, and plan premiums in addition to the Part B premium. As a licensed agent, I guide my clients to a plan that fits their budget and their healthcare needs.
When will my provider send my Annual Notice of Change?
Answer: Providers typically send out the ANOC (Annual Notice of Change) in mid-September. You should receive this document by October 1. This document outlines the changes in your current Medicare Advantage plan which will take effect on January 1st of the coming year. The ANOC gives you the opportunity to review this plan and you have the option to switch to a different plan for January 1 if the changes don't appeal to you.
Hey, I keep hearing about Medicare Advantage plans everywhere. What's the real deal with those compared to regular Medicare?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private insurance companies who receive funds from the government to administer these healthcare plans. Medicare Advantage plans include medical, prescription drug coverage, and some dental, vision, and hearing benefits. To be eligible for an Advantage plan you must enroll in Medicare Part A and B.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: Yes. If you work past age 65, when you do retire or lose employer coverage for any reason, you have a personal open enrollment period where you can apply for a Medicare plan. You first need to apply for Part A and B, and once that is active you are eligible for a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan.
If Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are better for long-term coverage, why don't more people choose them?
Answer: Medicare plans are not a "one size fits all" and people who choose Medicare Advantage plans do so for the bundled services (prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing) and little to no monthly premiums. People who choose Medicare Supplement plans are willing to pay monthly premiums for the freedom to see any doctor who takes Medicare without verifying networks. They are willing to purchase stand-alone plans for dental and vision. It comes down to personal preference; people on both types of plans get the care they need.
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: As a former high school teacher, I love educating seniors on their Medicare options. Medicare is like a foreign language, and I guide my clients through what they need to know, meeting them where they are in their current level of understanding.
I've been on my employer's health plan but am retiring soon. What should I consider when moving to Medicare?
Answer: If you are 65 or older, you will apply for Part A and B, or B if you already have A. Do this through SSA.GOV. Then, you can meet with a licensed independent insurance agent to explore your coverage options for a Medicare Supplement/Part D or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.