Tony Hardwick, Medicare Insurance Agent
Tony Hardwick
Advantage Group
Medicare Agent Licensed in GA, AZ, CA, DC, IL, IN, KY, MS, NC, NM, OH, OK, RI, SC, TX, VA, WV and WY
4+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
-
Location
Atlanta, GA
-
LinkedIn
Tony Can Help With:
About Me
Hi, my name is Tony and I am your local Medicare insurance agent. Medicare is my specialty and I am dedicated to helping you find the best plan that fits your specific needs and budget. I will take on the task of searching through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies so that you don't have to. Best of all, my services come at no cost to you. Get in touch with me today to explore your Medicare insurance options. Be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Tony Hardwick
What’s the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven’t thought of yet?
Answer: The most important question to ask is "Are you happy with your healthcare coverage?" It's also important to ask if the client wants to increase benefit amounts or reduce any co-pays they may have.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really “free,” or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans come with a $0 monthly premium. It does require co-pays for some services. Depending on the level of assistance, some clients may qualify for a plan with $0 monthly premium and $0 co-pays, but that is determined by the level of assistance the client is qualified for.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: In the event they have employer coverage, they should enroll and compare their Medicare Advantage option with their employer coverage to determine which is more beneficial.
Do Medicare Advantage plans save money?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans can help save money by providing a $0 monthly premium and providing assistance with prescription costs. If you have no specialty doctors you'll have a $0 co-pay to see your primary doctor. You can even qualify for extra help with prescriptions and drug deductibles.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: The most common misconception is that Medicare is expensive. I think people get Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans confused. Some people have an Advantage plan and call it a supplement mistakenly because it supplements their Medicare A&B.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: I had a caller who was losing their Medicaid assistance because they moved to a different state. I was able to assist them with finding a plan in their new area. Since they lost Medicaid, I suggested a plan with the Part B reimbursement benefit that would provide some of their premium back since the state was no longer paying it. I informed them that they can re-apply for Medicaid in their new state if approved, they would then be able to enroll in a new plan that reflects that they have that assistance and will qualify for a special election period due to regaining Medicaid assistance.
What if I missed my window to sign up?
Answer: If the enrollment period is missed then the client must wait for the next Open Enrollment period, or qualify for a Special Election period if they meet certain conditions, for example, enrolling in a 5 Star plan, having moved to a new area, having a change in Medicaid assistance, or if they're leaving employer coverage to enroll in an Advantage plan.
If I start dialysis, how does that change my Medicare eligibility or coverage?
Answer: You would become eligible for a Chronic Special Needs plan. There are plans that are built specifically for individuals with diabetes, heart conditions, and ESRD.