Trina Knoche, Medicare Insurance Agent
Trina Knoche
Trina Knoche Insurance Agency, LLC
Medicare Agent Licensed in WA, AK, MT and OR
40+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Port Orchard, WA
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Phone
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Website
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Pre-Appointment Form
About Me
Hi, I'm Trina Knoche, owner of the Knoche Insurance Agency.
Insurance has been part of my life for more than 40 years. I started helping in my father's insurance agency as a teenager, went on to build a career in the industry, served as a Farmers Insurance District Manager for 15 years, and today I help Medicare beneficiaries navigate their coverage options with confidence.
I work with clients in multiple states and have helped people from all walks of life understand their Medicare choices. Whether we meet by phone, video conference, or in person, my goal is to make Medicare simple and easy to understand.
I know Medicare can feel confusing. Between Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Supplements, prescription drug plans, enrollment periods, and the flood of Medicare mail you receive, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. My job is to simplify the process, answer your questions, and help you understand your choices so you can make the decision that's right for you.
As an independent Medicare advisor, I work with multiple insurance companies and can compare plans based on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and healthcare needs. I believe education comes first, and my clients appreciate having a trusted advisor they can call whenever questions arise—not just during enrollment, but throughout the year.
Whether you're turning 65, retiring, leaving employer coverage, relocating, or simply reviewing your current Medicare plan, I'm happy to help.
There is never a fee for my Medicare guidance or enrollment assistance. I look forward to helping you make Medicare simple and helping you find coverage that fits your needs.
Be sure to let me know you found me on Medicare Agents Hub when you reach out!
Q&A with Trina Knoche
Answer: I had a call this morning from a prospect who was advised by a licensed agent that they should at least sign up for Medicare Part A when turning 65. The person had a Health Savings Account with credible coverage. You can't have an HSA and be on Medicare.
Answer: You will automatically get signed up for Medicare Part A and B. If you have credible coverage through a spouse. You can choose to delay. Once on Medicare, you'll want to make sure you have a plan in place to fill in the gaps.
Answer: A SOA is a document that CMS who governs Medicare requires that all agents have prior to discussing plan specifics. It authorizes the agent to discuss Medicare Advantage, supplements, drug plans, dental, hearing, vision, and hospital indemnity plans. Call centers are not exempt from this practice.
Answer: Medicare agents are paid by each company or carrier that they write a plan through. There are standard commission rates per product line for all agents. The client pays the same premium amount whether they use a certified licensed agent, do it themselves, or call an 800 number. So, it makes sense to use an agent that represents several companies or carriers and different products such as Advantage plans and Supplements (Medigap) plans.
Answer: Great Question! Medicare and Medicaid will work in tandem, Medicare being primary and covering services rather than copays and premiums. Depending on the level of assistance you qualify for Medicaid will take over all or some of what Medicare doesn't cover.
Answer: You can file an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount form (IRMAA) (SSA-44) for life changing events with Social Security. This form can be used for marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of income, and an employer settlement payment.
Answer: Prescription drug costs were capped at $2000 in 2025 if they were on the prescription drug company's formulary. In 2026, the cap is $2100. Again, for the cap to apply, the medication must be on that companies' formulary and all companies' formularies are different. So, it's always important to check prescription drug plans every year during Annual Enrollment Period as formularies can change at any time.
Answer: Typically, yes you can as long as your employer plan was credible. Also, remember that Cobra is not credible coverage.
Answer: It depends on if you have credible coverage or not. If you are still working and work for an employer that provides credible coverage (20+) employees, you do have to sign up for Medicare. However, sometimes it's better coverage. It's worth discussing this with an agent licensed to sell Medicare to walk you through the process.
Answer: The major gap with Original Medicare A (which is your inpatient hospitalization) is the $1676 deductible (2025) for the first 60 days of being admitted into the hospital. Each time you go into the hospital for something different, you get another $1676 deductible, which will turn into a daily rate after the first 60 days. The major gap with Medicare Part B (which is all other outpatient services), is that it only covers 80% of all your medical bills. You are responsible for the other 20%. The is also an annual deductible of $257 for 2025. Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs (which you'll get penalized for if you don't have a plan), long-term care services, and most dental, hearing, vision services, and chiropractic services.
Answer: The most rewarding aspect of helping folks with their Medicare Journey is just that, helping people. Medicare is confusing and everchanging. My team and I are constantly learning plan benefits, new laws and guidelines to be a resource in our community. It is a lot of work, but all worth it to give someone piece of mind with something as important as their health insurance.
Answer: There isn't really a one size fits all answer for that question. It depends on if you have other coverages available to you and your overall health needs. Medicare Advantage adds to what Original Medicare has to offer, but it is through another company and depending on what stage of life you're in, that may not always be the route to take.