William Lawler, Medicare Insurance Broker
William Lawler
Living Benefits
Medicare Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA, IL, LA, MD, ME, MI, NE, NM, OH, SC, SD, TX and VA
Contact Details
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Location
St. Louis, MO
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Phone
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Website
About Me
I am all about helping people understand what their options are when it comes to Medicare. Medicare can be very confusing, but I make it simple to understand. I have been helping people navigate the turbulent waters of Medicare for over 15 years.
Q&A with William Lawler
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: Working with an agent that is near you is convenient if you need to meet him/her face-to-face. If this is not important to you, an experienced agent can do everything you need from a distance (remotely). The greatest percentage of Medicare Agents work remotely and have never met their long-time clients in-person. Working remotely saves a tremendous amount of time for both the client and the agent.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I help clients who are new to Medicare by taking the time to explain what Medicare is, what Medicare does and how it applies to the client. I email a primer on Medicare to clients early in the process which helps them understand Medicare and how to proceed.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: The new $2000 out-of-pocket maximum is important because it will save people on Medicare millions of dollars in drug costs. Once the $2000 maximum is reached, there is no cost for drugs the rest of the year.
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: It is very important to list your medications and review each health plan for your drug costs. Drug costs can vary greatly depending on the health plan you choose. Also, make sure your doctor accepts the health plan you are considering.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: Yes. When you lose health coverage through your employer, you have 60 days to enroll in Medicare Part B and choose either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan.
What’s the most misleading Medicare Advantage ad you’ve seen, and how do you explain the reality to clients?
Answer: Beware1 There are a lot of scams out there! Ads will offer you money or Flex cards. But when you click on the link they offer, you are asked for your zip code to see if you qualify. Guess what? Surprise! Your zip code does not qualify. But, since you`re here, why not enroll in my health plan? Beware!
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: I enjoy connecting with people and helping them understand what Medicare is and what it will do for them. Most people don`t know diddly about Medicare and it is very gratifying to help them. I explain the basics, help them apply, and help them find a supplement plan that best suits their needs. All at NO COST to the client!
What role do annuities play in retirement planning?
Answer: Annuities can play an important part in retirement planning. If a client is concerned about their investments in the stock market, an annuity is a perfect, safe alternative. Annuities offer a guaranteed rate of return and a guaranteed monthly income. Your money will be there when you need it.
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
Answer: Medicare is an 80/20 health plan, where you are responsible for 20% of hospital costs. If you enrolled in Part B and also enrolled in either an Advantage plan or Medigap plan, more of the costs would be covered.
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
Answer: Original Medicare does not pay for eye exams, but a Medicare advantage plan does pay for eye exams, usually at $0.
I’m retiring next year—do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: If you are retiring and losing your health coverage through work, you need to make sure you enroll in Part B within 60 days so that you mat enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.
What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?
Answer: Medicare Part B covers doctors, outpatient, medical equipment, but it does not cover hospital, which is Part A.
What's the difference between a Medicare broker and a Medicare agent?
Answer: While an agent may be captive and only represent one health care company, a Medicare broker represents many different health care companies, and therefore, a broker can find you the best plan to fit your needs.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: You will only be penalized if you do not enroll in Part B when first eligible and then try to enroll at a later date. You can postpone enrolling in Part B if you maintain creditable health coverage through your employer.