Are there churches or community organizations in my area that help with Medicare questions?
Answered by 8 licensed agents
Yes, in PA there are 3 main sources and organizations that offer free and unbiased Medicare counseling. These are, You Local Area Agency on Aging, PA MEDI Helpline, and Senior Community Centers. These places have counselors that are specially trained to assist with plan comparisons, enrollments and appeals.
Yes, at the riverfront community center there are staff and volunteers certified as CHOICES counselors. They provide free, unbiased information and tools to help you navigate your Medicare choices.
A licensed, independent health insurance agent who is licensed to write Medicare policies (and charges you nothing) is your best and most objective resource. While every state has a local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), their staff are volunteers with limited time to spend with clients. PLUS they are not licensed agents who are allowed and trained to research your specific healthcare situation. Independent agents are required to undergo extensive annual training and examinations, as well as training from individual carriers they represent. I always recommend avoiding a generic resource such as a SHIP when you have access to a no-charge independent agent who is willing to devote the time you need to make the right decision when it comes to Medicare questions.
Yes — and in Carlsbad you have some of the best free, unbiased help in the state. As a broker I help my clients 1-on-1, but these community resources never sell anything, so a lot of folks like to use both.
Local churches, synagogues, and service clubs - Many invite HICAP to do a "Medicare 101" after services. If you have a home church, ask your office if they would host a HICAP speaker — HICAP provides free educational presentations on Medicare.
Not really. There is SHIP as a potential resource, which could be in your State. Please contact a Broker for advice. You could get more personalized advice. Ask questions of the Broker on Medigap insurance & Medicare Advantage plans.
Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Many local churches, cultural centers, and community organizations partner with agents or host free educational events, and I'm happy to let you know if I'm hosting one nearby. Building trust through community connections is something I care about in how I serve my clients.
Normally, it is best to speak with a licensed independent insurance agent so that you can determine what options are available to you and what is going to work for your situation. Independent agents are about to show you multiple options across insurance companies.
