How can I select the right healthcare company and representative to work with?
Answered by 20 licensed agents
A good representative Will usually be very easy to spot ( Medicare agents hub ). If you End up finding someone that you trust then the carrier that you go with becomes Not as important. I have several clients and I can speak from experience in saying that putting them all on the same“good” plan Is not the right thing to do. Every individual is different, And a good representative should match up your needs with a plan that’s best for you.
Do a back ground check on the broker you are working with. Do a google search, Check out there referrals and network of people they work with. Make sure they have access to a majority of the medicare plans so they are not biased and sign you up with only the ones they work with
Find a local agent. Call that person. Ask how long in business and whether or not health insurance is the primary focus. Ask if the agent is independent and which companies he / she represents. Go see the rep in person, sit down, explain your situation and see what kind of advice you are getting. Easy / peazy!
Choose an agent who is independent and can offer more than one company and has been in the Medicare market for a number of years. Select an agent who listens to you and explains how Medicare works and can help you navigate through the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. This agent can help you find the plan that fits your own specific needs. A good agent will be responsive and continue to stay in touch as your healthcare needs change.
You'll want to select a reputable company and an experienced representative. It's important to choose a representative that will take the time to explain the process, and answer all of your questions. Medicare can be confusing, so choose wisely.
If you have a friend that has a responsive representative, you may want to reach out to them, or you can contact me. I pride myself with being there for my clients not only from the initial information and enrollment, but even more importantly, well into the future.
You always must remember to interview at least 2-3 different agents in order to hear their differing opinions regarding their company's benefits/premiums. Be careful NOT to utilize a "Captive Agent" who only works for 1 Medicare-compliant company. This means that she/he is beholden only to them, while an independent rep can have multiple affiliations with a variety of company benefits.
This kind of agent is also called "a broker" who can elaborate on the wide variety of quirks of Medicare. This person can offer solutions that can cover those oddball situations. You may have heard negative references toward a broker but that has been attributed to a person who usually sells car and homeowner insurance (property & casualty) But it is the Medicare brokers who will attend multiple company events & have a greater knowledge of the complexities of Medicare.
You also want to ensure that among the possible 3 companies, the one with a history of as low a percentage of premium increase each new calendar year is possibly the one "to lean on".
Please remember that we are now at an unusual time in our history when inflation is world-wide and is not just reflecting the US economy.
Moreover, the rapport that you establish with an agent is an important consideration, too! So, when you have posed a question, if you feel that the agent hasn't properly conveyed the Medicare principle/answer (or seems to be double-talking), that is not the right agent for you.
I think the best way to choose the right healthcare company is working with a broker. A broker is someone who should be independent and able to shop many carriers. If you need a no cost broker to help you look at options feel free to reach out to me.
You should plan to look at all available plans in your area and find a broker who is licensed with several products so they can help you compare your options and costs. Check with your friends, relatives, neighbors, or coworkers for a referral to an agent that they worked with that did well by them. You may also check with your local senior center as many agents advertise or offer educational seminars there.
The right healthcare company will have your physicians, and hospital(s) in their network, reasonable copays, extra benefits you want such as dental, vision, hearing, Over the Counter benefits, gym memberships and a rewards card for keeping up with your health appointments. The right representative like myself will answer the phone anytime of the day or night and if the client wants a face to face visit I will be there every time when requested.
In most areas, there are many excellent Medicare plans to choose from. You can compare plans using tools like the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov. It is important to consider cost, coverage, benefits and provider network.
It is always a good idea to seek advice from a Medicare-certified professional, such as an insurance agent specializing in Medicare, or an independent Medicare consultant. Reviewing agents online reviews such as Google Reviews is always a good idea to make sure the individual is experienced and professional.
To choose the right healthcare company and representative, research their reputation, verify credentials, consider accessibility and communication style, and ask for recommendations. For a healthcare representative, ensure they are trustworthy, comfortable with discussions about healthcare wishes, and will honor your decisions.
A seasoned agent with your best interest in mind can help you select the right plan and health insurance carrier. Referrals from friends or family is a good way to find an agent, also you can look for someone on line with 5 star reviews.
Most healthcare companies are pretty good and are competitive on their offerings. Some things to consider would be the company's financial stability and their rates of coverage denial as well as their preferred network of doctors and hospitals. The more important side of the question is finding a good representative to work with. I advise you to contact a broker or two to get a sense of if you like them and communicate well together. Having a broker is important because they can work with whatever carrier suits you best rather than pushing you into a single option or limited offering.
Selecting the right healthcare company and agent to work with is key when it comes to your Medicare coverage. Look at the company's ratings, how often have they had rate increases in the past and how significant were those increases. What is their turnaround time in paying claims?
Make sure your representative will still be around when you need them in the next one, two, five or ten years. Many people get into this industry for the wrong reasons and find out quickly that it's not the ideal career for them. If your agent has been in the industry five years or more, chances are he or she will be around when you need them.
Use discernment like you would choosing a doctor, plumber or contractor. Medicare is the last health insurance you'll ever have. Choosing WHO you are working with to help guide you now and as time goes on should be of high importance. A good agent is knowledgeable and will display a passion to educate you. If you feel like you're being pressured to do something that isn't in your best interest, chances are you're right. The amount of insurance companies and plans is finite. All brokers are generally able to sell all the same thing. Pick the one that proves themself beyond just the transactional side of simply selling you a plan.
perform a needs based analysis of your health and the needs of an agent to help you meet those needs; then, interview and decide on an agent that isn't into high pressure sales rather helps you properly plan for when you need insurance