I'm turning 65 next month and the amount of Medicare mail I'm getting is overwhelming. How do I sort through all this?
Answered by 13 licensed agents
My advice to people is to put all of it aside. If you try and read all of it your head will explode. Find an Independent Medicare Broker and use them as your Adviser, their services are free and if you choose one that only does Medicare, you'll be getting an expert
Throw all of it in a bag for recycling! Work with a Professional who's been helping folks for decades with Medicare Planning! Work with someone who can offer BOTH Medicare Supplement/Medigap AND Medicare Advantage and make sense of the "Medicare Alphabet Soup" for you! WE do that! WE make is simple and understandable! You got this!
Ignore all the Medicare mailings you are receiving. Find yourself a knowledgeable Medicare broker who can help you find the best health plan that suits your needs.
The best way to "sort through all this" is to find an Independent Insurance Agent that you can trust to guide you. An Independent Insurance Agent is contracted with different carriers and can shop plans for you instead of being beholden to one company like "captive" agents. You will also be able to contact your trusted Agent after the sale for help with questions and issues, shoud they arise.
Medicare mail is designed to overwhelm you — and confuse you into bad decisions. As your broker, I cut through the noise. If it’s not from Social Security, shred it. I personally deliver your real documents, ID cards, and updates, so you stay informed, protected, and in control.
STOP pouring through all of that mail and find an Independent Broker to guide you through the process. Ask Google to find a Broker in your area who will know what the local options are for you.
A Broker can walk you through the application process to obtain your MEDICARE CARD and then take the time to research your drugs, your budget, your pharmacies, which Doctors accept which Plans and give you the comfort that you are getting the right Plan.
Make sure you work with some one that will present all your options based on your needs. If the broker/agent is good they will ask you a series of questions that will determine what coverage you will need.
Ignore the mail unless it's from Social Security. Then, ask friends, family, etc. for the name of a good independent broker to help you navigate through turning 65. Treat your search for a broker like you would if you were moving into a new area and needed to find a doctor or auto mechanic. Like a doctor, a licensed broker is licensed, trained, and insured to help you. Make sure the broker is independent (not beholden to any single company) and offers both Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans so that he or she can fairly and intelligently explain the pros and cons of each.
It's in your best interest to speak with a licensed professional agent to sort out what your needs are. Finding a plan that serves you best is the end goal.
I'm sorry that you're having to go through that but unfortunately since you are turning 65 a lot of the insurance companies are responsible for this type of marketing along with maybe some smaller brokerage firms. I would recommend contacting your local health insurance broker which you can find easily on Medicare agents hub and that would probably be the best solution when you're coming into Medicare for the very first time.
I would assume that most of the mail is advertisments from insurance companies. Make sure you open and read any official mail from government agencies and the find a local insurance agent specializing in Medicare to explain your options at no charge
There are really two options - one, on your own. There are plenty of videos and written information. It is/will be very time-consuming to get rates and ratings for each insurance option and make an informed choice. Option 2 is with help - you can either use a council on aging/SHIIP type program (if you can get someone who knows what they are talking about) or you can use an independent broker. Independent brokers can help you compare all options in a centralized place and using one does not cost you anymore than you will pay anyway.
Yes, all the Medicare, mail and phone calls can be overwhelming. But the solution is to have a local Medicare agent. The key question to ask is if they are a Broker.
Meaning, a Broker can look at all the plans and options in your area. Then find a plan that will cover your doctors and medications and any other medical needs.
If you are about to turn 65 and retired there is a 3 month window before and after your birth month to sign up for Medicare without penalties. If you are still working your Broker will be able to help you transfer into Medicare when you are ready.
Having a local Broker is more personal than calling a 1-800 number and their service is free.
