WHAT DO I DO FIRST

Medicare - Let's Get Started!

HOW DO YOU KEEP IT SIMPLE:

My goal is to help you understand how to make sure the choice you make will cover the items which are your greater concerns.

The Medicare Advantage plans are available to you by the service area where you live. These plans are offered by insurance carriers and all have different providers, medical groups, hospital affiliations, formularies and costs. My knowledge of the detail information by plan can be beneficial to your decision.

The Medicare Supplement/Medi-Gap plans monthly premiums will differ according to your age and insurance carrier. These plans basically have the same benefits but the cost will vary.

Remember everyone has their own experiences with Medicare, your parents, family, neighbors, work associates, etc., we all have:

Different health issues
Different doctors and specialists
Different Medical Groups
Hospital preferences
Prescription medications
Want extra benefits pertinent to their specific needs
Do or Do not want an HMO
Cost factors
Spend time out of their local area

2. GET INFORMED - HOW?

ONLINE?

Medicare.gov
Click below to obtain a copy of "MEDICARE & YOU"
SSA.gov/benefits/medicare
Centers of Medicare and Medicaid
Department of Health and Human Services
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
AARP
- Did you know AARP is not an insurance company?
Direct to Insurance Carriers Sales Departments
- Are the representatives - LOCAL?
- Do they know how to pronouce La Jolla?
- Are they familiar with our local Medical Groups and Hospitals?

Link to "MEDICARE & YOU"

MAIL?

When you are aging in (meaning turning 65) to Medicare, you will begin receiving an incredible amount of mail (most likely starting a year early):

Notices from what appear to be "Official Notices" from creditable sources
- If you submit the response card, you have given permission to be called or contacted at the number you included. These are sold to agents for marketing purposes.
Insurance companies advertising their products
- These items usually have "This is an advertisement" printed on the piece
Insurance agents advertising their services
- These will come from all sorts of agents (some local some not), large broker firms, etc

or an AGENT?

HAVE AN AGENT DO ALL THE WORK FOR YOU!

CHOOSE A QUALIFIED AGENT

ASK QUESTIONS - This is a important decision you are about to make regarding your personal health care

MAKE IT COUNT - Do your Homework!

Is the Agent Informative, Experienced and Available?

Licensed and Certified with multiple insurance carriers to offer you different plans choices?

Explain all your options:
- Original Medicare & Prescription Drug Plan
- Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement (Medi-Gap) & Prescription Drug Plan
- Medicare Advantage - over 20 plans available in San Diego County
- Retirement Package you may have earned through your employer

How many years has the agent been certified to offer Medicare products?

Have they asked you questions to assure your needs are being met and you are understanding the information provided?

Local and available for your questions and concerns after enrolling?

Agents services should be provided at NO COST. Agents are paid commissions directly from the insurance carriers not YOU.

Got Health Insurance?
Protect Yourself and Your Family

What Do I Do First?