So This is The entire process From a to z

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First of all, I never contact anyone that has not made a request for me to contact them.  This is done through several sources; My Website, Provider Groups, Ads, eMail pop-ups, Doctors' Offices via a contact card, AARP, Various Insurance Companies, My Up-line, and several others including but not limited to my Clients' referrals.

This seems like a lot written out like this.  However, in conversation form usually takes less than 10-minutes to gather the information needed to fully research the options most suitable for you.  Then, my recommendation will speak for itself.  

My first and only objective is to find out if I can help get you started in the right direction and improve your situation.  During our initial phone call... I will ask a few questions to learn about you and your situation.  I will then do extensive research on what is available in your area, based on what you shared on the phone.  You will have an opportunity to ask as many question as you like.  Then, in a few days  I will follow up with the research of what is available, which will be in the form of at least three comparisons and best of all, my personal recommendation.

Depending on how you would like to receive the comparison information and my recommendation.  Some people like to get their information through the regular mail and some prefer eMail.  Others like to have a conversation over the phone or via a videocall.  Also, if you like and want to move forward and have me be your personal Medicare Broker, documents can be sent through the regular mail or through an eMail as well. Some companies allow me to submit your enrollment documents via the phone as well.  Whatever works best for you.  In Orange county, I can also meet with you in person at a location of your choosing.

I really do need to get to know your individual circumstances to be 100% effective.  Often, I find couples will have different needs and therefore different recommendations.  Talking on the phone also gives you a change to get to know me a little better too.  What I can tell you is there are a limited number of plans that will stand out once I review and compare them using your information as my guide.  After I have done the research, the why I recommended the plan or program I do, will make perfect since.  My recommendation is 100% based on your needs, budget and what is available in your area.  I can help you with the next steps and become your personal Insurance Broker or you can choose to go your own direction.  Very few people choose not to go with my recommendation.  

I will conduct a Full Medicare Needs Assessment.  

Without it, I don't know what plan/program will best fit your needs.  I have no idea of what exactly is available in your area, until I gather the information regarding your needs, and due the research with comparisons.

First Question we need to answer:  Is going with Medicare NOW the best option for you and your family?

If going with Medicare now is not right for you, it will be clear to me and I'll let you know.  I will not recommend you move or replace your coverage, if you already have coverage, at least as good or better than Medicare alone.  Yes, there are Insurance Coverages that are better than Medicare.  Motion Picture Insurance for instance, if you qualify for that, is better because you don't pay much, if anything for it and it has really great benefits, for an example.

You may have options that are better suited given your current situation.  If you have coverage available through an Employer or Union retirement plan either through your Employer or a spouses' Employer, this may be a more suitable option for you.  If leaving your Employer or Union coverage will affect your spouses' or a dependents' coverages, we will need to look twice before moving you to Medicare.  Sometimes it is better, for you to keep what you have in place.

Keep in mind, Employers and Unions can be motivated to keep you on there plans.  In some cases, having you on the plan fulfills a quota, that actually lowers the cost your Employer or union pays for all the employees or union members.  What you pay and the quality of the Insurance is what we will be looking at here.

I had a client that work for a school for 35-years as a cafeteria worker.  The school was offering her retirement insurance that cost her $375 a month.  The Insurance was from Scan Health plan and she was very reluctant to change, because she was told if she left the plan, she couldn't go back.  I ended up getting her the same plan, directly from Scan at $0.00 per month.

If you have Coverage through Military Service or your Spouses' Military Service, You may also keep what you have in place, although, many people benefit from having secondary coverage.  Some people live close to VA services and some don't.

Second Question:  Medicare is available for you in one of two main ways.  Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

For reference:  There are 4-Parts to the Medicare Program.  I'll outline them here for your review.

          Part A  - This covers Hospital Insurance - You get this based on the years you paid into the system

          Part B - This covers Medical Insurance - For this you will pay a monthly premium - Unless you have a low income.

          Part C - This is the Medicare Advantage Program - Some have a premium, most do not, depends where you live.

          Part D - This is Prescription Medication Coverage - Some have a premium, most do not.

In addition, private Insurance companies offer supplemental or Medi-Gap policies to help cover some, but not all the cost, of what Medicare doesn't pay for.  Keep in mind, usually if Medicare doesn't pay for it, neither does a Medi-Gap Policy.

Note:  Supplemental or Medi-Gap policies are not part of Medicare and you pay additional money, based on your age for Medi-Gap policies.  Which means they cost more as you get older, not so with Medicare Advantage.  

Original Medicare covers Parts A & B only.  If you want Part D, you'll have to decide if you want to add Part D or not.

You also need to decide if you want to add, at additional cost, supplemental or a Medi-Gap policy.

Medicare Advantage Part C combines Parts A, B and D is usually included in the plan you choose.

Third Question:  Do you want to go with my recommedation or go with one of the other comparisons?

This is where the rubber meets the road and where and how I can help make your decision process more fruitful.

I then will ask additional questions to better determine your individual needs, including most the following.

          + Is there anything you already know you like or dislike with regard to your current Insurance coverage?

          + The zip code where you spend at least 6-months out of the year.  This determines what is available in your area.

          + Do you have any upcoming test or procedures?  Many people are waiting for Medicare, to have procedures  started.

          + Do you get any help from the State or Federal government, to help pay for any of your healthcare cost?

          + Do you have to pay for all of your Medications?

          + Do you have any of the following conditions?  Heart disease, Diabetes, or Lung related conditions?

          + How important is being able to see your current doctors?  To some people, this is very important, to others, they already        

               know they are going to be choosing different doctors or medical group.  

          + What are the names of your current doctors and do you know what medical group they are with?

          + Are there any Medications you are concerned about cost or coverage?  Name, Dose & Frequency is absolutely needed.

          + I also like to know if you have a preferred pharmacy, to be sure your new plan is accepted by them.

The form I use to document your answers "Needs Assessment Form" can be downloaded under Forms & Credentials.

Note:  You are not required to provide any of the above information.  Doing so helps me tailor the recommendation and comparisons to best suit your needs and situation, otherwise I would just be trying to sell you something, without any consideration of your needs or current situation.