Did you know around 82.3 million Americans rely on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program?
Every year, the American public has to make a crucial decision regarding health insurance. The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obama care,” requires all Americans to have health insurance. Failure to which they will be penalized by the IRS.
This has created an opportunity for a Medicare insurance-agent. A Medicare broker helps people enroll in the program and determine the best form of medical coverage.
Sadly, not all brokers are trustworthy. How do you choose the right agent?
Medicare Specialists has prepared a Medicare insurance agent guide. This will help you make sound judgments when choosing a Medicare broker.
What is Medicare Insurance?
Medicare is a national health insurance program for people over 65 years old in the US. It also benefits younger people with disabilities and end-stage renal disease.
It has been modified many times since then to improve health care benefits.
The most crucial modification came in 1972. Medicare was expanded to include hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B).
What is a Medicare Insurance-Agent?
A Medicare insurance agent is a health insurance broker specializing in Medicare insurance. The agent has a lot of knowledge about Medicare plans.
A Medicare agent will help you find and buy the right Medicare plan. Choosing the right Medicare plan can be a confusing process for customers. There are many different options to choose from.
A Medicare broker tells you which one is right for you. They can also show you how to apply for Medicare.
What Type of Medicare Insurance-Agent Should You Choose?
Not all brokers are the same. Medicare insurance agents have different qualifications and training levels.
There are many Medicare brokers to choose from in the market. Which one is the best for your situation? It all depends on your individual needs.
If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you need a Medicare Advantage broker. If you are looking for supplemental insurance, you need a Medicare Supplement broker. The important thing is understanding the types of brokers and their roles.
The most common types of Medicare brokers include;
Independent
These agents have their practice. Insurance companies hire them to sell their policies. They are paid on a commission basis. It means they earn money when they sell policies.
At times, they receive bonuses for selling specific categories of the policy.
Liaisons
Liaisons are brokers who work for insurance companies. They are not allowed to sell policies of other companies. However, they can refer customers to the company they work for.
Captive
Captive brokers are employed by insurance companies and are paid a salary. They are not allowed to sell policies of other companies.
If you consider using a Medicare broker, do your research ahead of time. This ensures you choose a broker that fits your needs and level of expertise.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Medicare Insurance-Agent
Choosing a competent broker can be daunting. Here are Medicare insurance agent tips to consider when selecting an agent.
Licensing
A state insurance board licenses Medicare brokers to sell Medicare plans. They may also be licensed to sell other insurance types.
All Medicare providers have to be licensed by the state to do business. This includes insurance agents. When choosing a Medicare provider, it’s essential to know if your state licenses them.
Licensure is an official authorization to provide services within a state legally. Each state has its requirements for licensure.
Dealing with a Medicare insurance agent with a license creates trust and confidence in their competence.
Years of Experience
Use a broker with experience handling thousands of cases. This gives them the ability to help you find the highest-quality plan for your specific needs.
Despite the level of experience your insurance agent has, ask questions. Look into the background of any potential broker before committing to one.
The best brokers will have been around long enough to know the best way to get your healthcare needs met.
Product Knowledge
When choosing a Medicare broker, consider their product knowledge. The best Medicare brokers are well versed in the different types of Medicare plans available. This includes those that are not sold on the open market.
They also understand all the different costs associated with each plan. They can help you make an educated decision about your future health insurance needs.
A good Medicare broker should answer Part D, Part C, Medigap, Extra Help, and Advantage plans. These plans include prescription drug coverage and protection against hospitalization. The medical insurance agent should explain how these plans work, their pros and liabilities.
Customer and Support Services
Find a broker with a good track record. This includes customer service and negotiating power with providers.
The right broker can help you stay healthy and out of trouble simultaneously. Therefore, don’t just choose any broker.
A good broker should provide support to you when picking your plan. They should offer it and make sure that you have access to it.
To confirm your broker provides excellent service, review how they handle customer reviews on social media. If they respond quickly, professionally and appropriately, they do a great job. So, when choosing a Medicare broker, consider customer and support services.
Reputation
When choosing a Medicare broker, consider their reputation. The best way to do this is to google them and analyze their online reviews. A company with a high number of positive online reviews is more likely to be reliable and trustworthy.
Companies with poor reviews should be avoided at all costs. Beyond online reviews, consult your friends or family who has used the agents before. Choose a Medicare broker with an excellent reputation, good references, and longevity in the field.
Choose the Right Medicare Insurance-Agent
With so many Medicare insurance agents to choose from, we know it can be a real pain to determine which agent is best for your health and budget.
You need an agent with most of the qualities mentioned above. It should be easy to get the right Medicare insurance-agent for your needs with these tips.
With over 15 years of experience, we have answers to all your questions and concerns. Give us a call today for a free consultation.