Reasons to Work with a Local, Independent Licensed Agent for Medicare
It’s that time of year again—the Medicare Annual Election Period. Between the commercials, mailings, and endless chatter on social media, it can all feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Here are some reasons why so many people love working with a local, independent licensed agent:
Independent & Unbiased Advice
- Independent agents work for you—not the insurance companies.
- There is no fee for their services, and your cost is the same whether you use an agent or not.
- Commissions are generally the same across plans, and some plans (like certain prescription drug plans) pay no commission at all—yet if you have a dedicated agent for your Medicare supplement they may still help you enroll in a drug plan if it’s the right fit.
- Tax dollars are not used to run an independent agent’s office.
Trained & Certified
- Agents must first earn a state Life & Health Insurance license before they even navigate towards Medicare.
- They complete regular Continuing Education and Ethics training to keep that license active.
- Each year, agents must pass a national Medicare exam (such as AHIP or NABIP)
- Each year they spend additional hours certifying with each carrier they represent.
- They attend ongoing trainings, webinars, and local meetings to stay on top of plan changes.
Local Expertise & Advocacy
- Independent agents know the plans in your local market and have direct contacts with carrier representatives—so they can advocate for you if issues come up.
- They’ll alert you to important changes in your plan. For Example: last year a carrier dropped dental coverage beyond cleanings and exams—clients without an agent didn’t realize that until they were at the Dentist’s office facing big bills.
- They’ll screen for financial assistance qualifications and direct you to proper organizations.
- They’re members of your local community and support Chambers of Commerce and other civic organizations.
Annual Medicare Reviews
- Each year, your agent reviews your prescriptions, doctors, health needs, and budget to make sure you’re still on the best plan.
- You’ll talk to the same agent every year—someone who knows you personally and understands your medical and financial history.
Enrollment Beyond Medicare Plans
Agents can enroll you in the Medicare Supplement/Medigap, Medicare Drug, or Medicare Advantage plans that you want, and also help you protect any gaps with:
- Dental, Vision, and Hearing plans
- Hospital Indemnity coverage
- And more—depending on your needs
Protection & Professionalism
- Agents carry Errors & Omissions insurance to protect both you and themselves.
- They use specialized software to compare plan pricing, rate history, and loss ratios so you can make an informed choice.
- They know about the yearly changes from CMS (Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services) and how to navigate them.
- They’re members of Professional Organizations and Facebook groups and help support and educate each other.
Convenience & Personal Service
- Schedule appointments in person, by phone, or over Zoom—whatever works best for you.
- Agents can even speak with your doctor or dentist’s office on your behalf if issues arise.
- They’ll remind you to use the ancillary benefits your plan includes.
- They keep track of when it’s time for you to review all of your coverages, not just Medicare.
Finding the Right Agent
There are plenty of experienced, independent agents in your area—you just need to find the one that feels like the best fit.
Tip: When choosing an agent, make sure they show you their computer screen and can provide an estimate of your annual prescription costs on different plans. This feature isn’t always available on public quoting sites, but good agents have the tools to do it.
The Bottom Line
Medicare is complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A local, independent licensed agent can make sure you’re informed, protected, and confident in your coverage not only at the Annual Election Period, but throughout the year.
If you’d like a free review of your Medicare options, reach out to a local independent agent this Annual Election Period. You’ll be glad you did.
Mary Hiatt is a Retirement & Insurance Advisor and President of Mary the Medicare Lady (A non-government entity.) She is Certified in Long Term Care Programs, Policies, & Partnerships and Annuities. She offers Educational Workshops on Medicare, Long Term Care and more at no charge. She helps retirees convert their 401Ks and IRA’s into guaranteed income streams as well as helping clients get Medicaid with eligible spend-down plans and Funeral Expense Trusts. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. See www.hiattagency.com or contact licensed independent agent mary [at] hiattagency [dot] com or call or text 402 672 9449 for more information.