When you finally qualify for Medicare benefits you can breathe a sigh of relief. Original Medicare as it stands currently is arguably the best health insurance plan available. Granted there are some gaps in the coverage. There are deductibles and co-insurances and co-pays that you will be responsible to pay. The good news is that these gaps are very well defined and very simple to cover with any of the 10 standardized Medicare Supplement Plans currently available.
You finally have a chance to set yourself up in a situation where you can totally predict your medical costs for the year. No surprises, no medical bills. Yet this time for a lot of folks is filled with stress. Piles and piles of mail, hundreds of emails and phone calls. This from agents and brokers looking for your business.
Then you have the people you actually know. Your brother-in-law who retired last year telling you what he did and why you should do the same thing. Your neighbor who can't tell you enough how happy she is with her Medicare Advantage Plan.
The bottom line is that this is your open enrollment period and you only get one! One open enrollment period in your entire life. You have very special rights during this time. You have what are called Guaranteed Issue Rights. This means that during this time you can not be denied coverage for any plan that you choose. It does not matter what your past medical history is. You do not have to answer any health questions at all. Just pick the plan that is right for you and apply. These rights last until 6 months after your 65th birthday or your Part B effective date. Even if you are in great heath now, we know that unfortunately may not always be true. It would be tragic to not get the facts, make a choice that you regret and then not be able to rectify the situation because you can't qualify health-wise.
So please, find an Independent Broker. One who specializes in Medicare. It should be their one focus. Ask the questions to determine if they have your best interests at heart. To the best of your ability make sure that the information that they are providing is up to date and accurate. Do not accept a partial understanding of your options. A competent broker will make sure that you comprehend the choices and the impact each option will have on your pocket-book and your health care. In other words demand the service that you deserve.
Please don't just throw your hands up and say it's too much, too confusing. Don't do what your best friend, neighbor or your brother-in law did. Your circumstances are unique to you. Seek the help you need from a licensed professional. It is far too important. Believe me the decisions that you make during your Medicare Open Enrollment Period will have lasting impact.
Stephanie Coutavas is an Insurance Professional specializing in Senior Insurance Solutions and Medicare Insurance. Stephanie decided to specialize in Medicare because, "I saw the effects of the confusion and misinformation in the senior market. I really feel that with the proper,correct information, presented in an understandable way that our Seniors can position themselves for the future and achieve the peace of mind and security that they deserve at this exciting stage of life. We strive one client at a time to make sure that we address the individual and that they are better for having met us, regardless of whether they choose us as their broker."
Whether you are receiving Medicare Benefits before age 65, helping a parent or loved one or just not sure if there might be a better value for your health care $$$, we can help. Call us at 1-888-347-5552 to speak with a licensed Medicare Supplement Specialist or visit us at http://www.medicarequote4u.com/. We are your Medicare Supplement experts and we are standing by to help.
