• How a Medicare Broker Can Help You Navigate Health Insurance

  • This article originally appeared on elmens.com

     

    Medicare is the nation’s primary source of health insurance for people aged 65 and older. It is also the primary source of secondary healthcare coverage for millions of individuals aged or disabled but not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare.

     

    If you are among those without employer-provided coverage, you may need to explore alternative options with a private broker specializing in navigating both Medicare and private health insurance plans.

     

    A Medicare broker can access numerous policies from companies specializing in healthcare coverage areas. Their job is to help you identify the best possible option based on your unique needs and situation.

     

    This article highlights some ways Medicare brokers near me, like The Big 65, can help ease your transition into Medicare.

     

    Check Your Eligibility

     

    The first step in the process is to confirm that you are eligible. You can visit the official government website www.Medicare.gov or call the Medicare hotline at (800) 772-1213.  You can also connect with an independent Medicare insurance broker like The Big 65 to understand your status.

     

    Once you know whether you are eligible, you can start your research. The next step is to determine if you can keep your current health insurance plan or if you must switch to Medicare.

     

    Know Your Options

     

    Once you know you are eligible for Medicare and must switch, it’s time to investigate your options. Many different plans are available and come with different prices, premiums, and benefits.

    A trusted independent broker can help you make the right decision for you and your budget. Even if you have been through this process before and feel like you know what you’re doing, it never hurts to get a second opinion.

     

    Help You Choose the Right Plan

     

    Once you have chosen a plan, the Medicare broker will help you complete the enrollment process. They will guide you through the process and ensure you have chosen the appropriate coverage.

     

    If you have chosen a Medicare Advantage plan, your broker will help you confirm your providers are in the network. If you have chosen Medigap or a Medicare Supplement, your broker will help you to compare the premiums and the ratings of the various Medicare Supplement insurance companies.

     

    Provide Assistance During the Enrollment Process

     

    Once you have chosen a plan, the broker will walk you through the rest of the enrollment process. The independent Medicare insurance broker will also be there to answer questions, help you resolve carrier issues, and to shop your premiums every few years if you so request.

     

    If you are switching from a private plan to a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to let your insurance company know that you are switching to a Medicare. The broker can help you with this. If you are switching from a Medigap plan to a Medicare Advantage plan, your broker can help you let your Medigap provider know that you are switching.

     

    Once everything is switched over, your broker will walk you through your new coverage and make sure you understand everything. They will also help you navigate any issues or concerns you may have.

     

    In Conclusion

     

    Switching to Medicare is a big step. It can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Even if you are aware of the process and know what to expect, it’s still a lot to take in.

    However, there is help available. Medicare brokers near me can help you understand the process and enroll you in the appropriate plan.