Best Medicare Agency – You might wonder why you should work with an independent Medicare agency or brokerage to enroll in Medicare plans. You might also wonder how much it costs to work with a Medicare advisor versus enrolling on your own. (Spoiler alert…most of us don’t charge a dime!)
If you already know the answers to those questions, you might be asking how you choose a good insurance agent. We’ve got all those answers right here.
Why should I use a Medicare insurance agent to enroll in Medicare?
The federal Medicare program has a lot of moving parts. It can be hard to learn all the ins and outs of the program, even for those of us who work with Medicare plans every day! We’d bet that you have other important (or just more fun) things to do with your time. An insurance agent takes the hassle out of enrolling. We learn about each of the Medicare options and stay up-to-date on current plans so that we can help you narrow down which ones might be best for you. Sure, you should also understand how Medicare works, but you shouldn’t have to know every tiny detail as we do.
In addition, a Medicare advisor is going to remind you about important enrollment times. Do you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan? If so, you better remember to review your plan every fall during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Failure to do so could cost you a lot of money when it comes to your healthcare expenses. At Bobby Brock Insurance, we’ll remind you about important enrollment dates and deadlines.
We’ll also reach out to you if we find opportunities to save you money. This might be during AEP, but there are also other times of year you might be able to switch plans and save on premiums. Unless you want to be shopping for plans throughout the year, work with a Medicare agent!
Independent Versus Captive Insurance Agents
Bobby Brock Insurance is an independent insurance agency. It’s important to know the difference between agents like us and “captive” insurance agents.
Captive agents represent just one insurance company. They can help you enroll in a Medicare plan, but they’re only going to be able to offer ones from the company they work for. They won’t be able to compare plans and rates from other companies.
Independent agents don’t have that kind of loyalty to just one carrier. We have contracts with multiple insurance companies so that we can offer a wider selection of plans. Our agents at Bobby Brock Insurance are contracted with over 20 different insurance companies. That means we get to look at lots of Medicare plans and can compare rates between companies.
In addition, we’re pretty picky about which companies we work with. We want each insurance carrier we work with to have the highest ratings and customer service so that our clients get great service from us and the insurance company.
As an independent Medicare insurance broker, our job is to give you an unbiased opinion on different Medicare plans. Because we are partnered with many different insurance carriers, we do not show favoritism to any carrier and represent YOU, not the insurance companies!
You can rest assured that we have your best interest in mind and will recommend a plan that will not only fit your budget but provide you with proper healthcare coverage.
It’s clear that independent agents offer more value and more options than captive agents can.
How is an independent Medicare broker paid?
Many people find it surprising that there is no additional cost to work with us. You will not pay us to enroll you in any Medicare plan, and your premiums won’t be higher because you worked with an agent. (If your broker is charging you, it’s time to find a new one!)
So, how are brokers paid?
We are given a commission from the insurance companies for each plan that we sell. If you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, we are paid a commission. The same is true for Medicare supplements, Part D prescription drug plans, final expense plans, etc.
This is how our process works:
- You call or submit a request for Medicare information.
- We compare plan rates with 20+ companies.
- You choose a plan that fits your healthcare needs, and we submit your application.
- The insurance company pays us a commission.
- We continue to provide free support.
We are not a company that enrolls you and then forgets about you. Each time your plan renews, we are paid an additional commission. If you don’t like working with us and find another broker, we lose that commission. That’s why we work so hard to find a plan you like and continue to support you and keep you updated on plan changes. Your best interests are our best interests!
How to Choose a Medicare Advisor
If we’ve convinced you to hire a Medicare advisor, great! Now you need to know how to spot a good one.
Your Medicare advisor should focus on education. They should want you to understand the Medicare program and whatever plans you’re considering. They should teach you about the differences between Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans and shouldn’t be pushing one kind over the other. The client is in the driver’s seat, and you should be making all the decisions.
You might also ask a potential advisor how many companies they work with. Will they follow up with you throughout the year? Can you call them directly with any questions about your plan? These are all good things to know so you’re aware of what you can expect from your Medicare agency.
We’ll help you find the best Medicare plan for you.
Bobby Brock Insurance in Tupelo, MS, is a national independent insurance brokerage agency that specializes in Medicare. Led by Bobby Brock, Justin Brock, and Steven Martinez, the company is located in the Spanish Village at 600 W. Main St, Ste B, Tupelo, MS. We have brokers licensed in all 50 states.
Our well-trained and experienced Medicare insurance agents are here to answer your questions about Medicare insurance and piece together a comprehensive plan to fit your needs.
Would you like more information about our health insurance plans? Contact us at 662-844-3300. We will set up a time to review any existing policies you may have and recommend any changes, if necessary. Remember, our services are complimentary!
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