BUSINESS PROFILE: Medicare Insurance Advisors, Sartell
Medicare Insurance; Advisors help clients find a plan that works for their needs, budget
BY SCOTT THOMA
One of the more stressful times for someone approaching Medicare eligibility is having to sift through the quantity of information available and then trying to determine the next step.
However, there is help available in understanding these complicated plans. And the best part is there is no fee.
Paul and Patricia Hamilton of Medicare Insurance Advisors of Sartell look forward to working with you and explaining the enrollment dates, finding which plan will best fit your needs and budget, and going through the overall structure of Medicare. They will take the time to make sure you fully understand every aspect of Medicare, and answer any questions you might have.
The Hamiltons have over 20 years of experience working in the senior market, specializing in products that assist seniors mitigate risk. They value the relationships with their clients.
“I have been well satisfied with Medicare Insurance Advisors,” said Paulette H. “I have always had a quick response and helpful answers to all my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
“There is no upcharge or obligation to work with us,” said Paul. “We shop the market for you, and we work with all major carriers.”
The Hamiltons enjoy their work and admittedly get pleasure out of assisting seniors 65-and-over and all of those eligible with their Medicare questions.
“We want to help people understand these important Medicare policies,” said Patricia. “It can be very hard and frustrating to figure these things out.”
The following are important dates coming up involving Medicare:
Annual Election Period (AEP): Oct. 15 thru Dec. 7.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January thru March.
Initial Election Period (IEP): A 7-month window (3 months before birthday month, 3 months after birthday month).
Special Election Periods (SEP): You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, like if you move or you lose other insurance coverage.
“We are currently scheduling appointments, so if anyone is nearing 65 years old or is retiring soon and wants to learn about their options, they can call us to reserve an appointment,” Patricia said.
The Hamiltons noted a list of “Top 8 things you should know about Medicare” as something clients should be aware of. They can offer help with any of them.
(1) Flu Shots: Medicare covers flu shots once a year during the fall or winter months. They are covered 100 percent by original Medicare.
(2) Cardiovascular Screening: They may have a doctor visit co-payment or additional bills.
(3) In-Patient vs. Observation: In-patient is when you are formally admitted to the hospital. Observation is pending to determine if you are being admitted or discharged.
(4) Traveling: Medicare does not provide coverage outside the United States. Certain Medicare Advantage plans have travel options.
(5) Medicare Part B Deductible: Medicare Part B has an annual deductible of $233.
(6) VA coverage: VA is considered creditable coverage. No Part D penalty. May have additional coverage, such as a Medicare Advantage plan in addition to VA.
(7) Rx Savings: This includes pill splitting (double dose), Generic alternatives, over-the-counter and more.
(8) Eyes, Ears and Teeth: There is very limited coverage for glasses, hearing aids, and dental through Medicare. You will typically owe 100 percent of these services, but some Medicare Advantage plans cover these as extras.
As a form of insurance, Medicare is fundamentally different from other group/employer, individual, or family plans, because it focuses around the individual, even though the decisions you make can also affect your family members.
There are two ways to receive your medical benefits, Medicare & Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plus.
Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) plans pay the co-payments and co-insurance costs not covered by original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor/services). These private market plans provide comprehensive coverage, and are guaranteed renewable.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) health plans can provide lower monthly premiums and reasonable co-pays.
Medicare Insurance Advisors is committed to education. Because the Medicare market is continually changing, Paul and Patricia will work with you one-on-one and review your prescription drugs, your physicians, your provider networks, and the plan options in your area.
Understanding these plan types and options ensures you will understand the benefits and get the most from your plan.
Paul and Patricia will also assist you in submitting an application for coverage, and confirm the coverage is in force and beyond.
“We want to help our clients select a plan that best meets their needs and budget,” Paul noted.
One of the areas that can have a significant impact on your monthly out-of-pocket costs is the Part D Plan.
“We will thoroughly evaluate your prescription needs and work with you on selecting a plan that could save you money,” Patricia said.
Medicare is the government-run health insurance coverage for those 65 years of age or older, or those with certain disabilities and conditions.
Because of the complexity of the various plans, Medicare can be very difficult to understand. Medicare beneficiaries have the chance to change coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) every year. Choosing the right plan can not only improve your health, but it can also allow you to have financial and emotional peace of mind.
Paul and Patricia are still aware about pandemic concerns and they strive to make sure their clients stay informed in a safe and healthy way.
“We can schedule in-person or phone appointments if you have any changes that need to be made for next year,” Paul said.
And the clients appreciate the Hamiltons willingness to assist them in any way they can.
“I have found that Medicare Insurance Advisors truly act in my best interests,” said JoAnn D. “They review my policy and prescriptions annually to make sure I’m getting the best coverage and rate. They are always more than happy to answer my questions, too.”
Medicare Insurance Advisors won’t pressure its customers into purchasing a Medicare plan, nor will they recommend a particular plan. What they offer is unbiased, easy to understand information about various Medicare options, enabling a client to choose the plan that they feel suits them best.
“The best Medicare Advantage plan is generally the one that includes your doctors in the plan’s network, and your medication on the plan’s formulary,” Patricia said. “You can find Advantage plans from major carries like United Healthcare, Aetna, UCare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, Medica, and a number of other carriers.
Medicare Insurance Advisors has several locations in Minnesota. The home office is located at 2107 Troop Drive in Sartell.
For more information or to set up an appointment, call Medicare Insurance Advisors at 320-654-6100, or toll free at 888-611-2200, or visit their website at www.MedicareinsAdvisors.com.
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