MEDICARE: A local guide to the right plan

BUSINESS PROFILE: The Medicare Duo & Brekke Insurance Group

Medicare Insurance Advisors help those eligible find the health plan that best fits their needs

By Jim Palmer

If you are 65 years or older, you are eligible for Medicare. Whether you are eligible for the first time or currently enrolled in Medicare, you should be aware of a couple important things. First, you should be aware that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will be Oct. 15-Dec. 7 this year. This is the time frame when you can make any adjustments to your current plan. Second, you should be aware of the changes and how they may impact you. For most Americans, staying on top of the changes and complexities of Medicare is the difficult part. That is where The Medicare Duo comes in.

“This year, we are looking at some major policy modifications, some regulatory reforms, and rising costs,” said Brent Brekke, partner/agent with The Medicare Duo and Brekke Insurance Group. “These shifts will alter a significant number of Medicare plans this enrollment period.”

Although it is clear that these changes will affect Medicare plans, it is still unclear how impactful it will be to the plans.

“The 2026 plan information for the annual enrollment period comes out officially on Oct. 1,” said Brekke. “Annual notice of change documents will be sent to current enrollees by each carrier prior to Oct. 1.”

Brekke said because of the changes in policies and plans, it is as important as ever that both new and prospective members work with us or a local agent that they trust who can help digest all the information and changes as they are released.

The Medicare Duo is an independent insurance agency with offices in Litchfield and New London that serves Meeker, Stearns, Kandiyhoi, McLeod, Wright and Renville counties. 

“Our focus is to shop local, provide good customer service, always follow through, and help our clients find the right providers,” he said. “We can search plans from a variety of carriers/insurance companies to find the right policy for them. This year will be really important for people to contact us for our expert help.”

Brekke encourages people to connect with The Medicare Duo for a no cost one-to-one meeting to discuss the plans, and then select one that works best with their health conditions, current prescriptions and price points. 

“We know about every plan offered in Minnesota, especially for all the counties we serve,” said Brekke. “We are in this business for the long haul. We live in the same area as our clients and see them around town. We take pride in building and maintaining a relationship as a trusted advisor. Each and every market is different. Each region has different providers and different insurance carriers so choosing a local agent that understands your needs will serve you best. Even if you are not going to work with us, I encourage people to deal with a local rep that understands your county and your needs in that county.” 

Individuals who are planning to go on Medicare plans should start preparing about four months before their 65th birthday, said Brekke. Individuals who are turning 65 and going on Medicare are eligible to select a plan three months prior to the month they turn 65. 

“Individuals who are retiring, are currently on an employer group health plan, and are already 65 years old, qualify for a special election period they can use at any time throughout the year. Plan on contacting and meeting with a local agent you trust four to five months prior to your expected Medicare start date,” said Brekke. “To be fully prepared please bring your Social Security and Medicare paperwork along with an updated drug list (if applicable). Drug lists can be requested any time a prescription is filled or when you go to the doctor. By coming with this paperwork, you will help the agent by giving them as much information as possible to use in finding you a plan that best suits your needs.”

The initial visit is important in getting the right plan for the client, and Brekke and his team work diligently to educate their client so they have a clear picture of their options.

“Understandably, due to the complex nature of health insurance individuals can come in feeling a little overwhelmed,” he said. “Most individuals are not well-versed on how these plans work and the consequences of signing yourself up for a plan that does not suit your needs could be detrimental. Educating and advising clients takes time and experience. We pride ourselves upon our ability to find quality solutions to each and every individual’s needs. We take the time to sift through the options with each client and make sure they understand the process and coverage.”

Clients are encouraged to call or walk into the Litchfield or New London office anytime to get questions answered. And if that doesn’t work,  the Medicare Duo team can meet with them at the client’s homes if requested. They also offer weekly educational marketing meetings in October and November as an added benefit to the communities they serve. 

“We have two storefronts, we travel door to door, and we help clients at their houses if they want us to,” said Brekke. “You have to have someone who is going to be there for you and knows the area. That is the big thing -- find someone local, find good representation, and find someone who is doing the right thing for you.”

How much does it cost for these one-to-one meetings, these plan reviews, the year-round customer service, and the public meetings? Absolutely nothing.

“All of our weekly educational marketing meetings, our in-person face-to-face meetings, guidance during the year, and annually are at no charge to the clients,” said Brekke. 

Anyone who is 65 years of age in America is eligible for Medicare regardless of whether or not you are receiving Social Security benefits. People who have qualified for 24 months of Social Security Disability also are eligible. If you are currently eligible for Medicare or are near the age of Medicare eligibility, it is important to sign up with Medicare. Signing up as soon as you are eligible can avoid a costly late enrollment penalty. 

If you are turning 65 soon or already on a Medicare policy, The Medicare Duo is committed to help navigate you through the 2026 plans.

“Call to see what a difference we can make helping you pick the correct medical and prescription drug plans,” said Brekke. “We are here to help you and your personal situation. Call us and schedule a time that works for you so you are taken care of by Dec. 7.” 

The Medicare Duo and Brekke Insurance Group in Litchfield is located at 822 North Sibley Avenue and their phone number is 320-593-4968. The Medicare Duo in New London is located at 105 Central Avenue East in New London, and their phone number is 320-354-2900.

To learn more, visit their web site at www.medicareduo.com or Facebook at Medicare Duo.

This is a paid business profile. If you would like to learn more about promoting your business in the Sr. Perspective with a business profile, call Jim at 320-334-3344.