BUSINESS PROFILE: PATRIOT INSURANCE BROKERS, WAITE PARK
Patriot Insurance Brokers aims to find Medicare plan that best fits clients needs, budget
BY SCOTT THOMA
Choosing the right Medicare plan can be a stressful time for qualifying individuals. The various plans and deadlines can be somewhat confusing to most.
Patriot Insurance Brokers (formerly Blue Chip Insurance Services) of Waite Park owner Brock Tatge and his advisors are eager to help clients through this important process free of charge.
“We want to help people out,” said Tatge, who started out in the insurance business in 1997. “The plans can be somewhat hard to understand, and all it takes is to sit down with us and we will explain the details and make sure you are getting the best plan for your needs and budget.”
Tatge, general manager/agent David Gebhardt, and former owner/agent Jim Bisek have over 70 years of experience in the insurance business.
“Our goal is to simplify the process enrolling in Medicare through needs analysis to determine a suitable plan for each person,” Tatge said. “There is so much information out there on TV, in your mailbox, phone calls and much more. There is a lot of misinformation out there. That’s why we’re here to help you understand.”
Besides providing assistance with Medicare benefits, Patriot Insurance also offers insurance coverage for home, auto, life, business, recreational vehicle, boat and more. They assist clients in finding coverage throughout central Minnesota.
“We are your one-stop shop,” Gebhardt remarked. “We really enjoy what we do and that is giving people the right coverage they need. We want to build a rapport with them, and establish long-term relationships with them.”
With the help of the advisors at Patriot Insurance, clients not only save themselves time and stress, they also are relieved to know that they will get the best deal they can.
“Working with Patriot Insurance for Business has been a great experience,” said Michael B. “Not only does Patriot lay out the details easy and understanding, but you get great solid service. If you are looking for personal or business insurance that you can depend on, call them.”
With the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, Patriot Insurance advisors urge those people currently enrolled to start making plans to meet with them and discuss the various options.
“For those planning to enroll, they should contact us as soon as possible to eliminate any confusion and possible penalty,” said Gebhardt.
During the AEP period you can enroll or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Cost plan with prescription coverage, or prescription plan for the next year, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Often, there are changes to Medicare coverages, so advisors at Patriot Insurance welcome you to go over the changes with them.
“The Medicare market changes constantly and it’s important to consider your plan options, your prescription drug needs, and your physician/clinic networks,” Tatge said. “When you work with one of our independent agents, they will evaluate your prescription drugs and provider networks, and then help you make an informed plan selection.”
If you are currently eligible for Medicare, or are nearing the age of Medicare eligibility, it’s important that you understand the Medicare enrollment dates. Signing up as soon as you are eligible can help avoid a costly late enrollment penalty.
“We will explain everything so you don’t leave here confused and wondering if you made the right decision,” Gebhardt noted. “We will gladly answer any question you may have. And our help is with no cost to you.”
Clients of Patriot Insurance Brokers said the agents there are patient and go over the details of each policy, relieving any stress they might have had prior to meeting with them.
“I knew I needed help with signing up for Medicare, and getting a plan to supplement Medicare,” said Lynette T. “He was so helpful in assisting with signing up for Medicare and finding a plan right for me.
Anyone age 65 or older is eligible for Medicare. People who have qualified for 24 months of Social Security disability also become eligible. Review your current Medicare coverage and any upcoming changes to your costs or benefits. Make sure your current Medicare coverage meets your needs for the upcoming year. If not, check with the advisors at Patriot Insurance Brokers.
The Medicare parts are as follows:
Part A: This is your Hospital Coverage, which pays for your room and board in the hospital or in a skilled nursing facility.
Part B: This is your Outpatient Coverage and includes doctor visits, equipment, lab work, surgeries, durable medical equipment, diagnostic tests, and more.
Part C: This is your Prescription Drug Coverage. It is a pharmacy card that allows you to purchase prescriptions at a lower cost than retail. It is insurance you purchase for present and future medication needs.
Plan selection can have a significant impact on your monthly out-of-pocket costs. Patriot’s experienced advisors will evaluate the prescription drugs you are taking, and assist you in selecting a plan that could save you money.
“Hard to beat the service that Brock provides,” said Mary R. “He is knowledgeable, prompt, and honest. His insurance background makes him the guy to know and trust.”
“Wonderful experience meeting with David,” said Tom K. “He was very friendly and helpful with both my wife and me.”
There is a three-step process to simplify your Medicare decision:
(1) Compare your options. The advisors at Patriot Insurance Brokers are committed to education. They will work with you one-on-one to review your prescription drugs, your physicians, and the plan options in your area. Understanding those plan types and options ensures you’ll understand the benefits, and get the most from your plans.
(2) Select the plan that is right for you. The advisors at Patriot Insurance Brokers feel their job is to make the process as easy as possible for their clients. As an independent agency, they offer insurance plans from all the leading companies, and will help you select a plan that best meets your needs and budget.
(3) Feel confident about your enrollment. Once you select a plan, the advisors will complete the enrollment process with you, and confirm your coverage is issued promptly. They make sure they are with you every step of the way.
“I wouldn’t go anywhere else for all of my insurance needs,” said Jason K. “Everyone there tries so hard to get me the best possible rates on all of my policies. They are honest and so easy to deal with. I absolutely recommend you give them a call.”
Patriot Insurance Brokers are located at 49 Second Avenue North in Waite Park. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 320-252-8222 or visit their website at www.patriotinsurancebrokers.com.
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