If you’re a senior entering the world of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for the first time, it can be overwhelming due to the many options available.
With an average of 43 plans on offer, knowing where to start and how to navigate the complexity of these plans to make an informed decision can seem impossible.
That’s where Medicare Advantage agents come in.
In this article, we’ll explain the crucial role agents play in helping you sift through the myriad options to help you you choose the most suitable plan.
Let’s get started.
Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn
If you’re a senior entering the world of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for the first time, it can be overwhelming due to the many options available.
With an average of 43 plans on offer, knowing where to start and how to navigate the complexity of these plans to make an informed decision can seem impossible.
That’s where Medicare Advantage agents come in.
In this article, we’ll explain the crucial role agents play in helping you sift through the myriad options to help you you choose the most suitable plan.
Let’s get started.
The Medicare Advantage (MA) sector is highly competitive, and it can often be difficult to distinguish between plans.
In 2023, the average senior is presented with 43 different MA plans when they start searching.
However, in North Carolina, 163 different MA plans are offered statewide.
So, given the volume and variety of plans available, how can you effectively choose?
The complexity of the U.S. health insurance system can leave many seniors struggling to understand which plan is right for them - without the right help.
Add to this the additional confusion around how Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D all work, and it’s unrealistic to expect seniors to compare so many MA plans and find the right one for their needs. That’s where an experienced Medicare agent can help.
At Health Plans of NC, our knowledgeable agents act as educators more than salespeople. We take time to get to know every one of our clients and explain the intricacies of how Medicare Advantage plans work.
Our objective is to help our clients choose the right product for them. One that best aligns with their unique healthcare needs and fits their budget.
While we receive commissions from the insurers, we emphasize helping our clients choose the best plan for them - not selling products. We pride ourselves on being customer-focused and establishing trust, which is why our clients refer their friends and family.
Let's see an example of how a Health Plans of NC agent can help.
Jackie calls our agents because she’s unsure where to start when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan. She’s interested in discussing tailoring a plan to suit her specific needs.
Of the MA plans available in North Carolina, 35 include prescription drug coverage.
Jackie needs a plan with prescription drug coverage as she regularly takes prescription medicine. Our agent cross-checks if the drugs she needs are covered under each plan's formulary.
Our agent then examines the network of each of the available plans and discusses the options with Jackie. Given Jackie's desire to maintain a long-term relationship with her primary doctor, our agent removes any plans that don’t include her doctor in their network.
Jackie is also on a low fixed income, so our agent identified 15 plans with $0 premiums to meet her budget.
Considering Jackie's desire for network flexibility due to family visits in other areas, our agent narrows the choice to five plans from the remaining options.
Our agent then assesses Part B premium givebacks, plan Star Ratings, brand names, and supplemental benefits.
Because Jackie experiences back pain, she’s hoping for a plan that offers an acupuncture benefit. Two of the five remaining plans offer this, Giving Jackie a choice of two plans from the initial list.
The role of an agent in narrowing down a personalized recommendation showcases the value you can get from seeking professional advice.
By understanding your needs and goals, our team can work with you to educate you about the various options available. We help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs, cutting out the overwhelming landscape of options.
Contact us today if you’re ready to chat with one of our experienced, locally-based Medicare agents. Our team can answer your questions and recommend a plan that suits your lifestyle and health needs.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Health Plans of NC