How Medicare Advantage Agents Simplify Choices for Seniors
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 choose the most suitable plan for you.
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 choose the most suitable plan for you.
Let’s get started.
So Many Medicare Advantage Plans - Where to Begin?
The Medicare Advantage (MA) sector is a highly competitive sector, 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.
But in North Carolina, there are actually 163 different MA plans offered statewide.
So how can you effectively choose given the volume and variety of plans available?
Getting Help to Navigate The Complex System of Medicare Advantage Plans
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.
Throw in 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 each and 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.
How A Medicare Advantage Agent Can Help
Let's look at 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.
Out 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 wants to maintain her long-term relationship with her primary doctor, our agent removes any plans that don’t include Jackie’s doctor in their network.
Jackie is also on a low fixed income, so our agent identifies 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. Out of the five remaining plans, two plans offer this. Giving Jackie a choice of two plans from the initial list.
Tailoring Plans to Fit Your Specific Healthcare Needs
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.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today if you’re ready to chat with one of our experienced and locally-based Medicare agents. Our team can answer your questions and recommend a plan that suits your lifestyle and health needs.
Ready to get started?
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