Many seniors may wonder how to know if they should trust their Medicare advisor. Adding specific terms in your keyword search for Medicare advisors helps. Here are tips on how to search for and evaluate knowledgeable and trustworthy Medicare advisors.
Use Search Tools
The internet is usually the best place for any type of research. Use Google and other search engines and enter specific keywords in quotes such as “Medicare advisor + your hometown.” Other terms that might help narrow your search include “Medicare consultant” and “fee-only Medicare advisor.” Another phrase to search is your state’s “health insurance assistance program.” Include the specific type of insurance you need in the keyword phrase, although most major insurance companies offer a wide menu of policies from auto to home to life coverage.
Evaluate Your List of Candidates
Once you’ve compiled a list of 5-10 candidates to research, you can then spend more time carefully looking at each plan to see if it meets your specific needs. Many people don’t want to put in this extra time and complain when they end up with a plan that falls short of their needs.
If you go with a lesser-known insurance advisors, make sure it is licensed in your state. Fly-by-night scams do exist, so be careful not to fall into a “too good to be true” trap. Don’t let that discourage you from prioritizing your list based on your needs, which may include financial considerations. Whatever insurer you decide upon, it should be an individual that has passed the annual American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) exam. AHIP is the trade group that represents the health insurance industry.
Narrow the List Further
Once you’ve gathered relevant information about each potential insurance agency, you will need to narrow the list down to about three finalists. The standards you choose are up to you how you decide to filter companies out. If you can only afford to pay a certain amount for an add-on that you don’t really need, it may be one of your factors for narrowing the list further. For the most part, an insurer must be a partner you can trust that helps you sleep better at night.
Communicate
Many times you can get the information you need about an insurer’s policy offerings directly from their websites. Otherwise, you can get your questions answered through phone, email, or other digital channels.
Contact us at Medicare Advisors to learn more about your insurance coverage options. We are ready to serve you with customized coverage for your healthcare needs.
Some Common FAQs
What is a Medicare advisor?
A Medicare advisor is a professional who works with Medicare beneficiaries to select and enroll in the most appropriate Medicare plans for their situations. A Medicare advisor can be an independent agent, a broker, an underwriter or a counselor who can help you understand the features, costs and benefits of different Medicare plans and assist you with the enrollment process.
How can a Medicare advisor help me?
A Medicare advisor can help you save time, money and hassle by providing you with a wider pool of options, personalized advice and expert guidance. A Medicare advisor can help you compare and contrast various Medicare plans, such as Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, and find the one that best suits your needs and budget. A Medicare advisor can also answer your questions, explain the enrollment rules and deadlines, and help you avoid penalties or coverage gaps.
How can I find a Medicare advisor near me?
You can find a medicare advisor near you by using online tools such as Medicare’s plan finder tool or HelpAdvisor’s plan comparison tool. These tools can help you compare plan options in your area and contact companies or advisors that sell these plans. You can also search the internet for “medicare advisors near me” and get links to insurance firms or independent contractors in your area. However, before choosing an advisor, make sure they are licensed, reputable and equipped to provide the range of services you require. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family or other trusted sources who have used medicare advisors before.