It can be frustrating to figure out Medicare. It is amazing how much mail a consumer gets after turning 65. There are many people claiming to have the best plan for you. You only have one window to enroll in a plan. Not understanding the details can lead to costly mistakes down the road. It is important to find a trusted Medicare supplement agent who can explain the differences between plans.
How can you find a trustworthy person who will work for your best interests? These are some tips to help you choose an ethical and experienced agent.
1) Do not open mail from an insurance company. These are not solicitations. If you call the listed phone number, you will be connected to a representative who only offers one company’s products. Is this representative in your best interests? He only makes a living selling you his product. You want a broker that represents many carriers, so that they aren’t biased in explaining your options and won’t try and steer you towards products that don’t suit your needs.
2) Find an agent that specializes in Medicare-related products. Insurance is a vast industry. There are many agents who can sell individual, group, and cancer insurances, as well as life, disability, and life insurance. To be certified to sell Medicare products, agents must spend considerable time understanding the complex products. An agent who sells too many types insurance products is likely to not have the time and knowledge necessary to fully understand Medicare. Also, an agent who isn’t a master of all the trades will be a master of none.
3) Look for signs that show experience. Is the agent listed on a website that has an email address? Or does his business card state that you can email him using a yahoo account or hotmail account. Is there a location in his office where you can go to get help with claims? A neutral place where you can obtain the information you need, and then leave when you wish. You don’t want strangers asking to visit your home because the agent doesn’t have one. You will feel compelled to purchase something if you meet with them in person.
4) Finally, is the agent available to answer your questions? Agents who work alone may be busy meeting with potential clients, which could mean that it can take hours or even days for your call to be returned. If your personal agent is busy, it’s best to work with an established agency that has employees available to answer any questions.
These tips will help you find a trustworthy, knowledgeable broker who won’t pressure you but is patient and explains how Medicare works. The broker can be trusted as an advisor and resource for many years.
In conclusion, it is a good idea to consult an independent agent that specializes in Medicare-related products. To answer your urgent questions, the agent should be able to provide a location for an agency with staff who are trained in Medicare market products. If you prefer to meet in person, the agent should be available to host meetings in an office conference area or by phone. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Every agent worth their salt will have testimonials from clients who can tell you how they felt the agent helped them during the same process as you.
