How to Get the Most Out of
Your Medicare Appointment
Learn what to expect before, during, and after an appointment with a licensed agent
Things You Should Know
Steps You Should Take
Questions You Should Ask
A COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE GUIDE FROM
Whether you’ve just become eligible for Medicare or you’ve been on Medicare for a while, it’s important to make sure you have the coverage that best fits your needs. Unfortunately, sorting through all of the plan and coverage information available to you can be an overwhelming task.
Fortunately, we developed this guide to help you understand the processes and preparation needed to have a successful appointment with a licensed insurance agent.
Selecting the right plan is more that just your health status, it’s a discussion about your providers, your medications, your budget, your lifestyle and your overall needs.
Taking time to discuss all these items during your appointment ensures these factors and more, are taken into consideration in helping you find the plan that best fits your current phase in life.
To get the most out of your appointment, we’ve outlined how you can prepare for each phase of the process.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
It’s important to work with someone you trust. Look for an Independent agent who is licensed, AHIP or NABIP certified, with the experience, knowledge, and expertise to guide you to the plan or combination of plans that work best for your specific needs.
Remember, it’s ok to ask a licensed agent how many years of experience they have and what plans they represent in the local market. Also, anyone who wants to meet with you to discuss your Medicare options must receive your permission to meet with you at least 48 hours before a scheduled appointment can take place
Before your scheduled meeting, you will be sent a Scope of Appointment document which indicates which topics you’d like to discuss during your appointment. This document can come to you via text, email, or paper copy. You can choose any or all of the following topics to discuss:
Original Medicare – Medicare Parts A & B
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Stand-Alone Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Supplement plans can also be discussed
but are not required on a Scope of Appointment
Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, here are a few things you need to have ready before meeting with a licensed insurance agent:
List of your doctors, hospitals, and other care providers
- How important it is to you that you can continue to see your current doctors on any new plan you may select?
- Consider if you need flexibility to see doctors outside of your current area, including in other states
List of your prescriptions, including:
- Dosage & Frequency
- Do you have a preferred pharmacy?
- Do you want a plan that offers mail order prescriptions?
What needs you have related to your current medical condition and/or lifestyle:
- Are there plans that focus on my specific medical needs?
- Can I afford a monthly preimum? How will this impact my budget?
- Will my plan cover me if I travel?
You may be asked to provide this information before your appointment so the agent helping you is better prepared to discuss your specific needs. In addition, you’ll receive specific plan information that will be reviewed during your appointment. This may be provided before or during your appointment.
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
When your appointment day has arrived, there are a few things you can expect.
The licensed insurance agent is there to learn about your needs and provide you with easy to understand information regarding your options.
No two appointments are exactly the same because no two people have the same exact needs. Nevertheless, you can expect the following to happen during your appointment
Your licensed insurance agent will ask you questions to lear more about you, your current situation, and your likes/dislikes
You will verify that your providers and prescriptions are covered under any new plan you discuss
You will review all plan benefits and costs so that you know exactly what the plan covers and what costs you will be responsible for
If you decide to enroll in a plan, the licensed insurance agent can help you enroll into the plan of your choice
Remember – If you feel pressured to make a decision or don’t have all your questions answered, you are not obligated to make a change or continue working with that licensed insurance agent
Questions You Might Be Asked:
Do you have Medicare part A&B?
What type of coverage do you have and why are you considering a change?
What does your ideal plan look like?
If you were to change plans, how important is it that your current providers are part of the new plan?
What result are you hoping to get out of our appointment today?
Do you travel often or live in multiple locations?
What sounds better to you, higher monthly premiums with low monthly out-of-pocket costs, or low monthly premiums with potentially higher monthly out-of-pocket costs?
Do you have anyone (spouse, adult child, caregiver) who helps you make these kinds of decisions?
Questions You May Want to Ask During Your Appointment:
Are my current providers in network with the plan(s) we are discussing?
How often can I see a specialist and are referrals required?
What extra benefits are included with this plan?
Are all my prescription medications covered and how much will they cost each month?
Are there any deductibles I need to pay before my benefits begin?
What is the difference between Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements?
How does enrollment/disenrollment work if I decide that I don’t like this plan after enrolling?
When is comes to choosing the right coverage for your situation, it’s important to feel confident and fully informed before making a decision.
Not everything may be finalized in the first meeting so there may be a follow up meeting needed to address any outstanding questions or concerns you have.
Remember – If you feel pressured to make a decision or don’t have all your questions answered, your’re not obligated to make a change or continue working with that licensed agent
FOLLOW-UP AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
After your initial appointment, your agent will make sure you have everything you need after your appointment.
If you enrolled in a new plan, your agent will see that the application is sent to the carrier for your new plan. That carrier will likely contact you to make sure that you want to join the plan you selected and that you understand the plan’s benefits and coverage.
Once your application has been accepted and your enrollment is verified, you will receive notice from your carrier that your enrollment is in good order and you’ll be sent a welcome packet and new ID card.
Once your enrollment is complete, support from your agent shouldn’t stop there. This should be the beginning or continuation of a long term relationship.
Once you’re enrolled in your plan, your agent should follow-up with you to ensure you received your welcome packet and plan ID card. They will also help you with any items related to transitioning to a new plan.
How your licensed agent will support you long-term:
Yearly Plan Review – They should contact you and review your plan at least annually to make sure your coverage is still the best fit for your needs
Long Term Support – As we all know, things change. Your agent should be with you through any changes in your life, be it a move to a new home, retirement, a change in your health status. Your agent should be there to provide you support and guidance during those changes.
Remember, your agent works for you. They should be your advocate when dealing with your health plan and they should be there to ensure you are getting the most from your current plan, now and in the future.
Dont be shy about asking questions about your coverage or how to best access plan benefits. These calls are welcomed by experienced agents!
CONCLUSION
We hope you found this guide useful, as meeting with an experienced licensed insurance agent is the first step toward finding the Medicare plan that is right for you. The more you prepare, the more you’ll get out of your appointment.
Ultimately, an experienced, licensed agent will simplify the Medicare process for you and remove as many barriers as possible between you and a plan that best fits your needs
If you don’t have a relationship with a local, licensed insurance agent, the Core Insurance Advisors team is here to help you find a plan that best fits your needs, now and in the years to come.
To set up a no cost meeting with a licensed agent from Core Insurance Advisors, you can visit our website, call our offices or scan the QR code below.
https://coreinsuranceadvisors.com/talk-to-an-agent/
Ph. (877) 404-8060
TTY 711
Monday – Friday 9am/5pm
When calling the number above, you’ll be connected with a licensed insurance agent
