How Medicare Brokers Can Make Enrollment Easier for You By CJ Bawden, Director of Government Programs at Hometown Health
T CJ Bawden
he 2020 Open Enrollment season is here and finding the best Medicare plan might seem like a daunting task. That is exactly when a Medicare Broker can step in and help you make an informed decision based on your personal needs. Specialized Medicare insurance brokers serve as navigators to help you choose the plan that is right for you.
Here is a breakdown with the top three reasons to work with a Medicare broker during this open enrollment season: 1. Brokers get information on all types of plans available to you. 2. Brokers have a local point of contact to help you resolve issues that may arise. 3. A broker will help you navigate the available choices and select the plan that is best for you.
Another reason to work with a Medicare Broker, and what makes them unique, is that brokers go through annual training to meet guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the insurance company that is issuing the plan. They can help individuals make sure that their doctors, hospitals and prescription medications are covered by the plan before enrollment. After an individual has enrolled, the broker will be there to help with customer service issues and things that may come up during the year. Now, you might be asking yourself how to find a Medicare Broker. The easiest and most reliable way is to ask a friend. If you know someone that worked with a broker, you can get an unbiased opinion about the experience they had when working with a broker. However, if you don’t know anyone that has used a broker, local internet searches and calling the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program office are great ways to find out who services your area. (Brokers page 8)
At 78, Maria made a life-changing decision: She became part of a movement. Introducing The HELLO Project. An act of compassion for our community’s elders. Maria’s like a lot of others in our community. She’s a force of nature, someone who has the ability to enhance her own life as well as others, a trans-formative skill that starts with a simple “hello”. Chances are, you possess this power as well. Simply click a link, make a call or join our virtual gathering every Tuesday & Thursday at noon. It’s a commitment-free act of kindness for yourself and others that will keep you informed, help you find answers, and engage in a community of encouragement. Have you got some “Hello” in you? Please visit Podcasts & Blogs on our website for additional information.
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www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // November 2020
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