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Is There Value In Utilizing A Medicare Insurance Agent?


My Medicare Expertise

I am now beginning my 12th year as a Medicare insurance agent. 

As each year has gone by, the depth of my Medicare knowledge, as expected, has increased significantly. 

In fact, Medicare beneficiaries I have met with, serviced, and/or acquired as clients have shared with me that they often refer other beneficiaries to me, describing me as an “expert” Medicare insurance agent in the process.

I am grateful for both the referrals and the kind words. 

It makes me feel appreciated and validates my efforts as a medical insurance agent.

What’s An Expert?

As much as I value recognition of my skills, the designation as an “expert” is a term I am not comfortable with, for the simple fact that…well…it’s simply not true.

I’m not sure whether there are any “experts” when it comes to Medicare, with the possible exception of those individuals who are actually employed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

This is not a knock on anyone’s intelligence level.

It is merely an observation based on a) the complexities and detailed intricacies of all the different components that comprise the Medicare health insurance program, as well as the fact that b) Medicare is constantly changing and evolving.

As an insurance producer and medicare insurance agent, this means on-going training and continuing education to obtain the necessary knowledge to remain a viable resource for individuals who are interested in receiving guidance on Medicare.

The same is true for all vocations.

Lifelong Learning

For doctors there are always new developments in the field of medicine.

A lawyer needs to understand the depth of new court rulings and their impact on the judicial system.

Farmers have to be aware of changes in agricultural guidelines and their impact on production, and so on.

In my quest to master as much of these detailed intricacies as possible, I don’t take for granted that most Medicare beneficiaries, as well as most adults over the age of 50, already understand the basics of Medicare.

My day-to-day-experience with the general public and in particular, eligible Medicare beneficiaries, reminds me that this is not the case.

Nor should I expect that most adults would have a great understanding on how Medicare works.

Medicare Is Complicated

The reality is, we have limited knowledge about subjects we have had very little education on or experience with.

How many of us were introduced to Medicare 101 or Health Care 101 as part of our formal education?

How many of us pursued these subjects as “hobbies”?

This applies to all fields of endeavor.

I am a college degreed insurance professional, but I can’t diagnose and treat medical conditions.

If you wanted to sell your home, would you make an appointment to see a chiropractor?

If you needed someone to give you financial advice, would you consult a realtor?

I think all would agree the most productive course of action is to seek out someone whose talents and skill sets are best suited to address our particular needs.

Make Educated Choices

As a Medicare-focused insurance producer and medical insurance agent, my expertise is not selling insurance; rather it is utilizing my knowledge to educate individuals on Medicare so they can not only understand it, but can make informed decisions on the choices that best suits their needs.

Medicare Challenges

Here are examples of just some of the challenging Medicare -related issues which a competent Medicare-trained insurance agent should be able to assist individuals in understanding:

  • How a beneficiary’s Part B premium cost is determined
  • What the Medicare Savings Program is, and who may be eligible to benefit from it
  • The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
  • What the terms “Dual-eligible” and “Medicaid Spend Down” mean
  • The eligibility guidelines for receiving “Extra Help” on prescription coverage as well as how a person can apply for it
  • How a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part D coverage is calculated and assessed
  • How to determine which Medicare Prescription Drug coverage option best meets a beneficiary’s needs
  • The definitions of the Medicare election periods and which election period(s) are applicable to a respective beneficiary
  • The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (Macra) of 2015

Medicare can be complicated.  I am a medicare insurance agent and I help simplify Medicare.  I offer free in-home consultations as well as group presentations.  Call me today at (217) 691-6270 or email me at bobodonnell@bardoinsurance.com to schedule me for your personal appointment or group event

My Medicare Expertise

I am now beginning my 12th year as a Medicare-focused insurance producer. 

As each year has gone by, the depth of my Medicare knowledge, as expected, has increased significantly. 

In fact, Medicare beneficiaries I have met with, serviced, and/or acquired as clients have shared with me that they often refer other beneficiaries to me, describing me as an “expert” on Medicare in the process. 

I am grateful for both the referrals and the kind words. 

It makes me feel appreciated and validates my efforts.

What’s An Expert?

As much as I value recognition of my skills, the designation as an “expert” is a term I am not comfortable with, for the simple fact that…well…it’s simply not true.

I’m not sure whether there are any “experts” when it comes to Medicare, with the possible exception of those individuals who are actually employed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

This is not a knock on anyone’s intelligence level. 

It is merely an observation based on a) the complexities and detailed intricacies of all the different components that comprise the Medicare health insurance program, as well as the fact that b) Medicare is constantly changing and evolving. 

As an insurance producer, this means on-going training and continuing education to obtain the necessary knowledge to remain a viable resource for individuals who are interested in receiving guidance on Medicare.

The same is true for all vocations. 

Lifelong Learning

For doctors there are always new developments in the field of medicine.

A lawyer needs to understand the depth of new court rulings and their impact on the judicial system.

 Farmers have to be aware of changes in agricultural guidelines and their impact on production, and so on.

In my quest to master as much of these detailed intricacies as possible, I don’t take for granted that most Medicare beneficiaries, as well as most adults over the age of 50, already understand the basics of Medicare. 

My day-to-day-experience with the general public and in particular, eligible Medicare beneficiaries, reminds me that this is not the case. 

Nor should I expect that most adults would have a great understanding on how Medicare works. 

Medicare Is Complicated

The reality is, we have limited knowledge about subjects we have had very little education on or experience with.

How many of us were introduced to Medicare 101 or Health Care 101 as part of our formal education? 

How many of us pursued these subjects as “hobbies”? 

This applies to all fields of endeavor.

I am a college degreed insurance professional, but I can’t diagnose and treat medical conditions.

If you wanted to sell your home, would you make an appointment to see a chiropractor? 

If you needed someone to give you financial advice, would you consult a realtor? 

I think all would agree the most productive course of action is to seek out someone whose talents and skill sets are best suited to address our particular needs.

Make Educated Choices

As a Medicare-focused insurance producer, my expertise is not selling insurance; rather it is utilizing my knowledge to educate individuals on Medicare so they can not only understand it, but can make informed decisions on the choices that best suits their needs. 

Medicare Challenges

Here are examples of just some of the challenging Medicare -related issues which a competent Medicare-trained insurance agent should be able to assist individuals in understanding:

  • How a beneficiary’s Part B premium cost is determined
  • What the Medicare Savings Program is, and who may be eligible to benefit from it
  • The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
  • What the terms “Dual-eligible” and “Medicaid Spend Down” mean
  • The eligibility guidelines for receiving “Extra Help” on prescription coverage as well as how a person can apply for it
  • How a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part D coverage is calculated and assessed
  • How to determine which Medicare Prescription Drug coverage option best meets a beneficiary’s needs
  • The definitions of the Medicare election periods and which election period(s) are applicable to a respective beneficiary
  • The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (Macra) of 2015

Medicare can be complicated.  I help simplify it.  I offer free in-home consultations as well as group presentations.  Call me today at (217) 691-6270 or email me at bobodonnell@bardoinsurance.com to schedule me for your personal appointment or group event