Help is available for those seeking Medicare coverage – InsuranceNewsNet

Health insurance is not a subject that many people enjoy discussing and browsing as it is often a frustrating, confusing and complicated matter. However, health insurance is necessary for everyone at all stages of life.

I want to focus on Medicare and dig deeper into what people need to consider when making a decision about the appropriate choice of health and wellness care for themselves or a loved one.

According to Medicare.gov, Medicare can be explained as health insurance for people age 65 or older. You can first register three months before you turn 65. However, it is also available for people with a disability, end-stage kidney disease or ALS.

Medicare consists of three main components: Part A (hospitalization insurance), Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Unfortunately, many often approach this major decision in uniform and misled by misinformation. I am passionate about getting the right information into the hands of those who need it. Being aware of the resources available and well prepared to make an appropriate choice for your health care or that of a loved one is essential.

There seems to be a mountain of information that people could be bombarded with as they consider this decision; and unfortunately, the majority that is presented regarding health insurance is incorrect for the potential client. It’s shocking how many scams are circulating about Medicare, and it’s appalling how many people are negatively affected by these deceptive actions. Fortunately, there are several legitimate agents who are well trained and equipped to provide valuable information regarding health insurance choices.

Ginny Curtis – Gillespie, a veteran in the field of health insurance with Medicare in particular, is the founder and owner of Navigating Medicare with their headquarters located in The Village. Additionally, the organization has offices with trusted agents in Tulsa, Shawnee and Ardmore, as well as agents who are mobile and available to meet a client at a preferred location. Curtis-Gillespie emphasized early on that you should never receive any information provided over the phone by an unsolicited agent regarding Medicare, unless you initiated the phone call. His advice is to reject such calls and refrain from receiving their offers, as the most beneficial way to discuss your health insurance options would be in an office, or at least with a local person who will stay in your yard beyond the sale. The potential client must make his decision based on his particular situation, both medically and financially. Therefore, a trusted advisor should consider all of this when helping someone choose a plan.

Additionally, according to Curtis-Gillespie, you should see several insurance companies in their office, along with readily available information such as brochures and handouts. She said don’t be shy about asking agents for referrals or checking websites for reviews from past and current clients. And here is a list of questions you should be prepared to ask the agent interviewing you:

• If he is a broker, for which insurers does he work?

• What type of packages do they offer?

• Where do they get their training?

• Who owns the business?

These questions are helpful in decision making when traversing the often tangled network of Medicare.

I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed or worried when making a choice with Medicare. Rather, feel empowered because you are knowledgeable and ready to make a quality decision for yourself or a loved one.

There are other agencies in Oklahoma who can help you with health insurance.

Sibley Insures, for example, is a husband and wife team based in Oklahoma City. They started working in this industry to help combat some of the misinformation and scams that so many people have come across. I want to re-emphasize that knowledge is power, and you won’t regret taking the time to line up all your ducks before making your health insurance choice.

Robin Gunn owns Oklahoma’s main newspaper. She can be reached at [email protected]. His column dealing with the problems of seniors will appear monthly in Points de vue.

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Robin Gunn

Guest columnist