Can you feel it? It’s in the air. It’s almost here. It’s almost AEP.
Every year, adults over 65 are allowed to enroll in or make changes to their Medicare coverage during what is known as the annual enrollment period – which this year takes place between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Outside of the annual enrollment period, only those who meet specific criteria may enroll in or make changes to their coverage. Special circumstances include, but are not limited to, moving to a new state, getting out of prison or moving into a long-term care facility.
This time of year, insurance companies spend fortunes advertising Medicare plans to the senior population.
“Using trusted celebrities, Medicare plans are oversimplified and presented as a great solution for everyone,” explained Guy Furay, founder of The Insurance Source.
For most, however, the process of enrolling in a Medicare program is not that simple. In fact, most seniors find trying to choose the right plan to be overwhelming and intimidating.
Enrolling in the wrong plan could cost seniors thousands in out-of-pocket and prescription costs. Therefore, the stakes are high. In addition, because some Medicare decisions impact enrollees’ ability to change their coverage in the future, Furay encourages seniors that are navigating the complexities of Medicare to speak with one of his representatives before making any decisions. The long-range impact of Medicare coverage can result in unforeseen circumstances.
“People don’t know what they don’t know. And what they don’t know is that their decisions today could affect them 20 to 30 years down the road,” Furay pointed out. “For example, someone who chooses an Advantage plan now is bypassing ‘guaranteed issue’ for a supplement. If they have health problems and choose an Advantage plan, they may have frozen themselves out of supplements in the future.”
True experts in their field, Furay and his team at The Insurance Source understand the intricacies of insurance plans.
“Our agents know that where you get prescriptions matters. For example, Aetna, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, was just purchased by drugstore giant CVS. This means that Aetna may be a really good fit for CVS or Publix shoppers, but the plan won’t work well at all for someone who is a loyal Walgreens shopper,” Furay explained. “In addition to walking them through Medicare Part D prescription plans considering current medication, we get to know their preferences, including doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, to find the best match for them.”
The Insurance Source’s profound understanding of the insurance and health care industries keeps clients coming back year after year. By helping clients navigate such a critical process, reducing the fear and uncertainty, they’ve secured a loyal clientele that has been singing their praises since 2005.
The team at The Insurance Source doesn’t make decisions for their clients. Instead, they help them make the best decision for their circumstances by considering their clients’ current health, long-term plans and overall health care needs.
“We make health insurance easier,” Furay asserted. “Nobody plans on getting sick, but we help our clients prepare for the what-ifs.”
To learn more about The Insurance Source, visit insure-u.com or call 864-467-8731.
By Isabel Alvarez Arata