How do you compare Medicare supplement plans in Georgia? Do you look for a “brand name” carrier you recognize? When you compare Medicare supplement plans should you talk direct to the company and buy from them, cutting out the middle man? Should you pay more for Medigap plan F because it is offered by a company you know? Should you buy over the phone or have an agent in your home?
Learning how to compare Medicare supplement plans
If you are like most seniors, you are new to Medicare and you have never bought health insurance before. You most likely had insurance provided by your (or your spouse’s) employer.
The Medicare system is relatively simple once you understand it. Your learning curve might be a bit steep at first but we can help you through the process.
Medicare is divided in to 4 parts.
Medicare Part A is the hospital portion. Inpatient medical bills are reviewed and considered under Part A.
Medicare Part B covers outpatient care including doctor visits, lab, X-ray, MRI and outpatient surgery.
Medicare Part C is a private Medicare system run by insurance companies. These Medicare Advantage plans are completely separate and different from original Medicare. With Advantage plans, an insurance company, not Medicare, will decide which doctors you can see, which hospitals you can use and which claims they will pay.
Medicare Part D is an outpatient drug plan you can purchase through private insurance companies.
Do you look for a “brand name” carrier you recognize?
When you compare Medicare supplement plans, is it better to stick with a company you know such as AARP/United Healthcare, Blue Cross or Mutual of Omaha?
Frankly, all plans are standardized by Medicare. There is no difference, other than premium, in Medigap plan F from Blue Cross and the same plan from New Era life. Since the plans are identical why would you ever pay more than you have to?
When you compare Medicare supplement plans should you talk direct to the company and buy from them, cutting out the middle man?
There is no “middle man” in Medicare supplement insurance. All plans are regulated by the Georgia Dept. of Insurance and rates are identical whether you buy from the carrier or through an agent.
Check it out for yourself. Get a Medicare supplement rate here, and then compare to rates you get for the same plan from the insurance carrier. They are exactly the same.
When you pay more you don’t get more, you simply paid too much!
Should you buy over the phone or have an agent in your home?
I can’t answer that for you. That is a personal preference.
Some people are comfortable inviting strangers in to their home while others are not.
I have over 400 clients all over Georgia and parts of Tennessee and have never met most of them. Many have been clients for years. They rely on my expertise and knowledge of what is available and which plans to avoid. Every one of them saved money over their existing plan or compared to plans they were offered through other Medigap companies.
When they took the time to compare Medicare supplement plans in Georgia they discovered that our suggestions not only saved them money, but performed just as well as higher priced plans from other carriers.
Let us know how we can help.
