To Have a Local Medicare Agent or Not…That is the Question

​Our sister company, Curtis & Associates has been offering Medicare plans for several years now and it always amazes me to find so many people who have a Medicare plan but no local agent. Many choose to go it alone and do their Medicare shopping online or directly through the company.

​That’s fine, good and well for some, but it turns out to be a nightmare for many.

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Some lose their agent when the agent moves out of the area, or is promoted within the company they work for, and don’t realize they can request a new one (if allowed in the state in which they reside).

We’ve had instances of Medicare clients being told by a Non-Licensed advocate that since they are relatively healthy, they don’t need anything besides Original Medicare and as a result, lost their window of guaranteed insurability (3 months before – 3 months after aging into Medicare at 65).

There have also been clients who have enrolled in a plan online and did not fully understand the coverage, additional benefits or limitations of their policy.

And yet, others have either not been told or did not understand the penalty imposed by Medicare for not having/getting credible drug coverage when they are eligible, thereby creating an additional premium later when they need the drug plan!

These instances and the fact that Medicare AEP is barreling down upon us (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7th) have prompted me to visit the idea of whether or not a local agent is your best bet. Here are my thoughts….

*A local, independent agent can help steer you clear of Medicare scams and fraudulent calls. BEWARE of the current scams out there and BEWARE of being changed from your current plan by a stranger who uses scare tactics to convince you to switch and/or does not know your unique situation. Having an agent you can speak to face to face is your best defense against this happening.

*A local, independent Medicare agent is well trained. Not only does he/she take annual Medicare training, but is educated extensively for each and every company/plan/product he/she represents.

*A local, independent Medicare agent carries multiple plans, so your options are varied and give you more say in the kind of coverage you get before you’re locked in for a year.

*Your local, independent Medicare agent can review your current plan and the changes for upcoming year at no cost or obligation to you!

*The biggest benefit of having a local, independent Medicare agent is Face-to-Face contact with someone who knows and understands Medicare and can help you decipher the best plan to fit your needs and budget.

Although not all agents go that extra mile for their clients, OUR local, independent agents do! We are here to service your policy after enrollment.

Now that we’ve established the advantage of having a local, independent agent, we invite SWLA residents to give us a call at: 337-439-7730 and let our trained professionals put the pieces of the Medicare puzzle together for you.

If you are not a SWLA resident, have a stress-free AEP by reaching out to an independent agency in your area who handles Medicare and let them guide you to the best plan to fit your needs and budget.

Until later remember.....Having someone knowledgeable and educated in your corner is always your best bet!

Tommy Curtis & Staff

Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc. {A Life and Health Agency}