Health insurance is an important topic for everyone. When your clients become eligible for Medicare — or as they are approaching eligibility — they should take steps to get ready. Because Medicare eligibility can be complicated, it requires some advance planning.
As their insurance agent, plan to help your Medicare-eligible clients by offering support with the steps in our list. Reach out in advance when you know your clients are approaching eligibility for Medicare so you can proactively assist them.
Read on to learn five things your Medicare-eligible clients should be doing, then reach out to us at Senior Resource Services to learn more.
5 Things Your Medicare-Eligible Clients Should Do
Help your customers and potential clients with our list of five important things Medicare-eligible people should do.
- Review coverage options. The first step for many people as they become Medicare-eligible is to review their coverage options. Some people may have primary coverage through their work or spouse, so Medicare may start out as their secondary coverage. Everyone has different needs; hence, be sure to work with your clients to review their insurance plans.
- Determine if prescription drug coverage is necessary. As part of your coverage discussion, also decide if your client will need prescription drug coverage through Medicare. Medicare Part D is the other name for prescription drug plans. Since the plans cover a range of prescription drugs, be sure to compare any medications your clients take with the list of approved drugs on the plan they are considering.
- Decide if a Medicare Advantage Plan is appropriate. A Medicare Advantage Plan may offer the best coverage or the most provider options — but it may not. Review the various plans and their benefits and drawbacks. Help your client understand how their medical care may be coordinated differently, depending on the plan they select. Medicare Part C plans, as they are otherwise known, provide particular benefits for some patients.
- Review other sources of insurance. When your clients are approaching Medicare eligibility, they should consider their other insurance and if they have primary coverage through another source, such as through their employer. Medicare is usually secondary to another source of insurance if there is one, but it can be complex. Talk with your clients about their insurance needs and existing coverage sources before they become eligible for Medicare.
- Talk with doctors and medical providers. Medicare-eligible people may wish to discuss their options with their primary care physician and any other specialists or medical providers they visit often. If patients want to keep their doctors and usual practitioners, they should be aware of any provider limitations. Talking with their doctor is a good way to learn about potential issues. Many people do not want to change doctors, and you can help by encouraging them to discuss concerns with their physician.
How to Help Your Clients Prepare for Medicare Eligibility
As their insurance agent, you play a critical role in helping your Medicare-eligible clients understand what they should be doing. There are important steps and timelines to meet with Medicare, and missing an important deadline could mean a coverage denial for your client. Therefore, stay proactive and talk with your clients before they become eligible for Medicare so you have time to help them make important decisions.
How Do I Learn More?
To learn more about things your Medicare-eligible clients should do, contact the experts at Senior Resource Services. Our licensed experts will be happy to answer any questions you have.
