Medicare Blog

why choose independent insurance agent for medicare plans

by Hilario Jacobi Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Why You Should Choose an Independent Medicare Insurance Agent

  1. Choice: Independent Agents can sell policies from a variety of carriers because they are not employed by a specific...
  2. Money Savings: The more options you have the more likely you are to find a policy that not only fits your needs but...
  3. Personal Healthcare Advocate: Your Independent Agent is your...

Independent. Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent means you get to choose policy options from different companies. Independent agents and brokers are more likely to give unbiased plan recommendations and advice.

Full Answer

Should you work with an independent Medicare insurance agent?

Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent means you get to choose policy options from different companies. Independent agents and brokers are more likely to give unbiased plan recommendations and advice. But they may not have in-depth knowledge of these plans.

Why do I need a Medicare insurance agent?

Regardless of whether you’re approaching initial enrollment or are a current beneficiary, a licensed Medicare insurance agent can assist in providing knowledge, education and services and the ability to make changes if needed.

Are independent local Medicare agents free?

It’s not too good to be true: independent local Medicare agents’ services are completely free. Most independent Medicare insurance agents work on commission, and that commission comes from the providers and insurance companies – not you.

What is a Medicare insurance agent or broker?

A Medicare agent or broker can help you figure out if you’ll meet the underwriting requirements for the plan you want. What Type of Agent or Broker Should You Choose? Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent means you get to choose policy options from different companies.

image

What is the advantage of using an independent insurance agent?

Advantages of an Independent Insurance Agent More options mean lower premiums for you. Independent agents offer unbiased advice. These agents are your one stop shop; they offer a complete line of insurance products. Their staff is qualified and trained to explain coverage in simple terms.

What are two advantages of working with an independent insurance agent?

There are several advantages to working with independent insurance agents vs captive agents.Multiple quotes from different companies. ... Agent can stay with you if you switch providers. ... Personalized customer service. ... Your best interests. ... Smaller insurance companies. ... Knowledge of policies. ... Less support for the agent.More items...•

How do independent agents differ from company insurance agents?

What Is an Independent Insurance Agent? Unlike captive insurance agents, independent insurance agents are not contracted to work with one single company, and they can sell policies from multiple insurance companies.

What factors should you consider when choosing an insurance agent?

These are just a few of the important factors you need to know when you select an insurance agent for your business.Is the Agent an Independent Agent or Affiliated with a Single Company? ... Does the Agent Live in Your Community? ... Does the Agent Make Time for You? ... Does the Agent Measure Up?More items...•

Why you should use an insurance agent?

An agent can help you get insurance quotes and shop around for the best price for you. Insurance agents are experienced in the insurance industry and can often find you a good deal. They can also look into discounts and find all the discounts you qualify for.

What is the purpose of an insurance agent?

Insurance agents sell and negotiate life, health, property, or other types of insurance to match the needs of their clients. As an insurance agent, you may work for an insurance company, refer clients to independent brokers, or work as an independent broker.

What are the disadvantages of using an insurance broker?

Following are some significant disadvantages of using insurance brokers: Additional Charges: Apart from the premium, one may require to pay some extra charges. This other charge concerns the broker fee. Lack of Professionalism: Occasionally, the insurance brokers may show a lack of professionalism.

What is a characteristic of an independent agent?

Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law. Their expertise allows them to advise their clients about appropriate amounts of insurance and insurance coverages for their particular needs.

Which of the following best describes an independent producer insurance?

Which of the follow best describes an independent producer? Independent agents sell the insurance products of several companies and work for themselves or other agents.

What questions should you ask an insurance agent?

Start a conversation: 8 questions to ask your insurance agent.What is my deductible? ... What is my premium? ... What happens if I get in a car accident? ... Does my homeowners insurance policy offer enough protection? ... Is it time for me to consider life insurance? ... Do I have enough liability coverage? ... Do I need an umbrella policy?More items...•

What are the two types of insurance agents?

There are two types of insurance agents:Captive agents typically represent only one insurer.Independent insurance agents typically represent more than one insurer.

How do I choose an insurance broker?

Choosing A Health Insurance Broker: What You Need To ConsiderExperience.Qualifications.Advocacy.Support.Communication.Compliance Expertise.Day-to-day Administration.

Is Medicare standardized for 2020?

As we discuss in 3 Steps For Choosing Your 2020 Medigap Plan, all Medicare plans are standardized by the federal government to deliver the same level of coverage across the board. In other words, you will receive the same coverage from Company A as from Company B, assuming you choose the same plan.

Is IHS a Medicare agency?

Last, but certainly not least, as an independent Medicare agency, IHS Insurance Group can act as a one-stop resource for all of your insurance needs by bundling other policies like home, auto, flood, umbrella, business, and many more.

What is independent agent?

On the other hand, independent agents are essentially free agents – they are contracted with several carriers and can show you options from multiple companies, allowing you to compare plans while working with the same representative. Independent agents will build a relationship with you.

How does Medicare work?

Generally, your Medicare agent will gather information about you and how you use your insurance. They will take the time to look up your doctors and prescriptions, and then run an analysis that will help determine which insurance carrier and plan will provide the most coverage for you.

Can independent agents call you?

Independent agents will build a relationship with you. You can call and talk to the same person with any questions, and they will keep in contact. During the Annual Enrollment Period they are available to help you look at any new (or other) options that you think would be a better fit.

Is shopping for health insurance confusing?

Shopping for any health insurance can be frustrating to any consumer. Trying to pick the best plan for your health, and your wallet, can be overwhelming and confusing. Selecting Medicare coverage, all of those negative feelings are magnified. When a person nears age 65 or is newly eligible for Medicare, they are often inundated with mail ...

Do brokers need to be certified?

Agents are required to complete certification each year to retain their active broker status, and also complete certifications with any carrier that requires additional training, making them the best person to speak with regarding Medicare coverage.

Why engage your Medicare insurance agent?

Engaging their services will help in reducing the typical concerns of enrollment eligibility, supplemental options and avoiding penalties. If you are unsure about your Medicare responsibilities and options, take the time to learn more about the role a local Medicare insurance agent plays.

What can a licensed Medicare agent do?

Regardless of whether you’re approaching initial enrollment or are a current beneficiary, a licensed Medicare insurance agent can assist in providing knowledge, education and services and the ability to make changes if needed.

Does Medicare change year to year?

Since plan options will vary by region, and even county or zip code, a local Medicare insurance agent near you is best equipped to know the plan options available to you. Plans can also change from year to year, and it’s important to have a reputable, trusted Medicare agent who can offer resources and support with reevaluating your options.

Can Medicare agents review medical records?

Note that for your privacy and protection, Medicare agents are not permit ted to review your medical records, ask for personal information, meet without your permission or talk about plan options you had not previously agreed to discuss.

Does Medicare agent commission affect premiums?

It is important to note that the agent’s commission does not impact your Medicare plan premium rates or coverage. You pay the same amount for a given policy with an agent’s help or without it. However, a Medicare agent can help enhance your understanding of Medicare, assist you with exploring your options and help support your search ...

Is Medicare agent free?

Local Medicare Agents Services Are Free. It’s not too good to be true: independent local Medicare agents’ services are completely free. Most independent Medicare insurance agents work on commission, and that commission comes from the providers and insurance companies – not you.

What is Skyline Benefit?

Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare agent in Orange County with a network of major carrier options including Blue Shield, Humana, Unit ed Healthcare, Aetna, SCAN and Anthem. Your relationship with Skyline Benefit does not end at the sale.

Can I work with an independent Medicare agent?

With so many choices to make at once – from choosing the right Part to deciding on coverage options, premiums, and insurance companies, you can choose to work with an Independent Medicare Agent.

Access to insurance companies

There are so many insurance companies, it’s hard for the average person to keep track of them. You probably haven’t even heard of many of the Medicare supplement companies because they don’t spend money advertising the way State Farm or Geico do for auto insurance.

A Real Person 1 Phone Call Away

When you work with me, you don’t have to deal with some 1-800 call center person. Who knows where that call center is even located? And even worse is if you have to call that 1-800 number multiple times because of an issue you are having.

Free Resource for You

You get me free. That’s right free. There is no cost to meet with me whether you use me as your agent or not.

Captive Insurance Agents

Many insurance companies have agents that only represent that one carrier. Agents that can only offer one insurance company are referred to as “captive insurance agents.” Some examples of Medicare insurance carriers that have captive insurance agents here in Wisconsin are:

Unbiased Information

I get paid from insurance companies and don’t cost you anything. All of the insurance companies pay pretty similar commissions on Medicare insurance policies. So I have no incentive to use one company instead of another.

No Quotas for me

I don’t have a manager breathing down my neck about sales goals or sales quotas. That can be very stressful for a person. And it can make them feel pressured to try to “make a sale.”

Local Small Business Owner

I live right here in Middleton, Wisconsin with my family. I don’t run some big call center in some other state. And I’m not an agent sitting in my underwear in Florida.

What does it mean to work with an independent Medicare insurance agent?

Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent means you get to choose policy options from different companies. Independent agents and brokers are more likely to give unbiased plan recommendations and advice. But they may not have in-depth knowledge of these plans.

What is the benefit of working with an independent Medicare broker?

One of the benefits of working with an independent Medicare broker or agent is that they represent many health insurance companies. They can present you with plan options from different carriers, increasing your chances of finding the right fit.

What can a Medicare broker do?

A Medicare agent or broker can help you narrow down your options and pick the best one. To do this, they’ll learn about your health goals and budget. They’ll present you with options to meet your goals within your budget. They can help you enroll in the plan you choose.

How complex is Medicare?

Medicare can be complex. There are numerous plans, plan combinations, benefits, rules, and exceptions — all of which can be confusing. Buying health insurance is a huge investment, so you want to find a plan that meets your needs. An ethical and knowledgeable agent or broker can help you get the best value for your money. Agents or brokers who sell health insurance products related to Medicare have to pass a test on their knowledge of Medicare every year. 3

What is independent insurance?

Independent. An independent agent can partner with and sell policies for different insurance companies. The agent can choose the specific policies they want to sell from a multitude of providers.

Can captive agents sell Medicare?

Agents who represent a particular health insurer can only sell you plans from that insurer. These captive agents are typically experts on all the options their company offers. But you won’t learn about plans from other Medicare insurance companies.

What Is an Independent Insurance Agent?

Before we dive into the benefits independent insurance agents have to offer, let’s address some questions you might have, such as “What is an independent agent?” or “What is an independent insurance agency?”

Why Hire an Independent Agent?

Why have an insurance agent who works independently? Why would you choose this type of agent instead of a captive agent?

Hire an Independent Insurance Agent Today

As you can see, there are lots of reasons why you might want to work with an independent insurance agent. Now that you know more about what this type of agent does and what they can do for you, it’s time to start looking for someone who can assist you.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9