Here is a message that we "local agents" need to get out to the general public to save our clients a lot of time and frustration...
If you turn on your TV in the evening, you can't escape all of the ads with famous celebrities telling people about new Medicare benefits for which they are entitled. They make it sound as if something new just rolled off the assembly line and that you'll lose out if you don't inquire now.
Not so fast! People have to remember that these are professional marketing organizations designed to make a sale, so here are things that you need to know:
1) It doesn't matter which plan a Medicare recipient may have right now, they will find a flaw and suggest a change so that they can make a sale.
2) Some of the plans that offer a lot of "fluff", like lots of extra dental and vision benefits, are often short on the most important "stuff." In other words, would you want to pay more for specialist doctor visits, or an Rx deductible, so that you can get a dental cleaning? Would you want to have a max out of pocket that might be $2000 more to get a pair of glasses?
3) The people that work with these marketing agencies have access to the same plans that we have here in NC! There are no other "magical" plans based out of another geographical area that offers something that we can't offer here. They have access to the exact same plans that your local agent offers.
Before you make that call, remember that your local agent recommended your current plan for a reason, and that it is designed to work well with your specific health, doctors, medicines, and your comfort level. Other factors, like customer service, also go into the equation when making these choices. Find a local agent with whom you are comfortable, keep that person informed, and stick with his/her advice!