Tips Help Seniors Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Choosing the right Medicare insurance plan is one of the most complex decisions made by seniors according to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI).

"Seniors can literally have 100 different plans available and choosing the wrong plan can impact their healthcare and pocketbook," explains Jesse Slome, director of the Medicare information advocacy organization. "While Medicare allows people to switch plans, some decisions can be irreversible."

To help consumers make better Medicare plan decisions, the Medicare insurance expert shares tips from their just released report.

"Medicare is national but your available plan choices are local," Slome notes. "The largest plans and marketing organizations can afford to spend millions of dollars on television ads and direct mail. But that does not mean they offer the best coverage for where you specifically live."

Comparison shopping is vitally important according to Slome. "If you are turning 65, start getting information at least 3 months before your birthday," he advises.

All Medicare insurance is generally sold by an insurance agent. "You may think you are speaking directly with an insurance carrier," Slome explains. "But you will be speaking either to an agent that only sells their coverage or someone in a call center who may be incentivized to favor a particular insurer."

Slome suggesting asking the following questions when speaking to an agent. "Start by asking how many Medicare insurance companies they are appointed with. Appointed means they can actually sell you that particular policy. It may be your best option or the only one they have available to offer," he concludes.

The Association recommends seniors compare both Medicare Advantage as well as Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options. "There are definite pros and cons to both," Slome shares. "Those added free benefits like dental and free food are heavily advertised on television, but even these benefits vary significantly from plan to plan. And, no premium doesn't mean no cost," he adds.

To learn more and read tips for comparing Medicare insurance plans go to https://medicaresupp.org/compare-medicare-supplement-plans-2023/

As an example of the complexity, a recent AAMSI report found that in 2023, there are 177 different Medicare Advantage plans available in Maryland. "Add to this a myriad of Medigap plan options and you can see the reason to do your homework and seek out a professional for assistance," Slome recommends.

To find the best Medicare plans available locally, the Association makes available the nation's leading online directory listing local Medicare insurance agents. It is free and private to access via the organization's website at https://www.medicaresupp.org/find-local-agent/.

AAMSI
32504 Carrie Place
Westlake Village, CA 91361

The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance advocates for the importance of consumer awareness and supports insurance and financial professionals who market Medicare insurance solutions. Based in Los Angeles, CA, visit the organization's website for additional information at https://www.medicaresupp.org/information/.

This release was published on openPR.