The Medicare insurance sales industry has changed greatly over the last few years, trying to adapt to the 10,000+ people A DAY going on Medicare who are more tech-savvy than any previous group in history. Boomers are quite comfortable interacting over the internet. You can buy almost anything online, including Medicare Plans. But, should you?
I personally believe that having an independent agent that you can rely on locally is the best way to purchase a Medicare plan. Medicare is complicated. Mailboxes and the internet are jam packed with a lot of contradictory information. And, while I have several clients who did most of their initial research online; they eventually wanted to sit down, face to face, to make their final buying decisions.
Benefits of using an Independent Insurance Agent:
1. Independence - Independent insurance agents usually have contracts with a majority of the insurance companies in your area. This means they can do the shopping for you, saving you from making multiple calls to all of the insurance companies out there.
2. Choice - Because of their relationships with multiple insurance companies; an independent agent's loyalty lies with YOU. This means they can offer you every company, plan and price available.
3. Local - Independent insurance agents are usually local, small business owners. Your support means keeping jobs in or close to your community.
4. Free – Insurance agent’s commissions are paid directly by the insurance companies – so you never pay for their services or pay more for Medicare products purchased through them.
5. Resource - Local independent agents are excellent resources for information about local providers, caregivers and community help available to Medicare beneficiaries.
6. Longevity – Many independent agents have been at it a while. This means you have a real relationship with someone who is going to be with you and your family over the long haul.
7. Service - Received a bill from a doctor that you don’t think is right? Your prescription is no longer covered under the new formulary? You received a premium increase? Would you rather call (and wait on hold) the same 800 number used by millions of other Medicare beneficiaries or call your personal insurance agent for help?
With an independent insurance agent, you aren’t losing anything if you prefer to communicate through email or online. Many agents have happily embraced the technology now available in the Medicare insurance space and have their own websites, emails and Facebook pages where they can interact with their clients. But, it can also be nice to have the option of sitting down at your kitchen table to talk about some of the issues that arise as we age with an experienced, knowledgeable agent who wants to be in the trenches (or the kitchen) with you.
Shop independent at www.mitchupchurch.com.