I can’t count how many times I’ve spoken with a person needing help with Medicare, who were leery because they thought they must pay for my expertise. They say, “How much do I owe you?” When I reply, “Nothing,” they look at me dumbfounded. “So, how do you get paid for your services?” When I explain that if they agree with my recommendation and choose it, I am paid by the carrier for helping them, they are relieved. It’s this inerrant belief that prevents them from speaking with an agent to begin with.

And seniors turning 65 are NOT the only people who are eligible for Medicare. There’s also disabled individuals on SSD/SSDI after 24 months, or immediately if they have ESRD (end-stage renal disease – kidney disease) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Often, these individuals do not get Medicare Part A cost free, for lack of working 40 quarters paying FICA taxes. An agent can help you qualify for cost-free Medicare, so you get the care you need.

Also, veterans on VA benefits and TriCARE, dependents on VA Champs and government employees on TriCARE. Often these individuals do not have dental, among other benefits. With Medicare you can get dental and more, and often lower your Part-B premium greatly. If you have penalties, this can minimize or erase them. An agent knowledgeable in veteran needs and the intricate workings of Medicare can help here as well.

Therefore, you need not fear it will cost you anything for having your personal expert caring for you. The system was designed this way to ensure you can navigate the complexity of Medicare safely and confidently at no cost to you. This is why you need your own personal agent if you are eligible for Medicare. But there are still three more reasons. Let’s discuss those.

Reason #1: You Have A Personal Advocate

Having a personal agent provides a form of protection not available when you call Medicare or a call center directly. Your agent is connected to the industry and knows if there are changes coming that may affect your benefits and coverage. With this knowledge, he or she will notify you with enough time to address any changes to prevent them from affecting you.

Moreover, as I like to tell my clients, if life happens, other than dialing 911, I should be the next call they make. You see, beneficiaries often overlook how a life change may affect insurance coverage. In other words, if you require a specialized form of care, due to a sudden chronic condition, your current plan may have limitations. By informing your agent, he or she can verify if there are any and find the appropriate plan with your doctors in network, to ensure your needs are met.

If your financial situation changes, your agent can help you apply for programs that will help you afford your insurance and the services it provides. Also, often they can find additional benefits you may have not qualified for previously and ensure you receive them.

Reason #2: Convenience You Can Trust

Your agent will become a trusted advisor, and often a friend – a friend so close you can almost consider him or her family. They will know you, your physical, financial and lifestyle needs; in other words, what’s important to you. With that in mind, they will make sure any changes take all those needs into consideration. When life happens, your new circumstances are added to what is already important to you in any recommendations made. After all, agents do not tell you what to do, we only make recommendations for you to make educated decisions with.

Calling Medicare or some call center will not get you that level of personalized service and often leads to an hour on hold, being traumatized by bad elevator music you can’t get out of your head for 48 hours…I’m just saying!