1. This can’t really be a free service… How do you make a living?

2. Will I save money if I call the insurance company directly?

3. When can I switch my Medicare Supplement Plan?

4. What is a Open Enrollment Period?

5. What is a Guaranteed Issue Period?

6. Will I qualify for a new plan if I have a pre-existing condition?

7. Why do I need a Medicare supplement, or “Medigap” policy?

8. Do I receive coverage while out of the United States?

9. How often do rates change on Medicare Supplement plans?

10. After enrolling, can I switch from one plan to another?

11. Will I be able to talk to a real person, or am I calling into a call center where I get a different person every time?

12. If everyone is required to purchase liability coverage, why do I need Uninsured Motorist coverage?

13. What does Rental Reimbursement coverage provide, and does it provide coverage if I take my vehicle to a shop for mechanical repairs?

14. If I borrow a car from a friend or relative, will my policy cover me while I am driving the borrowed car?

15. What should I do if I have an accident?

16. I have not had any accidents or violations, so why do my auto insurance premiums continue to increase?

17. Is there any way that I can reduce my premiums?

18. What if my insurance lapses and I drive without insurance?

Solutions:

1. This can’t really be a free service… How do you make a living? [Back to Top]

Our service is 100% free to you! When we help you enroll in any plan, the insurance company you choose will pay us directly. We carry every company and will help you compare Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans. Furthermore, we are so confident in our service, we will give you quotes and help you find the best plan even if you decide to enroll using another agent!

2. Will I save money if I call the insurance company directly? [Back to Top]

No! Prices for Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans are fixed by law. You cannot find a better price anywhere!

On the other hand, going directly to an Insurance company for coverage could be a costly mistake.  Companies only present their product to you.  By using a Broker you will have several companies presented normally keeping your rate lower.

3. When can I switch my Medicare Supplement Plan? [Back to Top]

You can switch your Medicare Supplement Plan at anytime as long as you are in good health or have a guaranteed issue period. There are no enrollment periods, although you can be turned down in some states if you have pre-existing conditions. Enrollment periods that cover Medicare Part C or D do not normally apply to typical Medicare Supplements.  Give us a call if you would like to see if you qualify for a more affordable plan.

4. What is an Open Enrollment Period?
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Your open enrollment period that lasts for 6 months and begins on the first day of the month in which you are age 65 or older and enrolled in Part A and B of Medicare.  Some states have additional open enrollment periods.  There are no other qualifying questions during open enrollment, insurance companies can not use medical underwriting, and pre-existing health conditions do not matter.

IMPORTANT:  If you do not apply during your open enrollment period, you application will be subject to an approval process called “underwriting.”  Because health insurance is designed primarily to cover you for the unexpected, a company may put an exclusion on pre-existing health conditions.  If you have cancer, heart disease, or other serious health conditions you will likely be declined.  Some companies also reserve the right to rate the premium up (charge more) to cover the cost of current medications.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU APPLY DURING YOUR OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD IF POSSIBLE, at which time your application will NOT be subject to this underwriting process.  This means the insurance company must accept your application, and can not raise your premium or exclude coverage because of any pre-existing conditions you may have.

5. What is a Guaranteed Issue Period? [Back to Top]

You typically have a guaranteed issue period that begins on the first day in which you are both 65 years old AND enrolled in Medicare. Some states have special guaranteed issue periods. During a Guaranteed Issue  you can switch to an equal or lesser Medicare Supplement Plan with any company regardless of any pre-existing conditions.

6. Will I qualify for a new plan if I have a pre-existing condition?
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Every insurance company asks different health questions and some are more strict than others. If you would like to purchase a more affordable Medicare Supplement, give us a call and we will let you know if you can qualify for coverage with a new company.

7. Why do I need a Medicare supplement, or “Medigap” policy? [Back to Top]

Medicare coverage has deductibles that increase every year, and many gaps that could leave you with unlimited out-of-pocket expenses.  A Medicare Supplement plan can help protect against these expenses.

8. Do I receive coverage while out of the United States? [Back to Top]

If you are enrolled in plans C, F and High F, then you will receive out of country coverage.  However, a separate deductible does apply.

9. How often do rates change on Medicare Supplement plans? [Back to Top]

Most plans are age-rated and are in age bands, i.e., 65, 66-67, 68-69, 70-74 etc., so rates do change once the member reaches a higher age bracket.  Rates may also increase each year, based on market factors, simply inflation increases.  Any rate increases to Medicare Supplement plans must be approved by the Division of Insurance or other regulating agency.

10. After enrolling, can I switch from one plan to another?
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With most companies, you may downgrade (i.e., reduce your coverage) at any time upon request.  However to upgrade, a new application must be submitted.  All underwriting questions must be answered in order to request an upgrade.  Upgrading your plan or moving to a different company is not normally guaranteed.

11. Will I be able to talk to a real person, or am I calling into a call center where I get a different person every time? [Back to Top]

We are a small team dedicated to providing personal service, and making the process very easy.  Once you connect with one of our advisors, they will be your personal contact any time you have questions, and as long as you have coverage with us.

12. If everyone is required to purchase liability coverage, why do I need Uninsured Motorist coverage?
[Back to Top]

Even though the law requires all motorists to carry liability insurance, not all motorists have liability coverage in force. Also, motorists may come from other states or countries and not have liability coverage on their vehicles.

13. What does Rental Reimbursement coverage provide, and does it provide coverage if I take my vehicle to a shop for mechanical repairs? [Back to Top]

Rental Reimbursement coverage provides a specified amount for you to rent a vehicle while your covered auto is being repaired or replaced after it has been damaged because of a loss covered under Comprehensive or Collision. It does not provide coverage for mechanical repairs that result from mechanical breakdown that are not related to a comprehensive or collision loss.

14. If I borrow a car from a friend or relative, will my policy cover me while I am driving the borrowed car?
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The policy covering the vehicle would be primary and in most cases, your policy would cover the vehicle on an excess basis. If no policy covers the borrowed car, most companies will treat your policy as the primary coverage for the borrowed car. (Primary means that policy will provide coverage first, and excess means that policy will provide coverage after the limits of the primary policy have been exhausted.)

15. I have not had any accidents or violations, so why do my auto insurance premiums continue to increase?
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An insurer’s premium increases are a direct reflection of the countrywide or statewide pool of losses that the insurer experiences. The losses of the few within the insurer’s pool of policyholders are paid for by all policyholders within the pool. This is the basic premise upon which the concept of insurance is based and without which no insurance would be available. This does not mean that your own favorable loss experience cannot be recognized. Various insurers give numerous discounts to policyholders which recognize their excellent driving records. (See next question for type of discounts.) Other reasons for the increase in the cost of auto insurance are attributable to the costs to settle losses such as the costs to repair vehicles and the medical costs for injured persons which continue to rise. The increase in lawsuits is also a major factor in insurer rate increases.

16. What should I do if I have an accident? [Back to Top]

First, discuss with your insurance agent what steps they recommend. You may also wish to refer to your insurance identification card, as the steps you need to follow may be listed on the card.

Generally you should first notify the police. Then write down the names, addresses, telephone numbers and license numbers of persons involved and of witnesses. Also write down the license plate number and state of each vehicle involved. You may even want to keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment to take photos of the accident. Do not admit fault, and do not discuss the accident with anyone except your insurer representative or insurance agent or producer, or the police. Notify your insurance agent or producer promptly. Cooperate and answer all questions fully. Take notes whenever you talk with insurer employees, your insurance agent, lawyers, police or others about the accident. Write down the date, times, names and subjects you talked about and include all decisions or promises made. Save your receipts for such items as car rental or a hotel room if the accident happens out of town, and save copies of all documents you send or receive.

17. Is there any way that I can reduce my premiums?
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First, make sure you are taking advantage of the discounts offered by your insurer. Most insurers provide discounts for at least some of the following: accident free drivers discount; a package discount for insuring your home and auto with the same insurer; multiple auto discount; good student discount; nonsmokers discount; and passive restraint discount (for vehicles with air bags or automatic seat belts). Talk with your insurance agent for detail regarding your policy.

Second, drive safely. Avoid tickets and accidents. Don’t drink and drive. A poor driving record adversely affects your rates.

Third, drive a safe reliable vehicle. Before purchasing a new vehicle consider the cost of insurance. Some vehicles such as sports cars, SUV’s, and other high-profile vehicles cost more to insure.

Fourth, discuss with your insurance agent to make sure that you have appropriate coverages for you and your vehicle. You may consider higher deductibles for your comprehensive and collision coverages.

Finally, be pro-active regarding your credit or insurance score. Many insurers offer discounts for good credit. Understanding and maintaining a good credit score may significantly reduce your premiums in the future.

18. What if my insurance lapses and I drive without insurance? [Back to Top]

If you are un-insured you may be ticketed and fined, your vehicle registration may be suspended, your drivers’ license could be suspended and your vehicle could be impounded. If you cause an accident you (and your parents if you are living at home) could be sued. When you apply for insurance again you typically will pay more for your insurance because most insurance companies charge higher rates for previously uninsured drivers.