The Medicare plan you signed up for several years ago may no longer be the right fit for you
By Patricia Nugent
Heading into the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period—Thursday, October 15, to Monday, December 7—we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Joe Namath on television, radio and billboards, trying to convince seniors to call his out-of-state 1-800 number for the best-ever plan.
Broadway Joe might have a Super Bowl ring and be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but does he really know much about health insurance? Choosing the right Medicare plan is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.
Why not put your trust in TLC Insurance Group—Cleveland? Unlike Joe, its agents are well-trained, knowledgeable industry veterans.
“There are many unique variables for each person that would impact the most advantageous choice for their health insurance planning,” says TLC Senior Regional Manager Jay Rayl, who notes that Northeast Ohio has over 50 different Medicare Advantage and Supplement plan options available. “That’s why my goal during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation is to ask questions and find out about each person. We analyze all the major plans to pinpoint the most suitable option for each person’s individual needs. We then educate them about their options, and if it looks like a good fit, handle the entire process for them including the paperwork. Our relationship doesn’t stop there, we strive to become a resource our clients can rely on for years to come.”
One of the questions TLC agents ask during a consultation is does the person often travel outside of Northeast Ohio, or do they spend a few months of the year in Florida or any other location. Some plans work great if you stay local, but not as much if you travel and need more national access to healthcare. They also make sure you can see all of your doctors as “in-network” and check to make sure any daily medications are properly covered.
“Northeast Ohio has a lot of options for Medicare insurance, and we offer almost all available options, including household names like United Healthcare, Anthem, Aetna, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Cigna and Humana, as well as lesser-known up-and-coming plans such as Bright or Devoted Health,” he reports.
At TLC, Jay says they are not as interested in signing someone up for one-time enrollment plan coverage as they are in laying the groundwork for a lifetime relationship.
“We strive to gain our clients’ trust by being knowledgeable, honest and ethical. We always do what’s best for our client. Many of our clients tell us they wouldn’t even consider speaking with anyone else about their Medicare needs,” he says.
What are the Latest Changes?
Jay mentions they offer existing clients and the community a complimentary annual review of their plans, as they are constantly evolving.
“The plan you signed up for several years ago may no longer be the right fit for you,” he says. “For instance, new for 2021, diabetics can take advantage of the insulin savings program that would slash the cost of their insulin down to $35 per month, even in the donut hole. When the program was introduced, it sounded like almost all plans would be participating in it, but now we find that only a handful in Northeast Ohio are. This is a game-changer in terms of savings for diabetics.”
Prescription drug plans change from year to year and it is important to stay on top of this. Some plans now also include things like transportation to doctor visits and OTC benefits.
Jay says what he likes best about his job is helping seniors, becoming an advocate standing in their corner.
Best Practices During Covid
“We respect that our clients are mostly seniors, and at higher risk for Covid-19,” he says. “So, we’ve taken extra precautions at our Cleveland office with plexiglass dividers at each desk and heightened sanitation practices. We can also meet you at your kitchen table or a local coffeehouse, whichever is the best fit for you. If you prefer true distancing, we can even do consultations over the phone or virtually, online and via email.”
With licensed insurance agents throughout Northeast Ohio, TLC Insurance Group is a national organization headquartered in Warren, Ohio. The TLC—Cleveland office is located at 1213 Rockside Road in Parma. Call 216-904-0049 to speak with an agent or visit TLCInsuranceGroup.com for more information.