You can enroll in a Medicare insurance plan on your own through Medicare.gov, and for some people with straightforward situations, that works fine. But for most people approaching Medicare eligibility, working with an independent Medicare insurance agent/broker costs you nothing and can save you from costly mistakes, missed deadlines, lifetime late enrollment penalties, and plan choices that don’t fit your actual needs.
What Does a Medicare Insurance Agent Actually Do?
A Medicare insurance agent/broker helps you understand your coverage options, compares plans available in your area, reviews your current doctors and prescriptions against plan formularies, and guides you through the enrollment process. An independent agent, unlike a captive agent who works for a single company, can show you plans from multiple carriers and give you unbiased guidance.
The agent/broker is paid a commission by the insurance company, not by you. Your premium is the same whether you use an agent/broker or enroll on your own.
What Can Go Wrong If I Enroll Without Guidance?
Medicare has strict enrollment windows. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying exception results in permanent late penalties on your Part B and Part D premiums. Choosing the wrong plan type (for example, a low-premium HMO that doesn’t include your specialist) can result in much higher out-of-pocket costs or lost access to your preferred providers.
People also sometimes enroll in both a Medicare Advantage plan and a standalone Medigap plan, which is not allowed and creates coverage complications.
Why Work with Theresa Cangemi Specifically?
I have been a licensed Medicare Insurance Specialist and independent agent/broker since 2008, over 18 years of experience helping people in Central New York (and now Florida) navigate Medicare. I hold the CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) and CLTC (Certified in Long-Term Care) designations, and I hold contracts to represent plans from many different insurance companies so I can find what’s genuinely best for you, in New York and Florida.
My clients tell me that working with me feels like an educational experience, I want you to understand what you’re choosing and why, not just sign on the dotted line.
Please find my Google reviews, video and verbal client testimonials on my website, and my monthly newsletters archived on my website.
Call or text 315-727-4933, or email tcangemi@RetirementHPMS.com. Consultations are always free.
You can enroll in Medicare on your own, but personalized guidance can help you compare your options and avoid costly mistakes.
