How do you find a credible person to work with who will care about your needs and look out for your best interests? Here are a few tips for searching for an ethical, experienced agent.
1) Beware of mail that you receive directly from an insurance carrier. These are solicitations, and if you call the phone number listed, you will reach a representative who offers only that one company’s products. Does this person have your best interest in mind? Probably not, since he only earns his living if he can convince you that his product is better than the rest. Instead, look for a broker who represents numerous carriers so that he or she is not biased when explaining your options, and won’t try to steer you to any product that doesn’t fit your needs.
2) Look for an agent who specializes in Medicare-related insurance products. The types of insurance are immense – some agents sell group health insurance, individual health plans, cancer plans, disability, life insurance, etc. Medicare insurance products, however, are complex and require considerable time and training on the agent’s part to be certified to represent these products. If an agent sells too many types of insurance, chances are he hasn’t put in the necessary amount of time to know all the ins and outs of Medicare. As the saying goes, a jack of all trades but the master of none.
3) Look for signs that demonstrate experience. Does the agent have a website with an email address related to that website, or does his business card say that you can email him at just a Yahoo or Hotmail account? Does he have a brick-and-mortar office location where you can walk in the front door if there’s an issue? An agent’s office is a great neutral zone where you can get the information you need and leave when you want to if you’d like to think about the information before making an insurance decision. In this day and age, you don’t want a stranger asking to come into your home to meet you if that agent doesn’t have an office. Meeting with this person in your home puts a lot of pressure on you to buy something immediately.
4) Does the agent have staff to help answer questions from clients like you? An agent who works alone will often be in meetings with other prospective clients in the future, so it could be several hours to days before your call is returned. It’s in your best interest to work with an established agency where there are employees on hand to answer your questions if your agent is on another call.
By following these tips, you can locate a credible, knowledgeable person who doesn’t pressure you but approaches your phone calls and meetings as educational. The broker should take time to ensure you understand not just how Medicare itself works but also how the insurance product you eventually choose matches your needs and goals. This broker can become a valued resource and advisor for years to come.
In summary, consult an independent agent, like those with Ashford Insurance, who specialize in Medicare-related products and are appointed with many carriers. Ashford Insurance has an agency location with staff trained in Medicare market products to answer urgent questions. The agent should offer to conduct meetings in an office conference room, or over the phone if you prefer that. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for references. Ashford Insurances website can provide testimonials from satisfied clients who can share how the agent was helpful to them when they were going through the same process that you are.
Ashford Insurance is an independent health insurance agency specializing in Texas Medicare insurance. They are here to help Medicare-eligible individuals understand Medicare in simple, plain terms that anyone can understand. We specialize in helping seniors learn about the coverage options available through the Medicare Health Insurance Program.
Sonia Ashford, “The Medicare Insurance Lady”, first earned her Texas Insurance License back in 2005. Then in 2009, Sonia went to work helping Medicare eligibles with their Medicare Insurance. Together with John Ashford in 2018, the Ashford Insurance Group Limited Liability Corporation was formed, DBA Ashford Insurance. Then, in July 2018 they opened their Medicare Store in Hurst, Texas. Shortly thereafter Ashford Insurance became an Independent Marketing Organization offering Medicare products with the assistance of several agents working under them.
Sonia has delivered countless speeches to senior citizens about turning 65, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans. Sonia has spoken at local group meetings in Tarrant, Dallas, Comal, Parker, and surrounding counties and to individual consumers all over the state of Texas. To many, she is a respected and trustworthy agent within the Medicare Insurance industry.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
