Medicare Services
Baren Associates
Our Medicare Services
The Path Towards Enlightenment
When people are about to turn 65, they realize they are eligible for Medicare and need to get it. Most are not sure exactly what it is and what it covers. They don’t know what to sign up for or how to sign up for it. They don’t even know when to sign up for it or what it’s going to cost.
Piling Up
Around this same time they are inundated with stacks of brochures and booklets from companies hoping to sell their policies. Without meaningful context, the piles grow larger and the challenge of reading the material becomes daunting.
The Internet
Another solution people turn to is to look for answers on-line. Comprehensive sites like medicare.gov
and cms.gov
are informative but, overwhelming. They contain a wealth of information. However, the Medicare novice doesn’t understand which of the information is relevant and which just applies to special situations.
Call a Friend
Often, new initiates to Medicare will ask a friend for a referral or call an insurance agent they’ve previously dealt with . However, most agents don’t specialize in Medicare and have little experience with it. That means they might not give accurate or up to date advice. Once they have signed you up, they assume their job is done and that’s the last you hear of them regarding Medicare.
I've Heard of Them
Another desperate decision by those frustrated with the process is to just go with a company whose name they recognize. However, calling a company with a familiar name, means they will end up with one of their policies, not realizing that exact plan may be available from other companies at a better price.
The Bottom Line
All that time and effort spent trying to understand what Medicare is and what to do about it can be exhausting. And, you could still end up making less than optimal choices. But, there is another way.
A Better Solution
Baren Associates
specializes in Medicare Supplement Insurance. That is the main focus of our business. And because you can’t get a Medigap Supplement Plan until you are enrolled in Medicare, we offer our services in helping you understand and enroll in Medicare.
Of course, our counseling is provided at no charge
to you. Our income is derived from the commission on the policies we sell. Because, premiums are set, you pay nothing extra if you sign up through us.
You Can Relax
The "maze" you're required to navigate to enroll in Medicare comes into focus once you understand what the various components are and what they mean to you. The process becomes more of a guided tour rather than a study in Medicare.
We uncomplicate
the entire process so you can make the right choices and avoid the frustration. We help you set the proper expectations regarding the coverage and the costs. We can advise you of the deadlines and penalties for missing them.
When you decide to get a Medigap Plan, you'll need to choose wisely. Medigap Plans are standardized so coverage is the same no matter which company you pick. But, there are differences in experience and premiums. We help you make good choices.
Special Situations
So far, we've talked about a standard enrollment in Medicare. But, there are special situations that may yield different answers. Like what to do about Medicare if you're still working. And how to deal with Medicare for both spouses when one turns 65 and the other is younger. The answers to these and other special cases involves a complete analysis of the details. Once we are armed with the facts, we can offer you the best options.
After Enrollment
Can you ever switch plans or options and under what circumstances? What if you move out of the state? What happens if your Plan is discontinued? These and other questions may arise from time to time and you'll need to start learning again or tap a resource to get the answer. We are the resource!