Choosing the right Medicare plan can feel overwhelming when there’s so much you need to consider. When you’ll be turning 65, the age and date you plan to retire, plan enrollment periods, and even your location are just some of the factors to consider when it comes to choosing and enrolling in a Medicare plan.
The good news is you don’t have to navigate all this alone. A local, independent Medicare consultant can serve as your personal guide, getting to know you and your healthcare needs while bringing objective and knowledgeable insights of the Medicare plans available in your area, all to pair you with the perfect Medicare plan.
Their perspective can provide distinct, even hidden advantages that can make a timesaving, money-saving difference in your Medicare plan decisions. Let’s look at six advantages that make working with a local, independent Medicare consultant the secret weapon in your Medicare planning.
1. Local Knowledge
When it comes to choosing Medicare coverage, it’s important to understand your local healthcare landscape—the Medicare plans available in your area and the local healthcare providers those plans cover.
A local, independent Medicare consultant will know every Medicare plan available within your geographic area, what these plans cover (e.g. which doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network for the plans available in your area), and at what price.
Besides knowing the local Medicare plans and coverage, a top consultant should have their finger on the pulse of local healthcare trends and knowledge. This can include insights like how frequently certain plans change their coverage networks, or which pharmacies offer the best prescription rates. Also, they should be familiar with the reputation and performance of nearby doctors and medical facilities to guide you toward plans that offer the best coverage for preferred providers.
If you’re changing to a new plan, relocating to a new area or just unsure which healthcare providers can best meet your evolving needs as you age, the local, community-level knowledge of an independent Medicare consultant can be invaluable.
2. Personalized Guidance
A local, independent Medicare consultant doesn’t just know the local Medicare plan options. They get to know people, understanding that every person’s health, budget, and lifestyle are different.
That’s why your consultant takes the time to understand you and your unique healthcare needs, financial situation, and lifestyle goals before offering any recommendations. Maybe you have a chronic condition that requires regular specialist visits, particular medications, and you’re on a tight budget. Your consultant will keep all this in mind to ensure you have a plan that meets these key needs.
Unlike generic tools or sales agents promoting one-size-fits-all plans, a local, independent Medicare consultant listens first—and then customizes their advice to craft a personalized plan that meets your needs, for the best price.
3. Direct, Transparent Communication
The basis for this attentive, personalized guidance is direct, transparent communication. A local, independent Medicare consultant provides one-on-one access to get your questions answered. Dealing with insurance providers can leave you feeling like you’re just a number waiting on hold in a system. But your consultant is available for face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or even Zoom chats—whatever works for you on your schedule.
And they’re always ready with transparent information. They’ll walk you through the pros and cons of plans based on your priorities, and recommend plans based on what’s best for you, not them. There’s no jargon-filled runaround—just clear, compassionate communication from someone who is knowledgeable and genuinely cares about your well-being.
4. Unbiased Advice
You can expect this transparent information and direct communication from a local, independent Medicare consultant because they aren’t here to sell you a plan. They are not working for any one insurance carrier, nor are they financially incentivized to push certain plans.
Your local, independent Medicare consultant is focused on one thing—helping you choose the right plan. That means providing you with relevant plan information and guiding you through all plans across multiple insurers, so you’re empowered to make an informed choice. You can have peace of mind that you’re receiving unbiased advice and making your Medicare decisions based on facts, not sales pitches.
5. No Hidden Fees
As independent consultants are independent of insurance companies, there are no commissions or hidden fees buried in their costs. In fact, most local, independent Medicare consultants offer their services completely free to you.
Consultants are typically compensated by the insurance companies only after your plan enrollment and that compensation doesn’t affect your plan premiums or benefits. And because consultants work with multiple insurers (and not just one), there’s no pressure to steer you toward a particular insurance provider or higher-priced plan.
There are no hidden fees, no hourly rates, and no sales gimmicks—just straightforward, honest guidance designed to help you get the best value from your Medicare plan.
6. Ongoing Support After Medicare Enrollment
Once you’ve selected and enrolled in your Medicare plan, you’re done, right? Not necessarily. Medicare isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision. Plans change, usually with updates annually. Your health needs evolve. Questions can arise months after you’ve enrolled.
That’s why providing ongoing support is one of the biggest advantages a local, independent Medicare consultant offers. They’re still there for you even after you’ve chosen your plan, ready to help with any issues. Questions about a coverage letter? Considering switching plans during open enrollment? Need to understand what a new diagnosis means for your coverage? They can provide you with answers, information and understanding—or connect you with the right insurance contact who can.
This ongoing support means you’re never navigating Medicare alone!
Wandacare Provides the Independent Medicare Advantage
At Wandacare, we understand that every Medicare journey is unique, which is why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With over a decade of experience, Wandacare is your trusted local, independent Medicare consultants for Lakeland and greater Polk County. We know our community, and we’ll get to know you as a valued friend, supporting you with our Medicare knowledge and insights, looking out for your best interests, not an insurance company’s profits.
Our licensed Medicare advisors are ready to assist you.
