by tony reverditto
On the threshold of turning 65, I was inundated with telephone and mail solicitations from Medicare providers and agencies. As the milestone neared, I grew increasingly confused about how to navigate the process as the brochures and messages piled up.
Luckily, I am involved with my local Chamber of Commerce, and one of the members is Nicholas Murch, owner of HCAG, a Medicare insurance agency. I knew from the onset that I was in good hands. We met, and he took me through the process step-by-step.
Through the agency’s vast experience and knowledge, I was seamlessly able to transition into my Medicare coverage with their professional and patient guidance. I am very satisfied with the results. I have had further questions after going through the process, and HCAG has an open-door policy that continues to give me support and guidance.
I asked Murch to share his insights on the services that HCAG provides.
What does HCAG stand for?
HealthCare Advisors Group. Our motto is “More than Medicare” because we can do so much more than just review plan benefits.
How long have you been in business?
My wife, Angelica, and I have been in business for 15 years. HCAG, the corporation, was formed in 2017.
What sets HCAG apart from other agencies?
While most agents and agencies focus on just the sale of the product to the senior consumer, HCAG is able to offer a full slate of assistance before and after a person gets onto Medicare. We can assist in applying for both Social Security and Medicare as well as qualifying seniors for extra help with lowering their drug costs.
Our agents are trained to guide our clients through additional programs such as the Assisted Living Waiver Program, VA Aid & Attendance, Medi-Cal and Covered California. We can provide pathways to gaining caregiving assistance and respite-care grants. We offer consultations to those delaying retirement and assistance in gaining their delayed Medicare Part B without a penalty. For those who didn’t work enough qualifying quarters to gain free Part A Medicare, we can guide them through the process of qualifying for free Part A. We also have the ability to refer patients to qualify for hospice care.
All of these services on top of the fact that we perform a detailed Medicare 101 for those new to Medicare, a needs assessment and benefit review each year for each of our clients to ensure they are getting the best care to meet their needs. From our initial consultation, everyone is treated like family. That’s why we have been the trusted Medicare agency and valuable resource for many doctors and their patients for over a decade.
When is the ideal time to initiate the setup process? How many months in advance should we start for someone turning 65?
We get calls sometimes up to a year before turning 65 because some people are so concerned that they’ll do something wrong or miss a deadline. If that’s too early for you, then four months before aging into Medicare is a good time frame to start setting up a Medicare 101 session.
What are my options if I am not satisfied with my current provider?
Provider, meaning primary care doctor, is an easy fix. Switching to a new provider is relatively simple; it entails calling your existing plan with the name of your new preferred primary care doctor. We can make recommendations if you don’t have a new primary care provider.
What is the biggest mistake people make with Medicare?
The biggest mistake people make with Medicare is talking with call center agents. They don’t provide the same scope and breadth of knowledge as your local agents and are unavailable to advocate for you when problems arise. Delaying retirement is also something that trips people up or is confusing regarding how to avoid penalties and when the best time to enroll is.
Finally, what is the smartest thing someone can do when they qualify for Medicare?
Call HCAG, of course, to get a full needs assessment and benefit review after we give them a Medicare 101 crash course. Bilingual (Spanish) services are available.
hcaginsuranceforseniors.com / 888.550.5556