HealthMarkets Insurance Agent Kathy Carvin talks Medicare, right now
By Beth Newcomb
Fear of change, information overload and complacency are just some of the reasons people on Medicare stay put in their plans when the annual enrollment period comes around.
“It can be difficult to know what to do,” says Kathy Carvin, a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. “Many people do nothing, and miss out on benefits they could be taking advantage of. Others stick with a plan that no longer meets their needs, but don’t realize it until that first doctor or pharmacy visit of the year.”
This year, the annual enrollment period for Medicare is Monday, October 15, through Friday, December 7. This is the time, Kathy says, to evaluate your current plan to see if it’s still the best fit for you in the coming year. It’s also the time to learn about benefits that may make switching to a new plan more advantageous.
Beginning in 2019 and annually thereafter, a Medicare Advantage (MA) open enrollment period (OEP) will take place from January 1 through March 31. The new OEP allows individuals enrolled in an MA plan, including newly MA-eligible individuals, to make a one-time election to go to another MA plan or Original Medicare.
“You don’t want to be stuck in a plan that doesn’t work for you,” Kathy suggests.
“Obviously the goal is to get it right the first time,” she adds.
“That’s where I come in. I’ve done the legwork, combing through the details of the plans offered by all the major carriers. So when we schedule a time to sit down together, I’m in a position to present a number of different options to you and let you decide which one best meets your needs.”
That’s one of the greatest benefits of working with Kathy. Because HealthMarkets represents nearly all of the major carriers in Ohio, your Medicare review can be a one and done.
“It saves people a lot of time and energy to only have to meet with one insurance agent,” she explains. “Plus, I’ll come to your home to do a review of your current health situation. It only takes about 45 minutes and most people feel more at ease in their own home.”
Kathy’s goal, she says, is to help people find the best carrier for them, year after year. But while your carrier may change, your relationship with her doesn’t. “No matter which carrier you choose, you’ll always be with me and I’ll still help you along the way.”
“I’m there to learn about your particular situation. That’s how I base my recommendations,” she continues.
“And because I’m not beholden to one particular company, we can really dive into how you use your plan, who your doctors are, what medications you’re taking and what your budget is.” Medicare is highly personal, and what works for your spouse may not work for you, and what worked for you last year may not work for you this year. During this year’s annual enrollment period, that may be particularly true.
“Just about all of the carriers have gotten more aggressive with the benefits they offer in an effort to attract more business,” Kathy reveals.
“You’ve got drawers full of stuff, a house full of stuff and a garage full of stuff, why not have a Medicare plan full of stuff? By making a change this year, you might be able to get additional benefits that you could find very useful, without having to pay more money. All you have to do is schedule a review.”
In fact, tapping into Kathy’s knowledge base won’t cost a thing. Your review, her service and her guidance are all free of charge.
Meet Kathy
Kathy is a fixture in the South Euclid community, where she attends Garfield Memorial Church and serves as an usher. She lives on the lake in Cleveland and spends some of her free time discussing her latest read as a member of a book club.
As the proud single mom of two boys, Matthew and Turner, who are both grown and out of the nest, Kathy says she’s dealing with the vacancies in her home by giving back to pups in need. “I just adopted a rescue dog and plan to add another to the family later this year,” she smiles.
As an active volunteer with The American Cancer Society Crucial Catch. Kathy was one of the smiling faces passing out ribbons at the Browns game on Sunday, October 7, along with the Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity.
Kathy Carvin of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency has offices at 10512 Northfield Road, in Northfield, and 25118 Lorain Road, in North Olmsted. She serves all of Northeast Ohio including Lake County. You can schedule a time to meet with her at the office or in your home by calling 216-375-5902. As the Medicare annual enrollment period is already heating up, the time to schedule your free review with Kathy is right now.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. No cost or obligation to enroll. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. HMIA006090