Here’s how Mutsko Insurance Services is helping clients choose the coverage that’s best for them
By Patricia Nugent
Choosing the right insurance and enrolling in Medicare can be overwhelming and complicated.
If you’re looking for sage advice and straight facts from a seasoned resource, find peace of mind with Laura Mutsko. With a specialty in the field of senior products and the Affordable Care Act, she’s been a licensed insurance broker since 1997, founding her own firm, Mutsko Insurance Services, in 2006.
“My father founded Lake Business Products and I helped out while growing up,” she says. “Along the way I learned a lot about what it takes to grow a company, and the right way to treat your customers. Insurance is different than most fields since you are selling life solutions and not widgets.”
Joining Laura in the business is her niece Shireen Cain, a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Community and Public Health. She decided to specialize in senior insurance after working at the Eastlake Senior Center.
When it comes to the insurance companies they represent, Laura and Shireen are selective, only working with the most trusted and financially stable companies. They currently work with Aetna, Anthem, Humana, Medical Mutual, MetLife and United Health Care, to name a few.
As Lake County natives, the ladies belong to many civic and charitable organizations, from chambers of commerce to health and insurance groups.
The Consultation Process
“I only do consultations in person,” says Laura. “It’s simple for the client. We sit and chat for about an hour. I find out the medications they are taking and doctors who treat them. We recommend the best insurance fit for their needs, crafting a plan that covers their doctors, specialists, hospitals and prescriptions. We compare rates and find the best combination of price and coverage. And we do it with personalized and friendly service.”
Laura and Shireen specialize in Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, Medicare Part D Prescription Plans, annuities, individual health and disability insurance, life insurance and long-term care insurance.
“One thing that’s changed over the years is that the cost of prescriptions has skyrocketed, so we spend a lot of time helping clients get the best bang for their insurance buck,” says Laura. “Oftentimes people think they’ll pay more for their insurance when they work with an agent, but they don’t. We are compensated through the insurance company, not the client. Our consultations and follow-up advice are free.”
What Her Clients are Saying
Very few insurance agents are blessed with reviews as enthusiastic as the ones Laura Mutsko regularly receives. “Understandable” and “relatable” are buzzwords you’ll find in many of them.
Take Linde DeCarlo. When her husband turned 65, they had no idea what they were supposed to do about getting enrolled with Medicare.
“We tried to do it online, but it was confusing and frustrating, and we were not sure if we were answering the questions correctly,” she recalls. “We made an appointment with Mutsko Insurance and Laura had him completely signed up with Medicare and Anthem within an hour. She understood our needs and made sure we were getting the product that was best for him.”
Five years later, when Linde turned 65, she figured they had learned how to do it and could manage on their own. Not true.
“Laws had changed,” she explains. “Benefits were different and again we were stuck. We called Laura and she worked her magic and found exactly what I needed and got me through the entire process.”
Love of Animals is Close to Her Heart
Laura Mutsko is a fierce advocate for the humane treatment of animals. She has traveled all over the world volunteering at animal shelters, including a baby elephant sanctuary in Thailand and a no-kill animal sanctuary in Utah. On tap for her next trip is Uganda to help rehabilitate mountain gorillas
Her own darling golden doodle Olaf is the official greeter at the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Getting Started with Medicare Seminars
For anyone nearing 65 who is confused or concerned about how Medicare will affect them, these educational seminars explain Parts A, B, C and D, and what is covered under them, how to enroll, what to expect from prescription drug coverage, as well as the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans. Summer classes take place Wednesday, June 14, at 6 p.m., at Kenston Community Center in Chagrin Falls; Tuesday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m., at Concord Township Community Center in Painesville; and Wednesday, July 19, at 6 p.m., at Euclid Library in Euclid. These events are only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be shared. For reservation information and additional class dates and times, visit MutskoInsurance.com/seminars.
Mutsko Insurance is headquartered at 6982 Spinach Drive in Mentor. Call 440-255-5700 or visit MutskoInsurance.com to find out more.
Disclaimer from Laura: “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.”