Here’s what Carl Lishing of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency says is happening with 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 Carl Lishing, 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, Carl 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.
“Obviously the goal is to get it right the first time,” he 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. 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 Carl. 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,” he explains. “Plus, I’ll come to your home to do a review.”
Carl says one of the best parts of the job is getting to know people and their needs, then putting them in touch with the most appropriate plan for them.
“I’m there to learn about your particular situation. That’s how I base my recommendations,” he 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.”
“Just about all of the carriers have gotten more aggressive with the benefits they offer in an effort to attract more business,” Carl reveals. “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 Carl’s knowledge base won’t cost a thing. Your review, his service and his guidance are all free of charge.
Meet Carl
With an office in Lakewood and a home in the Edgewater area, Carl and his family are deeply enmeshed with the community.
“My wife, Jennifer, and I have been married for 19 years,” he smiles. “We have three kids: Grace, 18, Ben, 15 and Jack, 11.”
When he isn’t helping people find the right insurance fit, Carl spends most of his free time shuttling the kids around town and spectating at their sporting events. But he did have time to get out on the water this summer.
“Boating is one of my passions,” he says.
Carl Lishing of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency has an office at 16506 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. The phone number is 216-228-0765. During open enrollment, day, evening and weekend appointments are available. As the Medicare annual enrollment period is already heating up, the time to schedule your free review with Carl 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. HMIA006094