Here’s what the HealthMarkets team in Northfield 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 Dawn Soroka, 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.”
The annual enrollment period for Medicare is now through Friday, December 7. This is the time, says Nancy Zajac, who also is a licensed HealthMarkets agent, 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.
Steve Lichtig and Kathy Carvin round out the team of knowledgeable agents in the office.
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,” Steve explains. “You don’t want to be stuck in a plan that doesn’t work for you.”
“Obviously the goal is to get it right the first time,” he adds. “That’s where we come in. We’ve done the legwork, combing through the details of the plans offered by all the major carriers. When we schedule a time to sit down with you, we’re 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 Steve, Nancy, Kathy or Dawn. Because HealthMarkets represents nearly all of the major carriers in Ohio, including Medical Mutual, 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,” Kathy explains. “Plus, we can come to your home to do a review of your current health situation if need be. It only takes about 45 minutes.”
“We’re here to learn about your particular situation. That’s how we base our recommendations,” Dawn notes. “And because we’re 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,” Nancy 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, Steve, Nancy or Dawn’s knowledge base won’t cost a thing. Your review, their service and their guidance are all free of charge.
Meet the Team
Kathy Carvin
Kathy is a fixture in South Euclid. She is an usher at Garfield Memorial Church in South Euclid. 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.
Nancy Zajac
Nancy is a longtime Northfield community member and is active in St. Barnabas Church and the Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce. She adores spending time with her grandchildren, Teresa, 5, and Hanna, 8 months.
When not playing with her granddaughters, Nancy enjoys relaxing with her counted cross stitch.
Steve Lichtig
Steve grew up in University Heights but currently makes his home in Solon. He loves spending time with his wife of 24 years, Bridget, and their kids, Elyse, 22 and Larry, 16. He spends some of his spare time playing games on the computer, but admits Larry won’t play with him because his youngest child is “too cool.”
Steve says people are surprised to learn he used to be a lawyer, having received his law degree from the University of Dayton.
Dawn Soroka
Originally from the Garfield Hts. area, Dawn is a busy North Royalton-based mom to four active boys: Connor, 18, Owen, 12, Spencer, 11 and Aiden, 9. In her time away from the office, Dawn immerses herself in her kids’ sporting and theatrical activities. In fact, she’s proud to announce that Owen will be appearing in the Playhouse Square production of A Christmas Carol.
The HealthMarkets Insurance Agency storefront in Northfield is 10512 Northfield Road. To schedule an appointment with a licensed insurance agent, call 330-908-0200. Office Hours Extended for Open Enrollment to Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; other times by appointment.
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. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. HMIA006203