Enrolling in Medicare? Learn How Medicare Specialists of Pittsburgh Can Help.

By Daniel Casciato

As we get closer to the Medicare open enrollment period, there are several changes coming in 2024 which includes budget updates, reduction in drug prices, and more. This year’s enrollment period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. It’s important to familiarize yourselves with these changes heading into open enrollment because that may have an effect on whether you change your current Medicare plan.

Thankfully, you can turn to someone such as John Wells, president of Medicare Specialists of Pittsburgh, an Independent Insurance Agency representing many different companies for your insurance needs. Medicare Specialists carefully selects its carriers in order to provide clients with the best level of service, price and coverage.

One of the biggest concerns that clients have is COVID-related issues, according to Wells. “Many people are concerned about having to go out to review their plans in person,” says Wells. “The approach we're taking is to be exceptionally flexible. We could meet in person, here at the office or at someone’s home just to stay out of restaurants and coffee shops. We can also do Zoom meetings or hold discussions over the phone with email follow-ups. Whatever our customers feel comfortable with, we should be able to do.”

As a bricks-and-mortar business, Wells explains that have taken precautions for clients who prefer to come into the office and speak face-to-face. For instance, they installed plexiglass panels around the desks and everyone wears a face mask. Temperature checks are also required. No matter which option you choose to meet with Medicare Specialists, a meeting would take approximately one hour.

One way that Wells and his team can help you is to cost out your prescription drug plan that you are currently on.

"We could cost those out with all the variations and different plans available so that you will have hard numbers on your anticipated drug costs,” says Wells. “We’ll also have a general discussion, as far as what needs you have coming up in regards to overall healthcare, vision, and dental.”

Since they often have a new people signing on to Medicare each year, one of the top questions is when to sign up.

“Timing is always on the top of everyone’s mind,” says Wells. “When should I sign up? Do I need to sign up? I'm continuing to work, so what happens when I'm 67? I didn't have Medicare last year, because I was still working under a group plan. What do I do? These are always the types of questions we get.”

If you happen to miss the enrollment period this year, Wells recommends contacting their office to discuss other options.

The two main areas of coverage for a client would be Medicare or Medicare with a supplement. You can also convert your coverage over to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

“We’ll discuss how that decision can affect your coverage down the road because at some point, once you choose to go to an Advantage Plan, going back to a supplement is not guaranteed,” Wells adds. “We can also help clients with Medicaid and other low income subsidies, PACENET, and entitlements. We can help them assess their current financial situations and find the right plan so they can be sure to afford healthcare.”

For more information, call (412) 343-0344 or visit medipgh.com.