Medicare

How Much Does It Cost to Work With You?

Nothing. My help comes at no extra cost to you, and plan reviews and quotes are free with no obligation to enroll. I’m paid a commission by the insurance company when you enroll in a plan through me, and that commission is already built into the plan’s premium, so you pay the same whether you enroll through me or directly with the carrier. Your actual yearly cost depends on the plan itself: premium, deductible, copays, drug costs, and out-of-pocket maximum. I give you a full-year estimate for each option, and all quotes are estimates until you’re enrolled.

How Do I Choose a Good Medicare Agent?

Start with the basics: the agent should be licensed in your state and certified to sell Medicare plans, and you should be able to verify that license. Then look at how they work. A good agent asks about your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and pharmacy before recommending anything, explains both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with a Medigap plan and Part D, and shows you an estimate of your full-year cost. It also helps to ask whether they’ll be there after you enroll. I’m based in Fort Lauderdale, licensed in 33 states, and I work with every client personally.

What Should a Medicare Agent Do for You?

The comparison work, explained clearly: checking your providers and medications against each plan, laying out your options side by side, and walking you through the trade-offs. If you decide to enroll, I handle the application with you, then review your coverage every year and help with claims and billing questions in between. You always make the final decision.

What’s the Difference Between an Independent Medicare Agent and a Captive Agent?

A captive agent sells one insurance company’s plans. An independent agent is contracted with several companies and can compare their plans side by side. I’m an independent agent with HealthMarkets, so I compare plans from the carriers I represent, though not every plan available in your area.

Do You Only Help People Turning 65?

No. Turning 65 and retiring from employer coverage are a big part of my work, but I also help people under 65 who qualify for Medicare because of a disability, people who already have Medicare and want a second look at their plan, and people who may qualify for Extra Help, Medicaid, or a Special Needs Plan.

Can You Help if I Already Have a Medicare Plan?

Yes. Plans, networks, and drug lists can change every year, so I’m glad to review what you have. I’ll check your current plan against your doctors, prescriptions, and expected costs. If it’s still the right fit, I’ll tell you to keep it. If another option may fit better, I’ll explain the differences, including what you’d give up, so you can decide with the full picture.

Do You Offer Every Medicare Plan in My Area?

No. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 65 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options. In Florida, you can also get free Medicare counseling through the state’s SHIP program, called SHINE.

When Can I Sign Up for or Change Medicare Coverage?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window around your 65th birthday: the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7, when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, with changes starting January 1. From January 1 to March 31, people already in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Medigap has its own six-month open enrollment period starting the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Special Enrollment Periods may apply after certain life events, like losing employer coverage or moving. Because these dates affect penalties and your choices, I’ll help you confirm which ones apply to you.

Where Are You Located, and How Can We Meet?

My office is at 6360 NW 5th Way Ste 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. We can meet there, at your home anywhere in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County, by phone, or on Zoom. Clients in the other 32 states where I’m licensed work with me by phone or Zoom. Whichever you choose, I reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Individual & Family Health (ACA)

How Much Does It Cost to Work With You?

Nothing. My help comes at no extra cost to you, and plan reviews and quotes are free with no obligation to enroll. I’m paid a commission by the insurance company when you enroll in a plan through me, and that commission is already built into the plan’s premium, so you pay the same whether you enroll through me or directly with the carrier. Your actual yearly cost depends on the plan itself: premium, deductible, copays, drug costs, and out-of-pocket maximum. Depending on your household income, you may also qualify for financial help with a Marketplace plan. I give you a full-year estimate for each option, and all quotes are estimates until you’re enrolled.

What Does an Agent Do That I Can’t Do on HealthCare.gov?

You can always shop and enroll on HealthCare.gov yourself. What I add is personal help with the parts that are easy to get wrong. I check your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and pharmacy against each plan, estimate your full-year cost, help you apply for any financial help you may qualify for, and handle the application with you. Because I’m registered with the federal Marketplace, I can enroll you in Marketplace plans, and I stay on as your agent after you enroll. I’m an independent agent with HealthMarkets, not a government office.

Why Work With an Independent Agent?

An independent agent isn’t tied to one insurance company and can compare plans from multiple carriers side by side. A captive agent represents a single company, which can limit the choices you see. As an independent agent, I lay out the plans that fit your situation and let you choose, with no pressure and no obligation.

How Do I Know an Insurance Agent Is Legitimate?

Ask for their license number and National Producer Number (NPN), then look them up with your state’s insurance department. In Florida, that’s the Department of Financial Services. For Marketplace plans, the agent should also be registered with the federal Marketplace. My Florida license is #W323530 and my NPN is #17946070, and I’m happy to walk you through checking them.

What Are the Benefits of a Local Agent?

A local agent can meet with you in person and knows the doctors, hospitals, and health systems in your area. Most of my clients are in South Florida, and knowing systems such as HCA Florida, Memorial Healthcare System, and Baptist Health helps me spot network issues early. I offer home visits across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, and I meet clients in other licensed states by phone or Zoom.

Can You Help if I’m Self-Employed or Between Jobs?

Yes. If you’re self-employed, I can help you compare individual and family plans for your household, and if you own a business with 50 or fewer employees, I can also help with small-group coverage for your team. If you’re leaving a job or losing employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, usually with 60 days to enroll, so it’s best to reach out as soon as you know your coverage is ending.

Do You Offer Plans Outside the Marketplace?

Yes. Many people use “private health insurance” to mean coverage they buy on their own, whether through the Marketplace or directly from an insurance company, and I help with both. ACA-compliant plans bought outside the Marketplace follow the same core rules, but they aren’t eligible for the Marketplace’s cost savings. Some other products sold outside the Marketplace don’t have to follow ACA rules and may not cover pre-existing conditions or all essential health benefits, so I’ll always explain exactly what a plan does and doesn’t cover before you decide.

Can My Spouse Get Individual Health Insurance if I’m on Medicare?

Yes. A spouse who isn’t on Medicare can buy an individual plan, and depending on your household income and other factors, such as whether they’re offered job-based coverage, they may qualify for financial help through the Marketplace. Because I help both Medicare and under-65 clients, I can look at both of your plans together.

When Can I Enroll in an Individual or Family Health Plan?

Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov. Choose a plan by December 15, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Outside Open Enrollment, you’ll generally need a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life change. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round.

Turning 65 or Retiring

How Much Does Medicare Cost at Age 65, and Is It Free?

My help is free. I’m paid a commission by the insurance company when you enroll in a plan through me, and that commission is already built into the plan’s premium, so you pay the same whether you enroll through me or directly with the carrier. Medicare itself isn’t free, though. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years, and people who didn’t may be able to buy it. Part B has a standard monthly premium set each year, and people with higher incomes pay more. Part B also has a yearly deductible, and after that you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services. Whatever you add on top, whether a Medigap plan, a Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, has its own premium and cost sharing. I give you a full-year estimate for each option, and all quotes are estimates until you’re enrolled. If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program, and I’ll help you find out.

Do I Have to Sign Up for Medicare at 65 if I’m Still Working?

Not always. If you have health coverage through your own or your spouse’s current job at an employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty and sign up later during a Special Enrollment Period. With a smaller employer, Medicare usually pays first, so delaying Part B can be costly. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled automatically, and you can turn down Part B if your job-based coverage qualifies. I’ll help you check how your employer plan works with Medicare before you decide.

Who Is Not Eligible for Medicare at Age 65?

To qualify at 65, you generally need to be a U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years in a row. People who don’t meet those requirements generally aren’t eligible. A short work history doesn’t necessarily keep you out: if you or your spouse didn’t pay Medicare taxes long enough, you may still be able to buy Part A and enroll in Part B. If you’re not sure where you stand, I’ll help you figure out your next steps, including other coverage options if Medicare isn’t available to you yet.

Can I Have Both Employer Insurance and Medicare?

Yes. Many people keep job-based coverage and have Medicare at the same time. One pays first and the other pays second, and which one pays first usually depends on whether the coverage comes from current employment and on the employer’s size. Having both makes sense in some situations and adds cost without much benefit in others, so I’ll look at your employer plan’s costs and coverage next to your Medicare options.

Is There a Penalty for Not Signing Up for Medicare When I Turn 65?

There can be. If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible and don’t have coverage based on current employment, you may pay a Part B late-enrollment penalty that usually lasts as long as you have Part B. If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, you may pay a Part D penalty as well. Coverage from current employment, and drug coverage your plan confirms is creditable, can protect you from these penalties. I’ll help you confirm yours before you delay anything.

What’s the First Step in Signing Up for Medicare at 65?

If you’re not enrolled automatically, you sign up for Part A and Part B through Social Security, online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. Aim to apply during the three months before your birthday month so your coverage can start on time. Before you apply, it helps to know whether you’ll keep any employer coverage, since that affects whether you need Part B right away. The order is simple: confirm your eligibility, decide on your Part B timing, then choose how you’ll fill in the rest of your coverage. I’ll walk through each step with you.

My Spouse Is Retiring and I Need Health Insurance. What Are My Options?

If you’ve been on your spouse’s employer plan, you’ll need your own coverage when that plan ends. If you’re 65 or older, you can generally sign up for Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period, since your coverage was based on your spouse’s current employment. If you’re under 65, losing that coverage generally qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Marketplace plan, and you may qualify for financial help depending on your household income. COBRA may also be available. I’ll compare these options side by side so you’re not left with a gap.

Do You Offer Every Medicare Plan in My Area?

No. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 65 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options. In Florida, you can also get free Medicare counseling through the state’s SHIP program, called SHINE.

Can You Help if I Live Outside South Florida?

Yes, if you’re in one of the 33 states where I’m licensed. Most of my clients are in South Florida, where we can meet at my office in Fort Lauderdale or at your home in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County. Clients in other states work with me by phone or Zoom. Either way, I reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Small Business & Self-Employed

How Much Does It Cost to Work With You?

Nothing. My help comes at no extra cost to you, and plan reviews and quotes are free with no obligation to enroll. I’m paid a commission by the insurance company when your business enrolls in a plan through me, and that commission is already built into the plan’s premium, so you pay the same whether you enroll through me or directly with the carrier. Your actual cost depends on the plan, your contribution level, and how many employees enroll. I give you a clear estimate for each option, and all quotes are estimates until you’re enrolled.

How Do I Find a Good Health Insurance Broker for a Small Business?

Look for a licensed agent who works with more than one insurance company and who will check your team’s doctors and prescriptions before recommending a plan. You can verify any agent’s license through your state’s insurance department. Whether you call it an agent or a broker, what matters is the support you get before and after enrollment. I’m licensed in Florida (License #W323530, NPN #17946070) and 32 other states, my office is in Fort Lauderdale, and I work with small business owners across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

Why Work With an Agent Instead of Going Directly to an Insurance Company?

An insurance company can show you only its own plans, while I compare options from the carriers I work with side by side, at no extra cost. I also handle the parts that take time: gathering employee information, explaining participation and contribution rules, handling the application, and supporting your team with claims, billing, and renewals.

Are Agents Different From Brokers?

Most people use the terms interchangeably, and in practice both help you compare and enroll in coverage. What matters is whether the person works with one insurance company or several. I’m an independent licensed agent with HealthMarkets, so I’m not tied to one carrier. Ask any agent or broker how many companies they work with and what support they provide after you enroll.

What Types of Coverage Can You Help My Business With?

My focus for business owners is health and benefits coverage: small-group health insurance for businesses with 50 or fewer employees, individual health coverage for the self-employed, and dental, vision, life, and supplemental coverage. If you’re not sure which fits your situation, we can talk it through during your free plan review.

How Many Employees Do I Need to Offer a Group Health Plan?

Small-group plans are designed for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Insurance companies generally require at least one enrolled employee who isn’t the owner or the owner’s spouse, and they usually set minimum participation and contribution rules. Requirements vary by carrier and plan, so I’ll confirm the exact rules for every option we compare.

I’m Self-Employed With No Employees. Can You Still Help Me?

Yes. If you work for yourself, I’ll compare ACA Marketplace and off-Marketplace plans for you and your family, check your doctors and prescriptions, and look at your true yearly cost, not only the premium. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for financial help with a Marketplace plan.

Can I Start a Group Health Plan Any Time of Year?

Generally, yes. Individual coverage is tied to Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period, but small-group coverage can usually begin at different points in the year. Each plan then renews annually, and I review your plan and your options before every renewal. Start dates and paperwork deadlines vary by carrier, so it helps to reach out a few weeks before you want coverage to begin.

What Happens When an Employee Becomes Eligible for Medicare?

It depends mainly on the size of your business. If you have fewer than 20 employees, Medicare usually pays first, so an employee turning 65 typically needs to enroll in Part A and Part B on time to avoid gaps or penalties. If you have 20 or more employees, your group plan usually pays first. I help employees in either situation understand how Medicare and your plan work together so they can make an informed choice.

Can We Meet in Person?

Yes. I meet with business owners at my office at 6360 NW 5th Way Ste 101 in Fort Lauderdale, and I also offer visits across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. If phone or Zoom fits your schedule better, we can meet that way too. You’ll work with me directly from the first conversation through every renewal.

Extra Help & Special Situations

How Much Does It Cost to Work With You, and What Will My Coverage Cost?

Nothing to work with me. My help comes at no extra cost, and plan reviews and quotes are free with no obligation to enroll. I’m paid a commission by the insurance company when you enroll in a plan through me, and that commission is already built into the plan’s premium, so you pay the same whether you enroll through me or directly with the carrier. Your actual yearly cost depends on the plan itself: premium, deductible, copays, drug costs, and out-of-pocket maximum, and I give you a full-year estimate for each option. Depending on your eligibility, you may also qualify for help with costs, such as Extra Help with Medicare drug costs, a Medicare Savings Program, full Medicaid, or financial help for Marketplace plans. All quotes are estimates until you’re enrolled.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for Extra Help or a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan?

To join a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, you generally need Medicare Part A and Part B, need to qualify for the level of Medicaid the plan requires, and need to live in the plan’s service area. Extra Help is based on your income and resources, and you may qualify automatically if you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI. Otherwise, you can apply through Social Security or your state Medicaid office. Limits change every year and Medicaid rules vary by state, so I’ll walk through your situation during a free plan review. I can’t guarantee eligibility, but I can make sure you know which programs are worth looking into.

Can I Keep a Medicare Supplement Plan if I Qualify for Medicaid?

Usually not. If you have Medicaid, it’s generally illegal for an insurance company to sell you a Medigap policy, with limited exceptions, because Medicaid may already help with many of the costs Medigap would cover. If you already have a Medigap policy and later qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to suspend it for a limited time. I’ll help you understand how Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid each work, and I keep those options clearly separate so you know exactly what you’re comparing.

Are You a Medicare Representative?

No. I’m an independent licensed agent with HealthMarkets, not a representative of Medicare, Medicaid, or any government agency, and this website isn’t operated by or affiliated with the federal Medicare program. What I do is explain your options clearly and help you compare them. To reach Medicare directly, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For Medicaid questions in Florida, contact the Department of Children and Families.

How Do I Find an Agent Who Understands Dual Eligibility and Special Needs Plans?

Look for someone licensed in your state who completes Medicare training and certification every year and has experience with dual eligibility, Special Needs Plans, and Extra Help. You can verify any agent’s license through your state’s insurance department. What matters most is whether the agent checks your doctors, prescriptions, and Medicaid benefits before recommending anything. I do that for Special Needs Plans, other Medicare Advantage plans, and Original Medicare with a Part D plan. I’m licensed in 33 states, including Florida (License #W323530, NPN #17946070), and AHIP certified for the 2027 plan year.

What Does an Independent Agent Do Differently?

A captive agent represents one insurance company. An independent agent can offer plans from more than one, which makes it easier to compare options side by side. I compare plans from multiple carriers, including Special Needs Plans where they’re available. No agent offers every plan, and I’ll always be clear about what’s available through me and where you can see all of your options.

Can You Help if I’m Under 65 and Need Health Insurance After a Life Change?

Yes. I help about 148 individuals and families with ACA/Marketplace coverage each year, based on my own client records, including people who qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after losing coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby. I compare Marketplace and off-Marketplace plans with you and check whether you may qualify for financial help, which is only available through Marketplace plans. I’m also a good fit for households where one spouse is on Medicare and the other needs individual coverage.

Where Are You Located, and How Can We Meet?

My office is at 6360 NW 5th Way Ste 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. We can meet there, at your home anywhere in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County, by phone, or on Zoom. Clients in the other 32 states where I’m licensed work with me by phone or Zoom. Whichever you choose, I reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Dental, Vision, Life & Supplemental

How Much Does It Cost to Work With You?

Nothing. My help comes at no extra cost to you, and plan reviews and quotes are free with no obligation to enroll. I’m paid a commission by the insurance company when you enroll in a plan through me, and that commission is already built into the plan’s premium, so you pay the same whether you enroll through me or directly with the carrier. Your actual cost depends on the plan itself, and for life insurance, final approval and pricing are always decided by the insurance company. I give you a clear estimate for each option, and all quotes are estimates until you’re enrolled.

Where Are You Located, and How Can We Meet?

My office is at 6360 NW 5th Way, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. We can meet there, at your home anywhere in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County, by phone, or on Zoom. Because I’m licensed in 33 states, I can also help family members who live outside Florida.

Are You an Insurance Company?

No. Insurance companies issue the policies and pay the claims. I’m an independent licensed agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc., so working with me gives you access to plans from more than one company through a single local agent. I don’t offer every plan available, and I’ll always be clear about which plans are available through me.

What’s the Difference Between an Agent and a Broker?

Most people use the two words interchangeably. The distinction that matters is captive versus independent: a captive agent represents one insurance company, while an independent agent can compare plans from several. I’m an independent licensed agent, so I compare plans from multiple carriers and explain the differences in plain language.

How Do I Choose a Good Insurance Agent?

Confirm they’re licensed first. In Florida you can check through the Department of Financial Services; my license number is W323530 and my NPN is 17946070. Then look for someone who asks about your needs before recommending anything, checks your providers against each plan, explains costs clearly, and stays available after you enroll. Ask how many carriers they work with and whether they’ll review your coverage every year.

Can You Check Whether My Dentist Is in the Network?

Yes. Before I recommend any dental plan, I check your dentist against each plan’s network, and I do the same for your eye doctor if you’re adding vision coverage. I’ll also explain waiting periods and annual maximums, so there are fewer surprises when you need care.

Why Work With an Independent Agent Instead of Buying Directly From an Insurance Company?

Buying direct usually means seeing one company’s options, while I compare plans from several. Premiums are generally the same either way, so working with me doesn’t add to your cost, and you get ongoing help: I review your coverage each year and help with claims and billing. It’s an education-first conversation, not a sales pitch, and there’s never an obligation to enroll.

Can I Get Life Insurance if I Have a Health Condition?

Often, yes. Insurance companies evaluate health history differently, so it helps to work with someone who can compare several of them. I’ll help you find carriers that may be a better fit for your health history and tell you honestly what to expect, with the understanding that final approval and pricing are always decided by the insurance company.

What Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover?

Long-term care insurance helps plan for care costs before you need care. I explain what it covers, how it compares with life insurance that includes a long-term care rider, and how either option fits with the rest of your coverage. Since Medicare generally doesn’t pay for long-term custodial care, this planning can give your family more options later on.

Is Supplemental Insurance the Same as a Medicare Supplement Plan?

No. Supplemental insurance, such as accident, critical illness, or hospital indemnity coverage, typically pays a set cash benefit when a covered event happens and works alongside your health plan. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan works with Original Medicare to help pay costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans are different from both: they are another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, not a supplement. If you have Medicare, I’ll explain how each type fits with your coverage before you decide anything.