Q: Who is Medicare Advisors of Alabama?
A: We are a locally owned insurance agency in Vestavia that specializes in Medicare education, assistance and enrollment into insurance products such as Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, and stand-alone prescription drug plans. Even though we work with all the major carriers in Alabama, we represent our clients, not a specific insurance company.
Q: What does your service cost?
A: Our advice is always free. If we help you enroll into a plan, the insurance carrier pays a commission. Medicare requires each company to pay the same commission so there isn’t an incentive to suggest one plan over another. We are truly trying to give you the best advice possible.
Q: Am I eligible for help?
A: For people who are turning 65 or are past 65 and retiring, we’ll first help you understand the four parts of Medicare and then guide you through the enrollment process. We’ll help make the transition from your employer’s insurance to Medicare so much easier.
If you’re already on Medicare, you can change plans during the annual election period known as AEP, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. We help you compare plans during this time, so you’ll always have confidence knowing you’re in the right plan each year. We’re also ready to help someone who is younger than 65 and disabled who is awarded Medicare.
Q: When I call Medicare Advisors, who am I talking with?
A: Medicare Advisors of Alabama is owned by Eric Smith. When you call, you will speak directly with Eric or a member of his staff. Eric has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years with 14 years specializing in Medicare. He has worked for BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Cigna and Viva Medicare.
Q: Where can you help?
A: We can meet at our office, at your job, in your home, virtually via Zoom or simply over the phone. If we meet in person, we’ll follow all public health guidelines and recommendations. We teach Medicare 101 classes at our office or on-site at companies throughout Alabama. Many HR managers and employees have found the classes very helpful to learn the basics of Medicare and how to avoid penalties.
Q: Why is Medicare so confusing?
A: Oftentimes for much of your life, employers provide health insurance, so when a person becomes Medicare eligible, they’re facing health insurance decisions for the first time alone. At the same time, they’re bombarded with TV ads, phone calls and direct mail. Making the right decision can be incredibly stressful. Education is the key. Once someone with patience and knowledge teaches you the questions to ask and then guides you through the process, the whole thing becomes much less stressful. That’s what we provide: a stress-free Medicare experience.
Q: How can someone become your client?
A: Becoming a client is easy. Search for us on Google or Facebook or visit our website at medicareadvice.org. Or call us at 205-704-9020 and let’s talk. Our retail office at 2116 Columbiana Road is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
