Q: Who are Medicare Advisors of Alabama?
A: We are a locally owned insurance agency in Vestavia Hills 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.
Q: Who are your clients?
A: We consider our clients to be anyone who wants to better understand Medicare. It could be someone who is turning 65 and needs help deciding when and how to enroll in Medicare. A client could be someone who has a disability and eligible for Medicare. Our clients can also be HR managers, physician offices, financial planners, pharmacies, small business owners or anyone trying to help a friend, coworker or family member with 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 health care 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: The Annual Enrollment Period ended Dec. 7. Is it too late to make changes?
A: There are several different enrollment periods throughout the year. One overlooked enrollment period (Open Enrollment Period) runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. This period is for a person who needs to change their Medicare Advantage Plan or someone on a Medicare Advantage Plan but would like to return to Original Medicare. There are also many Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) throughout the year as well.
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.
Q: Where are you located, and how can we meet?
A: Our office is at 2116 Columbiana Road in Vestavia Hills, and we’re open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We can meet either individually or classroom style at our office. Our agents can even come to your home if you prefer. We also teach Medicare 101 classes onsite at businesses, libraries, churches and virtually via Zoom. Call 205-704-9020 or visit medicareadvice.org to learn more. You can also search for us on Facebook or Google.
