Medicare: Why an Advisor Makes All the Difference
Often those approaching Medicare eligibility are overwhelmed by the quantity of information available – and understandably so. As a form of insurance, Medicare is fundamentally different from other group/employer, individual, or family plans in that it is centered around the individual, yet any decisions made could potentially affect family members. In order to understand the costs, benefits, plans, and overall structure of Medicare, professional advice is strongly recommended when weighing options. That’s why, in this installation of CenterStage, Rob Glover, our Senior Solutions Advisor at Saxon, provided the following insightful information. Generally speaking, Medicare plans are explored during a significant lifestyle change. Having an insurance sales agent to facilitate retirement planning can help in adjusting Medicare options.
A Two-Way Relationship
Insurance agents are able to conform Medicare options around desired preferences and requirements. Each beneficiary is unique and therefore deserves a plan that delivers a standard of quality that is suited to varying budgets and ways of life. Agents can act as personal advisors and offer close collaboration when sifting through insurance plans. After becoming aware of defined healthcare coverage needs, Medicare advisors can narrow the search and find a solution that will safeguard both the individual and his or her family from looming financial damages.
It’s best to have a licensed agent with years of experience in Medicare. While textual knowledge is certainly important, learned wisdom is paramount in avoiding pitfalls throughout the process. Agents with real experience in the field are the best guides in navigating the processes, policies, and terminology of Medicare. Also, there are benefits in maintaining a relationship with them, since they are well-versed in the details of plans germane to the area. They are likely more familiar with supplier and provider networks and, using this knowledge, can provide guidance on which Medicare plan to choose.
The beneficiary-advisor relationship doesn’t end after the sale. In fact, they are often an advocate for many years after, offering consultations that address subsequent concerns with coverage. Medicare advisors can help review healthcare needs on a yearly basis to ensure the plan is lining up with changing criteria.
Services Worth Using
Independent advisors can offer many options across a multitude of carriers. Some agents are able to compare dozens of providers by contracting many different insurance companies. This method of contracting also aids in eliminating biases during plan research and comparison. The independent advisor can assist in making an informed decision on a Medicare insurance plan that is in line with the individual needs of the beneficiary. There aren’t any fees associated with merely utilizing an advisor. To elaborate, the rates linked to insurance plans already cover advisors’ commissions and thus render the decision on whether or not to employ one free from frugal urges. Therefore, there’s no reason not to seek the advice of a discerning sales agent to make the enrollment process easier. Licensed sales agents in the Medicare field take part in numerous hours of continued education and training annually. They are knowledgeable to pertinent information that could shape the decision-making process in addition to their understanding of a client’s defined parameters. Nevertheless, beneficiaries can only change insurance once within a year and can wind up “stuck” in a chosen plan unless the said beneficiary is eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Regardless of position in the retirement process, time becomes increasingly more important. Utilizing an informed advisor will lead to time saved on plan comparison and research as they can help pinpoint a solution that fits the circumstances rather than waste time through trial and error. Licensed advisors are able to grant a one-stop shopping experience. Through innovative technology, they can access any and all relevant information at any time. Some create webinars regarding important issues, answer frequently asked questions, and elicit 24/7 assistance. Within some websites, beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, request proposals, and research and compare options.
If you would like to learn more, contact Rob Glover at 513.703.7720 or rglover@gosaxon.com.
Saxon Broker-Dealer Named 2014 Broker-Dealer of the Year
Cambridge honored six out of last eight years for this highly coveted honor
Investment Advisor magazine’s annual poll of Rep-Advisors’ judging their Broker-Dealer
Cincinnati, OHIO – Saxon Financial Consulting announced today their broker-dealer, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., was named by Investment Advisor magazine as ‘2014 Broker-Dealer of the Year in Division IV’ – the division representing independent broker-dealers with over 1,000 producing advisors. The honor is based on the results of the annual poll conducted by the magazine in June of this year. Cambridge has earned this honor six of the last eight years, and was previously honored in 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008, and 2007 as Broker-Dealer of the Year in Division IV and in 2003 for Division III.
“Being named Broker-Dealer of the Year is important to us because it means hundreds of our advisors felt strongly enough about Cambridge to take the time and engage in this poll,” said Eric Schwartz, Cambridge Chairman and CEO. “We are in the business of serving our advisors and the greatest reward in the service business is being complimented about your service and valued for your services. For this we are most appreciative and greatly humbled.”
“Service, service, service – our service for our advisors is always foremost in our minds and actions,” said Amy Webber, Cambridge President. “The Broker-Dealer of the Year honor is an honor and a measure of success we consider along with our own annual satisfaction survey and other meaningful industry polls. We continually raise our very high standards for service and we are thrilled we continue to earn high marks from our advisors.”
Cambridge’s honor is based on receiving high marks in all categories, and a composite score that was highest among its peers. Several thousand credentialed voters – representatives of independent broker-dealers – cast ballots, and those broker-dealers that gained the highest composite scores were awarded the honors in four different divisions based on their number of producing rep-advisors. The winning broker-dealers are profiled in Investment Advisor’s September 2014 issue and online via ThinkAdvisor.
“We thank each and every advisor in our Cambridge family for this honor and vote of confidence. Each vote is important and tells us that we are giving independent advisors the commitment they deserve, and the leadership they need for their success as independent business owners,” said Schwartz.
About Saxon Financial Consulting
Saxon provides comprehensive employee benefit and wealth management services to our clients. Whether you are a CEO, Small Business Owner or head of household, we utilize a team approach in analyzing and planning a client’s investment portfolio, cash flow, retirement and benefit/insurance needs. Our recommendations are based solely on your specific needs, circumstances and goals.
We consistently monitor your goals and offer education to ensure your plan stays on course to meet your needs. The partners have over thirty years of investing and benefit experience and are active members of the community.
Our mission is to partner with clients to establish and achieve financial goals through objective planning and management of assets and/or employee benefits.
Our purpose is to help build, manage and preserve your financial and physical wealth. We put our client’s interest first, act with integrity and honesty, and strive for excellence in every facet of our practice.
Our success is not measured by performance statistics but rather by our clients’ success in achieving their goals.
Our philosophy is to provide our clients with the highest level of service and technical expertise in the management of employee benefits and/or preservation of wealth. The entire staff of Saxon Financial Consulting is firmly committed to this philosophy.
Contact: Saxon Financial Consulting @ 513-573-0129
Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Saxon Financial Consulting and Cambridge are not affiliated.
Check out the background of firms and investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
About Broker-Dealer of the Year
According to ThinkAdvisor.com, The rules for Investment Advisor’s Broker-Dealers of the Year readers’ poll remained the same in their 24th annual contest. Only producing representatives of the independent broker-dealers that appeared in their June 2014 Broker-Dealer Reference Guide were eligible to vote in online balloting on ThinkAdvisor.com from June 1, 2014 through July 1, 2014. Each voter was vetted by Investment Advisor editorial staff to ensure compliance with the “one person, one vote” principle and that each voter was, in fact, registered with FINRA as an independent contractor registered representative of the broker-dealer for which they voted. Those BDs that received the highest average rating from their own reps were deemed Broker-Dealers of the Year in four different divisions based on the number of reps. this ensured the BDs in each division competed against similar-sized rivals.
