Texas Medicare Supplements: How to Shop for a Policy
Written by David Hecker
The best time to buy a Medicare supplement policy is during your Medicare open enrollment period because companies
must sell you any plan they offer without considering your medical history or pre-existing conditions. Don't be afraid to
shop around. Supplement policies are standardized by the federal government. Each standardized Medigap policy must
offer the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference
between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies.
While price is important, it should not be your only consideration. Especially in today's economic environment, you
should check the company's financial strength. Find out the financial rating of the insurance company by companies
such as A.M. Best. Customer service is another area to investigate. Call your state's Insurance Department to find the
number of complaints filed against the company. Your family and friends, as well as a trusted "independent" insurance
agent, can be other sources of information about a company's customer service.
You only need one Medicare supplement policy. It is illegal to sell you more than one Supplement policy. There are
other policies that may offer benefits that may overlap your supplemental coverage. These include cancer, hospital
indemnity, and long-term care policies. If there is any duplication of benefits, it must be disclosed writing.
Protect Yourself. Don't let an agent rush you. Take your time and understand what you are getting. Find an agent that
you can trust, preferably somebody who specializes in Medicare products, and can answer all your questions. Make
sure that the agent is properly licensed by your state's insurance department. Don't be afraid to take notes when the
agent is talking. You can even have a trusted friend or relative present. When filling out the application, answer all of the
questions truthfully and accurately. Falsifying information could cause denial of claims or cancellation of the policy. It is
very important that you read what you are signing before you sign it. Never sign a blank application form. Do not make a
check payable to the agent, only the insurance company, and make sure you get a receipt. Make sure that you get the
agents name, address and phone number so you can contact him if you need to. When you get your policy, read it
carefully and make sure that all the information is correct. You can return a policy for any reason and receive a full
refund within 30 days.
To sum up, when shopping for a Medicare supplement, do your research on the company and the agent. Read
everything carefully and do not get pressured into making a quick decision. Make sure that you understand everything,
and that you have an agent willing to help!
David Hecker is a Licensed Insurance Agent based in Texas. He specializes in Medicare Products. He is licensed in
Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. He can be reached at (903) 918-9091 or Toll Free (877) 454-4959. E-mail:
dhecker@tx-medicaresupplement.com or on the web at: http://www.tx-medicaresupplement.com
Written by David Hecker
The best time to buy a Medicare supplement policy is during your Medicare open enrollment period because companies
must sell you any plan they offer without considering your medical history or pre-existing conditions. Don't be afraid to
shop around. Supplement policies are standardized by the federal government. Each standardized Medigap policy must
offer the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference
between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies.
While price is important, it should not be your only consideration. Especially in today's economic environment, you
should check the company's financial strength. Find out the financial rating of the insurance company by companies
such as A.M. Best. Customer service is another area to investigate. Call your state's Insurance Department to find the
number of complaints filed against the company. Your family and friends, as well as a trusted "independent" insurance
agent, can be other sources of information about a company's customer service.
You only need one Medicare supplement policy. It is illegal to sell you more than one Supplement policy. There are
other policies that may offer benefits that may overlap your supplemental coverage. These include cancer, hospital
indemnity, and long-term care policies. If there is any duplication of benefits, it must be disclosed writing.
Protect Yourself. Don't let an agent rush you. Take your time and understand what you are getting. Find an agent that
you can trust, preferably somebody who specializes in Medicare products, and can answer all your questions. Make
sure that the agent is properly licensed by your state's insurance department. Don't be afraid to take notes when the
agent is talking. You can even have a trusted friend or relative present. When filling out the application, answer all of the
questions truthfully and accurately. Falsifying information could cause denial of claims or cancellation of the policy. It is
very important that you read what you are signing before you sign it. Never sign a blank application form. Do not make a
check payable to the agent, only the insurance company, and make sure you get a receipt. Make sure that you get the
agents name, address and phone number so you can contact him if you need to. When you get your policy, read it
carefully and make sure that all the information is correct. You can return a policy for any reason and receive a full
refund within 30 days.
To sum up, when shopping for a Medicare supplement, do your research on the company and the agent. Read
everything carefully and do not get pressured into making a quick decision. Make sure that you understand everything,
and that you have an agent willing to help!
David Hecker is a Licensed Insurance Agent based in Texas. He specializes in Medicare Products. He is licensed in
Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. He can be reached at (903) 918-9091 or Toll Free (877) 454-4959. E-mail:
dhecker@tx-medicaresupplement.com or on the web at: http://www.tx-medicaresupplement.com
Texas Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Specialist
http://www.TX-MedicareSupplement.com
Specialist
http://www.TX-MedicareSupplement.com
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
3010 Latonia St. - Longview, TX 75605
Licensed in Texas, Louisiana & Arkansas
Licensed in Texas, Louisiana & Arkansas
| Important! All information is kept strictly confidential. Information is only used to provide you with the most accurate information possible. It is NOT sold or shared with anyone! |
* Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
| * Licensed Insurance Agent dealing primarily with Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies |
*
