What does a Medicare insurance agent do?

A Medicare insurance agent helps you understand your options, compare available plans based on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and priorities, and assist with enrollment once you've made a decision.

Does it cost anything to work with a Medicare agent in Washington?

No. There is no direct cost to you for working with our agents. Insurance agents are generally compensated by insurance carriers rather than charging clients a consultation fee.

What's the difference between working with an agent and calling Medicare directly?

Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE provide information about the Medicare program and the full range of options available in your area. An independent agent can provide more personalized help comparing the plans and insurance companies they represent.

What questions should I ask before choosing a Medicare plan?

Ask whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network, whether your prescriptions are covered, what you'll pay in premiums and out-of-pocket costs, which pharmacies you can use, and whether the plan includes benefits or restrictions that matter to you.

How do I know which Medicare enrollment period applies to me?

It depends on whether you're newly eligible, already enrolled, retiring, losing employer coverage, or experiencing another qualifying situation. Learn About Medicare Enrollment Periods or schedule an appointment and we'll help you understand which enrollment window may apply.

What are the four parts of Medicare?

Medicare has four main parts: Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers medical and outpatient services, Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services.

Is Medicare Part A free?

Many people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their own or their spouse's work history. However, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs may still apply.

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B generally covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, certain medical equipment, and other medically necessary services.

Do you have to pay for Medicare Part B?

Yes. Most people pay a monthly Medicare Part B premium, and the amount may vary based on income. Deductibles and cost-sharing may also apply.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. These plans provide Part A and Part B benefits and often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medicare?

Medicare Advantage is not the same as Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that administer your Medicare benefits.

What does Medicare Part D cover?

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs. Each plan has its own covered-drug list, costs, and participating pharmacies.

Do I need Medicare Part D if I don't take prescription medications?

You may still want Part D coverage. Going without Part D or other creditable drug coverage can result in a late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later.

What is Medicare Supplement insurance?

Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private plan. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to help cover certain costs Medicare doesn't pay.

Can I have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?

No. Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.

Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?

No. Medigap policies sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription coverage, you can enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.

Which is better: Medicare Advantage or Medigap?

Neither option is automatically better for everyone. The right fit depends on factors such as your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and how you prefer to receive care.

What happens during a Medicare appointment?

We'll talk through your current situation, including your doctors, prescriptions, coverage priorities, and budget, and help you understand the Medicare options available to you. Appointments are educational and pressure-free.

Can I choose which agent I work with?

Yes. Our Schedule an Appointment page lets you choose the agent you'd like to meet with, or you can Meet the Team first to learn more about each person's experience and specialty.

Is there a Spanish-speaking Medicare agent available?

Yes. Michelle Sahagun-Van Nostrand is a native Spanish speaker and can help you understand your Medicare options in Spanish.

What happens after I enroll in a plan?

Our relationship doesn't end at enrollment. We're available when questions come up later and can help you review your coverage as your health needs, providers, prescriptions, or budget change.

Do you review my Medicare plan every year?

We can. Medicare plans, provider networks, formularies, premiums, and other costs can change from year to year, so an annual review can help determine whether your coverage still fits.

Is Advantage Insurance Benefits connected to Medicare or the federal government?

No. Advantage Insurance Benefits is an independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Does Advantage Insurance Benefits offer anything besides Medicare insurance?

Yes. We also help Washington residents with individual and ACA health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and travel insurance. [Explore Other Insurance Services]

How long has Advantage Insurance Benefits been helping people with Medicare?

Our team brings decades of combined insurance experience, including more than 22 years focused specifically on Medicare.

Medicare FAQs | Advantage Insurance Benefits

About Advantage Insurance Benefits:

What does a Medicare insurance agent do?
A Medicare insurance agent helps you understand your options, compare available plans based on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and priorities, and assist with enrollment once you've made a decision.
Does it cost anything to work with a Medicare agent in Washington?
No. There is no direct cost to you for working with our agents. Insurance agents are generally compensated by insurance carriers rather than charging clients a consultation fee.
What's the difference between working with an agent and calling Medicare directly?
Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE provide information about the Medicare program and the full range of options available in your area. An independent agent can provide more personalized help comparing the plans and insurance companies they represent.
What questions should I ask before choosing a Medicare plan?
Ask whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network, whether your prescriptions are covered, what you'll pay in premiums and out-of-pocket costs, which pharmacies you can use, and whether the plan includes benefits or restrictions that matter to you.
How do I know which Medicare enrollment period applies to me?
It depends on whether you're newly eligible, already enrolled, retiring, losing employer coverage, or experiencing another qualifying situation. Learn About Medicare Enrollment Periods or schedule an appointment and we'll help you understand which enrollment window may apply.

What are the four parts of Medicare?
Medicare has four main parts: Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers medical and outpatient services, Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
What does Medicare Part A cover?
Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services.
Is Medicare Part A free?
Many people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their own or their spouse's work history. However, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs may still apply.
What does Medicare Part B cover?
Medicare Part B generally covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, certain medical equipment, and other medically necessary services.
Do you have to pay for Medicare Part B?
Yes. Most people pay a monthly Medicare Part B premium, and the amount may vary based on income. Deductibles and cost-sharing may also apply.
What is Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. These plans provide Part A and Part B benefits and often include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
Title or Question
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medicare?
Medicare Advantage is not the same as Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that administer your Medicare benefits.
What does Medicare Part D cover?
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs. Each plan has its own covered-drug list, costs, and participating pharmacies.
Do I need Medicare Part D if I don't take prescription medications?
You may still want Part D coverage. Going without Part D or other creditable drug coverage can result in a late-enrollment penalty if you enroll later.

What is Medicare Supplement insurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private plan. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to help cover certain costs Medicare doesn't pay.
Can I have Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?
No. Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?
No. Medigap policies sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want prescription coverage, you can enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Which is better: Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
Neither option is automatically better for everyone. The right fit depends on factors such as your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and how you prefer to receive care.

What happens during a Medicare appointment?
We'll talk through your current situation, including your doctors, prescriptions, coverage priorities, and budget, and help you understand the Medicare options available to you. Appointments are educational and pressure-free.
Can I choose which agent I work with?
Yes. Our Schedule an Appointment page lets you choose the agent you'd like to meet with, or you can Meet the Team first to learn more about each person's experience and specialty.
Is there a Spanish-speaking Medicare agent available?
Yes. Michelle Sahagun-Van Nostrand is a native Spanish speaker and can help you understand your Medicare options in Spanish.
What happens after I enroll in a plan?
Our relationship doesn't end at enrollment. We're available when questions come up later and can help you review your coverage as your health needs, providers, prescriptions, or budget change.
Do you review my Medicare plan every year?
We can. Medicare plans, provider networks, formularies, premiums, and other costs can change from year to year, so an annual review can help determine whether your coverage still fits.

Is Advantage Insurance Benefits connected to Medicare or the federal government?
No. Advantage Insurance Benefits is an independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Does Advantage Insurance Benefits offer anything besides Medicare insurance?
Yes. We also help Washington residents with individual and ACA health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and travel insurance. [Explore Other Insurance Services]
How long has Advantage Insurance Benefits been helping people with Medicare?
Our team brings decades of combined insurance experience, including more than 22 years focused specifically on Medicare.

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