Turning 65 soon? Retiring this year? Losing employer coverage? If you need to enroll in Medicare for the first time, it’s important to find a knowledgeable local Medicare insurance agency to guide you. With thousands of plans and options to choose from, having personal support from a licensed New Jersey broker can ensure you pick the right coverage.
This comprehensive guide explains how Medicare insurance agencies work, what to look for in an agency, how to locate one near you in New Jersey, and what to expect during the enrollment process.
What is a Medicare Insurance Agency?
A Medicare insurance agency employs agents and brokers who are licensed by the state to sell and advise on Medicare health plans. They act as an intermediary between you and the insurance companies.
These agencies and their agents do not work for Medicare itself. They are private businesses and individuals. Agents typically represent multiple insurance carriers and are able to compare plans across companies to find you the optimal coverage.
Key services Medicare agencies and brokers provide include:
- Comparing and enrolling you in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans.
- Educating you on Original Medicare and Medigap/Medicare Supplements.
- Answering questions and guiding you through the complexities of Medicare.
- Handling plan changes during open enrollment or special election periods.
- Coordinating benefits with other insurances like employer group plans.
- Recommending cost-saving programs you may qualify for.
In most states, including New Jersey, agents’ services are free for consumers. They are paid commissions by health plans when you enroll through them.
What to Look for in a Medicare Insurance Agency
As you search for a Medicare agency in New Jersey, keep these tips in mind to identify the best fit for your situation:
Local expertise – Many agencies focus exclusively on their own state. Local agents understand specifics like plan availability, provider networks, costs, state assistance programs, and regulations in your area.
Range of carrier options – Look for an agency that represents multiple insurance companies so they can compare plans across several providers to find you the optimal fit.
Medicare focus – Some agencies sell other types of insurance too like life, long-term care, etc. Specialized Medicare brokers often have deeper plan knowledge.
Positive reviews – Client reviews and testimonials can indicate how responsive, knowledgeable and helpful an agency’s agents tend to be.
Year-round support – The best agencies continue to support you after enrollment by providing updates, answering questions, and helping with subsequent Medicare plan changes.
No fees – In most states, Medicare agencies charge no fee as they are paid commissions by health plans. Avoid any agency asking you to pay for enrollment help.
Local meetings – Many have agents who can meet with you in person in locations throughout the state. This provides personalized service.
Research multiple Medicare agencies in your area to find one that meets your preferences and needs.
How to Find Medicare Insurance Agencies in New Jersey
Searching online is the easiest way to identify Medicare insurance agencies in your specific location. Here are some tips for finding agents:
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Google search – Try searches like “Medicare agents near me” or “Medicare brokers in New Jersey” to find local agencies.
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National sites – Large sites like Medicare.gov and eHealthInsurance let you enter your ZIP code to find agents in your exact area.
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Insurer listings – Medicare carriers like Aetna and Humana have agent locator tools on their websites.
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State sites – Your state insurance department or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) may list local Medicare agencies.
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Plan marketing materials – Many mailings and ads for Medicare plans include contact information for the broker or agent who presented the offer.
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Referrals – Ask family, friends or doctors for referrals to reputable local Medicare agencies they have used.
Be sure to vet any agency you consider on factors like licensing, reviews, expertise and responsiveness.
What to Expect Working with a Medicare Agency
Connecting with a Medicare insurance agency in New Jersey provides you with personalized guidance, education and support through the enrollment process. Here is a typical timeline of working with an agency:
1. Initial Consultation
The agency will ask you some basic questions about your situation, needs and Medicare eligibility. This helps them understand your coverage goals and provide accurate plan recommendations. If you’re not yet eligible for Medicare, they can advise you on when and how to enroll down the road.
2. Plan Comparisons and Quotes
Qualified agents will research your medications, doctors, health history and financial situation. They use this to generate unbiased comparisons and quotes for plans in your area. Quotes are not guaranteed until enrollment is complete but give you an estimate of premiums.
3. Enrollment Application Support
Once you select a plan, the agent helps you fill out and submit the enrollment application. This ensures your application is complete and accurate to avoid processing delays. The agent serves as your advocate if any issues come up.
4. Ongoing Policy Management
After enrolling, you’ll get materials from the insurer confirming your plan details. A good agency partner will check in periodically to answer any questions and assist with coordination of benefits or billing issues. They’ll also reach out before open enrollment each year to discuss plan options.
Working with a Medicare agency simplifies the complex process of researching, comparing, enrolling in, and managing your Medicare insurance coverage.
10 Top Medicare Insurance Agencies in New Jersey
While there are many licensed Medicare agencies across the state, these 10 have become well-known for their expertise and service:
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PUP Medicare – Family-owned brokerage serving NJ for 50+ years. Rated 5 stars on Google based on 200+ reviews.
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Premier Solutions Insurance Services – National agency with licensed NJ agents available for local meetings. Rated 5 stars on Facebook.
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HM Insurance Group – Leading national Medicare broker with certified agents throughout New Jersey.
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Allen Partners Insurance – Local firm specializing in Medicare for 20+ years. Has offices in Hazlet, Matawan and Morganville.
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Medicare Advisors Group – Agency serving central New Jersey. Reports saving clients an average of $1200/year on plans.
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Senior Benefit Services – Medicare-focused agency located in Roebling, NJ. Over 1,000 Medicare reviews annually.
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Millennium Insurance Agency – Licensed NJ agency providing Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Based in Clark, NJ.
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Liberty Medicare Plans – Agency offering personalized Medicare guidance for northern and central New Jersey residents.
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Medicare Solutions Team – Specializes in Medicare enrollment and education for NJ retirees and seniors.
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Superior Medicare Plans – Trusted Medicare advisors with 5-star reviews. Offices in Red Bank, Toms River and Barnegat.
Research multiple trusted Medicare agencies in your area of New Jersey. Comparing consultations will help you make the most informed Medicare plan decision.
Medicare Enrollment Support from New Jersey SHIP
In addition to private insurance agencies, New Jersey maintains a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that provides free Medicare counseling for state residents.
SHIP-trained counselors can offer unbiased enrollment guidance, but they do not actually sell or enroll you in plans. See the table below for a comparison of support services:
| Medicare Agencies | NJ SHIP Counselors |
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| Sell and enroll in private Medicare plans | Do not sell or enroll |
| Recommend specific plan solutions based on your needs | Provide general education |
| Act as your advocate with insurers | Refer you to insurers for issues |
| Offer year-round plan management | Help with initial enrollment questions |
| Provide quotes and comparisons | Do not provide quotes |
Leveraging both private insurance agencies and SHIP counselors can provide well-rounded support when navigating your Medicare options.
Is it Too Late to Change Plans?
If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, it may not be too late to switch to a different plan, either during open enrollment or a special election period.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This allows anyone with Medicare to change their health and drug plans for the following year.
You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period outside of open enrollment if you moved, lost other insurance, or had certain life changes. A licensed broker can assess your eligibility to change plans mid-year.
Even if you can’t change plans at the moment, an agent can still review your existing coverage to ensure you’re getting the best benefits and value.
Get Personalized Medicare Help in New Jersey
Turning 65 or new to Medicare? Make sure you get off on the right foot by having a knowledgeable Medicare insurance agency in New Jersey help you navigate your options. Comparing multiple consultations will allow you to find an agency best suited to your situation.
Local Medicare brokers simplify the process by doing the “heavy lifting” of plan research and comparisons for you. Their expertise guides you in making the enrollment decisions that
How to Find the Best Medicare Insurance Agent in 2023
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