If you’re eligible for Medicare, choosing the right plan is essential for minimizing your out-of-pocket costs and getting coverage for the services you need most. Many people enroll in Original Medicare, but there is also the option to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan, which may entitle you to extra benefits.
One way to make enrollment easier is to use a comparison website to research options. SmartMatch Insurance works with 14 major carriers, giving you plenty of information to guide your enrollment decision. Before you sign up for Medicare, use this SmartMatch Insurance review to learn more about the site’s features.
What Is SmartMatch Insurance?
SmartMatch Insurance is a website that makes connecting with a licensed insurance agent easy. If you want to compare Medicare plans, you fill out your name, ZIP code, birthday and contact information. Then, a licensed agent contacts you to discuss the options available in your area. SmartMatch uses a three-step process to help users find the right coverage:
- During the initial phone call, you can expect the agent to ask questions about your health and your budget. These questions make it easier for the agent to find an affordable plan that has the coverage you need. Since SmartMatch works with multiple carriers, you have access to a wide range of options.
- The agent describes the available plans in detail. They’ll provide information about deductibles, copays, premiums and coverage restrictions, empowering you to make a choice that fits your budget. If you’re ready to enroll, the agent can also walk you through the application process during this call.
- You have ongoing access to your Customer Success Team, so you can ask questions anytime. If your needs change, you can also contact your Customer Success Team during open enrollment. An agent will help you find a new plan and enroll before the deadline. You can even contact your Customer Success Team if you need help communicating with your insurance carrier.
Types of Medicare Plans Available
SmartMatch Insurance helps you find three types of Medicare plans: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is a special type of Medicare allowing private insurance companies to offer Medicare coverage. If you sign up for one of these plans, the carrier must provide all the same benefits covered under Original Medicare. They can also offer additional benefits, such as coverage for hearing aids or dental cleanings.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is known as a prescription drug plan paired with Original Medicare. When you sign up for Original Medicare, you get hospital coverage through Part A and outpatient medical coverage through Part B. However, Original Medicare doesn’t include coverage for prescription drugs taken on an outpatient basis, so you need a prescription supplement to minimize your out-of-pocket drug costs. Private insurance companies sell Part D plans to help you get the prescription coverage you need.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Original Medicare covers a wide array of services, but there are out-of-pocket costs for many of them. For example, you have to pay coinsurance for every stay in a skilled nursing facility. Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, covers some of these costs, reducing the amount you spend out of pocket each year. You can only purchase Medigap coverage if you have Original Medicare. This type of coverage isn’t available for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
Benefits of Using SmartMatch Insurance
The main benefit of using SmartMatch Insurance is that you can get information about multiple plans in one place. If you didn’t use a comparison website, you’d have to contact each insurance company to ask questions about coverage and costs. This would be extremely time-consuming. SmartMatch gives you access to a licensed insurance agent, eliminating the need to spend hours comparing plans.
Another benefit of using SmartMatch Insurance is that your agent takes the time to understand your unique needs. If you’re in good health, you may benefit from enrolling in Medicare Advantage to access extra benefits. People with chronic health problems may be better off enrolling in Original Medicare and purchasing supplementary coverage. It all depends on your health history and your budget. Once a licensed agent understands your needs, they can find a plan that works for you.
Finally, having a Customer Success Team is a major advantage. Any time you have a question about your coverage or need help switching plans, you can contact your Customer Success Team for guidance. Few comparison sites provide this level of ongoing support.
SmartMatch Insurance Review: The Bottom Line
Overall, SmartMatch Insurance is a helpful tool for anyone who wants to compare Medicare plans. Instead of researching plans on your own and getting confused about all the different terms, you can have a licensed insurance agent walk you through the enrollment process. You also get ongoing support for as long as you need it, ensuring your Medicare coverage always matches your current needs.
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