Raymond James now offering new service to islander residents
Offering investment counseling and retirement planning has earned the Bokeelia office of Raymond James a reputation for personalized service to residents here on Pine Island. To answer a growing need among islanders, the Pine Island branch has recently begun offering another service to aid those who are facing retirement. Buzzy Phillips, manager of the island Raymond James office, is now helping those with questions concerning Medicare supplements by offering clients the United Health Care Medicare solutions portfolio of products. In addition, Phillips will guide those considering retirement with the process of acquiring other Medicare supplements, the Medicare Advantage and help with prescription drug plans. According to Phillips, all AARP branded programs are also available through his office. According to Phillips, Medicare Advantage, an AARP branded product, has provided supplemental medical insurance for more than 25 years and services more than 6 million customers.
Among those looking forward to retirement in is Century 21 real estate manager, Ken Cox.
“Now that I am only about six months away from becoming eligible for Medicare, I have been approached by many individuals and companies about Medicare supplements. This got me thinking. I thought I knew a lot about the supplements and then quickly realized I actually knew very little,” said Cox. “I called Buzzy Phillips for advice on where to get information and I was thrilled to find out he could help. He has provided me with a lot of insight, and while I haven’t decided what I am going to do yet, I now feel I have enough information to make an educated decision. It is a good feeling to know that I can just walk into Buzzy’s office and he can help me with this decision face-to-face.”
According to Phillips, some supplement plans offered tend to be more popular than others.
“The Medicare Advantage plans seem to be the most popular right now and most have no premium requirement and in many cases, the prescription drug plan is included,” Phillips said. “Medicare Advantage plans are health plan options approved my Medicare and offered by private insurance companies that are contracted by the federal government. These plans are part of Medicare and are sometimes call Part C or MA Plans.”
Phillips has provided the requirements for eligibility for Medicare Advantage for those who would like to enroll:
— The enrollee must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B
— Live in the service area of the plan
— Not have an End Stage Renal Disease
“It is important to know that consumers can join a Medicare Advantage plan even with pre-existing conditions with the only exception being End Stage Renal Disease and that they may be able to seek care out-of-network with some plans, generally with higher cost sharing,” said Phillips. “Medicare offers prescription drug coverage for everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, consumers must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can very in cost and drugs covered. Consumers who want Medicare drug coverage must choose a plan that works with their health coverage.”
For more information about Medicare and Medicare supplements, Phillips can be reached at 283-8977.