Information Vs. Guidance

By: Mark Mabaquiao

Seniors are a popular target for advertisers, especially during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that runs between October 15th – December 7th each year. The AEP is a unique period where they can decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan that begins on January 1st of the following year. Information about various health plans and types is abundant.

Seniors are bombarded by television commercials, postcards, letters, and brochures. But ultimately, do they help them figure out the best course of action? My clients have said ‘no’. I’ve even had a few of them present their thick file or box of advertising material and asked, “Can I please get rid of these?” And to their relief my response was ‘yes’. Using an advisor, like myself, the approach is different. We listen and ask questions first so that we can better understand someone’s needs and assumptions before discussing an appropriate solution or course of action. In fact, many times my own clients will use my expertise and experience more as a guide to come to their own conclusion about what’s best for them. And guess what? At the end they are happy and relieved that an important decision was finally made.

If you are frustrated or confused about Medicare, I recommend you reach out to an unbiased expert who can guide you. They will potentially save you an enormous amount of time and money, because let’s face it, you probably have better things to do during your retirement than fret about health insurance! ##

Mark Mabaquiao is a Financial Advisor since 2005. Currently an independent broker who is licensed in life & health and property & casualty. He has previously been recognized as a top sales agent for life and health products from multiple companies. His management experience includes Owner/Manager of a home care agency and managing a team of licensed agents.