In compliance with federal law, insurance companies offer 10 standard benefit packages. Prices for the same package vary widely. The counselors won't tell people what to buy, but they do help people compare policies. In a Medicare HMO, a doctor decides which specialists people see. But Medicare HMOs generally cost less.
Counselors help people understand the policies and compare options.
In Missouri and Illinois, the state will pay Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments for some people who don't qualify for Medicaid. A person's car and home aren't included in the resource calculations. Find free or low-cost prescription drugs. Evaluate long-term care insurance. The counselors have a triple advantage over most people who handle billing problems.