Why have we become a self-service society?

Do you remember the good old days?   When you pulled into a gas station not only did they pump your gas, but they washed your windshield and checked your oil too.  You didn’t even have to get out of the car.  Someone was telling me they still do this in New Jersey – in fact it’s mandatory. Go New Jersey!    Should untrained folks really be pumping a highly flammable liquid into their vehicles anyway?  Probably not.    

We can do our own taxes, but should we?  That’s what bookkeepers and accountants are trained for.  We (think) we can diagnose our ailments & illnesses by doing our own research on Google, but should we?  That’s what doctors are trained for.  We can apply chemical (lethal) pesticides & insecticides on our lawns and in our homes to kill/control the spiders and other fun insects, but should we?  That’s what pest control companies are trained for.  We can research and choose our own Medicare insurance plans on insurance carrier websites and government websites, but should we?  That’s what licensed & certified insurance agents are trained for.  And here’s a fun fact – insurance agents don’t even charge a fee!

A good insurance agent will take the time to talk with you either in person, over the phone or by email (with your permission).  They will ask you pertinent questions such as:  What is your budget?  Are you eligible for VA benefits?  Are you eligible for Retiree benefits?  Are you eligible for coverage on your spouse’s plan?  Do you travel a lot?  Do you own a second home?  Are you currently receiving care at specific facilities?  What doctors do you currently see or wish to see?  What medications do you currently take?  What pharmacy do you use?  Are you looking for extra benefits that Medicare doesn’t cover?  Do you even know what Medicare covers?  Do you know what the difference is between an Advantage Plan and a Supplement Plan?  Do you even know what the late enrollment penalties are and how they may apply to you?  Do you know how to sign up for Medicare?  

As you can see, Medicare insurance can be very complicated and you want to get it right the first time.  Just because you can self-service your enrollment, why would you?  

Kathy Thousand, licensed & certified Medicare insurance agent, Insurance Options Inc……