How Do I Get Help Choosing the Right Medicare Plan?

Medicare.gov is the official government website and a solid starting point. The Medicare Plan Finder tool allows you to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in your ZIP code based on the drugs you take and the providers you see. It's free to use and pulls real-time plan data directly from CMS.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, one-on-one Medicare counseling through a network of trained volunteers and staff across every state. In Florida, SHIP is operated through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. SHIP counselors are not insurance agents and do not sell anything — they provide unbiased information to help you understand your options.

A licensed Medicare insurance broker is an agent who is authorized to sell Medicare plans from multiple insurance carriers. Unlike a captive agent who represents only one company, an independent broker can compare plans across the market and help you find the option that actually fits your situation — not just the one their company sells.

Working with a broker costs you nothing. Brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. Your premiums are identical whether you enroll through a broker or directly with the carrier. What you gain is a professional who knows the local market, understands plan details, and can walk you through the decision from start to finish.

At A&E Insurance Agency, we start by listening. We ask about the doctors you want to keep, the medications you take, the hospitals you prefer, and what matters most to you in a health plan. We then compare the available options in your area — checking provider networks, drug formularies, out-of-pocket costs, and total annual cost — and present you with the plans that best fit your needs.

We explain your options in plain language, answer your questions without pressure, and help you enroll when you're ready. And because our relationship doesn't end at enrollment, we're available throughout the year when questions come up — including during Annual Enrollment when it's time to review your coverage again.

Medicare is a major financial decision that will affect your health and your budget for the rest of your life. The right plan can save you thousands of dollars a year and give you access to the care you need. The wrong plan can cost you more than expected or leave your doctors out of network.

We serve Medicare beneficiaries across South Florida and are licensed to help you navigate every part of this process — at no cost to you. Call us, schedule a meeting, or come into our office. We're here to make Medicare simple.