​As we approach the halfway point of the annual enrollment period (AEP) and am struck by the contrast to years past. As we are confused about where we stand on COVID-19 and the government confusion on what is going to happen to Medicare many people are taking a wait and see attitude.  There have been significant changes to many products in the NE Ohio area and it is always a good idea to have an annual review. I cannot help but notice the increase television advertising announcing many benefits that may be available to Medicare Beneficiaries has confused them profoundly.
 
Many of my prospects do not understand that there is a tradeoff between traditional Medicare and these advantage plans (a distinction where my clients have been educated) or that not one plan has all the benefits listed. Medicare beneficiaries are continually being bombarded with mail, phone calls and infomercials. The agents on the other end of the line when they call have no loyalty to these people only the incentive to meet enrollment goals.  Anonymity plays to the benefit of the agent in these cases. Much of the compliance put in place by Medicare is easily circumvented and the agents in these cases more often than not (even if they represent a variety of plans) paint a rosy picture to entice enrollment. They do not point out any negative consequences of the change or how to reverse the process if it does not meet a client need – in short, they do not advocate for their new client their primary goal is the new enrollment.
 
Developing relationships with your professionals is a very important to your personal long-term success.  The value of professionals who work together as a team to make sure your concerns, needs and goals are met cannot be understated. The decisions made during this open enrollment can have far reaching implications that may not be able to be reversed. The enticement of hearing aids or comprehensive dental may meet a specific short term need but at what expense?
 
In short – ask questions, make a plan and review!
 
Thank you for reading and we look forward to being  of assistance.

Welcome to the initial blog of The Richard G. Weiss Agency, LLC. Over the coming days, months and years we will cover a variety of topics related to the health and wellness industries as well as ideas on how to preserve and distribute one’s assets.  As an independent insurance agency, we are constantly asked questions that concern a broad base of people but generally they don’t have a place to turn. We pride ourselves on being educators to our clients, prospects and community.
 
The insurance and financial industries are continually going through changes, and we hope to keep you up to date on those changes, how they can impact your personal situation and also to provide resolution and who to contact on how to better understand your personal situation. We partner with a variety of financial planners, brokers, attorney’s, social workers and other professionals. These professionals offer unique insights and solutions that can be applied to many individuals needs and concerns. We want to offer a broad prospective and be your resource to current and correct information.
 
The Richard G. Weiss Agency, LLC is a boutique agency where we develop long term relationships with our clients.  We create solutions that are specific to you – always putting your needs first. There is never a fee to use our service or ask a question; we only want you to feel comfortable with the process. Should you choose to implement the solution provided we hope you consider us for the implementation. If after a review, we will give you an honest assessment where we often mutually agree there is nothing to be done at this time. Our honesty and integrity are where our foundation lay.
 
As the principle of the firm, I want to personally thank you for considering us for your insurance needs and look forward to continually being of service.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Richard Weiss