In the complex, sometimes-confusing realm of Medicare, it can be difficult to know what your needs and options are when it comes to the best coverage. Enter Christina Beeke. Christina is a Westfield-based independent insurance agent who specializes in helping people with Medicare. “I help give people a basic understanding of Medicare,” explains Christina. Her knowledge of options and regulations, including prescription drug coverage, is available at no cost to clients. Part of her job is education; people often make assumptions about what is or is not covered and how to select coverage. She represents most insurance carriers in our area, ensuring that the right plan is available to each client.
Christina can help everyone from a first-time applicant to someone who has been on Medicare for years but wants to review their coverage for potential areas of improvement. Some people will do a year-over-year review. “We can do a quick review,” says Christina. “If they are on new meds or if they are with new doctors, we confirm the plan is still right.” Many of the clients Christina works with do not realize that everyone must sign up for Medicare within three months of their 65th birthday. Failure to apply on time can lead to penalties later on. “I’ve seen it happen,” states Christina. A range of factors, including employment status, income, and health, play into what the best solution is for each individual. It’s rewarding work for Christina, who represents eight insurance carriers. “Knowing that I’m helping people pick the right plan and not feeling like they’re all alone is very rewarding,” says Christina. “They have someone to call and ask questions.”
Often, an employer will bring Christina in to present to employees on what their post- employment coverage looks like and how to get the most out of Medicare. This is beneficial to businesses, she notes, “Because then people aren’t spending time on the clock figuring it out themselves.” For people who have been on Medicare for a while, it can make sense to review coverage and make updates to reflect changes in their circumstances. Christina is willing to go to the client, meeting in people’s homes and at the Athenaeum, for example. Christina often works with people in their early sixties who want to get a head start on their planning. If it’s time for you to start thinking about Medicare, do yourself a favor and call Christina. She’ll explain the various parts of Medicare -- coverages, deductibles, and all of the considerations -- finding the best coverage for you. Christina Beeke Independent Insurance Agent 413-977-6016 “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 44 products in Massachusetts. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1800MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.”