If you or a loved one are getting ready to begin the Medicare journey, or maybe you already have a plan, you now have a team of local and caring experts standing by to guide you through the often misunderstood process right here in Gallatin. Long-time Gallatin residents Brad and Elizabeth Hobdy Jones have made it their mission to help the 65+ community navigate the various government programs available, and they take their responsibility personally.
The husband and wife team recently founded TN Medicare Concierge--a one-stop shop and local liaison designed to be a resource funnel to the seniors in our community who need help in understanding the nuances of what it means to participate in Medicare and the options available to them. TN Medicare Concierge is based in Gallatin, but it also serves the entire state of Tennessee. Elizabeth said she and Brad were inspired to start the service after discovering the need for Medicare resources around the state and seeing the needs of others in our area.
“I have owned an insurance company in Gallatin for fifteen years, and we started having customers asking about Medicare during open enrollment season,” Elizabeth said. “My husband and I spent the last year diving into Medicare products and the government guidelines.”
Elizabeth and Brad both grew up in Gallatin and share a deep love for the community and Middle Tennessee. They stay active in the school system and love serving the community. Their team at TN Medicare Concierge also includes Medicare advisor Jon Suddarth, a longtime friend and former Gallatin High School classmate of Brad’s—a truly local connection.
Elizabeth admits that the process of beginning Medicare can be overwhelming and many people don’t know where to turn. What many people need is someone to walk them through the details of an otherwise daunting process.
“When you turn 65, the government says, ‘Okay, you have to go on Medicare.’ Well, telemarketers start calling them and there’s no one locally to take the time to talk everything through with them,” Elizabeth explained. It can be a staggering process without proper guidance and help.
People who work with TN Medicare Concierge can discuss their specific needs for their lifestyle and future goals. The service offers a variety of carriers and prescription drug plans.
For those approaching 65, understanding the ins and outs of the government program can feel impossible. They may have questions about different premiums or penalties and may not have anyone to turn to to help them navigate the process.
“To have somebody local in your community that you can sit down with who wants to help you is a huge need in the community,” Elizabeth says. “The 65 and up population in Middle Tennessee grew by 13 percent the last three years, and the number of Tennesseans aged 60 or over is expected to increase by more than 300,000 over the next decade.”
Many of the calls they get are from those looking for Medicare help for a parent. They want to feel confident that their loved one will be in good hands. Even if someone is already on Medicare, Elizabeth encourages them to reach out to TN Medicare Concierge to evaluate their current plan, as there could be better options than their current one.
“Keep your doctors; we’re not wanting to change anything you’re doing now, but there may be a better plan for you,” she said.
Elizabeth notes that it’s also important to keep in mind the Inflation Reduction Act and how that will likely cause significant changes in many people’s plans in 2025.
“It really is the time to look at it because your drugs that used to cost $80 are probably going to cost close to $150 now; the doctors who were taking your plan may not be taking it anymore,” she said.
No matter what component of Medicare Elizabeth, Brad or Jon helps a customer with, their hard work always pays off when a customer tells them they’ve given them peace of mind and they have a shoulder to lean on for local guidance.
“When we have a customer that tells us, ‘You have no idea how scared I was when I turned 65 because I didn’t have anyone to guide me through this process,’ it means the world to us,” she said. “I want people to know they can trust us for this. We’ve heard the need for years, we’ve put the work in, and we’re here to serve the community.”
While their main office for Medicare assistance is currently in Gallatin, their goal is to eventually have offices all over Tennessee.
TN Medicare Concierge
402 Maple Street, Gallatin
tnmedicareconcierge.com
615.527.4633
When it comes to navigating Medicare, seeking help from local services can make all the difference. Local Medicare advisors, such as TN Medicare Concierge, offer personalized, face-to-face guidance tailored to individual and unique needs. Unlike impersonal call centers or national services, local experts understand the specific healthcare providers, hospitals, and resources available in your community. This local knowledge can help ensure that your plan covers your preferred doctors, specialists, and prescription needs.
Since TN Medicare Concierge is local, they are invested in the well-being of their community, often building long-term relationships with clients and offering a level of trust and reliability that large companies can’t match. For a smoother, more personalized experience, turn to your local team!