Medicare and Insurance Guidance from James Michael Kaufer
Independent guidance and year-round service for Medicare, hospital indemnity, life insurance and final expense coverage. Here's what my work actually covers.
Independent, which means options
As an independent broker, I'm not tied to one insurance company. I compare the plans I represent and explain how each one lines up with your doctors, your prescriptions and your budget. Medicare isn't one size fits all, and the right answer for your neighbor may not be the right answer for you.
Below is the work I do, with links to deeper explanations in my Medicare education hub and my Medicare guide.
What I help with
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital and medical coverage, and often drug coverage, into one plan with its own network and costs. I compare the plans I represent based on your doctors, prescriptions and how you use care. Read more in my Medicare guide.
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay costs Original Medicare doesn't. Most let you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. I help clients compare plan types and premiums, and I keep an eye on rates over time. Medigap basics.
Prescription drug coverage
Whether it's a standalone Part D plan or drug coverage inside a Medicare Advantage plan, I look at what your medications will cost over the full year. Part D explained.
Doctor and hospital network checks
Before recommending a plan with a network, I confirm your doctors, specialists and preferred hospital are in it for the coming year, including providers on the other side of the river.
Prescription formulary reviews
I check each medication against the plan's drug list: whether it's covered, which tier it's on, and whether it needs prior authorization or has quantity limits.
Annual plan reviews
Every Annual Enrollment Period, I review my clients' coverage to make sure they're still on the plan that best suits their needs. Often the answer is to stay put.
Hospital indemnity coverage
Hospital indemnity plans can pay a set amount for covered hospital stays, which some people use to help with Medicare Advantage costs. It isn't right for everyone, and I'll say so. How it works.
Life insurance
I help families look at life insurance options that fit what they want the coverage to do and what they can afford.
Final expense coverage
Final expense coverage is smaller life insurance meant to help with funeral and end-of-life costs, so family isn't left with the bill.
Year-round client service
Billing questions, claims, ID cards, prescription problems, life changes. My clients call me, and I help them get it sorted.
What goes into a recommendation
Networks, formularies, pharmacies, deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket limits all affect what a plan is really like to live with. I walk through each of them. If you want to see the full checklist, read what I check during a Medicare plan review.
Go deeper on my other sites
This site is about me and how I work. For plan information, scheduling and in-depth Medicare topics, these are the places to go:
Questions about your coverage?
Whether you're new to Medicare or reviewing a plan you've had for years, I'm glad to help.