In the final part of this Medicare Open Enrollment series, Terry, Pam, and Richard sit down with Michael Boshardy — a licensed Medicare attorney and co-founder of MedicarePocketProtector.com — to answer the question Parts 1 and 2 left hanging: once you know you need to shop, where do you actually go.
Michael explains how MedicarePocketProtector.com compares every available plan in a user's zip code (not just the ones that pay commissions), how it's funded entirely by carrier commissions rather than consumer fees, and why that model still leaves room for unbiased recommendations — including plans that pay the company nothing.
A key ingredient is the promise that they will never call you or send you a sales pitch! The comparison tools are free to use – even if you don’t purchase a plan. Whether you’re deciding between traditional Medicare with a supplement or Advantage, the website walks you through the decision. If you decide on Advantage, you can enter your doctors, hospital and drugs before starting the search, so the plan can personalize your recommendation. On every page there is a “Talk to Someone” button, so you can get help at any time.
The conversation covers the free deadline and "should-I-enroll" tools for people still on employer coverage, how the built-in IRMAA calculator and appeal-letter drafting works, and the free app that reviews medical bills, drafts drug-formulary exceptions, and monitors your doctors' network status all year, not just during enrollment.
Michael also gives a clear rule of thumb: if you can afford it, a Medicare Supplement Plan G is usually the strongest option — and explains why the cheapest Medigap plan often isn't the smartest one.
Links:
- The Medicare Pocket Protector
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program
- Find the plan that works for you (gov)
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