Navigating Medicare Without the Circus

How I Ended Up in Medicare

I didn’t grow up dreaming about Part B. I worked blue-collar jobs, transitioned into insurance, and spent over 20 years in a big company. Then my dad asked for help with Medicare. I thought I’d spend five minutes looking at options and tell him what to do. Five minutes turned into a weekend, three headaches, and a strong cup of coffee. That’s when I decided: if I’m going to do this, I’ll do it as an independent—no company leash, no sales script, just honest help. I’ve been helping people with Medicare for over a decade, and my mission hasn’t changed.

Michael Bredimus - Independent Medicare Broker

I don’t work for a TV commercial. I work for you.

• I take the time to understand your specific needs.

• No corporate agenda, just what works for you.

• I know the Willamette Valley and our healthcare options.

  
  

Why Your Phone Won’t Stop Ringing

If your phone thinks it’s harvest season for robocalls, you’re not wrong. Many calls come from large marketing firms and call centers that buy and sell lead lists. Their job is volume, not wisdom. The pitch is shiny. The fine print? Not so much.

My job is different: I slow it down, compare Medicare plans across companies, and translate “insurance” into normal human. If a plan looks great on TV but hides a gotcha—like “your doctor’s out of network,” surprise prior authorization, or a drug-tier jump—I’ll tell you before it hits your wallet.

What Washington Just Found

A recent Senate Finance Committee staff report spotlighted how high-volume marketing—lead sellers, third-party marketing firms, offshore call centers—can overwhelm people with ads and pushy calls. Translation: the noise problem is real and on Washington’s radar.

A Proposed Fix You Might Hear About

There’s a bill in the U.S. Senate called the Independent BROKERS TIME Act of 2025. It’s not law today. In everyday terms, it aims to:

• Turn up the heat on the spam pipeline (big telemarketing and lead-gen operations).

• Protect local access by streamlining some rules for independent Medicare brokers so you can get one-on-one help without extra hoops.

  
  

If it passes, agencies would write the details and take public comments. Until then, today’s rules still apply.

What I Do For You (and What I Don’t)

• Compare Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap (Supplement), and Part D options across multiple companies.

• Match to real life: doctors, prescriptions, hospitals, travel, budget, and how much red tape you want.

• Explain tradeoffs in plain English (every “extra” has a string attached somewhere).

• Stick around after enrollment—billing hiccups, drug changes, appeals, plan moves. Real human, not a phone tree.

  
  

(What I don’t do: pressure you, promise magic, or enroll you in anything without checking your doctors and meds first. This isn’t a timeshare.)

Quick Safety Tips

• If a caller asks for your Medicare number before they know your doctors or meds—hang up.

• If they say “switch today or else”—hang up harder.

• If a mailer or TV ad feels “official” but won’t name the actual plan, treat it as marketing, not Medicare.

• Unsure? Call me or 1-800-MEDICARE. Two minutes now beats two months of headaches later.

  
  

FAQs (Fast Answers)

• Is Medicare Advantage bad?

Not by default. It’s about fit—network, drugs, authorizations, total cost. Some folks love the extras; others prefer fewer gates. We’ll map it to your situation.

• What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

  Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan (networks, authorizations, out-of-pocket max). Medigap pairs with Original Medicare to reduce bills (no network for doctors who take Medicare, separate Part D plan needed). We’ll compare both.

  
  

• Why do I get so many calls?

  Big marketing firms and call centers buy and sell lists. I’m not part of that. I call when you ask me to.

  
  

• Can you look at every company?

  I’m independent. I compare multiple carriers available in Marion & Polk counties. If a plan I don’t represent is genuinely better for you, I’ll still say so.

  
  

Ready for a Calm, No-Pressure Review?

If you’re in Salem, Keizer, or the Willamette Valley, I’ll compare your doctors, drugs, and hospitals across Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D—and explain tradeoffs in plain English. Sometimes the best move is to stay put. I’ll tell you that, too.

→ *Schedule a free Medicare review (no pushy sales talk—just clarity).

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Understanding Medicare: A Deeper Dive

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you understand it better. Let’s break it down.

Medicare Basics

Medicare is divided into different parts. Each part covers different services. Here’s a quick overview:

• Part A: This covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

  
  

• Part B: This covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care. You usually pay a monthly premium for Part B.

  
  

• Part C (Medicare Advantage): This is a private insurance plan that includes coverage from both Part A and Part B. Many plans also include Part D.

  
  

• Part D: This is the prescription drug coverage. It helps cover the cost of medications.

  
  

Choosing the Right Plan

When it comes to choosing a plan, consider your healthcare needs. Do you have specific doctors you want to see? What about medications? It’s crucial to find a plan that fits your lifestyle and health requirements.

The Enrollment Periods

Medicare has specific enrollment periods. It’s essential to know when you can enroll or make changes. The Initial Enrollment Period is when you first become eligible. There are also Annual Enrollment Periods and Special Enrollment Periods.

Common Misconceptions

Many people have misconceptions about Medicare. For example, some believe that Medicare covers everything. In reality, there are gaps in coverage. That’s where Medigap plans can help.

Why Work with an Independent Broker?

Working with an independent broker like me means you get personalized service. I’m not tied to any specific insurance company. My goal is to find the best plan for you. I’ll help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Navigating Medicare doesn’t have to be a circus. With the right guidance, you can find a plan that suits your needs. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way.

→ *Schedule a free Medicare review (no pushy sales talk—just clarity).