by Gregory Gurbikian – President/CEO at Healthcare Solutions Direct, LLC, a nationwide insurance agency focused primarily on the retiree health market.

“As the debate heats up regarding ‘Medicare for All,’ it is important for baby boomers in the retired market to understand their Medicare options. As an owner of a healthcare insurance agency with over 10 years of experience, I have provided expert support to thousands of Medicare-eligible individuals. I have also trained hundreds of agents to help simplify Medicare, ensuring that the right coverage is provided to each client. What I have learned is that most retirees are extremely confused about their Medicare options, and for good reason.

“Traditional Medicare is what retirees have paid into their entire lives through their payroll taxes known as FICA. FICA is comprised of the following taxes: 6.2% Social Security tax; 1.45% Medicare tax. The Medicare tax the baby boomer generation paid into was designed so that Medicare would be their last insurance plan. More retirees today are selecting an alternative plan to traditional Medicare, called Medicare Advantage, thinking they are supplementing their Medicare card. This is in large part due to not fully understanding the Medicare process and its options.

“Medicare-eligible retirees typically only have two options:”

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