The Value of SHIP Counselors and Why Medicare Nationwide Enhances It
SHIP counselors, funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are trained volunteers who use resources like the “Medicare & You” handbook to explain Medicare basics. They can clarify the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (a six-month window after enrolling in Part B when you can select any Medigap plan without underwriting) and outline how plans work. This education is a helpful starting point, especially if you’re new to Medicare and want a neutral overview. However, SHIP counselors are limited to providing general information and cannot:
- Recommend specific plans or carriers.
- Access detailed carrier data, such as rate increase histories or loss ratios.
- Assist with enrollment or monitor your policy over time.
At Medicare Nationwide, our independent brokers offer the same foundational knowledge as SHIP counselors—often communicated more efficiently due to our extensive experience—but we go further with personalized guidance and long-term support. When you work with us, you’ll be guided by seasoned professionals like Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards, who together bring over 21 years of combined experience in the Medicare insurance industry.
Having served over 2,000 clients nationwide, they are supported by a dedicated team of six administrative assistants to ensure personalized, responsive service. Unlike calling a major insurance agency’s call center, where you might speak to an inexperienced agent or a scripted representative, Medicare Nationwide ensures you work directly with Eric or Jackson—no new agents, just seasoned expertise. If visiting a SHIP counselor brings you comfort, it’s a worthwhile step, but our brokers can streamline the process by delivering comprehensive education alongside actionable insights tailored to your unique health and financial situation.
Comparing Your Options: SHIP Counselors, Independent Brokers, and Carrier Call Centers
To help you decide the best path forward, here’s a comparison of working with a SHIP counselor, an independent broker like Medicare Nationwide, and a major insurance carrier’s call center.
Option | Pros | Cons |
SHIP Counselor | Free, unbiased education; explains Medicare basics; no pressure to enroll | Cannot recommend specific plans; no access to carrier data; no ongoing support |
Medicare Nationwide (Independent Broker) | Personalized plan recommendations; access to rate history/loss ratios; ongoing policy monitoring; free service; works with seasoned agents (Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards, 21+ years combined experience) | May require scheduling a consultation |
Carrier Call Center | Direct access to a single carrier’s plans; quick to contact | Limited to one carrier’s plans; often scripted, impersonal service; no ongoing advocacy |
This table highlights why partnering with Medicare Nationwide offers the most comprehensive support, building on the education provided by SHIP counselors and surpassing the limited scope of carrier call centers.
Addressing Concerns About Medicare Advantage and Building Trust
You may have heard concerns that some insurance agents push Medicare Advantage plans to earn higher commissions, which can create hesitation about working with a broker. At Medicare Nationwide, we prioritize your trust by focusing on transparency and your best interests.
As independent brokers, Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards represent multiple carriers and are not tied to any single plan type—whether Medigap or Medicare Advantage. Our recommendations are driven by your needs, not commissions, which are regulated by CMS (e.g., approximately 601 for initial Medicare Advantage enrollments and 301 for renewals in 2023, or a percentage of Medigap premiums). These payments come from carriers, not you, and our services are always free.
We only discuss Medicare Advantage plans when you request a comparison or when your circumstances—such as a limited budget or a need for specific benefits like dental coverage—make it a potential fit. For example, if you’re concerned about high Medigap premiums, Eric or Jackson will compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, clearly explaining trade-offs like network restrictions or out-of-pocket costs, so you can make an informed choice.
Our commitment to integrity is reflected in our Trustpilot reviews, where clients across 47 states praise our transparent, client-focused service. We’re also recognized in discussions on Bogleheads.org, a trusted financial planning community inspired by Jack Bogle, reinforcing our reputation for putting you first.
How Medicare Nationwide Elevates Your Medicare Experience
1. In-Depth Carrier Insights
While Medicare.gov provides tools like the Medicare Plan Finder, its data can be outdated and lacks critical details like rate history (how often premiums increase) or loss ratios (the percentage of premiums paid out in claims, typically 65-75% for stable carriers). Our brokers, led by Eric and Jackson, have access to this data, enabling us to recommend carriers with strong financial stability and lower-than-average rate increases. For instance, a carrier with an 80% loss ratio may signal future rate hikes, while a 65% ratio suggests affordability over time. We use these insights to find plans that balance cost and reliability.
2. Ongoing Policy Monitoring and Support
Choosing a plan is just the beginning. Unlike SHIP counselors or major insurance agency call centers, Medicare Nationwide provides ongoing support to keep your coverage optimized. Consider Lisa, a client who received a letter notifying her of a 25% rate increase on her Medigap Plan G. Eric Rosenberg reviewed her options, identified a comparable plan with a more stable carrier, and guided her through underwriting to switch, saving her $200 monthly.
We also conduct annual reviews to ensure your plan remains cost-effective, assist with switching Part D drug plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) if your medications change, and explore supplemental coverage like dental or vision plans to address gaps. Our team of six administrative assistants ensures smooth communication and timely follow-ups, so you’re never left navigating complex issues alone.
3. Personalized Advocacy from Seasoned Professionals
Major insurance agency call centers may connect you with inexperienced agents or scripted representatives, leaving you to handle claims or rate changes on your own. At Medicare Nationwide, Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards, with their combined 21+ years of experience and 2,000+ clients served, act as your personal advocates.
When another client, John, received a letter stating his carrier was exiting his state, Jackson Edwards compared alternative plans, secured a new Medigap policy with automatic claims filing (where the secondary insurer pays claims seamlessly after Medicare), and ensured a smooth transition. From resolving claims denials to answering coverage questions, our team is here for the long haul, offering the personalized service you won’t find in a call center.
4. Free, Client-Focused Service
Our services are free, with no impact on your premiums. Because we represent multiple carriers, our recommendations are unbiased, ensuring we explore all options—Medigap, Part D, or, when appropriate, Medicare Advantage—to find the best fit for you. Working with seasoned agents like Eric and Jackson means you get expert guidance without the risk of being shuffled through a call center’s queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
A SHIP counselor provides free, unbiased education about Medicare basics, which is great for beginners. A Medicare broker, like those at Medicare Nationwide, builds on that knowledge with personalized plan recommendations, ongoing support, and access to carrier data. Working with our seasoned agents, Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards IV, can streamline the process while offering the same education.
At Medicare Nationwide, we only recommend Medicare Advantage plans if you request a comparison or if your needs (e.g., budget constraints) make it a good fit. Eric and Jackson prioritize your interests, explaining all options transparently to ensure you’re comfortable with your choice.
Our brokers conduct annual reviews and monitor your policy for rate increases or better options. If your carrier raises rates or exits your state, we’ll guide you through switching plans, as we did for clients like Lisa and John, ensuring your coverage remains cost-effective.
Whether you visit a SHIP counselor for comfort or come directly to us, Medicare Nationwide offers the expertise, data, and ongoing support to make your Medicare journey seamless. Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards, with over 21 years of combined experience, deliver the same foundational education as SHIP counselors—often more efficiently—while providing personalized recommendations and long-term advocacy backed by their team of six administrative assistants. From selecting a Medigap plan to managing rate increases, switching Part D plans, or exploring dental coverage, we’re your trusted partner every step of the way.
Get Started with Medicare Nationwide
Ready to find and manage the perfect Medicare plan with seasoned professionals? Contact Medicare Nationwide at 1-888-559-0103 or visit our website for a free consultation with Eric Rosenberg or Jackson Edwards. See why thousands trust us through our Trustpilot reviews and let our experienced team guide you with integrity and expertise, whether you’ve consulted a SHIP counselor or are starting fresh.
With Medicare Nationwide, you gain a partner dedicated to your health and financial well-being, led by seasoned agents Eric Rosenberg and Jackson Edwards, free from pressure and focused on your needs. Let us simplify your Medicare journey today!
