Frequently Asked Questions

 At Advantage Strategies Group, we specialize in providing expert advice on Social Security and Medicare insurance strategies. Our goal is to help you optimize your benefits and plan for a secure future. Our comprehensive services include:

1. Social Security Planning: We offer personalized guidance on when and how to claim Social Security benefits to maximize your lifetime income. Our experts help you navigate the complexities of Social Security rules and regulations, ensuring you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
2. Medicare Strategies: We assist you in understanding and selecting the right Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). Our team helps you compare options, understand coverage details, and choose plans that best meet your healthcare needs and budget.

Absolutely NOT!  Independent Medicare Insurance agents are compensated through commissions paid by the insurance carriers, and these commissions are a flat rate fee determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This means that our services come at no additional cost to you.

Our primary goal is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your Medicare plan. We take pride in providing personalized, expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare insurance and find the plan that best suits your needs. Your satisfaction is our measure of success, and we are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

By offering free consultations, we aim to make the process as accessible and stress-free as possible. Whether you have questions about your current plan, need assistance with enrollment, or want to explore different options, we are here to help every step of the way.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to assisting you and ensuring you have the best possible Medicare coverage.

An Independent Medicare Agent represents various insurance carriers and offers a wide range of plans. This allows them to provide more options and tailor recommendations to the specific needs of each client. Independent agents focus on customer satisfaction and retention. Their success is measured by how well they meet the needs of their clients, rather than by the volume of sales for a single carrier. 

1. Unbiased Advice: Independent agents provide impartial recommendations based on your specific needs, as they are not tied to any single insurance company.
2. Wide Range of Options: They represent multiple insurance carriers, offering you a variety of plans to choose from, ensuring you find the best fit for your healthcare and budget requirements.
3. Personalized Service: Independent agents offer tailored advice and ongoing support, taking the time to understand your unique situation and ensuring you get the coverage that best meets your needs.

 Medicare Insurance Agent: Medicare Insurance Agents are licensed professionals who have completed state-required training and examinations to sell Medicare plans. Their qualifications typically include:

• State Licensing: Agents must obtain a health insurance license in the states where they plan to operate.
• Carrier Certifications: Agents must complete annual certifications with each insurance carrier they represent, ensuring they are knowledgeable about the latest plan offerings and regulations.
• Continuing Education: Agents are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses and stay updated on industry changes and best practices.
• Ethics and Compliance Training: Agents must adhere to strict ethical standards and complete compliance training to ensure they provide accurate and unbiased information to clients.

Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA): RSSAs have received specialized training in Social Security regulations, including claiming strategies for various situations. To earn the RSSA credential, candidates must complete a comprehensive course and pass a proctored exam. The training curriculum meets QAS (Quality Assurance Service) requirements and is accepted for self-study in all states for CPAs by NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). Additionally, it is recognized for continuing education credits by several professional organizations, including:

• IRS: For Enrolled Agents and PTIN holders.
• Certified Financial Professionals Board: For CFPs.
• Broadridge Fi360: For AIF, AIFA, and PPC credentials.
• State Insurance Departments: For Insurance CE Credits on a state-by-state basis.

Together, these qualifications ensure that RSSAs and Medicare Insurance Agents are well-equipped to provide expert advice and support to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of Social Security and Medicare.

We are not a wealth management or investment firm.  We only focus on Social Security benefits and the strategies to optimize your largest retirement asset.  The only cost will be for consulting on strategies based on your unique situation, which most oftentimes includes a Social Security analysis report.