Making Medicare Simpler: Johnson Funeral Home Begins Consultations

by Kristy Como Armand

After nearly 50 years of helping families make important decisions for themselves and their loved ones, Johnson Funeral Home has added Medicare consulting to the services they provide to the community.

“Over the years of being a funeral director, I routinely meet with people who have questions about not just funerals and end-of-life decisions, but also healthcare coverage and costs, including Medicare, which impact their planning process, says Andy Hankins, CEO of Johnson Funeral Homes. “In recent years, we noticed that the degree of concern in these questions was increasing, and we didn’t have the answers, so two years ago, we began the federal certification process so we could provide the guidance and answers people were asking for.”

Hankins says the goal of their Medicare consulting services is to ease the burden on families by assisting them in navigating the complexities of Medicare. “Many families are unaware of the benefits available to them through Medicare or find the system too complicated to navigate without help. By integrating Medicare consulting into our service offerings, we at Johnson Funeral Home hope to bridge this gap, providing valuable support when it is needed most.”
The Medicare consulting service at Johnson Funeral Home is free, and provides a comprehensive review by licensed, certified professionals. They offer personalized consultations to help families understand their options, determine eligibility, and maximize their benefits. This includes assistance with enrollment, plan selection, and understanding coverage details. This team is qualified to discuss original Medicare, Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans and all-in-one Medicare Advantage options.

“When it comes to Medicare coverage, most people want to think about it when they turn 65 or when they are getting close to that age. That’s when most people will get Medicare,” says Hankins. “But there are many people who work past 65. There are people who have just moved into the area, or who may be getting assistance from the state to help pay for some of their costs. Adult children who are just starting to take over healthcare decisions for their older parents may be unfamiliar with the options and requirements. These are all situations when someone would want to review to make sure they are getting the best policy for them.”

Open enrollment for Medicare each year is typically October through December, but Hankins says there is also a new rule this year for Medicare supplement plans. In Louisiana the rule is called “The Birthday Rule.” This means anyone can review their rates on their birthday every year no matter their age. Hankins advises using your birthday as a reminder to review your Medicare coverage and talking to a specialist for help navigating the complexities of all the options.
“Our goal is to provide peace of mind to our community in every aspect of their lives,” says Hankins. “By offering Medicare consulting, we are extending our care beyond traditional funeral services to support families in a more holistic manner.”

For more information about the Johnson’s Medicare consulting service, or to schedule a consultation, call Johnson Funeral Home at (337) 478-8687 or visit www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.