Local Medicare Help

Suzie & Matt McColm

Suzie McColm has been our local go-to gal for Medicare for years.  She has been providing free help navigating Medicare and its various parts for four enrollments. By being a pharmacy technician for Wenatchee’s ShopKo, and Safeway and the Safeway in East Wenatchee for nearly 20 years, she developed relationships with local pharmacies and how different prescription plans worked on the ground level. She was able to witness first hand customers surprised that their prescription plans had changed the first of the year. Since pharmacies direct bill they often see the insurance problems first. Suzie figured if she could solve the problems on the front end then there would be fewer headaches for her customers. The world would be better with a few less surprises.

When a person is qualified for Medicare, it is a big change in their life. They have either been disabled for an extended period of time or are getting ready to turn 65. Suzie has assisted people with their original Medicare initial enrollment to assisting folks that have delayed years enrolling because they had a plan through an employer. It is no big deal to stop in her office in Wenatchee and receive help at no cost.

The three basic Medicare types that you can add to Original Medicare:

plan together

Medicare Advantage plan. This is also known as Medicare Part C coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan is offered by private companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine hospital (Part A), doctor (Part B), and sometimes prescription drug coverage. These compact plans may also include other perks or benefits not offered through original Medicare.

focus on retirement

Medicare Supplement, sometimes called a Medigap plan. A Supplement plan helps pay some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover and has a broad network.  They generally don’t cover dental care, eyeglasses or hearing aids. This reduces surprises.

Medicare Prescription Drug plans. These are known as Medicare Part D. These help manage prescription coverage. Not all Advantage Plans need a additional prescription plan but all Medicare Supplements do. This is coverage that you do not want to delay unless you have credible coverage because their are penalties if you skip enrolling in this program. 

Suzie has been locally helping you save time and hassle by sorting through and determining what plan meets your budget and needs. Suzie has never charged a fee for her services and helps run the local fullservice enrollment center for the Washington Healthplan Finder in Wenatchee. The fourth Thursday of every month you can find Suzie at the Wenatchee Senior Center with her home baked cookies answering insurance questions. Contact Suzie today at 509-293-9051 or set an appointment.