Coverage for every stage of life.
We represent multiple carriers across multiple states. Plans and availability vary by location, so every recommendation starts with your ZIP code.
A clear process, start to finish.
Whether it’s your first Medicare plan, a life policy, or an annuity, every client gets the same four steps with the same licensed agent.
Listen
A conversation about your doctors, prescriptions, budget, family, and retirement goals. For Medicare, CMS requires a short Scope of Appointment form first.
Compare
We lay out the options from the carriers we represent side by side, in plain English, with the tradeoffs explained.
Enroll
You choose. We handle the application and paperwork and confirm with you once the carrier approves it.
Stay with you
An annual review every fall, help with claims and billing questions, and a direct line to your agent all year.
Agents are paid by the insurance carriers. Your Medicare plan premium is the same whether you enroll through us or directly with the carrier.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private carriers. Most plans bundle hospital, medical, and drug coverage, and many add dental, vision, and hearing. You trade some provider flexibility for lower premiums and a yearly cap on out-of-pocket costs.
- Good fit
- Low or $0 premium, doctors in network
- Watch for
- Networks, prior authorization, drug tiers
- When
- AEP, MA-OEP, or a Special Enrollment Period
Medicare Supplement
Pairs with Original Medicare to cover the gaps: deductibles, coinsurance, and excess charges. See any provider in the country that accepts Medicare, with no network. Higher monthly premium, very predictable costs.
- Good fit
- Travelers, specialists, predictable budgets
- Watch for
- Underwriting outside your open enrollment
- When
- Best within 6 months of Part B start
Part D Prescription Drug
Prescription coverage to pair with Original Medicare and a Supplement. Formularies and pharmacy pricing change every year, so we re-run your medication list each fall.
- Good fit
- Anyone on Original Medicare
- Watch for
- Formulary tiers, preferred pharmacies
- When
- Enroll on time to avoid a late penalty
Dental, Vision & Hearing
Original Medicare covers little routine dental, vision, or hearing. Standalone plans fill that gap for cleanings, crowns, glasses, and hearing aids.
- Good fit
- Medigap clients, known upcoming work
- Watch for
- Waiting periods, annual maximums
- When
- Any time of year
Hospital Indemnity
Pays a fixed cash amount for each day in the hospital. A common companion to Medicare Advantage to soften inpatient copays.
- Good fit
- MA members with daily inpatient copays
- Watch for
- Benefit days and pre-existing limits
- When
- Any time of year
Final Expense & Life
Small whole-life policies that cover funeral costs and final bills, plus term and whole life for larger needs. Many plans require only a few health questions.
- Good fit
- Protecting family from final costs
- Watch for
- Graded benefits in early years
- When
- Any time of year
Annuities
Annuities help protect retirement savings. Some grow tax-deferred at a guaranteed or index-linked rate with no market losses; others turn a lump sum into guaranteed income for life. We compare rates, terms, and income options from the carriers we represent.
- Good fit
- Retirees and pre-retirees wanting safety or income
- Watch for
- Surrender periods, caps, and rider fees
- When
- Any time of year
Getting Medicare right the first time.
Your first enrollment sets up everything after it. Here is what to know, and when to act.
If your birthday falls on the 1st, the whole window moves one month earlier.
The four parts of Medicare
Hospital
Inpatient stays, skilled nursing, and hospice. Premium-free for most people who worked about 10 years.
Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, and tests. Has a monthly premium, usually deducted from Social Security.
Medicare Advantage
Private plans that replace A and B, often with drug coverage and extras built in.
Prescription drugs
Drug coverage from private plans, standalone or inside a Medicare Advantage plan.
Rules that trip people up
Miss your window without other qualifying coverage and your Part B premium goes up 10% for each full year you went without it, for as long as you have Part B.
Going 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage adds a permanent penalty to your drug premium.
If you have coverage through a current employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty. Smaller employers are different, so check before you decide.
For 6 months after your Part B starts, you can buy any Medicare Supplement without health questions. After that, carriers can underwrite.
You are enrolled in Parts A and B automatically, and your card arrives about 3 months before you turn 65.
Your checklist
- 6 months beforeList your doctors, prescriptions, and pharmacy. Ask HR how your employer coverage works with Medicare.
- 3 months beforeSign up for Parts A and B at ssa.gov if you are not enrolled automatically.
- 2–3 months beforeChoose your path: Original Medicare with a Supplement and Part D, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Before your start dateEnroll in your plan so coverage begins the day Medicare does.
- Every fallReview your plan during Annual Enrollment, October 15 to December 7.
Common questions
Don’t see yours? Ask us directly. There is no obligation.
Does it cost anything to work with Volpe?
No. Agents are paid by the insurance carriers. Your Medicare plan premium is the same whether you enroll through us or directly with the carrier.
Do you offer every plan in my area?
No. We represent multiple carriers, but not every plan available in your area. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Can I keep my doctors?
With a Medicare Supplement, you can see any provider that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, it depends on the plan’s network, so we check your doctors before recommending anything.
I’m still working. Do I have to sign up at 65?
It depends on the size of your employer and the coverage you have. Many people with employer coverage through a company of 20 or more employees can delay Part B without a penalty. We’ll walk through your situation before you decide.
Can I change plans later?
Yes. You can change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans every year from October 15 to December 7, and Medicare Advantage members get one more switch from January 1 to March 31. Changing Medicare Supplements outside your open enrollment may require health questions.
What should I have ready for our first call?
Your Medicare card if you have one, a list of your doctors, your prescriptions with dosages, your preferred pharmacy, and details of any current coverage.
Are annuities risky?
Fixed and fixed indexed annuities are not exposed to stock market losses. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength of the issuing insurance company, and withdrawing money early can trigger surrender charges. We explain the terms before you buy.
Will you share or sell my information?
Never. We use your information only to help with your coverage and contact you only when you ask us to.
What you get when you contract with Volpe.
The same product shelf above, plus the infrastructure to sell it well.
Carrier contracts
Medicare, life, and annuity carriers at levels one step below the top.
Overrides
Tiered overrides on your downline, set by the track you choose.
Compliance
CMS marketing review, SOA and call recording guidance, certification reminders.
Training
Product training, certification help, and mentorship for new and experienced agents.