In episode 207, Coffey talks with Nicole Morgan about what HR professionals need to know about Medicare to help employees navigate the transition from employer-provided health insurance to Medicare coverage.

They discuss the four main parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) and how they work together; the differences between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and traditional Medicare with supplemental coverage; how creditable coverage determinations affect employees who continue working past age 65; the coordination of benefits between employer group health plans and Medicare based on company size; timing considerations for Medicare enrollment and the importance of planning three months before turning 65; why brokers may have financial incentives to sell Medicare Advantage plans over traditional Medicare; the risks and benefits of different Medicare options including network limitations and out-of-pocket maximums; and the role HR should play in connecting employees with qualified Medicare experts rather than providing specific coverage advice.

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If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. 

About our Guest:

Nicole A. Morgan is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience, seamlessly blending her clinical expertise as a Registered Occupational Therapist with her proficiency as a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent. As the founder of Morgan Medicare Solutions, LLC, based in Sherman, Texas, Nicole is dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of Medicare, ensuring they make informed decisions tailored to their unique needs.
 
 Her extensive background encompasses various healthcare settings, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and community-based services. This diverse experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges seniors face, particularly in navigating the transition to Medicare. Nicole holds multiple certifications, such as Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®), and Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP), underscoring her commitment to senior care and wellness.
 
 Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole is deeply rooted in her community. A native of Sherman, she has been married to her husband, Brad, for nearly 30 years and is a proud mother of three young adults. Her passion for service extends to active involvement in her church and local initiatives, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.
 
 At Morgan Medicare Solutions, Nicole offers personalized consultations, educational workshops, and ongoing support, ensuring clients feel confident and secure in their Medicare choices. Her holistic approach, grounded in compassion and expertise, has made her a trusted advisor for many navigating the intricacies of healthcare in their retirement years.

Nicole Morgan can be reached at

https://www.morganmedicaresolutions.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-a-morganotr/

https://www.facebook.com/morganmedicare/

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. 

Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. 

Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas’ 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.

Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. 

Learning Objectives:

1.       Understand the basic structure of Medicare parts A, B, C, and D to provide foundational guidance when employees ask about Medicare options and transitions.

2.       Recognize when employer group health plans have creditable coverage for prescription drugs and ensure proper notification letters are sent to Medicare-eligible employees by October 15th annually.

3.       Establish relationships with trusted Medicare brokers and implement processes to proactively reach out to employees approaching age 65 to ensure proper planning and coordination of benefits.