Editor’s Note: We spoke with Daniela Koci, a licensed insurance agent and owner of Koci Insurance Services. Her company specializes in helping clients choose the right Medicare plan for their individual needs. Please call 941-462-3653 for a free consultation. Visit KociInsurance.com.
Daniela, please summarize how you help your clients?
I represent several major insurance carriers that provide coverage for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D Plans. I help my clients find the best plan to meet their needs.
What are some of the differences between the various insurance plans?
Medicare Supplement insurance plans work with Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, and may help pay for certain costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. If you need prescription drug coverage, you’d need to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare, with the exception of hospice care (which is still covered by Part A). Some plans may also cover additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as routine vision and dental, health wellness programs, and prescription drugs.
How did you get involved with Medicare after working for more than 10 years in the nonprofit sector including 7 years in the field of development disabilities?
My parents were approaching Medicare eligibility and were feeling overwhelmed by the number of advertisements about various options. English is their second language, and it was challenging for them to make sense of what was important and what wasn’t. I earned my license to make sure I had the most in-depth knowledge to help them identify their best options.
How does the Medicare Open Enrollment work and what are the dates?
Individuals that are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans have the opportunity to change their plans from October 15 to December 7. It’s a great time to compare your existing plan to any new plans that may better meet your needs.
Please summarize your formal education and the leadership programs you’ve completed?
I earned a BA from Colgate University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. I’m also completing my MBA at the University of Florida. I’ve also participated in Leadership Sarasota, Leadership Englewood, and the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love helping my clients. Whether I’m making sure they understand their choices, or I’m advocating on their behalf when they receive an incorrect or confusing billing summary, it’s rewarding to be a positive and helpful resource.