TruLync Medicare Advisors Expand Statewide Service
Two new agents join the team to help seniors find the best plan, save money
TruLync Medicare Advisors is expanding its statewide service to Minnesota credit unions with the hiring of two experienced and licensed insurance agents, Amy Banker and Tammy Kausch.
TruLync Medicare Advisors, a subsidiary of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, is a licensed insurance agency helping credit union members navigate Medicare enrollment. Partnered with eight state Medicare providers, TruLync ensures members get the information needed to choose the best plan. Currently, 34 credit unions participate in the program and are prepared to help members with Open Enrollment.
Amy Banker has over 20 years of experience selling Medicare and is passionate about helping clients navigate through Medicare options to find the right plan. She has run her brokerage based in Otsego, MN for the past three years and will support clients in the Twin Cities area.
Tammy Kausch was the top agent executive for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in Duluth and North Market. She will work with members of Members Cooperative Credit Union, Superior Choice Credit Union, and those living in Duluth and northern Minnesota. Tammy will be available to help the 30,000 Minnesotans impacted by Essentia Health’s decision to no longer accept Medicare Advantage plans administered by Humana and UnitedHealthcare.
“Medicare plans can be confusing, especially when options and coverage can change on an annual basis,” said Dave Brown, Director of Insurance Services for TruLync Medicare Advisors, a service of MnCUN. “As independent brokers not working for an individual insurance company, we can help credit union members find the best plan based on their needs. Often, there is a significant cost savings.”
A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 57 percent of respondents didn’t review or compare their coverage options annually, including 46 percent who “never” or “rarely” revisited their plans. The Kaiser study found that 30 percent of enrollees said the Medicare program was either “somewhat difficult” or “very difficult” to understand. The result is many consumers are overpaying for Medicare or not receiving the best coverage for their needs.
“We are excited to add capacity and expertise to support credit union members around the state navigate Medicare,” said Mara Humphrey, President & CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, the statewide trade association. “Helping members save money on their Medicare plans is just another example of the credit union advantage. Because credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, they provide services focused on their members. The advantage is better rates and unique services like Medicare plan reviews at no charge.”
TruLync Medicare Advisors began offering services through a pilot program during the 2023 Medicare Open Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Following 19 educational events and 168 personal appointments, 121 members at seven credit unions obtained a new Medicare option. During the pilot program, members saved a total of $169,000 in annual premiums. That's an average annual savings of $1,400 per member.