Chris Assefa has been in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, and one thing she knows for sure is that insurance — especially when it comes to health insurance and Medicare — can be very confusing for those without her experience.
“Our mantra is helping, resolving and relieving one person at a time,” she says.
Chris, a former Wesley Chapel resident, founded Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions in 2019.
She is an insurance broker whose license, regulated by the Florida Department of Finance, allows her to sell life insurance, health insurance and variable annuities anywhere in the state. She also is licensed in Georgia and New York.
While her license allows her to do many things, she chooses to focus on Medicare and private health care plans.
Chris says she currently spends most of her time educating people about Medicare.
“What does it mean to have Medicare?,” she asks. “What are the different parts, what do they cover and what do they not cover? And, what are your options if you don’t stay on just original Medicare?”
She says sometimes people think they can figure all of this out on their own, but she says it’s really too confusing and things change too often for someone to try to navigate the Medicare system without objective, professional help.
In fact, she says that some of the confusion comes from the abundant commercials and other marketing tactics that try to convince people to choose one Medicare plan over another.
Chris’s advice is to go to an insurance broker who is unbiased and knowledgeable in helping you choose the plan that will be best for you.
“You need someone familiar with the territory and the landscape,” she says.
She would love for you to consider picking up the phone to give her a call.
“It doesn’t matter to me which carrier or plan you go with,” Chris explains. “I’m a consultant who can help you figure out which of the carriers and products can best meet your needs.”
She works to build long-term relationships with her clients so that, year after year, when the open enrollment period comes along, she can help each person choose the exact product that’s best for them at that time, too.
At each point, people have different needs, and the plans from carriers such as Florida Blue, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare and others will change, as well.
Getting Started Here
When Chris first moved to Florida from New York, she moved to Wesley Chapel and lived in Lexington Oaks. She’s still close with several neighbors there, who are friends and also refer their friends to her.
That’s how Wesley Chapel resident Laura Margoli first met Chris.
“When I retired from banking last year, I called Chris to help me with my Medicare,” says Laura. “It’s very confusing, even for an educated person, because there’s so much going on, so many options and so many things to consider.”
Laura says she has been impressed with Chris’s expertise and how well she explains information.
“She also calls back to make sure you understand and see if you need anything else,” Laura says. “It’s old school-style customer service. And, she’s friendly and has a great personality.”
Laura also says that Chris is very accommodating and is happy to come to you for appointments.
Chris says that’s her typical way of meeting with clients. She’ll meet you in your home or wherever is most convenient for you, although she’s happy to have you come to her office in West Tampa, if that’s what you prefer.
Chris says that giving back to the West Tampa community, which has a lot of needs, is very important to her.
“I do a monthly food pantry here,” she says. She also is registered as an “access partner” through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), so that members of the community can make an appointment for her to help them apply for food stamps and Medicaid.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is typically for those ages 65 years old or older, as well as for those who have a disability.
Chris says that you shouldn’t wait until you turn 65 to really learn about how Medicare works.
“You want to be educated before, when you’re about 63,” she says. “Many people believe they’re going to have comprehensive coverage, but that’s not (always) the truth.”
The open enrollment period for Medicare ended Dec. 7, and the policies become effective in January. At that time, there is another period where changes can be made under the “Medicare Advantage” open enrollment period.
Chris says that you can call her anytime, not just during open enrollment.
“Maybe I can help you, maybe I can’t,” she says, “but I’m still happy to give you advice.”
Then, whenever it is time to make a change, she’ll know what you need and will be able to get you in the right plan with the right carrier.
Health Care
There are many people who don’t qualify for Medicare but who still need health insurance. While some receive insurance through their employers, anyone who is self-employed or needs to purchase their own insurance can do so with the help of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions.
Chris says these plans go by many names, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, Obamacare, or Health Insurance Marketplace.
All these names refer to the same plans, which are regulated by the federal government.
“Especially if you’re self-employed, let’s have that conversation to give you peace of mind,” says Chris. “You just never know what you might learn.”
She says the open enrollment period for these plans ends January 15.
“There’s no cost to an individual to talk with me,” Chris explains. “And every conversation I have with people shows them — and me — that they need (someone like) me.”
Laura agrees.
“Chris is super knowledgeable,” Laura says. “She would have made a great teacher. I highly recommend her.”
For more info about Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, visit BleuSkysInsurance.com, call Chris at (813) 360-1884.
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