Frequently Asked Questions

Working With Golden Solutions

Yes — completely. We are paid a commission directly by the insurance carrier when you enroll in a plan. This commission is built into the plan’s pricing and does not cost you anything extra. You would pay the same premium whether you worked with us or went directly to the carrier — the difference is that with us, you have a licensed expert in your corner at no additional cost.

An independent agent is not employed by any single insurance company. We are contracted with multiple carriers, which means we can compare plans across companies and recommend what is best for your specific situation — not what is best for one company’s bottom line. Our loyalty is to you, not to an insurer.

We are currently licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. If you live in one of these states, we can help you find coverage. Not sure if we can help you? Give us a call and we’ll let you know right away.

To get the most out of your consultation, it helps to have your Medicare card (if applicable), a list of your current medications and dosages, your current insurance cards, your primary care doctor’s name and contact information, and any recent explanation of benefits (EOB) letters. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we’ll work with what you have. See our Before Your Visit page for a full checklist.

Most initial consultations take 30–60 minutes depending on the complexity of your situation. We never rush you. Our goal is to make sure you fully understand your options before making any decisions. Appointments can be held in person at our Shelby, NC office or by phone.

Medicare — The Basics

General information only. Medicare rules, plan availability, and costs change annually. Always confirm current details with a licensed agent or visit Medicare.gov.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities or conditions. It is divided into four main parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

For a detailed breakdown of what’s right for your situation, speak with one of our licensed agents.

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. If you miss this window, you may face late enrollment penalties and will need to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year). There are also Special Enrollment Periods for qualifying life events such as losing employer coverage.

Enrollment timing can significantly affect your coverage and costs. Talk to a licensed agent before your 65th birthday to plan ahead.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. These plans bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage into one plan. They often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Most plans have network restrictions and copayments for services.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help pay costs that Medicare doesn’t cover — such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You pay a monthly premium for the Supplement plan, but generally have very low or no out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. A separate Part D drug plan is typically required.

Which is better depends entirely on your health needs, preferred doctors, medications, and budget. This is exactly the kind of decision we help clients work through — contact us for a personalized comparison.

Part D is Medicare’s prescription drug benefit, offered through private insurance companies. It helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Each Part D plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs), premiums, deductibles, and copayments. For 2025, a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on drug costs went into effect — a significant change for those with high medication needs.

Drug plan options vary significantly by carrier and location. A licensed agent can compare plans based on your specific medications.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can switch, join, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year. It’s also a good time to review your current plan to make sure it still meets your needs, as plan benefits, costs, and formularies can change year to year.

We recommend scheduling an annual review with us before AEP each year to make sure you’re still in the best plan for your situation.

Life Insurance

General information only. Life insurance eligibility, rates, and options vary based on your age, health, and individual circumstances. Speak with a licensed agent for guidance specific to your situation.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a set period of time — typically 10, 20, or 30 years. It is generally more affordable and straightforward. If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If the term ends and you’re still living, the coverage expires.

Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage and includes a cash value component that grows over time. Premiums are higher but fixed for life. It can be a useful tool for estate planning, legacy giving, or covering final expenses.

The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and stage of life. Let’s talk through your options.

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover end-of-life costs such as funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and other outstanding debts. Policies are typically smaller in value ($5,000–$25,000) and are often available with simplified underwriting — meaning fewer or no medical exams. They can be an affordable option for seniors who want to protect their families from unexpected costs.

A licensed agent can help you find a final expense plan that fits your budget and needs.

Yes, in many cases. Options vary depending on your age, specific conditions, and the type of policy. Some plans offer guaranteed acceptance with no medical exam or health questions, though these typically come with a waiting period before the full benefit is payable. Other plans use simplified underwriting with just a few health questions. We work with multiple carriers and can help find options that fit your health profile.

Don’t assume you’re uninsurable — contact us and let us research your options.

Health Insurance

General information only. Health insurance options, premiums, and coverage details vary by state, plan, and individual circumstances. Speak with a licensed agent for options specific to your situation.

Yes. We assist clients with health insurance coverage for all stages of life — not just Medicare age. Whether you’re self-employed, between jobs, or simply looking for better coverage options, we can help you compare individual and family health plans available in your area.

Contact us to discuss your current situation and what options may be available to you.

Deductible: The amount you pay for covered services before your insurance begins to pay. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you pay the first $1,000 of covered costs yourself.

Copay: A fixed amount you pay for a covered service at the time of care, such as $20 for a doctor visit. Copays typically apply after you’ve met your deductible.

Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you will pay for covered services in a plan year. After you reach this limit, your insurance pays 100% of covered costs for the remainder of the year.

Understanding these numbers is key to choosing the right plan. We walk every client through these details before recommending anything.

Privacy & Your Information

We collect personal information only because it is necessary to help you apply for insurance coverage. We never sell your information, share it with data brokers, or use it for unrelated marketing. The only time we share your information with a third party is when submitting it to an insurance carrier on your behalf — and even then, we only share the minimum required to process your application.

For full details, read our Privacy Policy.

No. We are a local agency that builds relationships, not a call center running leads. After your consultation, we follow up only about your specific coverage needs. If you opt in to text message communications, you can opt out at any time by replying STOP. We will never contact you with unsolicited sales pitches or share your number with third parties.

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Looking for Free Unbiased Help?

North Carolina’s SHIIP program (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Our own Claudia Vaughn volunteers as a SHIIP counselor at the Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain.

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