Although Medicare is part of the business name, it doesn’t tell the whole story of what STL Medicare Benefits does, since the business offers health insurance for people of all ages, income levels, and employment status. Owner and founder Jason Muehlheausler and his team make the entire process of finding and attaining the right coverage as seamless as possible — from expert plan recommendations provided by licensed advisors to online enrollment and the ability to shop from a variety of carriers for the most cost-effective option.
Because there’s a variety of insurance offerings, the company operates under two names depending on the product: STL Medicare Benefits for Medicare, and the Muehl Group for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and group health assistance.
STL Medicare Benefits can help clients with private-carrier plans that work alongside or in place of Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans for people 65 and over. Under the Muehl Group, the company can help clients find ACA plans that are available to people under age 65, and individual life insurance policies. In addition to the individual plans, Jason and his team also offer small and large group healthcare plans as well as ancillary products such as life, dental, and vision for employers looking to provide a comprehensive benefit package for their employees.
The ‘why’ behind the company
Jason has been in the health insurance industry for eight years and helping clients find the right coverage is just one of the things that drives him. He points to one story in particular that has stayed with him for years and says this one experience sums up why he does this work.
“Early in my career, I sold an Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP) with UnitedHealthcare, designed for residents of long-term care communities,” Jason recalls.
On the last day of the month, Jason visited an assisted living community and enrolled a gentleman resident in the UHC I-SNP Plan. A key advantage of the plan was that medical costs were covered at 100% for residents who had both Medicare and Medicaid. The plan also placed a full-time nurse practitioner in the community to make rounds every single day, whereas residents without an I-SNP plan might typically see a staff physician once a month.
“He decided to enroll, and his coverage went active on the first of the following month. That same day, he fell, hit his head, and was rushed to the hospital with a brain bleed. Once it stabilized, he was sent back to the community,” Jason shares.
This incident happened during COVID, when many facilities were understaffed and relied on travel nurses. The day after his accident, the staff making rounds assumed he was sleeping and left him be. Thankfully the nurse practitioner from his plan went in and did a sternum rub to check whether he was actually asleep or unresponsive. The gentleman was unresponsive and still bleeding. Enrolling in the I-SNP plan and having access to that nurse practitioner saved his life.
“That’s why I do this. Health insurance decisions can be life-or-death, and the wrong coverage can wipe out everything a family has built,” he says.
Providing expertise and clarity
“I love demystifying something that scares people, making sure they understand exactly what they’re getting, and helping them make the right call for themselves and the people they love,” Jason shares.
A common misconception with health insurance is that once you’re covered, you’re always covered, but that isn’t always the case. Because the industry changes annually, particularly Medicare since carriers can change offerings and policies without disclosing the exact changes to the policy holders, unfortunately an insured person won’t realize that their plan has changed or that something previously covered by their plan is no longer covered until they’re at a doctor visit.
“Many times Medicare providers will send out information about changes that could be coming to the policy, but the specific policy changes aren’t noted in those mailings,” Jason explains.
With the possibility of changes and information coming from providers that isn’t always explained, it’s more important than ever for consumers to be proactive, rather than reactive. One of the best ways to be proactive is to ensure you’re working with a knowledgeable insurance agent that will go over any potential policy issues or changes before they go into effect.
“The changes can also occur if you’re under 65 and on an ACA plan, even if you haven’t made changes yourself and haven’t changed your carrier,” he says.
It’s important for people to make time to speak with an agent during their policy’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which typically happens each fall, or when they’ve experienced a qualifying life change. But even if you’re already insured, you can always reach out to the helpful staff at STL Medicare Benefits to make sure you’re getting the most cost-effective coverage for your needs.
A leading advantage
Being a part of a shifting industry can be a challenge for insurance agents as well, but one way Jason stays at the forefront in a changing industry is by maintaining good relationships with carriers. Forming these partnerships means he’s able to receive insights about shifts coming to the industry early on.
Additionally, Jason maintains his leading position through continuing education by attending the required trainings and license renewals needed for the industry, as well as by meeting with other agents in the industry to stay up to date on industry trends and more.
Jason has around 20 independent insurance agents who work under the umbrella of the Muehl Group, which is a way for the agents to have their own business. The Muehl Group is always on the lookout for self-starters who are ready to be their own boss and make an impact in the insurance industry.
Although plenty of people have the desire to work for themselves, not everyone has the drive to succeed, or the disposition to not only work with clients, but to exceed expectations in a service-based industry. With nearly a decade in the industry, Jason has the experience to help people based on their unique circumstances and needs, in a variety of geographic locations. He is licensed in multiple states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, as well as in other parts of the country.
If you or someone you know wants to explore healthcare insurance options, or has questions about Medicare or ACA plans, reach out to STL Medicare Benefits for a free consultation at 314-673-1469, follow the company on Facebook, or visit the website to learn more.
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