By Marty Proctor
In February 2018, Orlando and Emily Ruiz opened Medicare Plans and Access (MPA). They decided to function as an independent Medicare health insurance agency based in Clermont. The difference being independent is they can take the knowledge of the client’s needs and take an unbiased peek into each of the many companies they represent to create the best matches for the client.
They take the broadest view of the client situation and work to find all the help available. Part of this is their active and ongoing support of local community based charities. This helps them be aware of the full range of locally available aid. “Connecting resources such as local food pantries, transportation services and low-income housing helps us build long-term relationships,” stated founder-principal Orlando Ruiz. “Our access component in addition to comparing multiple companies allows us to pair our clients with the benefits they need most.” A key goal is finding supportive local influencers within each community and giving back. We align with those organizations to help our clients and the community in general.
The added value services offered include food stamp application assistance, navigating the state Medicare Savings Program to eliminate the cost of Medicade Part B, and the federal Low Income Subsidy which helps to reduce the high co-pay cost of drugs.
MPA serves a wide range of individuals through quality service, accessibility, and dedication. Our licensed benefit consultants are well trained on Medicare and carrier options as well as evaluating the needs of the client to determine eligibility and make recommendations with no strings attached. Our partnerships allow us to serve a broader community beyond Medicare beneficiaries who seek local resources, opportunities, and information.
Orlando and Emily met as teens while in school at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 20 plus years later, they are married business partners with 3 children ages 9 to 13. They have lived in Clermont for over 10 years and have an office in the Citrus Tower complex, one of four offices. The other offices are located in Ocala, St. Cloud, and Four Corners. “My interest in helping others with insurance was initiated when I started translating and explaining the coverages available to my grandmother,” reminisced Orlando. “She was struggling with the choices and getting objective information. That started my journey toward this agency.” Today MPA is Lake county’s only bilingual, independent health insurance agency. The newer offices have extended the reach to other areas where that need is present.
During a recent Second Harvest food drop run by FAITH Neighborhood Center (FNC), Orlando, David, Emily and others from the MPA team worked side by side with the FNC volunteers. They went much further opening up their office to the volunteers providing a cool place to take a break, use the bathroom, and even facilitated lunch. “The Four Corners office is unique in that it has a space we intend to use as a local senior resource center. Unfortunately the virus situation arose shortly after we added that location. We were happy to share it while supporting the food drop,” declared Emily Ruiz.
Medicare Plans And Access, 231 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont FL 34711
352-227-3393 www.helpMEmpa.com
Facebook: Medicare Plans And Access
