For Paula White, co-founder and co-owner of Four Oaks Medicare Planning, helping seniors navigate Medicare isn't just a business; it's a calling rooted in personal experience.
After walking alongside her husband, Jamon White, as his grandparents faced difficult health challenges, the Whites discovered a deep passion for supporting seniors, especially widows and those with Parkinson’s disease.
That passion became the foundation of Four Oaks Medicare Planning, which has grown into a trusted resource for more than 2,200 clients across 35 states, with its deepest roots planted in Central Texas. Driven by a commitment to service, the team has earned over 250 five-star Google reviews from clients who consider them lifelong partners.
The Whites stand beside their clients every step of the way, from simplifying Medicare education and enrollment to offering free guidance through claims, annual reviews and more.
“We love what we do,” White said. “We love taking care of people.”
Why is Medicare education so important?
Medicare can be difficult to navigate because every person’s situation is different. White cautions people against choosing coverage simply because a friend or family member has the same plan. Employment, income, health needs, prescriptions, preferred providers and travel plans can all influence the right choice.
Four Oaks takes an education-first approach, walking clients through Medicare in stages rather than overwhelming them with every detail at once.
“We start at ‘30,000 feet’: Here's what the Medicare government portion is, and here's what the insurance side is,” White said. “Then we go a little bit deeper in the next meeting: Here's how the insurance breaks up, and here are your choices from a high-level point of view, before we go through every single detail. We walk them through this step by step, so they understand and can choose what they want.”
To further enhance education, White produces a podcast called “Medicare GPS” that can be found on Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple.
When should you start planning for Medicare?
White recommends talking with an independent Medicare advisor about four months before turning 65, whether someone plans to continue working or not. The conversation can help determine what they need to enroll in and when.
For those who plan to keep working, another conversation should take place roughly 70 to 90 days before retirement. Employer size, income, health savings accounts and COBRA can all affect Medicare decisions, making personalized guidance especially important.
What should you consider before choosing a plan?
White recommends considering six key areas:
Budget
Health concerns
Preferred providers
Family history
Travel
Prescription medications, especially when comparing Part D drug plans.
Medicare coverage is individualized, so spouses may not necessarily need the same plans. Understanding the details before enrolling can help prevent penalties, unexpected costs or coverage problems.
Are premiums more expensive when working with an independent agency?
One common misconception White frequently addresses is whether using an independent agency costs clients more money.
“A question we get a lot is: Since they don't have to pay us, is their premium higher? The answer is no,” White said. “Whether they work with an independent agent like us or go directly to the company and figure it out by themselves, it's the same price.”
In fact, working with Four Oaks often saves clients significant money and time. Because they are independent, they can quickly find the best and most affordable plan for clients across all the insurance companies. This approach is particularly effective for medicare supplement company changes.
“I just changed someone to a new supplement company; they have the exact same coverage, and he is saving $1,000 a year,” White said.
How is the Four Oaks team involved in their community?
The Whites have deep Texas roots. Paula has lived in Austin for nearly her entire life and is a fifth-generation Texan, and Jamon’s family has been in the Lone Star State for generations as well.
Outside of work, the Whites are actively involved in their church, where Jamon teaches Sunday school, and they spend their free time traveling and staying busy with their two teenagers.
In the community, Four Oaks regularly partners with and donates to Wings for Widows, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free financial support and guidance to widows in need. Four Oaks serves as their preferred Medicare partner on their website to ensure widows receive honest, caring guidance.
For those approaching Medicare eligibility, White encourages them to start with a simple conversation. A free 15-minute call can provide a clearer starting point and help clients understand what questions they need to ask before making a decision.
Those interested can find resources here:
Website: https://www.gofouroaks.com/
Address: 5424 W. US Hwy. 290 Service Rd. Ste. 209, Austin
Walk-in hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made for later in the evening if necessary.
Phone number: 512-298-5404
A quick recap FAQ
Does using an independent Medicare advisor mean paying higher premiums?
No. Whether someone works with an independent agency like Four Oaks or goes directly to an insurance company, the premium is the same. The advantage of working with an independent agency is that they can review a person’s situation and help find the best (and most affordable) options for them quickly. Four Oaks saved one client $1,000 per year just by switching to a different company for his supplement.
When should someone start thinking about Medicare?
Four Oaks recommends speaking with an independent Medicare advisor about four months before turning 65, even for those who plan to keep working. A second conversation should happen 70 to 90 days before retirement.
What makes Four Oaks Medicare Planning different from other Medicare advisors?
Four Oaks takes an educational approach, walking clients through Medicare at a high level first, then going deeper across multiple meetings, so clients understand their options. The firm also offers long-term support after enrollment, including help with claims, annual plan reviews and ongoing guidance if any major health concerns pop up.