Adam Morillo, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: You should review your Medicare plan at least once a year.

But more importantly, you should look at switching your plan anytime something changes.

Here are the main signs it might be time to switch:

Your doctor or hospital is no longer in-network

Your medications got more expensive or aren’t covered

Your benefits changed (dental, vision, OTC, etc.)

You’re paying more out-of-pocket than expected

Your health situation changed (new diagnosis or more care needed)

You moved or travel more and need better coverage

Simple rule:

If your health, doctors, medications, or costs change — it’s time to review your plan.

Most people don’t realize plans change every year, so what worked last year may not be your best option now.

Answer: That’s a great question—and honestly, some of them are.

The difference is this…

Sales seminars are focused on getting you to enroll in a specific plan,

where educational ones—like what I do—are focused on helping you understand how Medicare works so you can make the right decision for yourself.”

There’s no pressure, no obligation—just clear information.

If it makes sense to work together after, great… if not, you’ll still leave knowing exactly what your options are.

Answer: It really depends on a few factors, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer a national network for travel in the U.S, and will cover for emergencies regardless of plan when outside the service area. Some plans will even include international travel. It's best to talk to a broker that offers both side to do a full apples to apple comparison to see what best fits your needs.

Answer: Great question, technically you do not need to change but it's worth seeing if you can get a better rate in the state. If you do not change it will adjust to the new area's premium at the 2 year mark.

Answer: It's best to talk to a broker that represents multiple carriers and conduct a needs analysis to make sure its the right for you

Answer: You can apply for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call social security or apply for Medicaid.

Answer: Great question, you may have multiple opportunities to change your Medicare Advantage plan throughout the year depending on your situation and demographics. You should reach out to a local agent to explore your options.

Answer: Great questions, and I'm sure it can feel overwhelming. It's best to talk to a broker who has access to all major carriers and plans to help educate you and all your options and needs.

Answer: Great question, their are a few options. Ask your doctor about generics, compare prices at different pharmacies, use Medicare’s Extra Help or state assistance programs, and check for drug manufacturer discount cards or coupons.

Answer: This is a great question, and it’s a concern many seniors share. While it's true you've paid into Medicare through your taxes, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans are actually offered by private insurance companies, not the government. That means they can set their own underwriting rules outside of certain protected time periods. So while it feels unfair, it's legal under current rules. However, there may still be other options available depending on your situation and the state you live in.

Answer: Technically yes, depending on which state you reside you may have to go through an underwriting process to choose another Medigap plan.

Answer: Yes, Medicare covers home health care if you're homebound and under a doctor’s care. This can include part-time skilled nursing, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, home health aide services (only if skilled care is also provided), and certain medical supplies or equipment. However, it does not cover 24/7 care, meal delivery, or help with chores if that’s the only assistance needed. Talk to a licensed agent to review your full range of options

Answer: Medicare is great for short-term medical needs, but not a long-term care solution. Planning now can help you stay in control of your future, protect your savings, and reduce stress on your family. You have a few options in order to be prepared, you can get a stand alone long-term care insurance or some carriers offer life insurance with long term care riders that may be more affordable and serve multiple purposes.

Answer: Yes, when you move to a new state, you may need to update or change your Medicare coverage, depending on the type of plan you have. It's best to speak to an individual agent to compare your options, I can assist with that.

Answer: Medicare does cover cataract when it's medically necessary, including removal of the cataract and implantation of a basic intraocular lens. However, if your friend chose a premium lenses, like multifocal or astigmatism- correcting lens, that goes beyond what's medically necessary, Medicare won't cover the extra cost.

Answer: Yes, Medicare does provide more frequent colonoscopy coverage if you’re considered at high risk for colorectal cancer such as having a family history of colon cancer. In these cases, Medicare typically covers a screening colonoscopy once every 24 months (instead of every 10 years for those at average risk).

Talk to a licensed agent to make sure you understand your full benefits and whether any additional coverage might help with costs beyond what Medicare covers.

Answer: Medicare Part B covers ambulance services only if they’re medically necessary and there’s no safe alternative. Even then, you’re responsible for 20% of the cost after meeting your deductible. Not all ambulance providers accept Medicare, and non-emergency transport is rarely covered. You're not alone—many are surprised by these unexpected bills. Talk to a licensed agent to see if you have options to cover the gaps — like a Medicare Advantage plan or supplemental coverage

Answer: If you’re turning 65, your first step is to enroll in Medicare during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before your birthday month. You’ll need to decide between Original Medicare with optional drug and Medigap plans, or an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan. It’s important to compare your options based on your health needs and budget. Talking to an independent broker can help you see **all** available plans and make the best choice for your situation.

Answer: Medicare eligibility isn’t based on income, so most people don’t need to worry. However, higher-income individuals may pay more for Medicare Part B and Part D through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). This is based on your tax return from two years ago, but you can appeal if your income has gone down.

Answer: I have a very easy to view and understand PowerPoint presentation that goes over the parts of Medicare and the options the client has for coverage.

Answer: Great question, Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost to you as long as your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. These include yearly wellness visits, cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, cardiovascular and diabetes screenings, depression checks, and vaccines such as flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia. However, you may still pay out-of-pocket if a preventive test turns into a diagnostic one—for example, if a polyp is found during a colonoscopy—or if your provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment. You might also have costs for follow-up lab work or medications not covered under preventive care. To avoid surprise bills, always ask if a service is fully covered and if your provider accepts Medicare.

Answer: Medicare Advantage star ratings (1–5 stars) reflect a plan’s quality in areas like customer service, preventive care, and chronic condition management—higher-rated plans usually offer better care and more benefits. While helpful, star ratings should be considered alongside costs, provider networks, and your personal healthcare needs.

Answer: Great question, and it all depends on your plan. Medicare Part B generally covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain under specific conditions. Coverage is limited to a maximum of 20 acupuncture treatments per year, with 12 visits covered in the first 90 days and an additional 8 if there's improvement. Some Medicare Advantage plans do not cover acupuncture. It's best to speak to an individual broker to review your current plan.

Answer: Typically you want to speak to someone who offers the majority of companies in your area to get an unbiased review of which one is best for your needs.

Answer: Cheapest Medicare plan is to broad of a statement, you will have two paths when it comes to Medicare and it's best to speak with a local broker to see what best fits your needs.

Answer: Totally get your frustration—getting transferred multiple times when calling Medicare is all too common. To get straight answers faster, try calling 1-800-MEDICARE early in the morning or late in the evening, and be very specific with the automated system about what you need. You can also use the live chat feature at Medicare.gov for quicker help. For clear, personalized answers, reach out to a licensed agent or your local SHIP office—they often cut through the red tape and explain things in plain language.

Answer: Although it's not mandatory it is highly recommended to have a hospital indemnity plan to cover the high out of pocket per day amount for hospital stays. A lot of carriers offer different plans and budgets to fit your Medicare Advantage plan. Some plans cover unlimited visits for different injuries or sickness or there are 60 days between admissions for the same covered injury

or illness.

Answer: If your cruise stays near U.S. ports or within U.S. waters, Medicare helps—but only under strict rules. For cruises venturing further out, strongly consider Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan to ensure you're covered for emergencies. It’s best to speak to an individual broker to review your plan and see how it will cover you on your trip.

Answer: Great question, the $2,000 cap on the prescription plans have significantly limited the out of pocket expenses for individuals. It's best to talk to a individual broker that can easily compare a stand alone Part D plan vs a Medicare advantage to fully understand the difference and see which best suits your needs best.

Answer: It's best to speak to an individual broker that offers both sides to Medicare to fully breakdown this question and see what makes sense for your medical needs and budget.

Answer: That all depends on what age you are turning and if you plan on activating social security. Typically 6 months before you turn 65 or plan on retiring is when you want to look at your options.

Answer: Great question, Medicare is already partially privatized, and while a complete privatization could happen, it’s far from guaranteed.

Answer: Great question, yes Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare Part A and Part B covers including medically necessary home health care. Prior authorization may be required by your Medicare Advantage plan.

Answer: Most agents can search the Medicare Advantage provider networks and ensure they are accepted, but it's always best to review if with an agent to ensure she is making the best choice for her. Everyone's needs are different!

Answer: You can most certainly do that, but then you would only be getting answers and plans from that specific carrier. If you talk to an individual agent that represents multiple carriers you can look at all the plans available with them and make sure you are choosing the best plan for you!

Answer: It's always best to contact a local licensed agent in your area, make sure they represent multiple carriers to ensure they are looking out for your best interest.

Answer: It can be a common problem since you have to stay in network of that plan. You can always search for providers within the carrier's portal or you can switch plans, and even purchase a stand alone dental plan to help cover your dental needs better.

Answer: Generally you will see less out of pocket for major medications now that they have implemented the $2,000 max out of pocket. Now you can have peace of mind with a more predictable annual maximum.

Answer: Great question! Typically you can enroll into Medicare Part A at no premium and postpone Medicare Part B if you have creditable insurance through your employer. Or you can enroll into Medicare and continue working. It's always best to compare your employer plan vs Medicare and see which one would best suit your needs. You would be surprised most are seeing better coverage and lower premiums on the Medicare side.

Answer: If you can not afford the Medicare premiums you have a few options, you can apply for a Medicare savings program, you can also look into a Medicare Advantage plan that can help with the Medicare premiums.

Answer: If you are on Original Medicare it's best to have a Medicare Part D plan to avoid any penalties and also to cover any medications you may have that are not under Medicare Part B.

Answer: Very good question, it all depends which way you go for coverage between Original Medicare and Supplement vs Medicare Advantage. It's best to talk to a licensed agent for a Medicare 101 talk.

Answer: That's a loaded question, but in simple terms. Doctors do not like Medicare Advantage plans for the for the following; prior authorizations, delay in care, lower and delayed reimbursements, increased administrated burden, and less flexibility in treatment decisions just to name a few.

Answer: I love helping other navigate the complexity of Medicare and all their options, let's face it any type insurance can be overwhelming. I know i would appreciate someone unbiased and looking out for my best interest to help me out.