Aisha Saleem, Medicare Insurance Agent

About Me

Hi, my name is Aisha. My services are completely free! Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!

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Q&A with Aisha Saleem

What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?

Answer: Be thorough about your health status. Making sure your correct health status is on file, will help you to find the plan that best fits your scenario. Also,some Medicare Advantage plans offer a prepaid debit card, called a flex card - which can be used for certain out-of-pocket expenses. If you need help with over the counter medications, dental, vision, or hearing care, groceries, utilities, or discounts on groceries or utilities you should be aware of which plans and carriers offer them.

What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?

Answer: Some people aren't aware that there are multiple programs which can help pay some Medicare costs and healthcare costs. If you're low-income, you should find out what's available to you.

What role do annuities play in retirement planning?

Answer: Annuities are designed to make a flow or stream of income for an individual. When used with retirement planning, it's a wise choice for planning financial readiness for the length of your lifetime. You can set the stream of income to turn on immediately or at a later time. You choose whether you want it to last a few years, or your lifetime.

How do discount cards and resources affect my Medicare Prescription Drug plan?

Answer: If you choose to use a discount card to pay for a prescription because it's cheaper than the Medicare Prescription Drug plan, you can use it for the cheaper price. However, it will not count towards your out-of-pocket expenses.

How is Medicare Advantage expected to evolve in the future?

Answer: Medicare Advantage is expected to soon be the more popular form of Medicare coverage. Enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans is growing and expected to continue to grow.

How do Social Security and Medicare work together for people with disabilities?

Answer: If someone is entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance they will be eligible for Medicare. Their Medicare eligibility will have a 24 month waiting period.

Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?

Answer: If you don't sign up for Medicare when you're eligible, you might have to pay a higher premium when you do sign up.

How does life insurance contribute to financial planning?

Answer: Life insurance contributes to financial planning in many ways: a policy that builds cash value can be borrowed against as a loan, it can be a means to pay final expenses, it can also be used as mortgage protection.

What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?

Answer: Making sure your parents have all the information and options available to them with an accurate assesment of their expenses and lifestyle is a great way to make sure they feel supported in the Medicare decision-making process.

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

Answer: The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is the limited network of providers. You can check to make sure your preferred providers are in network while choosing a plan.

What imbalance exists in prescription drug spending, and how has it impacted overall costs?

Answer: The costs of prescription drugs rises faster than inflation in many circumstances, causing an imbalance and financial pressure.

What’s one hidden Medicare expense that people don’t think about until it’s too late?

Answer: Sometimes people don't think about the deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum until it's too late. It's best to make sure you weigh all the information of each plan compared to your expected use and situation in order to pick the best option while choosing a plan.

Do Medicare Advantage plans really save seniors money in the long run? Why or why not?

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans have an incentive to focus on preventive care, especially for chronic conditions, which can prevent big events from happening - such as hospitalization which costs more. Preventing hospitalization saves more than just money, as it adds to the quality of life for clients.

How much is spent on healthcare per year the U.S., and what does this amount represent per person?

Answer: About$4.9 trillion was spent on healthcare in the U.S. so, that's about $14,570 spent on healthcare per person in the USA, according to the 2023 CMS Healthcare Expenditure Report.

I’m retiring next year—do I need to do anything with my Medicare?

Answer: You should start learning about your benefits and options. You should enroll during your enrollment period to avoid penalties.

What role do you think technology will play in the future of Medicare?

Answer: A.I and algorithms can be used to help direct coverage needs. The use of technology helps in ensuring correct coverage.

What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?

Answer: Medigap plans may cover emergency medical care for international travelers. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer travel benefits. These options typically occur when you are traveling and in need of medical attention during a medical emergency.

What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?

Answer: You can go to any doctor or hospital with Medicare Advantage. Although, there have been instances where a hospital drops the Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch plans during Medicare Advantage open enrollment, Jan 1 to March 31. If you can't find another plan to switch to, you could return to Original Medicare and you could also pair Original Medicare with Medigap.

What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?

Answer: You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You don't have to do anything, but it's best to know your options and choose what benefits you the most.

Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?

Answer: Medicare Part B covers Glaucoma screenings for those who are high risk, along with eye exams related to specific eye conditions. However, routine eye exams for glasses or contacts are not covered. You may need to purchase supplemental insurance or pay out of pocket for some services. It's important to go over all your options while making decisions regarding your Medicare.

I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?

Answer: Your Original Medicare begins automatically at age 65 if you're receiving Social Security benefits. You should know all your options to decide what's best for you.