Alaina Hunt, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: What I like most about being a Medicare agent is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Medicare can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for those transitioning into retirement. I find it incredibly rewarding to help individuals feel more confident and secure in their healthcare decisions. Knowing that I’ve helped someone find a plan that fits their needs and budget—and that they feel cared for in the process—is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

Answer: The recent attention and increased auditing of Medicare Advantage plans is focused on ensuring these plans are following the rules and putting patients’ needs first. One area under scrutiny is how these plans manage care in nursing homes—particularly the use of prior authorizations and decisions around how long someone can stay in a facility.

What this means for nursing home coverage is that we may see improvements. Audits are likely to reduce practices that led to early discharges or delays in care. The goal is to make sure that if someone truly needs skilled nursing care, they can access it without unnecessary barriers.

That said, it’s more important than ever to have an advocate who understands how each Medicare Advantage plan handles post-acute and long-term care. Plans vary, and being on the right one can make a real difference in what care you or your loved one receives.

Answer: Yes, you can use your Original Medicare card to get covered services if your provider doesn’t accept your Medicare Advantage plan. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is your foundational coverage, and most providers accept it.

However, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally need to use that plan’s network and follow its rules to get coverage under that plan. If your provider isn’t in your Advantage plan’s network, you may have to pay more or the full cost if you use your Advantage card there.

Showing your Original Medicare card can help you get services covered outside your Advantage network, but it means you’re using Original Medicare benefits, not your Advantage plan benefits. It’s a good idea to check with your provider and your plan before your visit to understand what costs you might be responsible for.

Answer: One of the biggest mistakes seniors often make when enrolling in Medicare is not taking the time to fully understand their options and how those options fit their individual health needs and financial situation. Medicare can be complex, with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription coverage, and supplemental plans all offering different benefits and costs.

Answer: Yes, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period without health questions, but switching from Medicare Advantage to a Medigap (Supplement) plan usually means you’ll have to answer health questions. This is because Medigap plans often check your health before accepting you, unless you have special rights that let you switch without questions.

So, if you want to move from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, it’s a good idea to get advice first to understand what to expect.”

Answer: Yes, your Medicare Supplement Plan G should help pay for your knee replacement, even if you were already scheduled for surgery when you got the plan. These plans usually don’t have waiting periods or exclude things you already planned.

Just make sure your surgery happens after your Medicare started and that Medicare approves it. If you want to be sure, you can always double-check with your plan or Medicare.

Answer: If you have diabetes, figuring out your Medicare costs means looking at all the things you’ll pay for—like your plan monthly payment, doctor visits, medicines, and supplies like glucose meters or insulin.

Check what your plan covers for these things and how much you’ll pay each time. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool online or review with me and I can help you see what your costs might be. This helps you pick a plan that works best for you.

Answer: Guaranteed Issue rights usually only apply during certain times, like when you first join Medicare or during the Open Enrollment period. After that, it’s rare to have guaranteed acceptance without health questions.

However, in some special situations—like if your plan leaves your area or you lose other coverage—you might still have Guaranteed Issue rights. It’s a good idea to check your specific situation to know for sure.

Answer: Whether a high-end Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is "worth it" really depends on your health needs, risk tolerance, and financial situation. If you value peace of mind, simplicity, and budget stability, a high-end Medigap plan like Plan G is often worth it.

If you’re healthy, cost-conscious, and comfortable with some risk, a lower-tier Medigap plan or even a Medicare Advantage plan might serve you just as well. Let's chat to see what may work best for you and your needs!

Answer: Medicare does cover some eye care, but not routine eye exams, which can leave seniors with the bill for certain services. Medicare helps with disease-related eye care, but routine vision care is generally not covered.

Answer: If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, your ability to see an out-of-network cardiologist without incurring full out-of-pocket costs is generally limited. HMO plans typically require you to use healthcare providers within their network for non-emergency services. Visiting an out-of-network specialist without prior authorization often means you'll be responsible for the entire cost of care.