Al Saponar, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
Hello! I'm Al, your trusted Medicare agent in the area. My specialty is Medicare, and I'm passionate about helping you select the ideal plan that caters to your individual needs and budget. I'll efficiently sort through plans from reputable national and local companies, saving you time and effort. Best of all, my services are provided at no cost to you. Contact me to discuss your Medicare choices and don't forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Al Saponar
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: As finding the right Medicare plan can be a daunting task for most Seniors, I find i rewarding to helping clear up the confusion for most of my clients.
Most of my clients are very satisfied with my assistance, and recommend me to others, as well as give five star reviews!
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans require Medicare part A and part B for eligibility.
They use the part B premium funds to give clients a better plan, and more benefits than original Medicare itself.
What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: First, I always check doctors, hospitals and prescriptions for my clients.
But, if something changed network wise, if its is still during open enrollment, we can make a change. If not, we can schedule a meeting for the upcoming Annual Enrollment period.
We also have ancillary plans available year round that can help cover what the Medicare Advantage doesn't fully cover.
I've been dreading hitting the donut hole each year. How will its elimination in 2025 change what I pay throughout the year?
Answer: It depends on your part D plan, and what prescriptions you take.
There also is a new rule establishing a Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to help spread out the copays for prescriptions over the remaining months of the year. If needed, it can be a huge benefit for many Seniors.
I'm caring for my elderly parent with dementia. How can I get legal authority to manage their Medicare?
Answer: They should have a signed Medical Power of Attorney form .
It needs to be for each person that it applies to.
How does moving to a new state affect my Medicare enrollment timeline?
Answer: you have 60 days after the move to apply for a new MAPD or PDP plan in the new state.
It is an SEP.
So with all these 2025 Medicare changes, should I be switching plans or staying put?
Answer: Many of the 2025 Medicare changes were implemented in January.
We were comparing plans for 2025 during the Annual Enrollment period for 2025.
If someone wants to compare plans or change plans now, it would be for 2026.
The Annual Enrollment period for 2026 is from October 15 to December 7th 2025 for a Jan 1, 2026 effective date.
Whether one changes or stays put depends on the medications, as well as the doctors.
There is no charge for my assistance.
I've heard about IRMAA affecting my Medicare premiums. How can I find out if it applies to me, and how does it work?
Answer: it depends on your income or household income from 2 years ago.
it also depends if you are married or single
I'm healthy and barely use my coverage, but I'm still paying more every year. Why isn't there a discount for people like me?
Answer: There are different types of Medicare plans, including Medicare Supplement plans, Prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, ancilliary plans to go with Medicare Advantage as well.
I can help compare the various options to find the best option for each of my clients, at no cost for my services.
I'm worried about the 'donut hole' in my Part D plan. How do I manage my medication costs once I enter it?
Answer: The "donut hole" ended in 2024.
It has been eliminated, and there is now an out of pocket maximum of 2000 per year, which previously was up to 8000.
There are various Prescription options now.