Alisa Ugalde, Medicare Insurance Broker
Alisa Ugalde
Turning 65 Plans in California
Medicare Broker Licensed in CA
Contact Details
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Serving
Westmont, CA
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Phone
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Website
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Schedule An Appointment
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Pre-Appointment Form
Alisa Can Help With:
About Me
Hi Neighbor! I'm Alisa, an independent, licensed Medicare insurance agent. I help people turning 65, and people already on Medicare, understand their Medicare options — and once you're my client, I'm your go-to for anything Medicare, for the long run. Whatever comes up, I'm the one you call. Because I'm independent, I work with many insurance companies — not just one — so we can look at the plans that cover your doctors and your prescriptions, and I help you find the plan that fits your needs! I translate the Medicare lingo into plain words, and we talk at whatever pace you're comfortable with. Call me at the number above, or tap "Have Alisa Call Me" — I'd be glad to help.
Q&A with Alisa Ugalde
How long does it take to get Medicare Part B after applying?
Answer: Social Security processes the application, and what you can count on is the start date, not a number of processing weeks. Apply in the 3 months before your birthday month and Part B starts the first of that month. Apply during or after your birthday month and it starts the first of the next month. One exception: if your birthday falls on the 1st of a month, Social Security treats you as turning 65 the month before, so your Part B can start a month earlier. (For the January-March general enrollment window, it starts the first of the month after you sign up.)
My primary care physician retired recently. Does that event give me a special election period?
Answer: No, it's not considered a special circumstance. A single retirement doesn't automatically qualify. The regular doors are annual enrollment, which is open Oct 15 through Dec 7, and, for people already in an Advantage plan, Jan 1 through Mar 31.
What happens when there are no available Medicare Advantage plans in my county?
Answer: If your county simply has no Advantage plans, you use Original Medicare, add a drug plan, and a supplement follows the usual rules — no special window opens. It's a different story if a plan you were on left your county: then you do get a special enrollment period (Dec 8 through the end of February) plus guaranteed-issue rights on a Medicare Supplement, as long as you apply within 63 days after your Advantage coverage ends.
Does Medicare rent or buy my home medical equipment, and when do the monthly charges stop?
Answer: Part B covers equipment through Medicare-enrolled suppliers — you pay 20% after the deductible. Most equipment is rented with a cap: after 13 monthly payments, you own it. Oxygen is the exception — payments stop after 36 months.
Who is not eligible for Medicare at age 65?
Answer: Medicare eligibility at age 65 requires U.S. citizenship, or permanent residency with 5 continuous years living here. Income and health don't disqualify anyone. Having no work history doesn't shut you out — it just means Part A isn't free.
Does Medicare help pay for funeral or burial expenses?
Answer: The short answer is no. Medicare is health coverage, so it doesn't pay for burial costs — the $255 lump-sum death payment people sometimes hear about comes from Social Security, not Medicare.
I've got Medigap Plan C, and I'm curious if my recent bloodwork is included or if I need to budget for extra costs.
Answer: It would depend on the insurance company you have and the exact plan that you are on. There should be a phone number on your insurance card that you can call and ask your question as well as request a summary of your benefits.
Can I use a health savings account (HSA) to pay Medicare premiums after I retire?
Answer: Yes, you generally can use the money in your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for Medicare Part B, C or D. You cannot use HSA funds to pay premiums for Medicare Supplement policies (also known as Medigap).
I've had a change in my health condition. How does this affect my current Medicare plan, and should I reconsider my coverage?
Answer: Consider talking to your broker about a chronic special needs plan depending on what your new health condition is.