Ami Fouts, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: If you're looking to retire, you would need to set up your Medicare Part A and B through Medicare.gov. You have three months before your birthday, the month of, and three months after your birthday to enroll before being penalized through the government. I personally suggest enrolling before your birthday, so the transition from insurances is smooth and there are no laps in your insurance, from either the workplace group insurance or through marketplace. Once you're established with your Medicare that's when we can discuss what medical plan would fit best for your needs. If you have marketplace insurance, you will need to take your Medicare as you're not eligible to stay on the Marketplace insurance once you're eligible for Medicare. However, if you are not retiring, you're able to continue with your group insurance through your employment as through the government this is considered "Creditable coverage insurance" and there will be no penalty for not enrolling into Medicare.

Answer: Part A is your hospital coverage, there is no charge for this, as you've paid for this your entire working career through payroll deduction. Part B is your doctor and outpatient coverage, and depending on your income, is technically A fixed rate monthly. Folks that have had a higher rate of income may be subject to pay more monthly for their part B. Medicare Part B covers 80%, so you would be responsible for the 20% that isn't covered, that's where having a Medicare Supplement plan is important, along with a Part D plan for your prescriptions. Folks that don't sign up for a Plan D are subject to a 1% monthly penalty for every month they don't have a Plan D prescription plan through the government.

Answer: In New Hampshire, you're not able to go back to a supplement plan if you originally signed up for an advantage plan without underwriting and can be denied coverage.

Answer: They can delay taking Medicare, I go over what is financially beneficial for the client, sometimes it is cheaper for the client to enroll in Medicare, but they're not obligated to as through the workplace, this is considered " Creditable Coverage" and will not be penalized through the government for not enrolling.

Answer: I don't think it will as most people need to speak to a broker to know the ins and outs of each plan, and what works best. Having a broker is a personal relationship, and we're here to help, and resolve any issues the client may be having.

Answer: I'm not seeing this is my line of business. I have a lot of people really enjoy Medicare Advantage plans due to the extra benefits, and most Advantage plans don't cost any additional money.

Answer: I am not seeing this issue in our area. Some plan may not be contracted out of state, but generally we find most Medicare Advantage plans are accepted wherever Medicare is accepted.

Answer: You can always call Medicare and explain your income has dropped and they seem to negotiate with most people

Answer: Yes, Most Medicare Advantage plans accept most doctors. But it is always prudent to check all doctors in network

Answer: It sounds like your friend has a Medicare advantage plan, and it sounds like you’re paying for a Medicare supplement plan. Most Medicare advantage plans cost nothing. But have more out-of-pocket expenses. Where a supplement yes you’re paying a monthly premium, but hardly get any medical bills in the mail.

Answer: What I enjoy most is helping people understand Medicare, and saving them as much money as possible with either their health insurance or their RX plan. It’s a personal relationship you grow with your clients and I truly love people.