Ami Fouts, Medicare Insurance Broker
Ami Fouts
Patty Stewart and Associates
Medicare Broker Licensed in NH and ME
Contact Details
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Location
Plymouth, NH
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Phone
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Website
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Schedule An Appointment
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Pre-Appointment Form
About Me
Hey there, my name is Ami, and I am your local Medicare advisor and agent. I specialize in Medicare and am devoted to helping you find the best plan that matches your specific needs and financial situation. I will take care of the daunting task of comparing plans from well-known national and local companies for you. Even better, 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!
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Ami Fouts
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
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.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to 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.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
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.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
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.
What role do you think technology will play in the future of Medicare?
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.
Why are people unhappy with Medicare Advantage plans?
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.
Why are hospitals not taking Medicare Advantage plans?
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.
Does IRMAA go away automatically if my income drops, or do I need to report it to Social Security?
Answer: You can always call Medicare and explain your income has dropped and they seem to negotiate with most people
Can I keep seeing my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or do I have to find new ones?
Answer: Yes, Most Medicare Advantage plans accept most doctors. But it is always prudent to check all doctors in network