Amy Putrino, Medicare Insurance Agent
Amy Putrino
MediPlan Advisors, Inc
Medicare Agent Licensed in RI, CT, FL, IA, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, NC, NH, SC, TN and VA
Contact Details
-
Location
Warwick, RI
-
Phone
-
Website
Amy Can Help With:
About Me
Hello! I'm Amy, your trusted, local Medicare agent in the area. Assisting you with selecting the ideal plan that will focus on your individual needs and budget is my goal. We can discuss plans options and benefits from reputable national and local companies, saving you time and effort.
Best of all, my services are provided at no cost or obligation to you.
You will receive concierge service throughout the process:
*Educating you regarding how Original Medicare works, your plan options and benefits
*Helping you enroll in a plan
*Assisting you with throughout the year, by providing excellent customer service.
Contact me to discuss your Medicare choices and don't forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Amy Putrino
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: Every client teaches you something new. Each individual situation is personal and needs attention to detail. After doing this full time for 15 years, I have knowledge of what plans offer certain benefits and why someone should consider enrolling. Coordinating subsidies and other coverage, such as VA benefits, is definitely where I stand out.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: Most people think Medicare covers nursing homes stays (long-term care). That is not the case. I help educate clients so they are not surprised if this situation ever arises.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: Most likely, yes. If your employer coverage was creditable and provided prescribtion drug coverage. You may have to apply for Medicare Part B, and have to work with a set timeline to apply for a Medicare plan.
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
Answer: It depends on your coverage. Original Medicare, your red, white and blue card, does not cover routine vision exams. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, then you may have cover for some of the things Original Medicare does not cover. This could included vision, dental and hearing.
What’s the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
Answer: This truly depends on the company you are considering enrolling with, as to how the HMO vs PPO network looks. Here's a quick example: If you are looking at a regional carrier, the HMO network, may only cover certain county, state or region. If you are looking at a national carrier, an HMO network may be spread across many counties, states or the entire country. PPO networks are most likely larger and could be spread across the country. You must verify your providers with each carrier. PPO does not equal every doctor accepts the plan.
Why does Medicare have so many coverage gaps, and is it designed that way on purpose?
Answer: When clients ask me this question, I usually answer, "To keep me busy". Seriously, it is an ever changing maze of rules and regulations. Once you think you have everything figure out, the government changes something and throws a curve ball. Working with an independent insurance advisor, allows you to reach out if you have an issue or a question and any point during the year.
Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare, and how can agents help prevent bad decisions?
Answer: A client should never be rushed to make a decision. With that said, there are deadlines and enrollment periods with Medicare that need to be followed. I advise clients to ask as many questions as needed to be comfortable with their decision. Advising on plans is my role. Deciding on plans is their's . Each enrollment is your choice for the next year. My advice, "Plans change from year to year and so can you."
Last year, I had a client, who was laid off on the last day of the month. We applied for her Part B on the last day of the month and enrolled her in the plan of her choice for the effective date of the next day. When you have been doing this as long as I have, you know how to make these things happen.
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 was closed for 2025. No more huge out of pocket costs. The plans look completely different now. Please let me know if you would like more information. Happy to discuss how this was accomplished.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: This is a very tricky question. There are many variables. Each individual should seek guidance to make sure that they make the solid choice and avoid penalties, down the line.
Are Medicare plans and requirements different for every state?
Answer: Plans look different in every state, and in most states, they will differ by counties. There are enrollment rules that may differ between states. You need to reach out to someone who represents multiple companies and plans to ensure you are getting all of the information you need to make an educated decision before enrolling.
My friend lives in a different city and has a much more detailed Medicare plan. Is their location dependent on their plan?
Answer: Yes. You must enroll in a plan available in the service area that matches your legal address. My friends and family members give advice to and mention specific plan benefits. Plan specifics differ across the country. If there is a benefit that you are interested in, please ask. If you don't mention something, your advisor may never know that it was important to you. We ask as many questions as we can to start a conversation, to determine what is most important for each potential client.
I have multiple medications; how can I ensure my Medicare Part D plan covers them all without breaking the bank?
Answer: Choose a plan that covers all of your medications. Check the formulary, a list of medications each plan covers. We will help you create a prescription analysis, personalize to your specific needs.
If all of your medications are covered on the plan's formulary, your out-of-pocket maximum cannot exceed $2000.00.
I’m retiring next year—do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: It's never too early to do your homework. Many individuals approaching Medicare fear that it will be too expensive or not cover them as well as their current coverage. Taking the time to fact find and gather information can put your fears to rest and help you feel comfortable with your future transition to Medicare. You can also discuss a timeline for applying for Medicare Part B and other requirements with your trusted Medicare plan advisor.
What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: Call your trusted Medicare plan advisor. There are special election periods (SEPs) throughout the year that might offer a chance to change plans, during the year if needed, so you can have access to the hospitals and providers you prefer. Your advisor should have knowledge of what SEPs are available to you.
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: Not considering all of the options available. Many seniors call a carrier directly, not realizing that a carrier can only speak about their own plans. No comparisons can be made with other carriers plans available in the area. So, they will make you "fit" into one of their plans. Working with an independent agent, who represents multiple carriers, can answer all of your questions regarding multiple carriers and plans.
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: Medicare will automatically start the month you turn 65, if you are collecting Social Security. You will be receiving a Medicare card approximately three months before the month of your birthday. Now all you have to do is choose an advisor, who can help you find a plan to fit your personal needs and budget.