Ana V. Magalhaes, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Hi

It’s a form related to coverage through employer and needed to provide to CMS in order to enroll in Part B without paying a penalty fee

Answer: Hi - I don’t quite understand the question.

If you have parents on Medicare it’s good to follow up with them after a discussion about it to make sure they understand and have their questions addressed

Answer: Medicare Advantage is Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B combined and managed by private insurance company under federal regulations. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D (prescription drugs coverage).

Answer: Hello,

The best is to contact Social Security office and check where you stand.

Did you delay Part B while still working after turning 65?

Was/ is the coverage you had / have still working credible?

Before you retire contact SSA to make sure your transition goes smoothly.

Answer: Hi, annually there is a review of premium's pricing by Medigap Plan insurance companies. Look up for the notice the company must send annually, so you can check and compare what other insurance companies are offering for same plan. I cannot speak for BCBS - call them and ask.

Be well.

Answer: Medicare pays for medications to treat heart disease under Part D. Check with your insurance carrier about the formulary. Medicare will pay for pacemaker implant under Part A, a procedure done at hospital, and the follow-up paid under Part B at physician private office. Always call your insurance carrier or Medicare directly to know more detailed information applying to you. Be well.

Answer: Hello, Medicare will cover doctor visits, exams, and treatments associated with side effects related to the trial. Contact Medicare for more specifics to your case -

Be well

Answer: Hi, IRMAA is the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, an extra surcharge added to Part B and Part D premiums for high-income beneficiaries, determined by the Social Security Administration based on tax returns from two years prior.

You may want to refer to Medicare.gov for more information.

Answer: IRMAA is a surcharge applied to some Medicare members based on their income being above a determined threshold.

Answer: For more details - contact your plan.

Medicare does cover occupational therapy, both inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B).

There are deductibles to meet. Coinsurance depends if you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage or a Supplement. There are no caps.

Contact your plan for more specifics and also for where to go for care. Your agent may be of help for better understanding.

Be well.

Answer: Important - do not provide your Medicare number to anyone just by the asking. Be careful to not misplace your Medicare card.

Answer: A POA always makes an important difference on someone's life particularly because it involves decisions about healthcare.

To set up a POA, first identify someone you trust to be your agent. Find out the specific rules/laws in your stae of residence. Complete the oficial form from your state. Give copies to your POA, your doctor, your family, and be prepared to provide one to your insurance carrier.

Answer: Hi, to qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 :

1 - being in disability for at least 24 months

2 - being disgnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease

3 - being disgnosed with ALS

Be well.

Answer: Hi. It does not have to be hard

If you are working and you have healthcare coverage thru your employer and the coverage is as credible as Medicare, you can delay getting Part B. Same for for Part D (prescriptions).

How do you know if you have credible coverage ? You contact your current plan provider and ask for - Notice of Credible coverage.

Be well.

Answer: Hi. Yes there are changes. How much that will affect you depends on

1 - the prescriptions you fill at the pharmacy - which tiers

2 - do you get extra help

3 - which plan you have

4 - general changes ------ deductible goes up from $590 to $615

5 - also the cap on total out of pocket is $2,100 for 2026

6 - IMPORTANT- go to a preferred pharmacy & check if mail-order is cheaper (not always true).

Answer: Well, is 'regular' Medicare better than an Advantage plan? It depends on whether one has not choice for an Advantage plan that offers better benefits than having Original Medicare supplemented by a Medicare Supplement plan. Notice that most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription coverage. Orignal Medicare and Medicare Supplement do not include coverage for Rxs that are covered by Part D.

Answer: Well, in choosing a plan it is important you consider that:

1 - your PCP or a specialist you want to keep has a contract with the plan and/or accepts the terms of the plan

2 - and is in network, particularly if choosing a HMO plan

3 - and the PCP / provider is accepting new patients (if you are not yet a patient)

Insurance is a financial tool and cost should be an important factor.

And, of course there are providers better than others, professionally.

Be well, and stay informed.

Answer: Hi! My understanding is that you have Part A and you are delaying/deferring enrollment in Part B, due to coverage thru your wife's employer's coverage.

1 - Make sure the coverage you have thru your wife's insurance is creditable, meaning it meets Medicare standards - do you have Notice of Creditable Coverage from the current insurer? Human Resources at your wife's work can help you.

2 - If your coverage is creditable you do not have to worry with penalties for Part B or Part D (prescription coverage).

3 - Once the coverage ends, you have 8 months to enroll in Part B without penalty.

4 - Plan to enroll in Part B and find a plan before the month the coverage ends in order to avoid lapse in coverage.

5 - Notice that you can enroll in Part D with Part A and/or Part B - you do not need both to enroll in Part D.

If you have more questions, let me know. Be well and stay in the know.

Answer: The main reason is that Medicare can be complexe and an agent has the knowledge, training and latest information to help you find the plan that best fits your needs. And an agent is available to answer your questions and, in some instances, advocate for you.