Angela Schubkegel, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes it will cover ambulance rides when necessary. You may have to pay your premiums for your supplement plan and the deductibles as well. For advantage plans there will be a copay when you take an ambulance. If you don't have a supplement or an advantage plan then you would possibly have to pay 20% of that charge.

Answer: That is a great question! You will not face any penalties as long as you get another drug plan to go along with your supplement plan. During the annual enrollment, you can apply for a supplemental plan which will when approved and accepted will change you back to original medicare.

Answer: This is a requirement that is put in place by Medicare. Without the scope of appointment the agent could be disciplined or lose their license. The scope of appointment helps narrow down what the client wants to talk about and prevents agents from selling plans to people that are not interested in it. It gives agents proof to provide to Medicare.

Answer: Part d drug plans which can be standalone or included in Medicare Advantage plan, do cover blood thinners. All of the plans are required to cover the different types of medications. They have different formularies and so one type or brand of blood thinner may not be covered by another part d or Advantage plan. It is always good to research ahead prior to switching plans.

Answer: You are able to check your doctors networks on medicare.gov or by calling a Medicare broker help you find doctors that are in network. There is always a risk of them changing their contract with Medicare Advantage plans. You should look for plans that are large and have a consistent track record with your current medical system.

Answer: We are not considered tax advisors so I would need to refer you to a professional tax advisor for this answer.

Answer: I would suggest calling a seasoned broker and narrowing down your questions so the Medicare service representative has the most details needed to answer your question. Certain situations are very unique and can be difficult to find answers for.

Answer: I enjoy being a Medicare agent because of the flexible schedule and the ability to help others. I enjoyed meeting new people and helping them learn about all their options.

Answer: At this time and in certain locations there are options for Medicare Advantage plans that do offer zero premium and zero deductible in 2026. For those plans you will have co-pays for certain services. They also offer max out of pockets for the medical services covered by medicare.

Answer: It depends. If your employer has more than 20 employees and they are offering group help coverage, you don't need to apply for Medicare part A and B. Some people do however apply for Medicare part A because it's free and then you have extra coverage. If you have an employer that has less than 20 employees, then you would need to apply for both Medicare part A and B. The reason is that you need part D creditable coverage and group Health offers that.

Answer: Medicare agents, especially brokers, have access to multiple plans and may have a comparison guide or evidence of coverage they can share with you. It's streamlines the process and helps educate clients on their options. Everyone's situation is unique and what may be good for your neighbor may not be good for you.

Answer: Yes, supplement plans work alongside Medicare which has coverage with 93% of doctors in the United states. Advantage plans usually have nationwide networks where you can travel and find care outside of your location.