Areasha Lockhart, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The thing I like about being a Medicare agent is that I can help people understand the world of Medicare. I get to educate them, help them through the process and to continue to be there when they have questions or billing issues. I love the fact that after my clients have talked to me and I have them on the right path for them, you can physically see them relax. My mission is to help my clients understand all things Medicare, so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare and be happy knowing they are in good hands.

Answer: A common Medicare Myth that agents still believe is that Medicare Advantage plans are not good. Some agents only like to sell Medicare supplements. I believe that in order to help a Medicare recipient, you need to be able to provide them with all the options so they can make their own informed healthcare decisions. It is not up to the agent to make those decisions for the client; it is up to the client.

Answer: Every situation is different and, in some cases, yes, your Medicare part B can pay its part (20 % and a Deductible) for a glucose monitor. If you have Medicare or a gap policy, being an advantage plan, standalone RX plan or a Medicare Supplement plan. We would have to look at those factors and the carrier to see if it will fully cover or if you have a deductible or copayment.

Answer: One big step you can take to avoid Medicare Fraud is to NOT answer the 800 numbers or call any 800 number. If you have a Medicare agent you trust, contact them to ask your questions. You can get scammed pretty easy by calling 800 numbers that can ultimately change your plan without you knowing. This can cause a disruption in your care and cause other delays for your care as well. Find a trusted Medicare Agent to ask your questions. I always tell my clients if they receive mail with 800 numbers that say: "Call today to see if you qualify" or "you can get $2,000 back on your social security check", to bring them into my office and I can make sure they are legit or a scam. I also encourage clients to have their family involved in their care, most of the time the family member can help the understand things. In my office, there is no dumb questions!

Answer: I will say the biggest way you can support your parents in the Medicare process is by going to their Medicare appointments with them and to understand the process alongside them. I encourage family members to attend with my client so they can be a support role and help them make the right decision for their healthcare. I am willing to go above and beyond for my clients to make sure they have the right tools to make the right decisions.

Answer: In some situations, yes. If you are new to Medicare, meaning you are turning 65 or retiring from your employer coverage, you have a Special election period where you do not have to answer any health questions. However, if you chose an advantage plan when you retired or when you first became eligible for Medicare, then yes, you will have to answer all health questions.

Answer: The main benefit to Medicare Part D is to have a cost share for your Prescription Drugs. This help with lowering your cost for Prescriptions with a max out of pocket and a copayment.

Answer: This is going to depend on the Part D plan you choose. With my clients, i have them bring their Medications to their appointments so I can look their meds up to make sure they are covered with the plan they will choose. Each carrier has their own list of medications covered on their formulary. Stand-alone Prescription plans and Medicare advantage plans are all different in what they cover and consider for the coverage gap. My recommendation is to have your agent run your medications and they will be able to give you the exact answer to this question.

Answer: For 2025 there is no donut hole. What there is, is a max out of pocket of $2,000 for the year. A couple of things I suggest is to reach out to your current prescription drug carrier and ask them to put you on a payment plan. That way you will have the same amount of payment for the prescriptions. Another option is to ask your Broker to help you apply for LIS, or any patient assist programs that may be available for a certain prescription.

Answer: Working with a Medicare Agent is beneficial because they know how to navigate the Medicare maze. Every year Agents are continually educated on every Carrier that they represent in their area. Agents are able to answer your questions, and we make sure you are in the right plan for you and your health.

Answer: On a Medicare plan F you will not have any co-pay for ER visits. When you visit the ER, you present your Medicare card (Red, White & Blue card), your plan F card to admissions upon arrival. Medicare will be billed first and pay their part, then your plan F will pay their part. If you do happen to receive a bill from that visit, it is usually because the facility does not have your current card on file. It is a simple fix, just call the facility and give them your Member ID to have them re-bill.