Betty Dean, Medicare Insurance Broker
Betty Dean
Peace of Mind Money Management, LLC
Medicare Broker Licensed in GA, AZ, IA, ME, MI, NC, SC, TX and VA
6+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Griffin, GA
About Me
Hello! I'm Betty, your trusted Medicare agent in the area. My specialty is Medicare, and I'm passionate about helping you select the ideal plan that caters to your individual needs and budget. I'll efficiently sort through plans from reputable national and local companies, saving you time and effort. Best of all, my services are provided at no cost to you. Contact me to discuss your Medicare choices and don't forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Betty Dean
Why do some people regret choosing a Medicare Advantage plan over Original Medicare?
Answer: I'm not sure why anyone would choose to stay in Original Medicare only, but they may regret switching from a Medigap/Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan. Other times may be for Medicaid, VA benefits, or PACE. Understanding is key. If you are on a program, you need to be sure you are not losing something you need for treatment.
Original Medicare is only Part A and Part B. You would be required to purchase a Part D drug plan to avoid penalties. Original Medicare does not cover everything and "generally" only 80% of your medical costs. Med Advantage and Supplements can help address these shortfalls and save you a significant amount of money either way.
However, there are distinct differences between Advantage and Supplement Plans. A lot of regrets come from not understanding these tradeoffs at the beginning is what I hear the most.
You need to really understand how you manage your health care. I see the need for each of these depending on the individual. Cost is a big part of this decision, and be sure you understand the plan and how it works. Nobody likes surprises, especially with healthcare.
If you start with a Supplement plan and want to try the Medicare Advantage plan, you do have 12 months to "try it out". If you find that the plan does not work for you, you can switch back to the same plan (Supplement plan) you had before without medical underwriting. You can only do this ONE TIME, so be aware of this when deciding.
If you want to go back to Original Medicare, you do have opportunities to do so as well.
Is it better to get Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Medicare Part D is a prescription plan only. Medicare Advantage is a whole plan that can either have Part D in it or not. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Original Medicare, you need to have Part D to go with it. Part D plans are offered as standalone products. If you do not get Part D within a certain time period or have credible coverage, you will be assessed a penalty for every MONTH (after 60 days). This penalty does not go away unless you qualify for LIS (Low Income Subsidy).
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Medicare can get complicated really fast, and everyone's situation is unique to them. Working with an agent can ensure the recommendation is suited to your situation. An agent can also explain the trade-offs from one plan to another, or the consideration of one plan over another that you won't get without a lot of research done by yourself. You also develop a relationship with an agent and a resource to turn to if you have questions. You should also review your plan every year to be sure it still fits your needs. If there were a one plan fits all, there would be only one plan.
I'm on Medicare but recently declared bankruptcy due to medical bills. How will this affect my coverage and options going forward?
Answer: Bankruptcy would not affect your Medicare. They are two different systems. Medicare does not require any financial information and doesn't use credit in any way.