Beverly Felchlin, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: A good way to find a trustworthy Medicare agent is to look for someone who is licensed, experienced and willing to explain your options without pressuring you into a particular plan.

Make sure to choose an agent who is a "broker" which represents many plans in your area as well as doing a needs analysis to review your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacy and healthcare needs before recommending a plan; on top of that, providing ongoing service after enrollment to answer any questions or problems.

Answer: * Yes, you’ll usually be enrolled in Medicare automatically if you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits or Social Security retirement benefits before becoming eligible for Medicare.

* Yes, you can have both Medicare and Medicaid. This is commonly called being “dual eligible.” Medicare becomes your primary insurance, and Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and services Medicare doesn’t cover.

* You may qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program. QMB is a Medicare Savings Program for people with limited income and resources. If you qualify, Medicaid in some cases you’re already considered QMB yet there are many levels of the savings program based on your eligibility.

* The many notices you’re receiving are common. As you approach Medicare eligibility,

Answer: One of the Most misconceptions is that "Medicare covers all my healthcare costs"

In reality Medicare provides excellent coverage, but it does not pay 100% of medical expenses, yet is a great foundation for your healthcare; there are gaps like coinsurance, deductibles. Important to understand the gaps and decide whether a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan is the right fit for your situation.

Answer: In most cases, No

Original Medicare Part A and B does not cover stair lifts because Medicare considers them a home modification vs a durable medical equipment (DME).

Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some private plans offer limited allowances or partial help for home safety improvements, though it depends completely on your specific provider.

Answer: Yes, generally under part B of Medicare

After the annual Part B deductible (if applicable), Original Medicare typically pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, and the beneficiary is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance unless they have supplemental coverage, such as a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, which may pay all or part of that remaining cost depending on the plan.

Part C Medicare advantage also covers this yet is much different and requires further explanation.

Answer: Usually the “extras” that get the most attention in TV commercials.

In my experience, seniors should be cautious about:

* Flex cards and grocery benefits, which are often only available to people who meet specific income eligibility requirements

* Part B givebacks, because a larger giveback may come with higher copays, a narrower provider network, or other trade-offs.

* Dental, vision, and hearing benefits

* Gym memberships and OTC

Answer: Your MRI is likely covered by your plan and supplemental insurance provided it is medically necessary and ordered by a Medicare accepting doctor. You will be responsible for part B deductible. You may also pay a co-pay if it took place in an office visit and if your doctor charges 15% above the Medicare approved amount, you may be responsible for those excess charges.

Answer: You can usually wait to sign up for Medicare without penalties if you have active health insurance from your employer with 20 or more employees or your spouses employer once the job based coverage ends, you will qualify for a special enrollment. To enroll penalty free. However, whether you should wait depends on specific details about your current employer and your insurance set up.

Answer: Medicare supplement plans are highly worth it if you can afford the premiums and want to avoid surprise out-of-pocket cost, need total freedom to choose your doctors and dislike dealing with network restrictions or pre-authorizations.

Answer: Throughout the US, about 46% of doctors who are contracted with Medicare, accept some Medicare advantage plans; unlike original Medicare, which is accepted by over 90% of physicians. The best way to find out if all your doctors take a specific plan is based on a one-on-one consultation with an independent insurance agent who can help verify and go over your concerns.

Answer: If you work for an employer that have fewer than 20 employees, your employer can require you to enroll in Medicare parts A&B in which case Medicare becomes primary and your employers plan becomes secondary

Answer: Working with an independent Medicare agent gives you access to multiple insurance carriers, providing unbiased advice to find a plan that fits your specific doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Focusing on your needs rather than pushing a single carriers agenda.

Answer: Yes, typically Medicare covers pulmonary rehabilitation under Part B for eligible patients, which may need a referral and a physician to prescribe for the service to be available as well as limits to the maximum sessions and program requirements.