Bob Greco, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Medicare advantage is Medicare part C. It is an alternative to original Medicare. That is more cost-effective and gives you some additional benefits. Medicare advantage doesn’t work for everyone, but has become more popular over the years.

Answer: Why do people wait till the last minute to sign up for Medicare? That question I don’t have an answer. The sooner you get started on the Medicare process the better off you are. The process can begin three months before your birthday month. How can agents prevent bad decisions. By getting to know the individual and what their healthcare needs are. Not only their illnesses, but how they would like to receive their healthcare. This to me is one of the most important parts of the process.

Answer: I don’t think it’s concerning. Medicare as it was in the beginning is still available. Medicare Advantage gives people more options on how they can receive Medicare. A takeover would suggest you have no choice. This is clearly not the case.

Answer: Sometimes a Medicare advantage plan can be taken off the market. If this happens, the individual has a special enrollment to sign up for either Medicare supplemental or another Medicare advantage program. This does not mean the person loses their coverage. It means you will have to do something during the next annual enrollment. If you receive this letter, you should contact your agent immediately.

Answer: There are penalties for not signing up for Medicare when you are 65 four, part B and part D. However, there are many exemptions to these penalties. For example, still employer or have coverage, under spouses employer and many other exemptions. Best advice is to talk to someone who knows these exemptions to find out if you need to apply.

Answer: I have not seen a lot of people leaving Medicare Advantage. My experience has been people leaving supplemental plans to Medicare Advantage. The reason for this is usually cost.

Answer: Finding a dentist that is part of your network can be as simple as calling your Medicare insurance provider. Some Medicare Advantage companies provide basic dental. If you have a Medical issue that involves dental it can open more options for providers.

Answer: The information is published on Medicare.gov as well as other Medicare resources. The problem is that the information is not always easy to find. There are other special elections that are available in some circumstances. My suggestion would be to contact an agent like myself to see if you qualify.

Bob Greco

Answer: Medicare has a standard formulary of medication’s. You should know before you sign up for a part D plan if it covers your current medication’s. If you need another medication after you sign up, medicare standard formulary has medications in every category. Generally, it is not an issue.

Answer: If you suspect a Medicare billing error with original Medicare or Medicare advantage. You can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Answer: Medicare works with your retirement plan. Once you retire, Medicare will be the first payer and your government plan will be the second payer. Make sure you give the provider both your Medicare card and your insurance card.

Answer: Your options would depend on the type of program you have. Do you have an HMO or a PPO? If you have an HMO you’re limited to the network that is provided by the program. If you have a PPO, you can go outside the network as long as the provider agrees to except your coverage. You can always go back to your primary care physician for another recommendation. You may also have the option to go to another program if there is a special enrollment available for you.

Answer: I’m not sure what part you are referring too. I do know Medicare does a very good job of handling claims.

Answer: Medicare cost have gone up over time but they do make adjustments based on your income. No one can predict the future of Medicare but for now if used properly it is outstanding coverage.

Answer: If you go on dialysis or you are already on dialysis it does not affect your eligibility for Medicare. If you are already on Medicare and go on dialysis the way it is paid for may be affected but your coverage will stay constant.

Answer: This is not necessarily true. It depends on your unique situation. If you spend partial time at two different residences, it depends where those places are located. In this case, a Medicare supplement might be better. In some cases with advantage, you can have doctors in both places. When it comes to international travel there is limited coverage for emergencies worldwide with a Medicare supplement. With Medicare advantage you have worldwide emergency care.

Answer: A broker and an agent can do the same things. An agent may be able to offer many companies programs or one companies programs. A broker will generally offer many companies programs and give you the best plan that is available to you.