Bob Thompson, Medicare Insurance Agent
Bob Thompson
Iowa Medicare Insurance Plans
Medicare Agent Licensed in IA
9+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Serving
Altoona, IA
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Phone
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Bob Can Help With:
About Me
My name is Bob Thompson, a Medicare insurance agent located in Ankeny, Iowa and dedicated to serving the Central Iowa area.
My office is in Ankeny, IA and most of my clients are in these counties: Polk, Story, Dallas, Madison, Marshall, Warren and Jasper counties.
Medicare is my specialty and I am dedicated to helping you find the best plan that fits your specific needs and budget. I am consultive (not pushy) to help guide a person to the best Medicare insurance plan for their situation.
When it comes to Medicare-related plans, one size does not fit all. I’m here to help you find the right plan whether we meet in person, online, or over the phone.
Many find the Medicare system can be difficult to navigate. There are constant changes, as well. Some considerations are several types of Medicare Advantage plans, Zero Premium Medicare Advantage plans, HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Advantage plans with added benefits for individuals with chronic health conditions (like diabetes and cardiac conditions), Medicare Advantage plans for Dual eligible (For Medicare & Medicaid eligible individuals), Medicare Advantage plans for Veterans, Prescription Drug plans, Medicare Supplement plans are a few.
Before AND after you become a client, I am a quick responding Medicare Insurance Agent and will answer your questions about medical needs related to your plan. I am always available for my clients to call me with questions regarding their medicare insurance plan and plan benefits.
Contact me to discuss your Medicare choices and don't forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Bob Thompson
If I have been on disabilty due to an accident, do I qualify for Medicare Insurance?
Answer: ✔️ You may qualify for Medicare — but only in specific disability situations
Medicare isn’t tied to “being on disability” in general.
It depends which type of disability benefits you’re receiving and for how long.
1️⃣ If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
Yes — you generally qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI benefits.
The 24-month waiting period starts the first month you receive SSDI.
After month 24, you automatically get Medicare Part A and Part B unless you decline Part B.
2️⃣ If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI does NOT qualify you for Medicare.
People on SSI usually qualify for Medicaid, not Medicare.
3️⃣ If your disability was from an accident:
The cause of the disability doesn’t matter — what matters is whether Social Security approved you for SSDI.
If your injury prevents substantial work and SSA awarded SSDI, the same 24-month rule applies.
4️⃣ Exceptions — No waiting period or shorter wait:
You get Medicare immediately (no 24-month wait) if you have:
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) needing dialysis or transplant
✔️ Quick test to know if YOU qualify
Ask yourself:
Am I receiving SSDI?
If yes → Medicare starts after 24 months.
Am I receiving SSI only?
If yes → Medicare does not apply; look at Medicaid instead.
How long have I been on SSDI?
If ≥ 24 months → You should already be eligible for Medicare.
What are some ways to save on prescription drug costs?
Answer: 1. Ask for a generic version
2. Compare pharmacy prices
3. Use discount coupons
4. Use mail‑order or bulk‑fill options
5. Check for manufacturer assistance or patient programs
6. Ask your doctor about alternative options or combos
7. Choose a preferred or in‑network pharmacy
8. Review your health insurance plan (or Medicare/Medicaid if applicable) annually
Especially for people on Medicare Part D, switching to a plan that covers your drugs better (or has lower cost‑sharing) can save you money.
Even with employer‑sponsored insurance, check the pharmacy benefit each year.
If I’m in a Medicare Advantage plan, will I still need prior authorization for procedures next year?
Answer: Yes, if you're in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may still need prior authorization (PA) for certain procedures, tests, or treatments next year. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and they often have specific rules and requirements for covered services, which may include prior authorization.
The need for prior authorization depends on the specific plan and the type of service you're seeking. For example, some plans might require prior authorization for elective surgeries, expensive diagnostic tests, certain medications, or specialty care. The requirements and the process for getting approval may vary from one insurer to another and from one type of care to another.
To know exactly what will require prior authorization next year:
Review your plan’s formulary or benefits guide: This should be updated for the new year, and it will list which services require prior authorization.
Talk to your insurer: If you’re uncertain about any upcoming procedures or treatments, it’s always a good idea to contact your Medicare Advantage plan’s customer service to confirm.
Discuss with your doctor: Your healthcare provider can often help navigate the prior authorization process, as they will be familiar with which services tend to require it and can submit the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
It’s good to plan ahead because prior authorization can sometimes take time to process, and delays could impact when you can get a procedure or treatment.
Is telehealth still covered under Medicare in 2026?
Answer: As of my last update in 2023, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans had expanded coverage for telehealth services, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made temporary changes to allow for greater access to telehealth, and these changes were extended in some form into 2023. However, the specifics of telehealth coverage beyond 2023, especially into 2026, would depend on evolving policies and regulations.
Here's what we know about the coverage trends:
Medicare (Original Medicare):
As of 2023, Medicare covered a broad range of telehealth services, including virtual visits with doctors, mental health counseling, and preventive health services, with some restrictions depending on the type of service and the patient's location.
Beneficiaries could receive telehealth services without being limited to rural areas, as had been the case before the pandemic.
The continuation of these policies into 2026 would likely depend on federal legislative actions, but the trend has been to keep and even expand telehealth access.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans:
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, and these plans were more flexible with telehealth benefits during and after the pandemic. In many cases, they expanded telehealth coverage to include virtual care for a broader array of health issues.
Medicare Advantage plans generally have more flexibility than Original Medicare, so the specific telehealth benefits could vary from plan to plan. As with Original Medicare, the continuation of telehealth benefits in Advantage plans would likely depend on plan design and any future legislative or regulatory changes.
Possible Changes by 2026:
Given that telehealth has become a popular and widely used service, there is a good chance that the coverage for these services will be at least somewhat permanent. However, the specifics (which services are covered, where they are available, and how they are reimbursed)
My Medicare Advantage plan denied coverage for a specialist I need to see. What are my options now?
Answer: I'm sorry to hear that your Medicare Advantage plan denied coverage for a specialist you need to see. It's definitely frustrating when that happens, especially when you're relying on that care. There are a few steps you can take to address the denial and explore your options:
1. Review the Denial Notice
Carefully read the letter or explanation of benefits (EOB) from your plan. It should outline why the coverage was denied. Common reasons include:
The specialist is not within the plan's network.
The care is considered not medically necessary.
The referral process wasn’t followed (if required).
2. Contact Your Medicare Advantage Plan
Call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask for clarification on why the denial occurred. Sometimes issues can be resolved simply by providing additional information.
If the denial was due to the specialist being out of network, ask about the possibility of getting an exception (called a "network gap" exception). Some plans will make exceptions in certain circumstances.
3. Appeal the Denial
Medicare Advantage plans have an appeals process that allows you to contest a denial. The process typically involves:
Requesting an appeal: You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. The letter will explain the process and timelines.
Filing a formal appeal: If you don't agree with the initial decision, you can appeal. It may require your doctor to provide additional medical records or statements explaining why the care is necessary.
Escalating the appeal: If the plan's internal appeal process doesn't work, you can escalate it to an independent review entity (IRE). This is a third party that will make a final decision on your case.
4. Talk to Your Doctor
If your doctor believes seeing the specialist is necessary, they may be able to provide more detailed documentation to help support your appeal. Sometimes, having a letter of medical necessity or a referral letter can strengthen your case.
Does Medicare cover the cost of blood thinners?
Answer: Yes Medicare Part D covers blood thinners. The copay cost is determined by the drug's tier level under your specific Prescription Drug plan from your insurance provider.. The lower the tier, the lower the cost. Oral medications that you can take yourself fall under a Part D stand a lone plan or by a Medicare Advantage plan. If you receive them as part of a hospital stay they fall under Part A. If a doctor has to administer it in an outpatient setting, then it will be covered by your Part B.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Co payments can be a surprise. A supplement plan you pay the same each month. Medicare Advantage, you may have no medical co pay for a year or two and then hospitalized and have a $400 to $2000 co pay. It’s okay if you have prepared for this situation and unsettling if you have not.
What's the process for signing up for Medicare if I'm already on disability benefits?
Answer: Contact Medicare by telephone and they will walk you through the process. You may also make an appointment for an in-person session.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: The individual thought they had applied for Part B in a timely manner, when actually they had not. I guided them through the process of getting that corrected so they would not have a preiod of not being insured.
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: I enjoy helping folks wade through the Medicare and Medicare Insurance process. It gives me pleasure to lift a burden off, by having the answers.