Brenda Trejos, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The first step is to find a reputable Agent/Broker that can help you b/c of their experience and at no cost to you. They should make this confusing Medicare maze easier to understand and walk you through the steps.

Secondly, you need to apply for Medicare Parts A&B immediately as it is recommended to do so at least 3 months before your 65th Bday start date. With only 1 month of time, I highly recommend signing up online through the www.SSA.gov website and look for "Apply for Medicare" to fill out the application. You can hopefully have your Medicare # online within 3-4 weeks and continue the process with your Agent's help to complete your coverage with supplemental coverages that fit your individual needs.

Answer: Approximately 70% of Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPD) do not have a monthly premium, but all MAPD's do have costs associated with them when they are used for most medical services. These are known mostly as copays and can be quite reasonable, especially when you use In-Network services. Many MAPD's also come with additional extra benefits that are attractive to many consumers. Benefits such as Dental, Hearing, Vision, Gym coverage, etc. Its important to understand the pros & cons for MAPD's, as well as Medicare Supplements. There is not a "one size fits all" Plan out there and talking to an experienced Agent/Broker is a wise option. Plan ahead before starting Medicare and learn as much as you can.

Answer: It's important b/c its much lower than it has been in the past, which will especially save money for folks taking expensive medications. Having this $2000 Max out of pocket will allow folks to budget and plan their Drug costs as well as take advantage of the monthly prescription payment plan if needed. Ask your trusted Agent/Broker for additional information.

Answer: Depending on your additional coverage (i.e. your Advantage Plan or Medigap) on top of having Medicare, you might have coverage during your international travels. It is important to ask your Agent/Broker for details or calling your Insurance Company Customer Service #.

There is also an option to purchase additional coverage know as Travel Insurance or International Medical Insurance that could be good additional options and to cover scenarios not covered by your Medicare Plans.

Answer: Unfortunately these scams are prevalent and getting worse! Its advisable to be very careful when a person or phone # calls you that you are not familiar with. Be cautious and NEVER give them any of your personal information. I recommend calling your Agent/Broker or calling the Insurance Company directly from the # that you have, not one they give you. Your Agent can help you and/or clarify information.

One BIG scam is commercials or calls offering more benefits than you qualify for because you are not receiving aid, but they do not care nor explain this.

Answer: There are so many benefits to working with an Agent/Broker...

Firstly, these individuals are licensed and certified individuals that help others as their livelihood. This is their business and they are part of your communities.

Secondly, independent Agents don't charge you to help you as they are compensated (commission-based) through the several Insurance Companies they represent and its at no additional cost to you. As Broker's they represent many Companies so you have have comparisons and YOU choose which Company is best for you. We work for you, not the Insurance Companies.

Additionally you have a direct person to work with and not just an 800#. Your Agent is available year around and usually available in person, over the phone or virtually.

Answer: I would suggest you meet with an experienced Medicare Agent/Broker to discuss the pros & cons of each Plan as well as go through the nuances that a change would cause. There are options to try out a Advantage Plan for the 1st time called a "trial right." This would allow you to experience having an Advantage Plan for up to 12 months and if you do not like it you can return to your original Supplement Plan. Again, talk to an experienced Agent/Broker that can guide you and talk through the details.

Answer: Nothing really... You can stay on your spouse's employer plan and delay enrolling in Part A until you want to transition to Medicare as your primary coverage. As long as your coverage with your spouse is "credible," meaning there are at least 20 employee's in the Group Plan you have nothing to worry about. That said, there is no problem applying for Part A at 65 because you will not have to pay a premium and that way you will already have a Medicare # in the system when you are ready to start Medicare with Part B. Talk to a licensed Agent that can help you understand this and prepare you with cost to you for their expertise.

Answer: Yes, most likely. There are certain rules to follow but if you work for an Employer with more than 20 employees (Not kidding... This is a CMS rule), then while you're at that Employer you have "credible coverage" through your work. This means you will not face any penalty when you start Medicare after you're 65+ years old. Now, you will have to have a form filled out by your Employer confirming that you've had coverage before you apply for Medicare. (Form CMS L564) You submit this signed form with your Application for Part B of Medicare.

In summary, when you end employment (voluntarily or not)after you're 65 and 3 months old, you can apply for Medicare through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and start the following month on the 1st of the month.

I recommend reaching our with any further questions to a Licensed Broker/Agent to guide you through the process.

Answer: Not necessarily. Coverage like Critical Illness is supplementary coverage, its not required. It would add value if you thought you could benefit from the policy in case you had a critical illness and then you would benefit from this policy. Its hard to know, but I would suggest it if you can afford it and think there is a possibility that you might use it.

Answer: "Hum... interesting question." I think that a challenging issue for me to overcome is when a client simplify doesn't care. They're not interested is understanding Medicare, the options that they have and how it works. They're pretty apathetic and probably frustrated with Medicare and/or Insurance as a whole. As understandable as this might be, its not helpful when meeting with an Agent. I do my very best to keep things as simple as possible and still give you all the information you need to make an educated decision about your Medicare coverages. This is a big and important decision and an Agent/Broker can help guide you through this process.