Brent Mowery, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Only if you think you might find a better value. You could keep what you currently have, if you desire. It is always a good idea to consult with a reputable broker

Answer: I can take time to explain your Insurance Options with the goal of saving premium dollars and providing quality insurance coverage.

Answer: In 2025, Part D changed with respect to the Annual Maximum "Out of Pocket" maximum. The "Donut Hole" is gone and the most you would pay "out of pocket" is $2000. Annually. Also, there could be a "Patient Assistance Program" available for you. Speak with a reputable, informed broker for your options

Answer: If you consult with a knowledgeable licensed agent, they can advise you regarding your coverage. The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement is when you are in "Open Enrollment" with Medicare. During this 7 month period, you will not have to Medically qualify or answer any health questions. After your "Open Enrollment" ends, you can change your coverage if you can medically qualify.

Answer: The simple answer is "no". If you or your spouse are citizens of the US and paid into the Medicare system for 40 quarters (10 years) you become eligible for original Medicare (Parts A & B) at age 65. If you are disabled, you can qualify for Medicare at an earlier age.

Answer: Listening, asking questions and repeating information for clarification is always a good practice; No different than in person meetings.

Answer: It depends on the type of coverage your parents have.

If they have "traditional Medicare" and a Supplement, they can go anywhere that accepts Medicare.

If they have a Medicare Advantage (Part C), it could be a "regional" plan. They definitely want to check with the out of state provider to make sure they accept their current plan.

Answer: You should listen to those that are knowledgeable regarding Medicare and the industry. Your family and friends have good intentions, but unless they are a licensed agent in the state where you live, they may give you "bad" advice.

Answer: I assume your neighbor is NOT a licensed agent...

There is no such thing as "free insurance". Although many Advantage Plans (Part C) do not have a monthly premium, national trends show that many "benefits" are being cut, and about 2 million people will lose their coverage in 2026.

This is a real problem if you are sick and on an Advantage Plan.

You are naive to believe that there is free health coverage, as costs are skyrocketing. I would love to speak with you. Contact me.. Thank you

Answer: Unless you live in a "Birthday Rule" state or are in a "Special Enrollment Period" you must answer health questions and medically qualify

Answer: When you relocate to a different state, more than likely, your premium will change. It is a good practice to speak with a knowledgeable broker in your area. They can advise you regarding your current coverage and offer suggestions on how to get a better value in your insurance purchases.

Answer: Do not answer any direct calls from Social Security, Medicare or anyone claiming to represent a government agency. Government agencies will communicate with you in written form, not unless you have specifically requested that your communication be verbal.

Also, keep your EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) from Medicare and match them to your statements from your providers. If you are billed from an "unknown" provider, call them to understand if their billing is warranted or fraudulent. If fraudulent, report them to Medicare.

Answer: Yes, it is ok to work with a younger advisor,as long as they are an educated broker and not a captive agent. An educated broker can focus on national trends and seek the best value for their clients. A captive agent can only focus on their one company's products, limiting the scope of their understanding and ability to serve their clients

Answer: Everything you need to know:

www.meficate.gov

Sign up for updates and notifications. Excellent resource!

Answer: Everyone situation is unique. Usually when young and raising a family, "term" insurance is used to replace the loss of income. As we age into Medicare, debt is typically less and children are adults not requiring our financial support. We do "estate planning" and life insurance is part of this. I would recommend a knowledgeable insurance broker that can counsel you based on your individual needs. Call me if you have any questions. Thank you!

Answer: Before your mom is swayed by her friends, she needs to speak to a reputable broker. Her friends are not licensed agents. Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare are two different ways to insure yourself. There are benefits and limitations. Because her friends say that Advantage is "better", here are a few questions to ask:

1. Why do you have any insurance coverage? What is the purpose?

2. Are any of your friends sick and using their insurance coverage?

3. Do any of your friends know what the annual "maximum out of Pocket" is?

"Managed Care" is different from Original Medicare. This is too important of a decision to not get accurate information.

Answer: You can check www.medicare.gov under Part D Plans. Look up your specific medication to see if it is under Medicare's formulary.

Answer: You can do that, but why not find a trustworthy agent and stick with them? This saves you time and grief.

Answer: If you have exceeded the Medicare "Open Enrollment" period, you would have to answer specific health questions to qualify for coverage.

I can update you regarding what those health questions are. Call me!

Answer: A Medicare Supplement can be changed whenever you are able to medically qualify for a new plan, not unless you live in a "Birthday Rule" state. A "Birthday Rule" state allows you to change plans without Medical Underwriting during your Birthday month or Anniversary date of your policy.

A Medicare Advantage Plan can be changed during "Open Enrollment" (October 15th - December 7th) not unless you are eligible for a Medicare"Special Enrollment" period.

Please contact me with any questions. Thanks!

Answer: That question is a "loaded" question. For many today, it is already unaffordable. This depends on your personal financial situation.

Answer: The approach is similar. I assume potential clients and current clients don't know anything. Education is critical and builds trust. Don't shortcut educating your clients; the more they know and understand, the better they feel about making decisions.

Answer: Any managed care system seems attractive when you are healthy, however, you have insurance for when you are NOT healthy. The 2025-26 trend is that Advantage plans are retracting nationwide and millions of Americans will be forced to consider other options. There are positive and .negative aspects of any plan. Consult with an educated, experienced broker to review all of your options. If I can assist you, I would love to offer my perspective. Thank you!0

Answer: Many entering into Medicare are not aware of deadlines and their insurance options. Consulting with an informed broker will assist you in this process.

Answer: Have you called an insurance company? There are multiple options available. Remember if you are able to speak with a licensed agent, they are "captive" with the company they represent. This means they can only offer products their company offers. It would be to your benefit to contact a licensed, seasoned broker who is able to "shop the market" for you. This saves you time, frustration and money.

Answer: Life Insurance is a basic component to estate planning. As of this date, you can pass money to your heirs "tax free". Their are many other factors such as:

1. Type of Plan

2. Suitability

3. Amount of Coverage

4. Permanent versus Temporary Coverage

5. Beneficiaries

6. In a Trust?

7. What will death proceeds provide?

Consult with an educated licensed broker to learn about your life insurance options I will be happy to answer your questions and offer my expertise to serve you.

Answer: I have been in the Insurance industry for 25 years. In 2006, when Part C & D were introduced, many consumers enrolled in Part C. Today, more than 50% of retirees on Medicare select Part C. To explain, Part C has grown over the past 19 years due to $0 premium plans, ancillary benefits and decreased medical underwriting requirements. The downside is managed care, high Maximum Out of Pocket (MOOP) costs, trends where ancillary benefits are being reduced and many Part C plans are leaving in 2026.

Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) have a higher premium and will increase in premium as you age. However, medical costs are more predictable and you are not subject to the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which runs from October 7 - December 15th of each year.

You need an educated insurance broker to guide you through your options as you make these important choices. Call me, I will be happy to assist you! Thanks!

Answer: The only reasons that a Medigap policy can be terminated is:

1. You made a "material misrepresentation" on the application for insurance. In other words, "You lied".

2. You stop paying the policy premium.

3. The insurance company goes out of business. Most states have funds allotted to protect consumers should this occur.

Answer: Medicare administrates Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans.

Part of this administration allows insurance providers to market to prospective clients. Many advertisements focus on positive aspects of a plan and minimize negative aspects of a plan. (It may be written in the "fine print" at the bottom of the ad)

However, until you know the "good, bad and ugly" of a prospective plan, you are not able to make an informed decision. You should have a "buyer beware" attitude if you contact any plan.

I believe you need to have a caring and informed broker that will take the necessary time to educate you on all of the plans that are available to you. I'm doing so, you can make an informed decision that is best for your current situation.

I would love to meet you and answer all of your questions. Thanks!

Answer: If you are not enrolled into Medicare yet and are "aging into" Medicare, you have a 7 month "Open Enrollment" period that begins 3 months prior to your birth month, your birth month and 3 months after your birth month. Open Enrollment means you are eligible to enroll into Medicare Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) and can enroll into Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Rx) with no medical qualifications. This would also include Medicare Supplement coverage.

Once beyond the Medicare Open Enrollment period, you would have to satisfy medical underwriting to qualify for medical coverage. The exception would be if you live in a "Birthday Rule" state where you are able to change your coverage without medical underwriting on your birthday month or policy anniversary date.

Consult with a knowledgeable, licensed agent to discuss your options.

Answer: The "Doughnut Hole" ended on December 1, 2024. As of January 1, 2025, the most you will spend out of pocket is $2000.00 annually. If you are having a difficult time paying for your prescriptions, I can offer the following advice:

1. Ask your prescribing doctor for samples.

2. See if a generic medicine is available for "name brand " medications.

3. If you are taking an expensive medication(s), ask the manufacturer if there are any "Patient Assistance Programs". There are income limits in order to qualify.

4. If you have a lower income, it is possible you may qualify for "Low Income Assistance" (Extra Help) through Medicare. It may be possible to qualify for Medicaid through your state.

If I can assist, please contact me. Thank you!

Answer: Good question! Medicare Part D (Rx) Plans put all medications on their offering of covered medications (formulary) into tiers or levels of consumer copays.

Typically, the lower the average retail pharmacy cost, the lower the tier or copay level. A generic medication will have a lower pharmacy cost versus a name brand medication with a higher retail cost.

When looking for a Part D (Rx) Plan, contact a licensed l, experienced broker that can assist you in your choices. I have 25 years of experience and would love to answer your questions. Thanks!

Answer: Great question! Here are a few reasons an agent may "push" MA plans over Medigap plans:

1. The agent you are communicating with is a "Captive" agent. This simply means that this agent is contractually bound to only offer products from from one insurance company. In my 25 years of experience, no captive agent is able to offer all the products necessary to give you an excellent value for each product. Brokers can represent any company they choose, thus, they are able to "shop the market" for their clients.

2. Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) will pay agents a higher commission compared to Medigap plans. If an agent is motivated by commission only, rather than their client's needs, they may "push" Advantage Plans over Medigap plans. It is your benefit to consult with a licensed broker to learn about all of your insurance options.

I would love to answer any questions about your insurance options. Thanks!

Answer: Based on current National trends in 2025-2026, Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) are reducing or ending many ancillary benefits such as Eyewear & Dental discounts, Gym memberships, cash offers, etc.

Answer: That question can only be answered by knowing the following:

1. Are you currently working and carry insurance?

2. What is your out-of-pocket cost for your insurance?

3. Are you collecting Social Security Benefits?

4. When do you plan to collect Social Security benefits?

5. Do you have Veteran's Administration (VA) Benefits?

6. If you have VA benefits, do you feel the care you recieve is adequate for your needs?

7. If on Medicare Parts A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical), what is you out-of-pocket costs to carry "Original Medicare"?

8. Do you understand the difference and costs associated with the 4 parts of Medicare?

Many times, the lowest cost options can put you at a higher financial risk. Talk to a knowledgeable Medicare insurance broker for professional advice.

Answer: If you have worked 40 quarters (10 years) I would accept Part A (Hospitalization). If your employer provides insurance and the cost is less than the cost of Medicare B, then continue with the employer insurance.

Answer: I would not recommend leaving Original Medicare and switching to Medicare Advantage to save on dental cleanings. Ancillary benefits such as dental discounts, hearing aid discounts, gym memberships, etc. will probably be reduced in 2026 and beyond, based on current trends. There are many ways to save on dental expenditures such as dental insurance or dental discount programs. Ask your dentist how you can save on these cleanings.

Answer: By taking time to compare costs, limitations and benefits with an experienced broker. Make an educated decision.

Answer: I recommend they sign up for an account on www Medicare gov. I also would recommend they have a conversation with an experienced Medicare broker to get their questions answered and discuss their options

Answer: You will receive varied advice on taking your Social Security benefits. It is a decision based on your needs and desires.

Life always costs more than you plan for and it is common to outlive your money. With modest inflation, you have to consider your living expenses will increase as you age

Your savings, investments and debt are all factors to consider. What are a few of your goals for your retirement years? Factor these things in your decision making.

Answer: If you have worked 40 quarters (10 years) then Part A (Hospital) insurance does not have a cost associated with it. Part B (Medical) does have a cost that is associated with your income. Those with higher incomes could pay more on their Part B premium.

Answer: It is necessary to know your options. Speaking with a knowledgeable broker is important to educate you regarding your choices, costs and deadlines.

Answer: A PPO offers in and out of network coverage. Whereas an HMO is more restrictive. You cannot go out of network on an HMO, or you will pay the entire cost.

Answer: Maybe. All MedicareAdvantage plans have copays, deductibles and MOOP. (Maximum Out of Pocket costs). It is a different way to insure yourself. Both Original Medicare and Advantage plans have put of Pocket costs. It is good to speak with a knowledgeable agent to compare what is covered under each plan.

Answer: Medicare offers 100 days of "skilled nursing" care annually. This includes "home health care". A Part C Plan would not duplicate any coverage offered through original Medicare.

Answer: You can research your medication online to see if there are cheaper options. Also, you could contact the manufacturer to see if they offer any "patient assistance" programs.

Answer: Depending on the amount of research needed, you might begin 60-90 days prior to AEP, which runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. You can select a plan to begin January 1st of the following year

Answer: Some people assume Medicare is free. They aren't aware there is a cost for Part B (Medical) based on your income.

Also, many are not aware of enrollment deadlines. If you miss a deadline, you could be penalized.

Answer: The plan you select must cover your current medications. If you are taking some expensive meds, the copay will be higher than a generic med. The lower the retail cost of your meds, usually the lower cost of your Part D plan.

Answer: 1. Traditional Dental Work

2. Eye Glasses

3. Hearing Aids

4. Long Term Care (Nursing Home)

5. Gym Memberships

6. GLP-1 Medications

Answer: You are still eligible for a 7 month "Open Enrollment" window with Medicare. Talk with a knowledgeable agent regarding your options.

Answer: That cannot be answered without knowing what you need. Completing a "needs analysis" with your agent helps determine what is "best" for you.

Answer: I would recommend that you contact your nearest social security office or Medicare. Advise them you have enrolled into Medicare A (Hospitalization) Tell them you are delaying enrollment into Part B (Medical) I also recommend contacting the benefits administrator at your husband's work to make sure your husband's plan is considered "credible coverage" by Medicare.

Answer: If you work with a Medicare agent, they are able to advise you as to your options. An agent that is "captive" can only represent one company and their products. A broker is free to represent any company and usually can "shop the market" for you.

Answer: It depends on the type of plan you have. Medicare Supplement is not subject to the Annual Election Period. (AEP) Medicare Advantage (Part C) is subject to AEP. (Not unless you qualify for a "Special Election Period"