Brian Krantz, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive services, and some medical equipment. But it only covers 80% — no cap on out-of-pocket costs — so no, it’s not enough on its own. You’ll need a Supplement or Advantage plan to fill the gaps.

Answer: That Medicare Advantage plans are always the best option. A lot of agents push them because they’re paid more to sell them — but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for everyone.

Answer: They can save you money short term — and long term if you stay healthy. But it’s a gamble. If you get sick, out-of-pocket costs and network limits can add up fast.

Answer: Technology might make comparing plans and enrolling easier, but at the end of the day, Medicare is a service business. People still need a human to guide them — especially when their health and finances are on the line.

Answer: Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts. It only covers eye care related to medical issues like glaucoma or cataracts. So yes, many seniors end up paying out of pocket for vision care unless they have extra coverage.

Answer: Technically yes, but it depends on your state’s rules. In most states, you can apply anytime — but you may have to answer health questions and could be denied. Some states have more flexible rules, so it’s worth checking.

Answer: In rural areas, there are usually fewer Medicare Advantage plans, and the networks can be really limited. That means fewer doctors and hospitals to choose from — so it’s important to check what’s available before you move.

Answer: Possibly. Medicare premiums can sometimes be deducted as a medical expense if you itemize — but it depends on your overall situation. Best to run it by a CPA to see what applies to you.

Answer: Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the U.S., but there are a few exceptions — like if you’re in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer, or you’re traveling between Alaska and another state through Canada. Otherwise, you’ll need separate travel coverage.

Answer: It depends on your state. In most states, you’ll have to answer health questions to switch to a Medigap plan — AEP doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Always check your state’s rules first.

Answer: A lot of people just listen to friends or colleagues instead of getting advice based on their situation. What worked for someone else might not work for them — and they often learn that the hard way.

Answer: Freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals. That kind of flexibility is easy to take for granted until you really need it.

Answer: Yes — in most states, you’ll have to answer health questions unless you’re in a special guaranteed issue window. It depends on your state’s rules.

Answer: No, Part A by itself isn’t enough. It has deductibles and coverage limits. You still need Part B and either a Supplement or Advantage plan to make sure you’re fully protected.

Answer: Usually Plan G or High Deductible G — they offer great coverage and predictable costs. But it really depends on your state and how pricing works there, so it's not one-size-fits-all.

Answer: It’ll save seniors money — plain and simple. Once you hit $2,000 out-of-pocket, you won’t pay anything more for your prescriptions that year. It brings real relief for anyone on costly meds.

Answer: Sit with them, listen to their concerns, and don’t assume what’s best without understanding their needs. Bring in a Medicare expert to explain the options clearly — it takes the pressure off you and helps them feel confident they’re making the right choice.

Answer: It depends on the size of the employer. If there are 20 or more employees, they can usually delay Part B without a penalty. But it's always smart to double-check the details.

Answer: Because they either think they don’t need it or they miss the deadlines. If you don’t sign up when you’re supposed to, you can get stuck with a penalty that lasts for life.

Answer: PPOs let you see out-of-network doctors, but at a higher cost. HMOs usually don’t. Either way, it’s important to make sure your doctors are in-network — that’s where the real savings are.

Answer: Maybe. It depends if you’re still working and your employer has 20 or more employees. If not, you could face late penalties — so it’s important to review your situation before delaying.

Answer: Yes — you’ll need to enroll to avoid late penalties. The timing matters, so let’s talk ahead of your retirement to make sure everything’s set up right.

Answer: It’s a game changer for people on expensive medications. Instead of spending thousands every year, you’ll now have a hard cap at $2,000 — which brings real relief and predictability.

Answer: It could be great in theory, but there’s a risk. If younger people with health issues join the Medicare Supplement pool, it could drive up premiums for everyone. It all depends on how it’s structured and who’s allowed in.

Answer: The ones that advertise free dental, OTC cards, and tons of extra benefits — but don’t mention those are usually for people on Medicaid. Most folks don’t qualify for those extras, so it’s very misleading. I always explain what you actually qualify for, not what’s in the fine print.

Answer: Medicare doesn’t cover most long-term care, like assisted living or help with daily activities. It only covers short-term rehab after a hospital stay. If you're thinking ahead, it's smart to look into long-term care insurance or talk with a financial planner.

Answer: If you’re under 65 and on Social Security Disability, you’ll automatically get Medicare after 24 months. Same Parts A and B — just earlier because of your disability.

Answer: Networks. You're limited to doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, which can be a problem if you travel or need care out of state. Also, in states with medical underwriting, if your health changes later, you might not be able to switch to a Supplement plan down the line.

Answer: I start by explaining Medicare Parts A and B — what they cover and what they don’t. Then I walk them through their two main options: either add a Supplement and Part D, or go with a Medicare Advantage plan. I also make sure they understand how state rules can impact their choices. Every situation is different, so I keep it clear and personal.

Answer: The biggest mistake I see seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is listening to friends or going directly to the insurance companies. Everyone’s situation is different — what worked for your neighbor or coworker might not be right for you. Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and making decisions without personalized guidance can lead to unexpected costs or gaps in coverage.