Brian Kulis, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: An agent like me that has experience helping people navigate the world of Medicare plans and make sense of the alphabet letters.

Answer: Probably only in very limited instances if ship is in United States waters or a certain distance from shore. Some Medicare Advantage plans and Supplements cover Worldwide Urgent Care and Emergency room services, but those would more than likely be on land.

I would consult the cruise company or look into travel insurance to make sure you are covered on board.

Answer: Medicare Part A will typically pay about 80% of your hospital costs. You will pay a deductible that is updated every year. A Medicare Supplement may be a good option to help pay expenses not covered by just Part A alone.

Answer: That's because it's not your field of expertise. I am sure that I would not be proficient in your field of business! Navigating Medicare can be confusing. Find out with your current employee if you need Part B to coordinate with your employee coverage. If you do not need Part B, you can wait until you retire and or lose group coverage. Then you will have a guarantee issue period to enroll in a Medicare Plan. Supplement, Advantage or prescription plan etc...

Answer: Some of The Advantage plans have a food benefit. Some of them give you a monthly or quarterly allowance. People that are Dual eligible with Medicare and Medicaid will typically receive a larger monthly allowance for food and or Over the Counter items.

Answer: Some will give discounts for various things, others will allow you to earn money back on your card. Some parts of the Country have free pest control and other regional benefits. The Dental and Vision and food benefits come in handy too!

Answer: They will destress the situation for you. It is so confusing with all of the mailings, phone calls and TV ads. A local agent knows the plans and can really help you choose the best plan for you!

Answer: Meeting so many interesting people. I have as my clients, a former baseball scout, A Mission Control Commander that worked on The Apollo space launch and a Director of The Superman movie with Christopher Reeves.

Answer: The best thing to do is to put all of the mail into a recycle receptacle. The next step is to call a local agent that can navigate you thru the plans!

Answer: You may be able to make arrangements with your plan or may be able to change plans. Check with a local agent to find out the best solutions.

Answer: Very easy. Go to the particular plan's website, call a customer service number or talk to a local agent that knows the market and keeps up with the networks.

Answer: Yes, you may be. There are so many factors involved. It would be best to talk to a local agent to make sure that you are not penalized.

Answer: No, they have vastly improved recently. The customer service reps that I have dealt with have been mostly pleasant and helpful.

Answer: You may go to any provider that accepts Medicare assignment. There are some drawbacks to Original Medicare. Ask a local agent for guidance.

Answer: If you have had credible coverage from an employer, you will have a guaranteed issue period to enroll in a Medicare plan. A local agent can help you choose a plan.

Answer: Go to the plans website or call the customer service number on the back of your card. As a local agent, this is part of what I do for my customers.

Answer: By not choosing a Medicare Supplement when they are first eligible during their "guaranteed issue" period. Later down the road, a customer may not qualify for a Medicare Supplement due to health issues.

Answer: Many of the big benefits advertised are for people with Medicare and Medicaid "Dual eligibles". Consult a local agent that knows the market and help you navigate thru this.

Answer: For the most part, you will need to make sure that your Medicare Part A and B will be active on the 1st of the month that you turn 65. There are exceptions if you are keeping group coverage etc. You will have a guaranteed issue period to enroll into a Medicare Supplement, Advantage or prescription drug plan. A local agent can be of a great benefit to help you with the process.

Answer: That everyone over 65 is eligible for Medicare. There are many situations where people turning 65 may not have worked enough quarters or still have group insurance etc.

Answer: The Medicare Scope of Appointment is a mandatory form that beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries must sign before meeting with an insurance agent to discuss Medicare Advantage or Prescription plan options. It must be signed 48 hours prior to an appointment.

Answer: Helping people find solutions to their Medicare Plan needs. I enjoy helping people. I am very blessed to have worked in the Medicare Plan field for 16 years.