Bruce McClanahan, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: To find a Medicare agent licensed in both states who understands snowbird healthcare needs, use dedicated independent broker directories or national agencies that operate across multiple states. Examples are Medicare Agents Hub, and Medicare Broker Directory.

Answer: No, retirement of your primary care physician does not automatically trigger a special election period. It could, under rare exceptions.

Answer: When your Medical Savings Account plan funds run out, you keep your Medicare coverage, but you must pay for your Medicare-covered healthcare expenses out of pocket until you reach the plan's annual deductible. The plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.

Answer: Yes, Medicare will cover the rehab visits as long as the cardiac event happened in the past 12 months. It will normally cover up to 36 visits.

Answer: His start date is September 1, since he is already getting Part B through SSDI. February 28, 2027 is the end date.

Answer: Yes, Medicare may cover your CGM even if you are not on insulin. You must have a documented history of problematic hypoglycemia.

Answer: You and your employer (or spouse's employer) share responsibility for filling it out. When completed, it needs to be sent to the Social Security Administration.

Answer: You can ask the Social Security Administration to update your Medicare IRMAA surcharge by submitting your amended tax return and proof from the IRS, because Medicare does not automatically adjust your premiums when you file an amended return. You have 3 years in which to do so from the close of the tax year.

Answer: Your Medicare Advantage plan is Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL) program, administered through Aetna. You must remain enrolled in Part A and B, and continue to pay your Part B premium.

Answer: You are not required to buy long-term care insurance, although as a general rule Medicare does pay for it, except in very limited circumstances, for very short periods of time. You should consider it, taking into account your personal health and financial situations.

Answer: I would suggest a main reason would be experience and knowledge. For example, I personally just aged in, or became eligible for, Medicare due to turning 65 this summer myself.

Besides having over 30 years as a licensed agent, I had to make all of the decisions regarding Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, what company, and what actual plan using the benefits and cost analysis for my personal situation.

It gave me a different perspective than I had before, having just faced the deadlines and such.