Carol Thompson, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes - if a insurance carrier has a 5 star plan -then it’s a SEP and gives you the opportunity to switch plans outside of the AEP & OEP.

Answer: Guaranteed Issue (GI) rights for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are protections allowing you to purchase a policy outside of open enrollment without medical underwriting. Insurers must sell you a policy, cannot deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and cannot charge higher premiums due to health problems. This applies primarily during the initial Medicare enrollment (at 65+) or upon losing qualifying, non-voluntary coverage.

Initial Enrollment (Age 65+): You are 65 or older and have enrolled in Medicare Part B. Loss of Employer Group Coverage:

Your employer or union group coverage ends or stops providing coverage.

Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan Termination: Your MA plan stops operating or loses its certification.

You move outside the plan's service area.

OR Trial Periods (First Time Switchers): You joined a Medicare Advantage plan upon first becoming eligible for Medicare and switched back within 12 months (Trial Period 1). You dropped a Medigap policy to join an MA plan for the first time and want to return to Medigap within 12 months (Trial Period 2). Loss of Medigap Coverage: Your Medigap insurer goes bankrupt or fails to meet legal requirements.

Answer: PPO’s usually do not require a referral from your primary dr. I would Advise you to contact your plans members services to check their rules on referrals to see a specialist.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans vary by coverage /service areas. I advise you to consult with a medicare agent/broker to be sure you are on the best plan available for your needs.

Answer: Medicare covers some cancer related testing called preventative services.

Medicare Part B covers genetic testing if it is deemed medically necessary to diagnose or treat a current condition, such as cancer or inherited disorders.

Answer: Depending on what type of medicare plan you are on you may have a co-Insurance/ co-pay to pay towards the monitor.

The heart monitor is considered a DME- Durable Medical Equipment and you may have to pay a portion of the cost- like 20%, depending on your type of plan.

Answer: Life insurance does not affect your premiums for Medicare.

If you have preexisting conditions and want to be put on a medicare supplement plan then they may factor in your health conditions and could be denied a plan. Medicare Advantage plans do not look at preexisting conditions.

Answer: There is no penalty that I am aware of if you switch back to original but you may have to pay $260ish to meet a initial deductible.

Answer: That will depend on what type of medicare plan or care create you have or will have. Medicare advantage plans do not look at preexisting conditions.

Answer: To not change plans annually and instead maybe do 2-3 years. The annual changes occur too quickly and just when beneficiaries grasp an understanding the plan changes or can change.

Answer: I recommend you to contact Medicare -1-800-medicare to see what is required and if you will penalized.

Answer: No original medicare does not require referrals from a pcp, you can see any longer that accepts original medicare.

Answer: You can enroll in a stand alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or a medicare advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan. A medicare agent can help you or call into a carrier that services your area. They can provide you with a cost of each medication you take.

Answer: More than likely yes but the best thing to do is to contact 1-800-Medicare to ask. They should be able to give you the most precise information. If you are not insured while abroad - some medicare plans offer coverage while abroad. That would be another question to ask- what is the length of time that you will have coverage while abroad.

Answer: This is a very vague question- evaluating each person’s ailments and conditions is a factor to consider when determining which type of plan works best for an individual.

Answer: If preventative tests are available and you take advantage of those then there will be less treatments or ailments can be diagnosed early on.

Answer: Not that I’m aware of - Medicare Advantages plans offer over the counter (OTC) and offers some supplements.

Answer: Do you mean Part B? once you’ve reached turn 65 and if you still have coverage through your spouse’s insurance than you should Opt out of Part B. Most people are entitled to Part A for the years they paid into taxes or the spouse paid into taxes while working. Medicare.gov can explain.

Answer:

True- Currently in 26’ it is $2100 for the cost of prescription drugs cost. Once you’ve reached that amount you no longer pay anything for the remainder of the year.

Answer: If available in your coverage area- consider a core plan that offers you a Part B reduction or aka giveback.

Answer: Depends on the cost of the employer plan versus an independent plan. Consult with an agent/broker to determine what best suits your needs and a peace of mind.

Answer: Consult with an agent/broker to see what independent plans are available in your coverage area to compare costs.

Answer: Ask your Dr for generics, reach out to the manufacturer or makers of the drug and consider using clever Rx, Good Rx- prescription drug savings programs.

Answer: If the annual wellness is part of the preventative care then yes it is usually covered. Most plans provide you will a list of the preventative care tests.

Answer: I am not aware of any medicare plans covering dental implants. Not original medicare as there is no Part C coverage. Medigap or Med Supp doesn’t offer Part C and to my knowledge medicare advantage plans in the states that I’m licensed do not.

Answer: Depends on your plan coverage and whether there were changes to your benefits to you advantage or disadvantage.

Answer: Consult with your agent or call member services - the number should be on the back of you member card.

Answer: If you are in international waters - you will need to consult with your member’s services of your plan.

Answer: That depends on your plan coverage- consult with your member’s services to of your plan to determine your coverage in the procedure.

Answer: More cost effective when you choose medicare advantage plans and depending on your service area - the plans may offer give backs or aka- part B reductions. Often times Medigaps plans will increase as you age.

Answer: Finding out if you will still have coverage as he’s passed on. Also- it’s considered a change of life /life change and you may be eligible for additional help.

Answer: One of the signs is when his/her premiums began to become too high to afford. If you have an agent that stays in contact with you she/he inform you changes to your plan yearly. It’s advisable to check your options yearly as plan may change and you should receive notifications from your carrier.

Answer: You can request the Medicare Agent’s license and national producer #’s. I have my license in card form to present to potential clients.

You can go to the DOI website to verify that the license is legitimate and up to date.

Answer: That will depend on your health conditions as well as the cost of your medications, the service area and state you live in. This is very vague question.

I have had a few clients that could no longer afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement plans as they got older; the rates can increase as you age like car insurance. So I have moved them to Medicare Advantage plans.

Answer: If the agent is a captive agent or works under a specific Agency/FMO who is contracted by only specific insurance carriers then yes.

I would Strongly recommend you to inquire with an independent broker/agency- who is onboarded with many ins. carriers that offers a variety of plans like myself.

Answer: Cataracts can be covered by Medicare - depending upon your prescription it is covered under part B. Both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

Answer: Depending on your plan- most plans do offer these services both as in & out patients, it’s usually listed under Behavioral Health.

Answer: Dialysis can be covered for both in-home and at dialysis centers depending on your plan and recommendations by your doctors.

Answer: Usually you will need a referral for therapies and an approval by your insurance carrier - there is inpatient and outpatient therapies.

Answer: If you are traveling frequently through the US you would want to be on PPO plan with a large network. If traveling abroad check to see if your plan offers emergency or urgent care services while outside of the USA.

Answer: By Consulting with a broken - they can acquire a needs analysis of your health changes and seek a plan that suits you changes in health.

Answer: The most common disadvantages of a HMO is having to get referrals from your primary care Dr. to see specialists or to have other testing and exams completed outside of the primary care scope. Often the delay is awaiting authorizations by the insurance carrier.

Answer: Annual enrollment will be til Dec. 7th- open enrollment will start 1/1 through 3/31- during open enrollment you are allowed to move then.

If you are outside of open enrollment- I would check with your insurance carrier or the carrier you wish to move to.

Answer: Only if the agent is a Captive agent who can only offer you the plans that he/she writes.

If you work with an unbiased broker who works independently and writes with many carriers then you have more options of plans to work for. If the agent/brokers seeks a NEEDS anaysis by asking for your doctors and medications that is a good start.

Answer: Your doctor could have cancelled his contract with your medicare adv. plan or they the plan & Dr. have not come to an agreement on their contract yet. Drs. Can cancel their contract with a plan at any time.

Answer: Yes- the only time your medigap insurer can terminate your policy would be due to lack of payment or if you falsified your information on the application.

Answer: If you cannot afford your medicare premiums then you may qualify for Medicare savings programs as well as Medicaid in your state of residence. Contact the department of Family & Children services (DCF) of your state.

Answer: Not having proof of creditable coverage can lead to Part B & Part D penalties that are retroactive back to the when you turned 65 years of age. Social Security administration would be able to provide you with this information.

Answer: The best and safest coverage while being A snowbird in any state is to have a PPO type medicare plan that has a in and out of network coverage. You may have higher co-payments& co-insurance but you have coverage.

Answer: The Medicare Part D benefit is having prescription drug coverage for medications (Part D = Drug coverage). Most generic medications are no cost to you.

Answer: Some Plans offer worldwide coverage while

Traveling abroad. Depending on your plan, there may be a deductible to pay (ie- $100-500) but you can get $50,000 or more in coverage.

Answer: Consulting with an agent/broker will be helpful. They can look up your medications in the formulary of your plan and determine the cost.

Also- you can call member’s services of your plan for this Information.

Answer: That depends on which plan you are on, calling member services of your plan will be able to help you out.

Answer: Yes- usually you will need to apply if you do not receive a Medicare card in the mail. As a broker I have noticed that clients who do not collect their social security and continue to work beyond 65 will not show in the CMS system- therefore you will have To apply for your Medicare parts A&B. Allow 4-6 weeks wait time.

Answer: Depends on your plan as some plans have a 3rd party vendor that represents the dental coverage. You have to look into the vendor’s directory for dentist that take the plan.

Answer: There is no longer a coverage gap for 2025 nor 2026. If you have an agent they can help you with that as well as you can call you plan- member services, for that information.

Answer: Your agent ( if you have one) can look up your medications or you can call members services to attain that information.

Answer: I do not recommend a stand alone pdp, Med. Adv will usually cover more. Also depending on your diabetic meds.; there are some that have a limit of $35 per month.

Answer: Not necessarily- you have had to paid into taxes for 10 years and earned 30 or more credits. Social Security office can look that up for you to determine if you are eligible.

Answer: You can if they accept original Medicare, your co-payments may be higher with Original. Also, keep in mind that the coverage is 80/20. You pay 20%.

Answer: It can be concerning , I can suggest you to inquire with your drs office when you have an appointment and see what plans they will stay with. Often times they will even tell you why they are dropping the plans. Good luck!

Answer: I would recommend consulting an agent / broker like myself who can inform You of the differences and what to expect. Attain a needs analysis- a list of your drs and medications to match you up with the best plan to accommodate your needs. As well as inform you of the benefits available.

Answer: Have an broker-agent complete a throrough needs analysis on you; like a list of all your medications and doctors to determine the best plan that suits your needs.

Answer: The disadvantages of a PPO: usually you have to pay the full amount of of Part B, higher co-pays and higher co-insurance. You are paying for the convenience or freedom so see more doctors without an referral from the primary care doctor.

Answer: Depending on what plan you are on , each plan has tiers in the their formulary of the Part D.. usually the higher the Tier the higher the cost of medications. again that varies on your plan, service area (like state, county and zip code.) Very important to be aware of the tiers your medications will fall into, so that you know the cost or co-pays.

Answer: Very vague question, all my clients are on Med. Adv. plans as they can not afford or refuse to pay for the Med Sup or to stay on original Medicare.

Answer: Depending on whether you opted out of the part B so there is no penalties and if you have creditable coverage - you will need to verify that... If you did not take your social security early like at 62 then you will need to apply for medicare through social security administration. www.ssa.gov

Answer: Yes, Often times the carrier will move you to a core plan so that you are insured. If the CCV or VCC form just was misplaced then another can be submitted to be completed by any of your drs. to comfirm you have the chronic condition. As an agent I always verify with the carrier that the form has been received so this does not happen.

Answer: I would recommend you consult with a broker - I am licensed in SC. The MAPD plans vary with your service area, zip code, and county. Carol

Answer: Moving to a rural area may or may not affect you Medicare advantage plan options As it depends on your new services area and zip code. Please reach out to a Medicare broke of which can assist you with that new service area.

Answer: Most Medicare plans will offer mental health therapies /sessions as outpatient or an inpatient mental therapy.

Answer: A medicare insurance agent that specializes in Medicare plans. We are also known as Brokers, producers, agents, and consultants.

Answer: They do not have a medicare insurance consultant verify the cost of their medications prior to signing up for a prescription drug plan (Part D) and get hit with high cost of medicines. Or have a High Rx deductible.

Answer: From my professional experience the State of Florida has the better Medicare plans if that is what you are asking. Medicare as a whole is federal but as for medicare policies & statutes, FL is of the better.

Answer: You are on SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance, that is processed through Social Security Administration. Due to you being on a form of Social Security (SSDI) you will show up in the Social Security Administration system.

IF you worked and paid into SS and Medicare for 10 years or more and earned 30 credits toward Medicare then you should receive your Medicare card without applying for it. You will need to have both Parts A & B for most plans.

Answer: To answer this question about a surcharge from IRMAA, it will depend on your income and IRMAA goes back to the past 2 years. You will have to contact Social Security Administration to get a definitive answer.

Answer: IF your MOOP is $3000 - then that is the most you should pay within a one calendar year per Center of Medicare and Medicaid services.

Answer: Yes, consulting with an insurance agent/broker is beneficial to see what plan best suits your individual needs. As a broker, my first request is a list of your doctors’ names that you see and a list of your medications to see what plan best suits you. Your finances may be a factor as well in what type of plan to go with.

Answer: Typically they will not deny a brand name medication when there is no generic available. If your doctor see that the drug is medically necessary then there is no option but for the name brand. Often the dr. Will submit or complete a medically necessary request form for the approval of the medication via your carrier. This is common to happen when there is a specific ingredient in a generic drug that a patient is allergic to versus not in a brand name medication.

Answer: Yes- Medicare plans can vary from state to state and are based on your service area (zip code & county). The requirements are the same for state to state.

Answer: Having a PPO gives you the freedom- flexibility;

With the flexibility and freedom you can travel with your plan but it’s at a higher cost. Higher co payments and co insurance.

Answer: When and if you are placed in hospice care - you could be placed back on original Medicare versus being on Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage.

Answer: Bone densitometry tests should be part of preventive care as it is a test of your bone density levels. As we age we lose bone density where our bones become more brittle and prone to falls that lead to fractures. You can always check with your plan or check online for a list of the Medicare preventative tests.

Answer: Depending on your needs and service area. For the areas that offer Medicare advantage plans- I would recommend the bundle type plan over just having Part D. You will have Part C and it offers dental, hearing and vision.

Answer: It removed the coverage gap. This change helps with your medications cost.

If you have expensive medications and are concerned with being able to afford them, then once the $2k max is reached there should

Be no More of pocket expense. There is also a payment plan that is available to o those who want to pay for The cost of medications throughout the year.

Answer: Yes Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer plans that specialize in respiratory conditions with affordable cost towards inhalers and or medications specific to your needs.

Answer: Hospital are still taking Medicare Advantage plans. CMS and insurance carriers have contracts they have government contracts.

Answer: Each insurance carrier has a network- I would advise your mom to consult with a broker who’s contracted with many plans. He or she can review the network to see if you drs are contracted with those plans. Hope this helps!!

Answer: If you are referring to Medicare Part D for medications ; There is NO LONGER a coverage gap- effective 1/1/2025 the coverage gap went away.

Answer: To stay on track with a presentation it may sound like a timeshare. However, seeking guidance by a reputable agent would be your best choice. Where they can sit down with you and explain things.

Answer: By consulting with an agent - she/he can verify your income to see if you qualify or are eligible for Medicare savings programs or Medicaid. There are also plans depending on your service area that offer giveback or rebates for part b as well.

Answer: CMS allows you a 7 month window. You start consulting with an agent 3 month’s prior to your birth month, your birth month and have up to 3 months after your birth month. If you wish to enroll during that window and you have applied for Medicare parts a & b, your plan/enrollment can beginning the first day of your birth month. If you were born on the 1st day of that month - your enrollment will start on the 1st of the prior month of your birth month.

Answer: That depends on the type of plan you are on, sounds like a med supplement as may increase each year as you age.

You could consider getting onto a Medicare advantage plan where you pay your part B monthly (required) and only pay as you go to seek medical care.

Answer: That will depend on what medications you are taking. The drug payment plan is available to all

Medicare beneficiaries so once enrolled into a plan you must contact your carrier to opt into the payment program.

The payments can be stretched out throughout the calendar year.

Keep In mind - if you decide to sign up for the payment plan you will be responsible to make all payments to that plan. So, if you change plans during that year - you are still required to pay the remainder amount owed to the carrer.

Answer: Notify Social security first Of not taking SSI till later but you still need to be sure that you are entitled to Part A and have applied for Part B of Medicare. Especially, if you want a Medicare Advantage plan.

Often times when people do not take their SSI till later you will not show up on CMS - Medicare’s system therefore you must apply for Medicare.

Answer: As of Jan 1, 2025, the donut hole does not exist any longer. There is a TROOP of $2000 and once cost shared between you and pharmacy reaches the $2000 there should not be any cost to you.

Answer: There are a long list of preventative services that are available to you. Your pcp will assist you with those tests.

Answer: There are specific times of the year for open enrollment. Unless you have a change in life and of which is a special enrollment period. Also- if there is a 5 stars rating plan available you can enroll throughout the year. Please consult with an agent they can better assist you.

Answer: Is to meet with a Medicare insurance broker. They can break it down to a better understanding so that you will be able to make a more accurate decision.

Answer: Explain the different types and how they work. What you can expect to pay and the the differences in Original Medicare, Medicare Supp (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage with Part C.

Answer: Be sure to have applied for Medicare Part B.

You must be entitled to Part A and have Part B to enroll into Medicare.

Answer: 24/7 nursing hotline is one of the services that people may not aware of.

Some of the extra benefits could be over the counter (OTC) that you would normally pay for out of pocket. Like Tylenol, cold meds, band aids, etc.

Answer: On a simple note. Once you have reached the $2000 threshold that is cost shared by you and your plan & pharmacy, then most of the time you do not have to pay anymore for cost of meds for the remainder of the year.

Answer: I would say not to listen to neither. If you want an opinion then get a professional opinion from an insurance broker/agentand it’s Free!

The role of an insurance broker is as such: each and every year we have to be tested for the changes of Medicare laws/ guidelines and go through training to know the changes of the plans as they can change yearly. Seek professional help- often times

I have saved people quite a bit per year.

Answer: Having a family member help on making the medical insurance decisions. Often times and is recommended to have a child or family member become your POA - power of Attorney or medical directive.

Answer: The cost shared is 80 % (Medicare pays) 20% (you pay). So will be responsible to pay 20% of most medical expenses.

Answer: Yes you can be denied for a Medicare Supp. plan. Having certain preexisting conditions can cause you to be denied

On the contrary, Medicare advantage plans do not deny beneficiaries due to preexisting conditions

Answer: Due to getting social security-SSDI- Medicare will see you in the system so that you will need not to apply for Medicare. However, your social security amount can change now so you will

Need to contact social security admin on any changes as well as ask about your Medicare eligibility status.

Answer: The cost off Part B, co- payments, co- insurance and cost sharing of plans. Rates can go up each year as plan can change.

Answer: That depends on whether your current pcp participates and or is contracted to accept Medicare advantage plans. As an agent I always check to see if a pcp is in the networks of Medicare advantage plans.

Answer: Deciding on whether what plans to go with depends on your personal needs. It is important to consult with a licensed broker for guidance on what will best suit your needs.

Answer: The ratings are there to share the opinions of other Medicare beneficiaries/ members of their experience regarding plans.

Answer: It depends on your needs and your finances. If you are a healthy person and you live in a service area that offers medicare Adv plans then I would recommend as such. Depends on your needs mostly.

Answer: That Medicare is all of the same of which it is not. As there is original Medicare, Medicare Supplements (medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans.

Answer: The annual wellness visit is a review of your personalized prevention plan of services which entails a health risk assessment. It also includes discussion and scheduling of screenings and immunizations. These are preventative care services provided at $0 Cost as long as you have Medicare part B.

Answer: Medicare is a type of health insurance and is separate from life Insurance. Life insurance is not the same as Medicare insurance.

Answer: Yes Medicare can cover wearable medical devices. Most of these devices are considered Durable medical devices.

Answer: The regulations are quite strict as is. I would

Say the tell telemarketing calls need to be gotten under control. My clients get tired of receiving multiple calls Per Day from those who want to promise them something/a plan that they do not qualify for.

Answer: I have additional & specific questions I ask the new to Medicare clients. Those questions determine the next step in preparations.

Answer: It would be more expensive if you acquire stand alone plans with Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement. Medicare advantage plans offer dental, hearing and vision as part c.

Answer: In 2025- once your cost shared amount has reached $2000- there is no cost to you. In 25’ there is also a payment plan that you can opt in with your insurance carrier to stretch out the cost of you medications throughout the year.

Answer: One decision that people regret later is to NOT consult with an insurance consultant. As plans can change from year to year; your agent can guide you on whether your plan will be the best plan based upon on your needs. Having an agent guide to you is a FREE service.

I hear often from beneficiaries that they did not know their Dr was no longer taking their plan or why did my medication cost change.

Plans and contracts can change yearly.

Answer: Yes on Some plans but not too many cover acupuncture.

They will cover some

Chiropractic, physical and speech therapies.

Answer: You can but it may create confusions. Never hurts to get a 2nd opinion. Most of my clients are referrals by other clients or know me. Therefore the trust is already established.

Answer: It should cover it but I would reach out to your plan to Verify the coverage. The billing department of your insurance company can help you with this.

Answer: Plans can change from year to year. It’s advisable or recommended to have an agent to verify this for you by letting your agent know of any medications changes.

Answer: Often times seniors can be dropped by a plan because of a change of income - lifestyle change or no longer live in the service area.

If you are on a chronic special needs plan - you need to be sure your primary dr signs off that you have that chronic condition - verification chronic condition form. As an agent I verify with the carrier prior to the deadline for my clients.

Answer: Have an agent look up the formulary of all of your medications for you or you could call into member services of your plan To verify the cost.

Answer: You can have an agent assist in seeking if your specialist is in the network; if they are not then An agent can recommend another specialist to you that is in the network.

The specialist can submit a request to your plan requesting that your care is medically necessary to see if the carrier will accept.

Answer: Yes Medicare will usually notify you by mail if you are already collecting social

Security. If you are not getting social

Security than you will need to apply for Medicare. An agent can assist with applying.

Answer: Medicare Advantage has a provider network where it may be not cover out of network charges or if out of network there may be a higher charge.

Medigap or AKA - Medicare supplement allows you to see any Dr or go to any hospital as long as they accept Medicare. Regardless on whether you are in or out of network.

Answer: It is part of the Medicare Savings Programs. Also known as as LIS - low income subsidy. You apply to see if you qualify through your local DCF or an agent can help you apply.

Answer: There is a 7 months window when turning 65 that allows you time to sign up for Medicare unless you have creditable coverage through an employer. If you do not attain coverage through an employer-retirement or directly through Medicare you can have lifetime insurance and penalties.

Answer: Yes a scope of appointment is required prior to discussing Medicare plans & prescription drug (Part D) plans per CMS. The SOA - A gives the agent permission to discuss plans with the potential client/beneficiary.

Call centers usually have to record the call and have the client call into an inbound call.

Answer: Yes there are preventative screenings covered by Medicare. I would recommend to verify the screening is covered prior to the screening.

Answer: If you have a HSA established prior to enrolling In a Medicare plan - you can use those funds to pay for Medicare premiums. However, once you are enrolled in Medicare you cannot contribute to a HSA account.

Answer: That depends on your finances; Medicare Advantage can lessened your cost in medical bills as you will not be paying 20% cost sharing on most things.

Answer: You could be getting billed for your Part B premium. This premium amount can vary each year and it depends on the plan you are on.

Answer: Well if the agent is near you then you can meet them In person rather than remote/virtual.

I do both as I’m licensed in multiple states and attain referrals or recommendations.

Answer: There is Open(Annual) Enrollment Period from Oct 15 through Dec 7 and Open enrollment from Jan 1 to March 31st.

If there is 5 Stars plans in your coverage area you can be moved to that plan or if there is a life changing event or catastrophic event.

Answer: Yes definitely; different states have different service areas and plans can vary. You will need to change your plan according to the new area you will be living in.

Answer: I would say it can be challenging and not frustrating; is the client providing you with the correct and all the information needed to help them select the best plan.

Answer: You can contact the Social Security Administration to see if you are eligible and if there will be a late penalty fee.

Answer: There is mental health coverage but it is not fully covered; it other words there will be some cost sharing.

Answer: Yes - usually lost of employer coverage is a SEP options, however I always check thoroughly with each carrier.

Answer: One option would be to contact the pharmaceutical company who manufactures the medications for any grants or discount programs.

The client could look into State Pharmaceutical programs as well as discounts with prescription drug cards such as Good Rx & Clever Rx.

As an agent I can assist a client to see if they may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs.

Answer: The Biggest mistake is to not get assistance or guidance from an agent.

An agent can educate and assist you on the different options by preparing a NEADS analysis.

Going on original Medicare can lead to financial burdens.

Answer: I have heard a little about that In the news -media but I’m not very familiar on whether there will be a crisis.

Answer: Yes, most of my clients rely on the OTC benefits monthly or quarterly.

Some carriers offer cards where you can purchase items in retail stores and some give you an option to set up a profile on their website site to order online or to call in the OTC 3rd party program to place an order monthly or quarterly.

Answer: Knowing that there is more than one kind of Medicare, there is different costs and that plans can and may change from year to year.

Answer: I enjoy educating my clients so they will have a better understanding or a peace of mind as it can be very confusing and overwhelming.

Establishing a rapport and trust is most important and overall I loved serving the community.

Answer: There may be no premium cost with most plans however there is Part B cost.

Part B stands for outpatient services such as bloodwork, dr. visits, imaging and many more that may require co-payments or co-Insurance.

Answer: I prefer to not use the word “free” but rather “at no cost or zero co-pay”. Since plans can vary from state to state or county to county. However, there is always the Part B cost.

Answer: I enjoy educating clients on the confusion of Medicare and it gives me such fulfillment to help seniors or the disabled community get what they well deserve.