Carolyn Duncan, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Agent location may or may not be that important but knowing you can get back in contact with your writing agent vs being sent to a call center for answers and just sent to the carrier for all future communications. So, ask if you will continue to have access to your agent after the original sign up. Understanding previously discussed situations will help when you have future questions and need help navigating possible upcoming issues.

Answer: This is not a basic answer, many more personal data points must be reviewed to answer this question. Any agent that quickly answers this question is not doing due diligence for the client; this is very important when being a client advocate.

Answer: People often regret not getting all the information about all the options and what happens later when they want to make a change. Also, many people get various information from friends and medical providers that are not accurate or not the complete story.

Answer: Clients should always do what they believe is best for them, I do not respond to the term "Bad Medicare Plan" A plan that does not work based on your needs and wants -but that is why knowing the pros and cons before signing any paperwork is very important.

Answer: If you wish to be a part of the decision-making process or they would like to include you in the decision and education process, any agent should welcome the opportunity to talk with family.

Answer: This review process should be a part of any high-quality agent that you are wanting to help with you decision making process.

Answer: This is a complex answer which we discuss in depth with our perspective clients. The answer is not a yes or no but requires much more information to give a comprehensive answer. We start with when you end to retire and are you on an HSA? What is your current premium, Deductible, out of pocket max, and do you have any dependents currently on the plan. I would get an agent versed in group coverage. They can help with how to approach the HR department if any concerns arise.

Answer: We start with links and documentation that has word for word information for the client to review https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11360-medicare-dialysis-kidney-transplant.pdf

Answer: I suggest you talk about this information with an agent; the answer may change depending on the product you choose to sign up for, or plan you currently have in place. Comparing the various options is important for Chronic Conditions.

Answer: This is not required but could be beneficial to review the premiums, coverage, and possible need for health underwriting depending on the length of time a person has been on Medigap.

Answer: This is more political then factual in nature, and I do not respond to question of this nature, I suggest people reach out to the state and federal representatives to discuss a person's wishes for the future of Medicare.

Answer: Out of pocket cost could truly impact a retirement lifestyle and reviewing options that can both curb the out-of-pocket cost and possibly the high cost of some coverage premiums is an agent's responsivity to find solutions you may not know exists.

Answer: Many options apply for those in need, when discussing the Medicare options a good agent will know when to offer the additional information to those clients that may need access to these programs.

Answer: Agents often spend a lot of time educating themselves for the benefit of current and future clients. We want to make sure you are well informed on past, present and possible future changes. We clarify much of the speculation and confusion often circulating among fellow Medicare Recipients, Medica Information, and the overwhelming information online to sift through.

Answer: Make sure you know what the difference in how they each work, then make sure you know what happens once you sign up now and, in the future, if you want to change your plan. The rules and regulations have many in's and out's and should be well understood before signing up for any plan.

Answer: I do not answer questions like this with flat yes or no answers, I answers questions with full answers and make sure to clarify in depth what a person thinks Medicare Secondary Insurance is as it could be a few different things including group coverage. It is important to confirm insurance terms with the client understanding of those plans.

Answer: We need to consult Medicare.gov and see how they would or would not cover the robotic knee replacement surgery. I can explain how various policies will work based on the approval or denial of the service. Helping you through this process would be best practice by any agent.

Answer: I enjoy the experience of helping people figure out what will work for them now and what they may want to do year after year. Finding and agent with a background in group coverage can be a true benefit as they know how to advise when people are currently on group, avoid any penalties especially for those who choose to work and possible stay on group. You will want honest answers so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Answer: Many new laws have been passed over the years. I do not have any thoughts on this subject and focus on keeping in line with current regulations and client expectations with unbiased political thoughts.