Cassandra Mancuso, Medicare Insurance Agent
Cassandra Mancuso
Bankers Life and Casualty
Medicare Agent Licensed in ME and NH
Contact Details
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Location
Scarborough, ME
Cassandra Can Help With:
About Me
I’m licensed with Medicare based in the beautiful Scarborough, Maine and I absolutely love helping folks navigate their healthcare options! I’m appointed with most of the major carriers here in Maine, which allows me to provide tailored support to clients in Oxford, Androscoggin, and Cumberland County. Building relationships is my passion and I genuinely believe in understanding each person’s unique needs to find the best solutions. I’m all about doing the hard work for you, so you can feel informed and confident in your choices. Staying updated on the latest policies, plans and changes is super important to me and it helps me provide expert guidance. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring the stunning landscapes of Maine, karaoking to all my favorite tunes, cheering for my favorite sports teams and connecting with my wonderful community. I’m dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of seniors and their families and I pride myself on being a reliable resource in the Medicare world. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to make changes, I’m here to help you every step of the way with a big smile! Let’s make this journey together!
Q&A with Cassandra Mancuso
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Working with a Medicare agent really saves you time, stress, and potentially a lot of money. We help you compare all your options – original Medicare, advantage plans, Medigap and drug plans – so you don’t miss out on coverage or pay more then you need to. We know the deadlines, the fine print, and how to avoid costly mistakes like late enrollment penalties. Best of all it doesn’t cost you anything extra to get expert guidance tailored to your specific health and financial needs.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I keep it simple and personal – I’m a sit at the kitchen table, kind of gal. I break Medicare down into the basics; what parts A, B, C, and D actually mean, how they work together (or don’t), and what options make the most sense for your health and budget. I explain the difference between original Medicare and advantage plans in plain English, not insurance jargon. My goal is to make you feel confident in your choices and never overwhelmed.
What's the most cost-effective way for a healthy 65-year-old to structure their Medicare coverage?
Answer: The most cost-effective Medicare set up is typically Medicare (part A& B) paired with a low or zero premium Medicare advantage ( part C ) plan that includes built-in part D prescription coverage. These plans often offer low monthly costs, including dental/vision, perks, and cap your annual out-of-pocket spending. However, you’ll usually need to stay in network and pay co-pays for services as you use them. This set up typically works best if you’re healthy, have predictable medical needs, and are comfortable with provider networks and some cost sharing.
Can you explain what "creditable coverage" means and when it applies?
Answer: Credible coverage refers to health insurance that is considered as good as or better than Medicare, particularly for part B and part D. It’s most commonly relevant when someone is delaying Medicare because they’re still working and have an employer sponsored coverage. As long as that coverage is deemed credible, you can delay enrolling in Medicare without facing late enrollment penalties. When you do retire or lose that coverage, you’ll get a special enrollment period to sign up for Medicare without penalty
My income fluctuates significantly year to year from investment distributions. How can I avoid IRMAA surcharges when I have an unusually high-income year?
Answer: IRMAA surcharges are based on your income from two years prior, so a single high income year can impact future Medicare premiums. If the spike and income was due to a one time event, such as a large investment distribution, you can file form SSA – 44 to request a reduction based on a life-changing event like works stoppage or reduced income.
To help avoid surcharges in future years, my partner, Mike Secord; who is a local fiduciary, and I can help you explore investment distribution strategies tailored to keep your Medicare related income in check. We specialize in coordinating retirement income, and Medicare planning to help you keep more of what you’ve earned.
I have a family history of colon cancer. Will Medicare cover more frequent colonoscopies for someone in my situation?
Answer: Medicare will cover a colonoscopy every 24 months. You’ll need to check with your medigap plan or advantage plan to see how many more you can get.
I'm participating in a clinical trial for a new cancer treatment that uses personalized medicine based on my genetic profile. How does Medicare coverage work in this situation?
Answer: The trial could be covered by Medicare. Contact your Advantage Plan carrier or Medigap plan for more details.