Chad Sickle, RN, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Great Question: Divorce can affect Medicare in a few important ways, but your eligibility for Medicare itself is usually not affected if you're already entitled to it based on your own work history or your former spouse's work history.

If you're eligible based on your own work record (typically 40 quarters/10 years of Medicare-covered employment), divorce does not change your Medicare eligibility.

If you're relying on a former spouse's work record to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, you may still qualify if:

The marriage lasted at least 10 years.

You are currently unmarried.

You are age 65 or older.

Your former spouse is eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

After a divorce, if you don't have enough work credits yourself, you may still receive premium-free Part A through your ex-spouse if the 10-year marriage rule is met.

Divorce does not automatically change your Medicare Advantage or Medigap coverage.

However, if you were covered under a spouse's employer health plan before Medicare, losing that coverage due to divorce may trigger a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to make Medicare coverage changes.

Answer: The only way to really know is to plug their drugs into Medicare.gov and compare there. Your pharmacy can make a difference too. You should use a licensed independent agent to make the process much easier.

Answer: Yes, any blood tests that your provider orders will be covered if covered under Medicare. This includes about 99% of all tests. Be sure to have them done in network if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan.

Answer: If your income drops after you retire, you may be able to lower your Medicare Part B premium.

Right now, your premium is based on income from about two years ago. So if you were still working then, it might be higher than it should be.

The good news is you can request a reduction by filing a simple form with Social Security (Form SSA-44) and letting them know you’ve retired and your income is lower.

Once they review it, they can lower your premium and sometimes even refund what you overpaid.

Answer: Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a special type of Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). They are designed specifically for people with certain serious or ongoing health needs, or specific financial situations.

In simple terms: Regular Medicare Advantage plans are for the general Medicare population, but SNPs are tailored for people who need extra help with particular health issues or costs. These plans customize their benefits, doctor networks, prescription drug lists, and support services to better fit those specific groups.

All SNPs include:

• Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage)

• Usually Part D (prescription drugs)

• Extra benefits like care coordination (someone to help manage your care), and often extras tailored to the group (e.g., more hospital days, special programs, or help with transportation)

Answer: The client needs to be sold on you as the agent. You need to come across as trustworthy and not as a salesman.

Answer: Here’s the good news: with Medigap Plan F, you generally should not expect a copay for emergency room visits, as long as the provider accepts Medicare. Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap option ever offered, and it covers all Medicare‑approved Part A and Part B copays, coinsurance, and deductibles — including those tied to ER care.

Answer: This is a great question, Medicare advantage plans vary from county to county. It’s a great idea to check with your local independent agent to see what options are available in that county to help make the right decision for you.

Answer: Great question, you are probably noticing your deductibles have started over and your current plan may have changed their copays and your agent didn't inform you or your insurance company didn't clearly communicate the annual notice of changes to you.

Answer: Those events can be informative at a high level. Speaking to a local agent as a better option most times because they have smaller list of clientele and will give you one on one attention.

Answer: Yes, your son or daughter can help you and selecting a Medicare plan that fits your needs. An independent Medicare agent is great to have as well and they will talk to you and any family you request to be included.

Answer: A Medicare advantage plan is the cheapest way to get basic hospital coverage. There are no premiums if you use an HMO and a very small one possibly if you use a PPO. These plans typically cover, dental, vision, and prescription drugs, as well as health coverage. They often include extra benefits as well.

Answer: I get to help people and most of the time save them money as well. I rest easy knowing I have helped put people in better position than I found them in.

Answer: If you were new to Medicare, you should not have had to answer any health questions. If not, a Medicare Advantage plan might be your best option, no health questions and includes dental, vision, hearing and drugs along with many other perks like gym memberships and money for OTC items.

Answer: The 80% coverage you get for doctor services outside of the hospital. Part A is the hospital 80% coverage.

Answer: There are plenty of resources available for seniors struggling with Medicare options and decisions. However, there's no need to go into Medicare alone. A licensed independent agent/broker can help you navigate the complicated world of Medicare. An agent can look at your unique situation and recommend the best plan based on your health and budget.

Answer: Only Medicare approved expenses are covered. Those are typically not covered. You can however, use your Over the Counter money allotted to you in some Advantage plans.

Answer: Enroll in Medicare Parts A & B first then look at your options with a med supplement or advantage plan in your area. A local Medicare agent can do all of that for free for you.

Answer: Yes, in some plans.

These benefits are usually part of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) → Targeted at people with qualifying chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, COPD, or others).

• They’re more common in Special Needs Plans (SNPs), especially Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) or Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNPs for those with both Medicare and Medicaid).

• You can generally use the allowance for healthy foods like fresh produce, dairy, meats, grains, and pantry staples at participating retailers (e.g., Walmart, Kroger, CVS)—but not for junk food, alcohol, or non-food items (unless the plan combines it with OTC benefits).

Answer: A local Medicare agent is more familiar with the plans offered in those counties around them. They can also meet you in person to compare options and develop trust.

Answer: It depends on the plan. Traditional Medicare has some coverage for emergencies. Some advantage plans have extra coverage up to $25,000 for international emergencies.

Answer: Yes, but let them know up front so we know whether to save your info. This is time consuming and it helps us guide the conversation.

Answer: No, but you may still have drug copays. Those are separate.

You need to stay in network if you have an HMO.

Answer: It depends on what Medicare you have. If you have a supplement then you should be ok after your deductible is met.

Answer: Are you going to doctors in network? That could be the issue. It depends on whether you have an HMO and PPO.