Chandra Needelman, Medicare Insurance Broker
Chandra Needelman
Needelman Insurance Agency
Medicare Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, OR, SC and TX
Contact Details
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Location
Paso Robles, CA
Chandra Can Help With:
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement
- Prescription Drug
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plans
- Hearing Plans
- Individual / Family Plans
- Group Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Final Expense Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Short Term Care Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Annuities
About Me
Hi, I’m Chandra Needelman, your independent Medicare specialist licensed in California, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, and beyond. Whether you’re turning 65, transitioning from an employer plan, or moving to a new area, I simplify your transition by researching top national and local carriers to find the coverage that truly fits your needs and budget. I offer the convenience of secure, remote applications and consultations via Zoom or phone, ensuring you get expert guidance from the comfort of home. If you have questions about your current policy or are looking for a change, please reach out for a complimentary, no-pressure review—I am here to ensure you have the right plan for your life today
Q&A with Chandra Needelman
What’s the best Medicare plan for someone with chronic kidney disease?
Answer: As Medicare Advantage plans vary by county/ State, its really important to work with a licensed Medicare Agent to answer this question for you. We would look at what plan you are currently on and what plan you could move to with a diagnosis. We would also look what enrollment periods may be open and available to you.
I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?
Answer: The simple answer is it depends.
AEP, OEP and General Enrollment are fairly straightforward and outlined below:
AEP- Annual Election Period October 15- December 7th (for January 1st effective date)
You can sign up for an existing plan, switch plans, or leave a plan
OEP- Open Enrollment Period January 1- March 31st
Switch Medicare Advantage Plans, leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
General Enrollment Period- January1-March 31st
you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or B if you didn't sign up when first eligible and if you're not eligible for Special Enrollment Period.
The second opportunities are called
Special Enrollment Period and this can be due to your unique circumstance- and this is why its extremely important to work with a Medicare Agent as they can educate you on what you may qualify for even if you are not in the periods mentioned above triggered by life events (such as a physical move to a new county or change in status or lose your current coverage). There can also be some for FEMA disasters and other special circumstances tied to the area you reside by county and/or State.
For Medicare Supplement (medigap) these election periods vary by State and even from carrier to carrier sometimes. For example, in California there is the Birthday rule and these are based on your birthday. If you and spouse are on the same plan sometimes you can use your spouses birthday depending on your coverage. Again, extremely important to work with a Medicare Agent who is reviewing your plans, your needs and your specific circumstances.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Working with a Medicare agent helps guide you to the plan or combination of plans that meet both your medical needs and your prescriptions. There is no additional cost or charge for working with a Medicare broker vs. going online and trying to figure it out yourself. Medicare plans and policies change often and Medicare advantage plans can vary by county. In California there are 52 counties and so even moving to a new county may change your options completely. Also, transitioning from a group health plan (through an employer) can be a challenge on timing it correctly and making sure you apply and have in placed your Medicare plan on time. There are also penalties that can be charged if you miss the deadlines for signing up for Part D for example and other responsibilities with Medicare. Making sure your preferred primary care physician, specialists and other facilities are in network can be crucial if you are considering a Medicare advantage plan and a licensed Medicare agent can assist you with that as well. Also, many of my clients call me when they have a question or need help navigating their plan. I assist them in navigating the complex and ever changing world of prescriptions coverage and copays. I also meet with my clients annually to review their updated medical needs and prescriptions and we evaluate if its time to make a change to a different plan to lower costs or cover items not previously needed.
How to enroll in Part D plan for RX coverage?
Answer: First, you need to have your MBI Medicare number and be active, then you will want to compare Part D prescription plans based on your specific prescription/s you take and pharmacy you use. There are two options, with original medicare and with or without a medicare supplement stacked (medigap) , your part D is chosen as a stand-alone policy and vary by insurance carriers/plan costs/coverage. Some have an additional monthly cost and some do not. Your second option is if you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes part D with it. It important to also shop your specific prescriptions as each plan may cover them differently and their formulary lists (which prescriptions they cover through a plan) can vary as well. I highly recommend working with a Certified Medicare Agent to help you with choosing your Part D plan -whether standalone or medicare advantage option. Also, you need to consider the open enrollment periods in your state and your special enrollment periods individually.