Chris Lewis, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Thank you first for your service. After working 30 years for the Federal Government, you are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A at age 65, while your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) continues as secondary coverage. Enrolling in Part B is optional but often beneficial for reducing out-of-pocket costs, though it requires a premium. Your FEHB coverage does not decrease if you skip Part B, but coordination of benefits changes if you add it

Answer: Are they overselling the over-the-counter card/food card and not doing a thorough explanation of the plan benefits. Did they do a needs assessment with you to understand who your doctors are, meds you are taking, travel plans, financial expectations? Did they fully explain pros and cons of Medicare Advantage versus Medicare Supplement plans as you are working to decide which works best for you?

Answer: Agents are paid by the insurance companies they represent. These commissions are regulated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is not a charge passed onto the insured. It does not impact the insured in any way.

Answer: You have an agent available to provide personal service, answering questions you may have, etc. In the local market that gives you someone you can see, talk with, and engage.

Answer: Medicare covers screening mammograms once a year for women aged 40 and older, and one lifetime baseline mammogram for women aged 35 to 39. For diagnostic mammograms, which are used if an abnormality is found, Medicare covers them more frequently than once a year if they are considered medically necessary.

Answer: While Medicare Part A or B cover hearing aids, you may have some allowances with a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan for hearing aids.

Here to answer any questions you may have.

Answer: Medicare Part B covers several cancer screenings at no cost, including mammograms, Pap tests/pelvic exams, colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopies, FOBT), low-dose CT scans for lung cancer (high-risk), and PSA tests for prostate cancer, provided they meet specific frequency and eligibility criteria, often requiring a doctor's order and acceptance of Medicare assignment.

Answer: Yes, Medicare Part B generally covers visits needed for memory assessments or neurologists' visits. It should be noted that a costs including co-pay, co-insurance and/or deductibles can apply. These costs may be offset with a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

Answer: Generally, Medicare Part B will cover a portion of needed visits to psychologists, social workers or psychiatrists with you normally having an out of pocket cost of 20 percent. These costs could vary depending on if you have Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement plan.

Answer: It is possible that some generic tests or screenings will be covered if deemed medically necessary. It is generally recommended that these types of tests be accompanied with a physician's order.

Answer: When deemed medically necessary, Medicare will cover stress tests, EKGs, or echocardiograms but you may be responsible for 20 percent of the costs where these things are being paid from Part B. Some Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans could help offset some of the costs associated.

Answer: Medicare can cover home health aides, but you must be aware of the limitations associated. Medicare alone will not cover custodial care or active daily living needs like bathing, dressing or eating. It is important for you to understand what is covered with Original Medicare when looking at needs such as caregivers or home health aides for loved ones who need care for dementia.

Answer: Yes, Medicare generally covers inhalers and nebulizers. It should be noted that for the equipment that will be covered by Part B of Medicare while the prescription drug itself would fall under coverage afforded from Part D.

Answer: Yes, if you have end stage renal disease, Medicare generally covers dialysis for both at home and in-center treatment. This is one of the conditions that qualifies you for Medicare without being 65 years of age.

Answer: Mammograms can be done annually for women years of age or older. Colonoscopies are generally done every 10 years but could be more regular for those considered high risk. Prostate cancer for men 50 years of age and older are done annually. But it should be noted that the frequency could change based on your individual risk factors and recommendation from your primary care physician.

Answer: If recommended and approved by your PCP or specialist, Medicare Part A and Part B generally cover hip, knee or shoulder replacement. Prescriptions would fall under your Part D plan. Costs associated with co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles apply according to the planned coverage you have in place.

Answer: Yes, between your Medicare Part A and Part B, IV chemotherapy is generally covered. If additional prescriptions are needed, your Part D might have to be also utilized.

Answer: Yes, your Part B of Medicare will cover cataract surgeries. It should be noted that you will be responsible for 20 percent of the costs if you only have Part A and Part B.

Answer: Yes, Medicare normally covers your recovery after surgery including approved time needed in a skilled nursing facility or need for occupational therapy, etc.

Answer: Working with a Medicare agent is highly beneficial primarily because they offer expert, personalized guidance at no additional cost to you. Gives you someone you can see, touch, and talk to. They simplify the complex world of Medicare, help avoid costly mistakes, and provide ongoing support, providing you with personal one on one service.

Answer: Yes, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (MA) plans generally cover occupational therapy (OT) because they must provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, which includes outpatient OT when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor, though you'll likely need prior authorization and costs (copays/coinsurance) depend on your specific plan. Coverage applies to improving daily living activities, and it's crucial to check with your provider and UHC for network rules, as prior approvals are often required for outpatient settings.