Christopher Palazzini, Medicare Insurance Broker
Christopher Palazzini
Bankers Life
Medicare Broker Licensed in CA, FL, GA, KY, LA, NC, PA, SC and TN
7+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Jacksonville, FL
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Phone
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Website
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Facebook
About Me
My goal is to offer solutions that meet your needs today and for the life of your retirement. I believe in building a personal relationship with you as my client, so I can better understand your retirement goals and help you get there with confidence and peace of mind.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Christopher Palazzini
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: Every client, referral and prospect has some type of concern when we first meet. Being able to create a solution to their problem is very enjoyable. Giving them satisfaction and peace of mind.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: My client retired in the middle of the year, wasn't drawing social security and had no clue where to go and what to do. Was unaware of multiple Medicare forms to enroll and prevent penalties. I was able to help them navigate the forms, help them contact their HR and provide the forms and get them enrolled into A, B, D and a Medicare Supplement plan in a timely manor.
If you had to pick just one, what's the worst Medicare-related decision someone can make?
Answer: Enrolling into an application via mail or picking a program their friend recommends. Everyone's Medicare is different. Doctors, Medications, networks and out of pockets all play a heavy role.
What if I missed my window to sign up?
Answer: You have 3 months before, birth month and 3 months after. You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you are coming off of employer coverage and/or spouses employer coverage.
There is also the General Enrollment period from January 1 through March 31
I've heard about Medicare fraud. What steps can I take to protect myself from scams related to Medicare?
Answer: Never give out your Medicare # to anyone over the phone unless it's your doctors office or agent during Annual Enrollment 10/15-12/7 as long as you are requesting a update/change of insurance.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: My job is to explain both. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (part C) both have pros and cons. Original Medicare with a Supplement will give you more freedom and flexibility while traveling the country and covering almost all out of pockets other than a Medicare Part B deductible of $257 annually.
A Part C Advantage plan will limit your monthly premiums however you must follow third party guidelines such as copays, maximum yearly out of pockets, networks, doctors etc. while adding some extended benefits like dental and vision.
I'm retiring next year - do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: Yes! You need to figure out if you are enrolling into Medicare during your initial enrollment period or will you wait until after and enroll during a SEP and submit additional paperwork to eliminate penalties.
For Medicare Part D, why would someone pick a plan with a high total cost?
Answer: It depends. There is a Part D premium and a cost of drugs. That number combined equals the total cost. When picking a drug plan that is the number to look out for. Who has the best total cost. That number includes any premiums, cost of medications and deductibles.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: The denial of claims and needing a prior authorization from the company. Doctors can drop carrier at any time of the year leaving clients stranded and having to cancel all future appointments/surgeries.
Max out of pockets can be high depending on program especially while out of network.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: Not if you are disenrolling from you or your spouses credible employer coverage.
If you do not enroll when first eligible and you have no proof of credible work coverage, you will be penalized.
Does Medicare Advantage cover home health care?
Answer: Yes, however it’s for a few hours a day and the length of time is limited. It covers very light duties and is not long term care.
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: You will be automatically enrolled into Medicare Parts A and B.
Part C, Part D and a Supplement must be done on your own time.
I've had the same Part D plan for years, but this year my insulin shot up in price. Did the Inflation Reduction Act not fix this yet?
Answer: You should be shopping out a Part D plan every single year. No matter what. Whether your meds changed or not. Part D plans change their formularies every year. Inflation reduction act will not help you if the RX is not on the formulary list. Co pays and annual deductibles can apply as well.
What are the signs that it's time for me to switch my Medicare plan, and how often should I review my options?
Answer: You should review your plan every year during AEP.
Some signs are decrease in coverage, networks, increase in out of pockets, loss of benefits and RX hikes.
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: Not getting a supplement during golden enrollment as long as affordability is there. There are no health questions and medical underwriting.
I've been on disability for years and am about to turn 65. Do I automatically get Medicare because I'm on Social Security, or do I need to do something?
Answer: You will transition from Medicare disability to original Medicare. You get a golden enrollment opportunity like everybody else.you get a chance to buy a supplement at a reduced rate and have all your expenses covered. Once you get out of your golden enrollment, chances of getting approved later are very slim. Highly encourage exploring all options.
Can Medicare pay for my groceries?
Answer: No. Some Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible plans may pay for some groceries. You must qualify through low income and qualify for Medicaid
I just got Medicare Part A, and I'm worried about hospital stays. How do I know if my overnight stay will be covered fully?
Answer: Your Medicare Part A will never be covered in full unless you have Medicare Part A and a Medicare Supplement G plan or N plan which will cover you up to 515 days in a hospital setting followed by up to 100 days in a SNF or rehab setting