Christopher Palazzini, Medicare Insurance Broker

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Answer: Not getting a supplement during golden enrollment as long as affordability is there. There are no health questions and medical underwriting.

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.

Answer: No. Some Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible plans may pay for some groceries. You must qualify through low income and qualify for Medicaid

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