Chuck Winslow, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Lost your Medicare card? Don’t panic — it happens more often than you think.

The good news is you can request a replacement Medicare card several different ways:

• Log into your Social Security account online at SSA.gov and print or request a replacement card

• Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE

• Visit your local Social Security office if needed

In many cases, you can even download or print a temporary copy online while waiting for the new card to arrive.

Also important:

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan, your insurance company ID card is usually what you’ll use most often at doctor visits and pharmacies — not the red, white, and blue Medicare card.

If you believe your Medicare number may have been stolen or used fraudulently, report it immediately to Medicare so they can help protect your benefits and identity.

I help seniors navigate situations like this all the time and answer Medicare questions in plain English — always at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: There really isn’t one single “best” Medicare plan for someone with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) because it depends on several important factors like:

• Stage of kidney disease

• Current doctors and specialists

• Dialysis needs

• Prescription medications

• Hospital systems being used

• Financial situation and Medicaid eligibility

But there ARE certain things someone with CKD should pay very close attention to when choosing coverage.

For many people with CKD, the biggest areas to review are:

• Dialysis coverage and costs

• Specialist access (especially nephrologists)

• Hospital networks

• Prescription drug coverage

• Transportation benefits

• Maximum Out-of-Pocket exposure

• Access to Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)

In some cases, a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) designed for kidney disease or diabetes can provide additional benefits, care coordination, lower costs, and support services.

Others may prefer Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement because it can offer more provider flexibility and predictable costs.

The important thing is this:

A plan that works great for a healthy person may be a terrible fit for someone managing CKD.

That’s why I always encourage people to review the FULL picture — doctors, medications, dialysis centers, hospitals, and overall financial exposure — not just the premium.

I help seniors and families compare these options every day and explain things in plain English so they can make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises — always at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: Absolutely — and this is a conversation that needs to happen more often.

Many minority seniors face real challenges when it comes to healthcare access, including:

• Higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension

• Limited access to transportation or specialty care

• Language and communication barriers

• Lower access to preventative care and screenings

• Financial challenges that impact treatment and medication adherence

The reality is that healthcare outcomes can vary greatly depending on where someone lives, their income, access to providers, and whether they fully understand the benefits available to them.

One of the biggest problems I personally see is that many seniors simply don’t know what programs, assistance, or benefits they may qualify for. Some people go years without ever having someone truly explain their Medicare options in a way they understand.

Education and community outreach matter.

That’s why I believe local education, trusted community partnerships, and one-on-one guidance are incredibly important — especially in underserved communities.

At the end of the day, every senior deserves access to clear information, quality healthcare, dignity, and the ability to make informed decisions about their future.

That’s a big part of why I do what I do every day in the community.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: This is one of the biggest frustrations I hear from people with PPO Medicare Advantage plans.

A PPO does give you more flexibility than an HMO because you can go outside the network without needing referrals in many cases. But what many seniors don’t realize is that “out-of-network” does NOT mean “covered the same.”

In most PPO plans:

• In-network providers have lower copays and negotiated rates

• Out-of-network providers can charge significantly more

• Deductibles and coinsurance are often much higher outside the network

• Some doctors may not even agree to bill the plan directly

So yes — you technically have access to more doctors, but the financial exposure can become very expensive very quickly.

That’s why understanding the Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP), coinsurance percentages, and provider contracts matters so much before choosing a plan.

For some people, a PPO makes perfect sense because of travel, specialist access, or provider preference. For others, the added costs end up outweighing the flexibility.

This is exactly why I always tell people:

Don’t just choose a plan based on the premium or a TV commercial. The real question is how the plan actually works when you need care.

I help seniors compare these details every day so they understand the tradeoffs before problems happen — always at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: Yes — technically you can apply to change Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans at any time during the year.

However, whether you are GUARANTEED acceptance is a completely different story.

In most states, once you are outside your initial Medigap Open Enrollment period or a guaranteed issue situation, insurance companies can usually require medical underwriting.

That means they may:

• Ask health questions

• Review medications and medical history

• Charge a higher premium in some cases

• Or even decline the application altogether

This is one of the biggest differences between Medicare Supplement plans and many Medicare Advantage plans.

Now here in Indiana, there is something very important called the Indiana Birthday Rule.

The Indiana Birthday Rule allows Medicare Supplement policyholders to switch to another supplement plan with equal or lesser benefits around their birthday each year without medical underwriting in many situations.

This is an incredible protection that many seniors don’t even realize they have.

That’s why reviewing your coverage regularly matters so much. You may be paying too much, have outdated coverage, or qualify for better options without realizing it.

I help seniors review these situations every day and explain their options in simple terms so they can make informed decisions — always at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: One of the most common questions I hear is:

“What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?”

While the names sound similar, they are actually two very different programs.

Medicare is primarily health insurance for:

• People age 65 and older

• Certain younger individuals with disabilities

• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or specific qualifying conditions

Medicare is generally based on age or disability status — not income.

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a needs-based program designed to help individuals and families with limited income and resources. Medicaid rules can vary from state to state.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Medicare = Age or disability-based health coverage

• Medicaid = Income and asset-based assistance program

Some people qualify for BOTH Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. These individuals are often referred to as “dual eligible” beneficiaries.

When someone qualifies for both programs, Medicaid may help pay for things like:

• Medicare premiums

• Copays and deductibles

• Additional healthcare services

• Long-term care support in some situations

This is why proper guidance matters so much. Many seniors don’t realize they may qualify for additional assistance programs that could potentially save them thousands of dollars each year.

I spend a lot of time helping seniors and families understand these programs, review their options, and connect them with resources that may help — always at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: Yes — but it depends on what type of Medicare coverage you have.

Original Medicare itself generally does not “cancel” you as long as you continue paying any required premiums, such as your Part B premium. However, Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans can end or change coverage under certain situations.

Some common reasons coverage could be affected include:

• Not paying your monthly premiums

• Moving outside your plan’s service area

• Giving incorrect information on an application

• Losing Medicaid or Extra Help status if your plan depends on it

• A plan leaving the market or discontinuing coverage in your county

• Medicare terminating its contract with a carrier

Every year, insurance companies can also change:

• Provider networks

• Prescription drug formularies

• Copays and deductibles

• Extra benefits

• Plan availability

That’s why reviewing your Medicare coverage annually is extremely important — even if you’ve had the same plan for years.

I’ve met many seniors who assumed everything stayed the same, only to later discover their doctor was no longer in network, medications changed tiers, or benefits were reduced.

The good news is that in many situations, if a plan ends or coverage changes, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to choose new coverage.

This is exactly why I spend so much time educating seniors and families so they understand how Medicare actually works and what protections they may have available.

If you ever have questions about your plan or want a second set of eyes on your coverage, I’m always happy to help at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: Yes — Medicare does cover hospital observation stays, but this is one of the most misunderstood areas of Medicare and it can create major unexpected costs for seniors.

Many people think if they stay overnight in a hospital, they’ve automatically been admitted as an inpatient. That is NOT always the case.

Under Medicare, “observation status” is considered outpatient care — even if you stay in a hospital bed for several days.

Here’s why that matters:

• Observation stays are generally covered under Medicare Part B

• Inpatient admissions are covered under Medicare Part A

• Your costs, deductibles, copays, and coverage can be very different depending on how the hospital classifies you

One of the biggest issues involves Skilled Nursing Facility coverage.

Medicare typically requires a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital admission before it will help cover rehabilitation or skilled nursing care afterward. Observation days usually do NOT count toward that requirement.

So someone could spend multiple nights in the hospital thinking they qualify for rehab coverage — only to later discover they were never officially admitted as an inpatient.

This is why I always encourage seniors and families to ask the hospital directly:

“Am I admitted as an inpatient or am I under observation status?”

That one question can make a huge financial difference.

I help seniors understand these gaps and how different Medicare plans may help protect them from unexpected costs and confusion — always at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: Yes — in many cases you absolutely can change your Medicare plan even after Open Enrollment ends.

A lot of people assume they are locked into their plan for the entire year, but there are several Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that may allow you to make changes depending on your situation.

Some common examples include:

• Moving to a new area

• Losing employer coverage

• Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help

• Being diagnosed with certain chronic conditions that qualify for a Special Needs Plan (C-SNP)

• Recently retiring or losing credible coverage

• Qualifying for a 5-Star Medicare plan in your area

• Changes related to nursing home or long-term care situations

There’s also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31 each year, where individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time change.

The important thing is not to assume you’re stuck. I talk with seniors all the time who were told they had to wait an entire year when they actually qualified for a change immediately.

Every situation is different, which is why having someone review your options can make a huge difference.

I’m always happy to answer questions and help people understand what options may be available — at absolutely no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in Medicare spending is the continued movement toward Medicare Advantage plans. Today, more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and a growing share of Medicare dollars is now flowing through private insurance companies rather than Traditional Medicare.

At the same time, there’s been increased discussion around the long-term cost of these plans to the Medicare system. Some reports estimate Medicare Advantage is costing the federal government billions more annually compared to Traditional Medicare due to payment structures and risk adjustments.

What’s also interesting is that while Medicare Advantage enrollment is still growing, the pace has started slowing as some carriers reduce benefits, exit markets, or discontinue plans because of rising healthcare costs and reimbursement changes.

This is exactly why it’s important for seniors to review their coverage every year and understand both the pros and limitations of Medicare Advantage versus Original Medicare with a Supplement.

I help seniors and families understand these changes every day and make sure they know all their options — at no cost.

Chuck Winslow

US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸

Retirement & Legacy Planner

Contact me.

Answer: It is a must! If you have an advantage plan then you should have a hospital indemnity plan without a doubt! It is the only way to protect yourself or your family from a large out of pocket cost!

Answer: You’re not stuck forever. You can change your Medicare plan once a year during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. If your needs change, you can switch plans again next year — or sometimes even sooner if you qualify for a special reason like moving or having certain health conditions.

Answer: That is not a simple question. That will all depend if you are going with an HMO or a PPO plan. With an HMO plan you 100% need to make sure your doctors are in the same network or your charges will be a lot different. Now if you go with a PPO plan most of the time your doctors would not have any issues using the same doctors as you are now. It is always best to have whom ever you are working with check ALL your doctors to make sure you will be covered and you do not have any issues once you make the change.

Answer: That is is not a good health program. If people work with brokers who understand that Medicare is driven towards ones personal health goals for that year and each year could look different based on someons health.

Answer: That all depends on you and your health goals. Medicare is thw one health plan that can be truly driven towards your health goals.

In my opinion I feel like an Advantage Plan is so much better as long as you cover yourself with gap protection.

Reach out to someone who not only does Medicare but also takes care of all thw little things that not everyone things about.

Happy to help anytime I can!

Answer: Yes, you will need to get with an agent to help transfer it to your state. If you do not have one, you can find one here on this site or just google one in your area.

Answer: Great question and it all depends on who you have your Medicare with and the type of plan you're on.

I just helped a gentleman yesterday and now he has hearing, vision and dental.

How can I help you?

Answer: Medicare provides some help with long-term care, but it’s important to know its limits so you can plan ahead:

How Medicare fits in:

Medicare covers short-term skilled care (like rehab after a hospital stay), usually up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility if certain conditions are met.

It does not cover long-term custodial care, like help with bathing, dressing, or eating if that's all you need.

Medicare Advantage Plans may offer limited extra benefits, but they still do not cover full-time long-term care.

What you should be doing now:

1. Explore long-term care insurance or hybrid life/long-term care policies—these can help pay for care in the future.

2. Consider short-term care plans that fill gaps in Medicare coverage.

3. Create a financial plan for care needs—including home modifications, in-home support, or assisted living.

4. Talk with a specialist about Medicaid planning if you think you may eventually need state assistance.

5. Document your wishes with a healthcare directive and involve family in your planning.

Preparing now gives you more options, better care, and less stress for your loved ones later. If you want help reviewing your coverage and planning ahead, I’m happy to walk through it with you.

Answer: In my professional opinion the best thing is to sit with an agent who offers 4 + companies for you yo look at and compare.

Medicare is an amazing tool for seniors if they have the right person helping them use it.

There is a website that you can compare each plan side by side showing you each thing you get.

Hope this helps and I'm always happy yo assist.

Answer: Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are special programs that help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare costs. These programs can help cover:

Medicare Part B premiums (which most people pay monthly)

Deductibles

Coinsurance

Copayments

There are four types of Medicare Savings Programs, and eligibility is based on income and assets. If someone qualifies, it could save them hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year.

Also, qualifying for an MSP automatically enrolls you in Extra Help, which helps cover prescription drug costs.

Answer: You need to connect with you agent and if you do not have one, you can call me, and I will help you with the paperwork.

Answer: Step 1. Learn about who the person is and what your personal health goals are.

Step 2. Explain in depth the differences between a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan along with all the different types if coverages available to them.

Step 3. Help you look over plans that are built to your personal health goals.

Step 4. Making sure after you choose a plan that fits you, that you understand what you do and do not get with the coverage.

Step 5. Give you all the information to make an informative decision.

That is the only way!

Answer: To be honest nothing will happen. However, you have nothing to loose by taken part A now! Happy to help

Answer: Yeah, it’s crazy—last year we spent around $4.9 trillion on healthcare in the U.S. That’s about $14,570 for every person. And even with all that money being thrown around, folks are still having a hard time getting the care they need. Just doesn’t add up, does it?

Answer: One rule I think is pretty outdated—and honestly not fair to seniors—is the 3-day hospital stay requirement for Medicare to cover rehab or skilled nursing care. A lot of folks don’t realize that if you’re in the hospital under “observation” instead of being officially admitted for three full days, Medicare won’t help with the nursing home costs after. Even if you’re lying in a hospital bed for days, it might not count. It’s confusing, and it ends up costing seniors way more than it should.

Answer: As more people retire and enroll in Medicare, especially with the large Baby Boomer generation aging, there’s more strain on Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care. Since it's mainly funded by payroll taxes, fewer workers supporting more retirees means the fund is expected to run short—possibly by the early 2030s if nothing changes.

Answer: Not all blood tests are covered by Medicare — but many essential ones are, especially if they're considered medically necessary.

Covered by Medicare Part B (if medically necessary):

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Lipid Panel (cholesterol and triglycerides)

A1C Test (for diabetes)

Blood glucose tests

Thyroid function tests

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) (for prostate cancer screening)

Liver and kidney function tests

Hepatitis screenings

HIV and STD screenings (in certain cases)

Not typically covered:

Tests for employment, life insurance, or general curiosity

Experimental or non-FDA-approved blood tests

Some vitamin or hormone level tests (unless deemed medically necessary)

To be covered, the test must be ordered by your doctor and used to diagnose, monitor, or treat a medical condition. Preventive screenings like cholesterol or diabetes tests are often covered 100% under Medicare if you qualify.

Answer: Covered Preventive Services with Medicare Part B:

1. "Welcome to Medicare" Visit (First 12 Months)

One-time check-up to review your health, risk factors, and future screenings.

2. Annual Wellness Visit (Yearly)

A personalized prevention plan to update screenings and manage health goals.

3. Screenings (Usually Once a Year or as Recommended):

Mammogram (Breast cancer)

Colorectal cancer screening (includes colonoscopy and stool tests)

Lung cancer screening (for high-risk individuals)

Prostate cancer screening

Cardiovascular disease screening

Diabetes screening

Depression screening

Bone density test (osteoporosis)

4. Vaccinations:

Flu shot (yearly)

Pneumonia shot

Hepatitis B (for those at higher risk)

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters (as recommended)

5. Additional Services:

Smoking cessation counseling

Obesity counseling

Nutrition therapy (for diabetes or kidney disease)

Glaucoma tests (for high-risk individuals)

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Most of these are free if your provider accepts Medicare. Staying up to date on these can make a big difference in staying independent and active.

Answer: Medicare Part B helps cover your outpatient care. That includes doctor visits, lab work, durable medical equipment (like walkers or oxygen), preventive screenings (like mammograms or colonoscopies), mental health services, and even some home health care.

But is it enough? For many, not quite. Part B doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care. Plus, you still pay a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and usually 20% of the cost of services.

That’s why many people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan to fill in those gaps.

Answer: Great question — here's how it works with Medigap Plan G:

Medigap Plan G covers everything that Original Medicare covers except the Part B annual deductible (which is $240 in 2025). So for your knee replacement:

1. Medicare Part A will cover your hospital stay and related inpatient costs.

2. Medicare Part B will cover the doctor fees, outpatient surgery costs, and physical therapy.

Once you've paid your $240 Part B deductible, Plan G pays 100% of the remaining Medicare-approved charges, including:

Hospital costs

Surgeon's fees

Anesthesia

Outpatient rehab

Durable medical equipment like a walker

So yes — after your deductible is met, your Plan G will cover the rest of the knee replacement surgery as long as it's Medicare-approved.

Answer: Yes, Medicare has begun covering certain AI-powered diagnostic tools, particularly those that have received FDA clearance and demonstrate significant clinical benefits. For instance, AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis tools, such as those using CT-based quantitative coronary topography (AI-QCT), are covered when deemed medically necessary for diagnosing conditions like coronary artery disease. Additionally, AI algorithms for diabetic retinopathy screening have seen increasing Medicare claims, indicating growing adoption in clinical settings.​

However, coverage is not universal for all AI diagnostic tools. Medicare Advantage plans may also utilize AI technologies, but they must adhere to regulations ensuring that coverage decisions are based on individual patient circumstances and medical necessity, not solely on algorithmic recommendations.​

It's important to note that while Medicare is expanding its coverage of AI diagnostics, the inclusion of specific tools depends on factors like FDA approval, demonstrated clinical efficacy, and adherence to Medicare's coverage criteria.​

If you're considering an AI-powered diagnostic tool, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider and Medicare plan administrator to determine if the specific technology is covered under your plan.

Answer: As of January 2025, Medicare has begun covering certain digital therapeutics (DTx) specifically for mental health conditions, such as depression, insomnia, and substance use disorders. These are FDA-cleared, prescription-based software tools designed to deliver clinical interventions, and they are now reimbursable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. ​

However, for chronic physical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare's coverage of digital health tools remains limited. While Medicare does provide reimbursement for remote patient monitoring (RPM) services—such as tracking blood glucose or blood pressure—this coverage is typically indirect, billed through your healthcare provider as part of their care management services. ​

It's important to note that Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional digital health benefits, including wellness apps or chronic care management tools, but these offerings vary by plan. If you rely on specific digital therapeutics for managing your chronic conditions, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or Medicare plan administrator to determine if these tools are covered under your current plan.

Answer: Medicare Advantage star ratings measure a plan’s quality based on things like member satisfaction, customer service, and healthcare outcomes. Generally, higher-rated plans (4 or 5 stars) are a good sign that you can expect better customer service, more reliable access to care, and higher overall satisfaction compared to lower-rated plans.

Answer: The Medigap "birthday rule" allows people in certain states to change their Medigap plan around their birthday each year without medical underwriting. States like California, Oregon, Idaho, Illinois, and Nevada have versions of this rule, making it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits.

Answer: The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period allows you to switch to a 5-Star rated Medicare Advantage plan once per year outside of the usual enrollment windows. It's different from the OEP (Open Enrollment Period) and AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) because it’s specifically tied to the quality rating of the plan, not the time of year.

Answer: A Medicare Advantage PPO generally offers more flexibility because you can see out-of-network doctors, often at a higher cost, while an HMO usually requires you to stay within the plan’s network and get referrals for specialists. The trade-off is that PPOs give you more freedom, but HMOs often have lower out-of-pocket costs if you’re comfortable staying in-network.

Answer: I love being a Medicare agent because I get to make a real difference in people's lives by helping them find the coverage they truly need. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing someone feel confident and relieved after we walk through their options together.