Cindy Clonts, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: I think some people may not understand all of the costs that you pay when you receive services. Most of the plans cost $0 or a little on the front end but it is pay as you go with a maximum limit. Some people don't like that. They just want to pay up front and not worry about costs when they go to the doctor.

Answer: Yes, if you are caring for a spouse with dementia and you're having caregiver burnout, you can get caregiver support, and they may also give you a social worker to help you as well if you need extra help.

Answer: On a plan N, yes, your recent MRI is covered and you're not going to get stuck with a big bill. The only difference in a plan N is that you're going to have the $20 copay when you go to the doctor, a $50 copay when you go to the ER, and you could have a 15% overage charge if your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, but it's super easy to check that on Medicare.gov.

Answer: If you stress over picking a plan and still end up surprised by bills, I would recommend going the original Medicare route and choosing a supplement plan G. This is the most comprehensive option, and it'll leave you with the least amount of bills on the back end. You would just have your annual part B deductible, which this year in 2025 is 257 dollars.

Answer: Medicare covers psychiatrists under Part B, which is covered at 80 percent. The medication that is prescribed would be under your Part D. Medicare Advantage, which is Part C, also has some extra options for therapy, like group therapy and individual therapy as well.

Answer: I don't think Medicare should cover dental, vision, and hearing because the costs are already expensive enough. It's $185 for most seniors on Medicare, and you have to double that if you're married, and the costs would just rise. Medical costs themselves are already expensive enough, let alone adding dental. Then I don't think you would have a lot of buy-in with the dentist, and I just really don't think that it would work very well. That's my opinion. Thank you.

Answer: I think at some point with technology, there will be AI that will analyze your doctors, your medications, your pharmacy, and pick the best plan for you. But I also think that there is room for error. Just like ChatGPT, you can ask it to develop something for you, and it will have a whole bunch of errors. So I always think that it's good to have a human behind that AI technology, just verifying that everything is correct. And so I hope to be that human.

Answer: I think the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans is that you are subject to prior authorizations and that your insurance company can decline a procedure. That is the biggest disadvantage in my opinion.

Answer: This is a great question. How will the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare drug pricing changes really affect seniors? Well, there are several drugs that are going to be reduced in 2025. Just like the diabetic medications that were $35 a piece, there are 10 new drugs that are set to come out for 2026 and through the next 10 years. So hopefully that will help cut some of the costs, as well as the $2000 cap on drugs.

Answer: This is a tricky question. So the question is, you have severe rheumatoid arthritis and your biologic medication costs $6,000 per month. How will the 2025 Medicare Part D changes affect someone in my situation? Well, it's going to depend on how your drug is administered. If it's administered in the doctor's office and you have a supplement, that's going to go under Medicare Part B and your costs will be covered that way. But if your medication is administered at home, then it will be under Part D, which you would be subject to a $2,000 cap on your medication for 2025. I hope that helps answer your question.

Answer: Hey there, the answer is yes, you can change your supplemental Medigap plan at any time. All you have to do is answer some simple underwriting questions like, have you stayed overnight in the hospital? And you can go from a Plan G to a Plan N, or you can change carriers. Thanks so much for listening.

Answer: No, your Medicare Advantage card is primary. Medicare Advantage actually combines A&B into part C and many times has part D included as well.

Answer: If you are on Social Security disability you will automatically qualify for Medicare after 2 years. Also, if you have End Stage Renal Disease or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Answer: I can! Watch my video. It explains parts A, B, C & D. It also explains the 2 most popular supplement plans: G&N. My video walks you through how to sign up, what it will cost, what it covers and more importantly what Medicare doesn't cover.

Answer: You can try to get a formulary exception, check GoodRX or apply for a Grant. There are also a lot of discount programs and websites for needy individuals.

Answer: You may qualify for "extra help" or Medicaid if you are below the federal poverty limit. We can help you fill out an application.

Answer: This is our job, we work with hundreds of people each year and seasoned agents that do this full time can be an invaluable resource. We study each year to pass the Medicare exam. Then we have to pass each carriers exam. It's not easy! We do the studying so you don't have to.

Answer: You may have had a household discount with a Medicare Supplement. When that person passes away, you no longer qualify for the discount unless another adult is living with you. Different companies have different age requirements. Some are 18 and some require a 50+ year old to live with you.

Answer: You should always review your plan every year. 2025 had a lot of part D changes and so everyone needs a review especially in 2025.

Answer: Yes, you automatically get Medicare if you are on Social Security disability after 2 years or you are turning 65. There is nothing you need to do.

Answer: Not during AEP. During this period you would have to answer underwriting questions any time you are outside of your initial 6 month, new to Medicare period.

Answer: I love listening to clients and finding their unique situation and what works best for them. Every person is unique, even if you are married your needs may be different from your spouses needs or your best friend's needs.