Clare Burley, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Not having the correct timing and not getting the accurate coverage in place initially.

This can lead to a stressful enrollment and even late enrollment penalties in the future.

Answer: Most of the Advantage plans already cover hearing, vision, and dental at zero cost to the member! So, that is an easy solution to receiving these additional perks.

Even with individual and group insurance (pre Medicare) Vision and dental are separate, so honestly this is a savings and improvement.

I personally think that if Original Medicare were to offer these benefits the cost may go up, but that’s not for me to decide.

The advantage plans are a great way to get access to these additional benefits and keep your out of pocket costs and premiums low.

Answer: CMS does allow Insurance companies, to advertise their products. However, the market is so competitive with so many companies, it can lead to a lot of confusion and information overload. This is why it’s good to have a trustee broker to navigate these plans and details—allowing seniors to rest assured that they are getting the most and can ignore all of the propaganda!

Answer: Yes! Medicare covers medical needs for Asthma along with numerous other lung/breathing conditions. This would include specialists' visits, hospital stays, durable medical equipment, prescriptions and more. Co-pays on Medicare plans can vary, so it's always good to have an Agent compare options to ensure you are getting the coverage you need and paying the least amount out of pocket.

Answer: Great question! If you are continuing to work past 65 and have creditable coverage through employer insurance, you do not need to enroll into Part B. However, it’s always a good idea to have a Medicare Broker run a side by side comparison for you, because oftentimes Medicare options will beat out employer plans and can save you money!

Answer: Yes! They now offer a live chat option on their website. Go to "contact us" on the home page and then choose "live chat." It's awesome!

Answer: No. When you have an Advantage Plan, that is your Primary insurance and Original Medicare moved to the back burner. The doctors you see will need to be in-network with your chosen plan. If you have a PPO Medicare Advantage you will have access to in and out of network doctors, but the office will need to be willing to bill a PPO out of network. You may also have higher co-pays for seeing an out of network doctor.

Luckily the Medicare Advantage networks are very large and continue to grow, so my clients usually do not run into these issues.

Answer: Yes the MSP definitely help with Medicare costs! There are different levels of MSP and what you qualify for will depend on your income level.

Answer: Yes, if someone has been on disability for 24 month or more, they are eligible for Medicare. Once someone has Part A and B in place, we can shop different plan options to ensure they have all of their puzzle pieces in place and have access to the care that they need!

Answer: Yes, bone density screenings are considered preventive under Medicare Part B. They are typically covered every 24 months, however they can be approved more frequently if medically necessary.

Answer: We always start with the Medicare basics! An overview of Medicare, all of the puzzle pieces they will need to have in place, and next steps. I always guide my clients through the entire process, from start to finish.

Answer: I love getting to know my clients, hear their stories, and of course help guide them through what can often be a confusing topic--Medicare! I really enjoy being able to help them navigate their benefits and save them time and frustration. Having an understanding of your benefits is empowering and can save you a lot of money in the long run.