Colleen Williams, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: I truly enjoy meeting new clients and sitting down with them. I feel it's highly important to get to know my client/s better and understand their specific circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance, allowing me to recommend a plan that truly fits their needs.

Answer: Everyone's circumstances are different, along with their preferences and affordability as well. What works for one individual may not apply to what his or her neighbor has. This is why it's important to sit down with a licensed agent to review the plan/s that will work specifically for you.

Answer: Yes, you can switch or drop a Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time, but be aware that there may be restrictions and potential waiting periods for pre-existing health conditions. Insurers may consider your health status when deciding whether to sell you a plan and how much it will cost.

Answer: Each July, I take the annual AHIP Testing required to keep up with the current changes, along with regularly going onto SSA.GOV and MEDICARE.GOV. By actively reviewing plan information, utilizing Medicare.gov resources, to staying informed about Medicare policies and plan options each year, and making informed decisions about the healthcare coverage.

Answer: You can only deduct medical expenses if you choose to itemize your deductions on your tax return, rather than taking the standard deduction. These premiums, including those for Parts B, D, and Medicare Advantage (Part C), can be considered qualified medical expenses. However, to claim the deduction, your total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Answer: Technology is constantly advancing and changing, and will most likely transform the future of Medicare. The advancement of technology will allow persons on Medicare to have more remote access to their doctors (Telehealth), along with doctors being able to monitor their patients remotely with devices. Not to mention, patients having more access to mental health care.

Answer: If you have been on disability for longer than 2 years (24 months) or more, you are automatically enrolled into Parts A & B when you turn 65. You are not required to do anything, this gives you automatic enrollment into Medicare. It should come in the mail about 3 months prior to your birth date.

Answer: The biggest mistake that seniors make is not enrolling in Medicare during the proper time frame. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) lasts 7 months long, 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, your birth month, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. If Medicare is not taken during this time frame, you will end up incurring penalties.

Answer: Even if you decide to take your Medicare at 65, you are not required to take your Social Security benefits. You can always defer your Social Security until age 70 without a problem. You'll still need to apply for Medicare benefits within your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday.

Answer: IRMAA, which stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, is an additional fee added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above a certain threshold. This surcharge is calculated based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. IRMAA was created to ensure that higher-income beneficiaries contribute more towards their healthcare costs.

Answer: When it comes to a Medicare Supplemental Plan F, you have a deductible of $257 each year. Once that deductible is met, there are no further costs except for your premium amount. The plan will pay 100% of covered services for the remainder of the year. Hence, covering any emergency room visits.

Answer: Why this is important:

When you first enroll, you face choices like Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare + Medigap.

Some options (like Medigap) can be harder or more expensive to switch into later because of medical underwriting, depending on your state and timing.

Prescription drug coverage (Part D) and provider networks can also change — what works now might not meet your needs if your health changes.

Many people focus only on the immediate premium costs and not on how their choices will shape their ability to access care (or pay for it) five or ten years down the road.

In short: you’re not just choosing for today, you’re choosing for your future self too — and some paths lock you in more than others.

Answer: You do NOT need to reapply for Medicare Parts A and B. You will automatically be transitioned from Medicare based on disability to Medicare based on age. Your Medicare card stays the same — same number, same coverage continues. You do not have to sign up again for Parts A and B.

BUT............

You SHOULD review your options during your "Initial Enrollment Period" around age 65 (which still applies to you even though you already have Medicare). This is a good time to:

Consider whether to switch to a better Part D (drug) plan if you have one or need one.

Consider adding a Medigap (supplemental) policy — at 65 you get a "Medigap Open Enrollment" window where you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting (very important opportunity if you have health issues).

Re-evaluate if you want Original Medicare + Medigap vs. a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).

→ Many people on disability go into Advantage plans earlier because it was easy — but at 65, you have another chance to switch if you'd prefer more flexibility and access to specialists.

If you already have a Part D or Advantage plan, it will continue unless you choose to change it during this window.