Cori Richerson, Medicare Insurance Broker
Cori Richerson
Medicare Broker Licensed in LA, MS, TN and TX
8+ Years of Experience
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Lecompte, LA
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About Me
Thank you so much for this opportunity to serve you. My name is Cori Richerson and I believe in you having control over your healthcare future. I can help you with individual health insurance, but I specialize in Medicare needs assesments. Finding you the best coverage for your situation, both now and in the future is my goal. Coverage that fits your individual needs and budget. There is no charge for my service to you, and I am always going to do what is best for you, regardless for what that means for me. May the Lord bless you and keep you. I look forward to serving you in any way I can.
Q&A with Cori Richerson
My Medicare Advantage plan listed my doctor, but now they say he's out of network. How is that even allowed?
Answer: Your doctor has the right to change his network preferences at any time. That is a definite drawback of being subject to a network, especially on a HMO.
What's one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?
Answer: People regret not educating themselves first. They make a decision based on too little information and then they get stuck and cannot change due to health reasons or enrollment periods.
I've heard about IRMAA affecting my Medicare premiums. How can I find out if it applies to me, and how does it work?
Answer: IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount) is applicable to your Part B and Part D premiums if your income is over a certain amount on a designated year.
So. Your IRMAA charge is based on your tax return, line 11 Modified Adjusted Gross, from 2 years prior.
Example: Your premium in 2026 is based off your Modified Adjusted Gross on your 2024 tax return. They automatically apply this every year. So in 2027, it will be based on your 2025 tax return and so on.
There is a chart available on the SHIIP website on the Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, and Coinsurance pdf. I am more than happy to send you a copy.
It is roughly $100,000 per person. A single person filing will get an IRMAA charge if they file their taxes for some over $100,000. Married, filing jointly is roughly a little over $210,000.
If it applies to you, you will receive a notice from Social Security that you have an adjusted premium. You can also login to your SSA.gov account or possibly your Medicare.gov account.
If you do receive an IRMAA increase and your situation has changed (Retired), then you can always file for an exemption. You may, or may not get it, but it never hurts to try.
Do I really need help in figuring out what's best for me as for as Medicare Planning?
Answer: Yes. Medicare is a complex creature and there are many working parts. It comes down to two choices.
1.) You choose Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Prescription Drug Plan
OR
2.) Part C - Medicare Advantage
Each one works incredibly differenly. Figuring out what works best for you, and then determinging which company and coverage is vital to the success of your healthcare future. The decision you make now will determine the level of care you recieve in the future.
What if you have Medicare and SSI or you have both Medicare and Medicaid how do you qualify for LIS or Extra Help?
Answer: LIS or Extra Help is a division of Medicaid. Your enrollment into the program is based on your income and your application to Medicaid.
Medicaid becomes a complex creature after your enrollment into Medicare. Before Medicare, you either have medicaid or you do not.
After Medicare, there are levels of Medicaid, for example LIS, Extra Help, ect. These levels are typically based on your income. For additional resources on Medicaid, I recommend you reaching out to your local SHIIP office if you do not want to visit with me :). SHIIP is the Senior Health Insurance Information Program and is a non-biased counseling service that specializes in assiting in enrollment into programs such as this.
Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: That is an interesting question and can have many different answers based on the circumstances.
1.) You can only be disenrolled from a Part C Medicare Advnatage plan if:
- The plan is ending.
- You enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
2.) There are less plan options out there in 2026 than there were in years prior.
3.) There has been a change of focus of enrollment, what I mean is people have decided they no longer want Part C Medicare Advantage plans. They would rather have Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Prescrption Drug Plan (Part D).
So I heard something about Medicare drug costs being capped at $2,000 in 2025. Is that really happening or just talk?
Answer: That actually happened. The donut hole is also no longer a thing. In 2026 your True Out of Pocket costs are capped at $2,100 and you now only have 3 phases in the prescription drug plan coverage:
1.) Deductible
2.) Initial
3.) Catastrophic
Once you reach the catastrophic phase you no longer pay for your medications, only pay your monthly drug plan premium.
Why do some seniors end up paying lifelong penalties for Medicare Part B or Part D?
Answer: You can have a penalty for Part B or Part D if you do not enroll when you are first eligible. There are timeframes that are specific for each part that determine penalty amount. If you are still working and have credible group coverage through your employer then the penalty is waived if necessary documentation is received.
Part B - you incur a 10% penalty for every 12 month period you were eligible but did not enroll. This penalty you pay monthly for the rest of your life. For example you didn't have Part B for 3 years, you enroll now. You pay a base premium of $202.90 in 2026 + 30% ($60.87) for a total premium in 2026 of $263.77 per month.
Part D - you incur a 1% penalty for every month you did not have coverage and were eligible. The 1% is of the average prescription drug plan premium for that year.
I'm enrolled in a Medigap Plan F, and I'm not sure how my emergency room visits are handled. Is there a copay I should expect?
Answer: A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plan F is unique. It covers all costs of services and supplies that are approved under Medicare Part A & Part B. So, if Part A or Part B of Original Medicare approve the code for a service or supply, for example an Emergency Room visit, then your Plan F will cover all costs.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Not all agents are created equal. I am a broker, which means I have contracts with a lot of different companies and can bring you real world insight into what the strengths and weaknesses of each are. There is no charge for my services. You are going to pay the same amount if you allow me to help you, if you go direct online, or if you call the 1-800 number on tv. I, however, am not going to overwhelm you with phone calls and emails if you do choose to reach out. I am here to help, however I can. Be Blessed, Cori Richerson