Craig Bodner, Medicare Insurance Broker
Craig Bodner
Medicare Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, MI, NJ, NM, PA, TN and TX
Contact Details
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Location
Chandler, AZ
About Me
Hey there, my name is Craig, and I am your local Medicare advisor and agent. I specialize in Medicare and am devoted to helping you find the best plan that matches your specific needs and financial situation. I will take care of the daunting task of comparing plans from well-known national and local companies for you. Even better, my services are completely free! Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Craig Bodner
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: Spending the time to fully understand my clients needs and going the extra mile to ensure that my clients get a plan that addresses their most important priorities. But equally and maybe more importantly, it is tremendously gratifying to be a key resource throughout the year if they are running into any difficulties getting the care they need as well saving money whenever possible.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: To call Medicare Advantage plans "free" is over simplifying. Many (but not all) Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums so if premiums were the only important consideration, they could be considered "free". But there are many other factors to consider, such as deductibles, copays, drug coverage, etc. A Medicare Advantage plan can be an excellent value when paired well with clients priorities but its critical to look at all aspects of the plan such as whether all of your doctors are in network, all of your medications are covered by the plan, and many other considerations. As your Medicare Broker, it is my job to not only recommend a plan tailored to your needs but also to make your health coverage easier to understand.
I switched to a new Part D plan and now half my meds require prior authorization. Why didn't anyone warn me this could happen?
Answer: A good broker understands that it is critical to thoroughly review all aspects of medication coverage before enrolling a client in a plan. Clients should be aware of any prior authorization requirments, quantity limits, and "step therapy" requirements related to their drug coverage before enrollment, not after.
What's the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
Answer: The differences between PPO's and HMO's are considerable. Both have advantages and disadvantages:
Medicare Advantage PPO – More Flexibility
• See out-of-network providers: You can see doctors and specialists outside the plan’s network without a referral, though it will usually cost more than staying in-network.
• No need for referrals: You do not need a referral to see a specialist.
• Good for frequent travelers: More ideal if you travel often or split time between states/seasons, as you have coverage outside of your primary area (at higher cost).
• Higher premiums and/or out-of-pocket costs: You typically pay more for the added flexibility. It's also important to note that additional benefits such as dental are often richer with HMO's.
Medicare Advantage HMO – Less Flexibility, Lower Cost
• Must use network providers: You must get care from in-network doctors and facilities (except for emergencies or urgent care).
• Referrals required: You usually (but not always) need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist.
• Lower premiums and copays: These plans generally cost less out of pocket, which can be a big draw for those who stay local.
• Often greater ancillary benefits such as dental, transportation, etc.
• Limited travel coverage: Not ideal if you travel a lot or live in multiple states seasonally.
In short, the important thing is to match your priorities with the plan. Please don't hesitate to call me at 480-773-7111 with any questions or need for assistance!
How do I compare Part D plans to minimize costs for a mix of generic and specialty drugs?
Answer: Comparing Part D plans to minimize cost should take into consideration, several factors:
1) Premiums: Monthly amount paid while enrolled in the plan.
2) Tier levels/Copays: Each medication will fall under a specific "Tier Level" for each Prescription coverage plan and determines the amount that you will pay for the medication. Most medications fall under Tier 1 - 5 (although in some cases a Tier 6 is also utilized). In general (but not always) your copays are greater under a higher Tier number compared to lower tier numbers.
3) Deductibles: This is the amount of out of pocket expense the beneficiary must pay before the plan coverage "kicks in". In other words, you pay 100% of your medication costs until your out of pocket expense meets the plan deductible.
4) Formulary: The Formulary is the list of medication covered by the plan. These can vary from plan to plan.
One way to compare plans is to go online to https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare. This is a helpful tool provided by Medicare to help you with your choice of plans. However many people find it much easier to discuss this with a broker that can help you with this process and ensure that you have a full understanding of your options.
How can I plan for Medicare costs if I expect to need long-term custodial care in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Answer: Question From a Senior: How can I plan for Medicare costs if I expect to need long-term custodial care in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
That's an excellent question! It sounds like you already know that Medicare does not cover most long-term care needs, such as nursing home or assisted living costs. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that they need to plan for it.
It's critical to understand what Medicare does and doesn't cover. Medicare Part A may cover short-term care such as skilled nursing when recovering from surgery or injury but it will not cover long-term care day to day assistance such as help with bathing, dressing, etc. Alternative/Supplemental coverage such as Medicare Advantage or Medigap/Supplemental plans also do not provide that type of coverage (some very limited services are provided with certain Medicare Advantage plans but not long-term).
However there are some options available for Long-Term Care Coverage:
• Some Long-Term Care policies provide comprehensive coverage including the costs of nursing homes and assisted living. But these plans are usually available and affordable before age 65 and while in good health. It's also important to know that you can be turned downed down for these plans based on medical history.
• Certain Life Insurance Policies offer long-term care benefits at additional cost.
• Medicaid (in Arizona it is known as AHCCCS) does cover those expenses but it's critical to discuss the possibility of losing assets (such as ownership of your home).
• You could use savings alternatives such as Health Savings Accounts if they are available to you (usually from an employer). But the cost of long-term care can be anywhere from $4,000 - $12,000/month so saving enough to effectively cover expenses usually has to start at an early age.
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: What I enjoy most about working with Medicare clients is the opportunity to build genuine, lasting relationships while helping people navigate an important and often overwhelming part of their lives. Each client has a unique story, and I truly value the trust they place in me to guide them through their options with care and clarity. I also find great satisfaction in being there for them if they ever run into difficulties with an insurance claim—helping to resolve issues and ease their stress. It’s incredibly rewarding to provide peace of mind—whether it’s helping someone save money, find a plan that supports their health needs, or simply answering their questions in a way that makes them feel understood and empowered. Being a helpful and reliable resource during such an important stage of life is a privilege I never take for granted.