Curtis McCall, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes, unfortunately, Medicare Part D plans can still deny or restrict coverage for a brand-name drug even when no generic is available.

Or they may do what's called a Tier placement on it, with a higher cost-sharing tier.

Or, the insurance company may require prior authorization.

Or, step-down therapy, which requires you to try different medications to see if they work.

Or, they may limit the Quantity

BUT- THERE IS HOPE.

A. You can ask for an exception

B. You can appeal

C. You can switch plans to a carrier that covers the meds.

Answer: Yes — and honestly, I love when family gets involved.

It tells me that somebody in your life cares enough to make sure you are protected. That means everything to me.

But there are a few things both you and your daughter need to know before we get started, so everything goes smoothly, and your coverage is handled properly.

Answer: Take a breath — this happens more than you think, and it is a lot easier to fix than most people expect.

You are not in trouble. Your coverage is not interrupted. And you do not need to panic.

Here's exactly what to do.

Contact me.

Answer: First — I hear you.

And I want you to know you are not alone in this. This is one of the most common conversations I have, and it breaks my heart every time because it didn't have to happen this way.

Nobody sat down with you and showed you the full picture. That's not your fault. That's a failure of the system — and honestly, it's exactly the reason I do what I do.

Let's talk?

Answer: Yes — if you move outside the United States, you can voluntarily drop Medicare Part B.

Since Medicare generally does not cover healthcare received in foreign countries, many people figure, why keep paying that monthly premium for coverage I can't use?

That logic makes sense on the surface. But here's what most people don't know.

But there is a penalty nobody warns you about.

If you drop Part B and later move back to the United States — and you will need to re-enroll — Medicare will charge you a permanent late enrollment penalty of 10% for every 12 months you went without Part B coverage.

Answer: Yes — and I want you to actually read it.

I know that sounds like something nobody does. You get a big envelope in the mail every September, it's packed with pages of fine print, and most people toss it on the counter and never open it. I get it.

But here's the thing — that envelope could save you or cost you hundreds of dollars, and nobody ever sits down with people and explains that. That's exactly why I do what I do.

Answer: The short answer — Medicare covers both, and they work independently of each other.

You do not have to choose one over the other.

Medicare recognizes that many people need both medication management AND talk therapy, and it covers both types of providers under the same benefit.

Answer: Yes — and it comes down to how the plan is rated.

There are three ways Medigap insurance companies price their premiums. Understanding the difference is one of the most important things a Medicare beneficiary can know.

Issue-Age Rated:

Your premium is based on your age at the time you first bought the policy. It will not increase as you get older, but it can still go up due to inflation.

Some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans use community rating — meaning your premium does not increase simply because you age. However, this varies significantly by state and by BCBS affiliate since BCBS is not one single national company — it is a network of independent regional companies.

In Nevada specifically, you would want to verify which BCBS affiliate operates in your area and whether it offers community-rated Medigap plans.

Answer: The short answer — Yes, in most cases.

Medicare covers several types of heart monitors depending on your medical needs and your doctor's order.

What Medicare covers: Holter Monitors

A Holter monitor is a portable device you wear for 24 to 48 hours that continuously records your heart rhythm. Medicare Part B covers this when your doctor orders it for diagnosis or monitoring of a heart condition.

Event Monitors:

An event monitor is worn for a longer period — typically 30 days — and records your heart activity when you feel symptoms. Medicare Part B also covers this when medically necessary.

Answer: The short answer — No.

Life insurance has absolutely no effect on your Medicare eligibility or your monthly premiums. The two are completely separate and do not interact with each other in any way.

Here's what actually determines your Medicare premiums:

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Most people pay $0 for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Your Part B premium is based on your income — specifically your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior.

For 2026, the standard premium is $202.90/month. Higher earners pay more through what's called IRMAA.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) & Part D (Drug Plans)

Premiums vary by plan, carrier, and your location — not by your life insurance coverage.

Answer: 1. It costs you nothing. Working with a licensed Medicare agent is completely free to you. Agents are compensated by the insurance carriers — not by you. You get expert guidance at zero cost.

2. We do the comparing for you. There are dozens of Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D drug plans available in your area. A good agent knows the differences, the networks, the drug formularies, and the fine print — so you don't have to spend hours figuring it out yourself.

3. Your needs change — we change with you. Every year during Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7), your plan can be reviewed and updated. A good agent reaches out proactively to make sure you're still in the best plan for your situation.

4. You get a real local person, not a call center!