Curtis Stoner, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
Curtis Stoner is a seasoned financial professional with nearly two decades of experience in the insurance and retirement planning industry. Since 2007, he has helped individuals and families navigate the complexities of Medicare, Social Security optimization, and income planning. As the founder of Senior Health and Wealth Solutions, a veteran-owned firm, Curtis is committed to providing personalized, client-centered solutions that empower seniors to make informed financial decisions. A combat veteran and former member of the 101st Airborne Division, he brings the same dedication and integrity to his business as he did to his military service. Curtis and his team specialize in Medicare enrollment, retirement planning, 401(k) rollovers, and life insurance, ensuring clients receive expert guidance tailored to their unique needs.
Q&A with Curtis Stoner
Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?
Answer: Yes, you can enroll in Medicare even if you've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas. However, your eligibility and costs will depend on your residency status and work history.
Medicare Eligibility Without U.S. Work History
To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years before applying.
While most people receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premium-free by earning 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work paying into Social Security), you can still enroll in Medicare by paying premiums if you haven't met this requirement
Costs Without Work Credits
Part A (Hospital Insurance): If you have fewer than 30 work credits, you'll pay the full premium for Part A. For 2025, this premium is up to $505 per month.
Social Security
Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B requires a monthly premium for all enrollees, regardless of work history. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185 per month
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: Everyone had their own needs when it comes to Medicare. An advantage plan may work best for your neighbor but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be your best option. My best advice is to educate yourself on how they work or meet with a broker who can explain differences between a medigap and an advantage plan
I'm on Original Medicare with no supplement, and I'm wondering how much I'd pay if I need an ambulance ride to the hospital tomorrow.
Answer: It cost 20% after your Part B deductible has been met. The deductible for 2025 is $257. I hope this helps
Can Medicare help cover in-home care for dementia patients who wander or need supervision 24/7?
Answer: Medicare does not generally cover 24/7 in-home custodial care for dementia patients, even if they wander or need constant supervision.
I've heard that once you're on Medicare, you might not need life insurance as much. Is that true?
Answer: Whether you need life insurance has nothing to do with Medicare. Medicare has no type of death benefit.
I lost my Medicare Card. What do I do?
Answer: Option 1: Online (Fastest)
Log in to your My Social Security account.
Go to “Replace Your Medicare Card.”
Request a new card—it will be mailed to the address on file within 30 days.
If you don’t have a My Social Security account, you can create one on that same site.
Option 2: Call Medicare
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
TTY users: 1-877-486-2048
Available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
They can help you order a replacement and confirm your current mailing address.
Option 3: Through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)
If you get Medicare through the RRB:
Call 1-877-772-5772
Or visit RRB.gov
Important Tips
You can still receive care without the physical card—providers can look you up using your Medicare Number.
Consider writing down your Medicare Number and keeping it in a secure place.
If you think the card was stolen, monitor your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for suspicious activity and report fraud at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Do I have to apply for Medicare if I am still working past 65?
Answer: If You’re Still Working at 65
You may delay Medicare Part B (and Part D) without penalty if:
You have credible coverage through your or your spouse’s current employer
The employer has 20 or more employees
In this case:
You do not need to enroll in Part B at 65.
You can enroll later using a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you retire or lose group coverage.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: Yes you will get a special enrollment period. If it is to enroll in Part B you will get an 8 month window starting when your employer coverage ends. For Part D you will have a 63 day window to enroll. You will not want to miss these windows as it could potentially trigger penalties that will follow you as long as your on Medicare
What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?
Answer: Part B covers your medical services. There is a $257 annual deductible and then Medicare typically pays 80% of all approved services and you pay 20%. There is no cap on the out of pocket expenses. That's why most people add a medicare supplement or go with a Medicare Advantage plan to limit there out of pocket cost.