Dana Dane, Medicare Insurance Agent
Dana Dane
Dana Dane Insurance
Medicare Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA, ID, MI, MO, TX, WA and WY
Contact Details
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Location
Florence, OR
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Phone
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Website
About Me
I'm Dana Dane, an insurance agent dedicated to helping you. Medicare is my primary focus and have been in business for 29 years. With the experience and tools to research all the Medicare plans available in your area, you and I can easily compare Medicare plans based on your needs.
My assistance comes at absolutely no cost to you.
NOTE: With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRS) we saw significant changes to some prescription drugs in 2024. More vaccines were covered at no cost and the $35.00 cap on a one month supply of Part B & D covered insulins were put into effect. In 2025 we have seen significant changes to Medicare Part D Prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans as well.
How can I help you?
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Dana Dane
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: What is the difference between Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans? Which plan is right for me?
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly premium. Medicare Advantage plans are subsidized by the government. Legitimate advertising must be approved by Medicare.
How does Medigap Plan K compare to Plan G for someone on a tight budget?
Answer: To specifically answer this question and maintain compliance with Medicare guidelines, comparing plans should be discussed with a licensed agent with Medicare approved outlines and sales materials. Most people are enrolled in a Plan G or Plan N. Plan K is not offered by some companies. Plans with less market share tend to be higher in premium in comparison to the benefits.
How do you explain to clients that "zero-premium" doesn't mean "zero-cost" with Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Benefits vary from plan to plan. Often times you may have a $0 copay with an in-network primary care physician, for example. There is usually cost sharing for out-patient surgeries, hospitalization, major diagnostic tests as well as other services. Cost sharing can be a set dollar amount or a percentage of the cost.
What if I missed my window to sign up?
Answer: This is a complex question that is not specific enough. Did you delay or forget to enroll in Medicare Part B and missed your initial enrollment period? Did you not choose a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan during your initial enrollment period?
Why is regular Medicare better than an advantage plan?
Answer: Maybe you mean, why is a Medicare Supplement better than a Medicare Advantage plan? There are pros and cons depending on your needs. I would recommend you speak with your local licensed agent to find out what your needs are and to give you a thorough overview of the differences.
Will Medicare cover everything my current employer plan does?
Answer: In general, most people on Medicare who receive employer health insurance will delay Medicare Part B enrollment. In this case Medicare Part A (in-patient services) is billed first. I would contact your employer health insurance plan to find out what your cost sharing would be for specific services.
I signed up for a Medicare Advantage HMO, and I'm wondering if I can see a cardiologist out of network without paying everything myself.
Answer: In general, other than emergencies, you must see in-network providers if you are enrolled in Medicare Advantage HMO plan. Please call your agent or your insurance company to fully answer your question.
I need a hearing aid but I've heard Medicare doesn't cover them. Is there any way around this?
Answer: Some Medicare Supplement companies offer discounts on hearing aids at no extra cost. Some Medicare Advantage plans have hearing aid benefits up to a certain dollar amount. Please contact your local insurance agent to find out what is available in your area.
Does Medicare cover emergency care if I'm traveling in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico?
Answer: Yes, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. I would recommend travel/trip insurance, especially outside of the continental U.S. Get the best plan available which would include medical services as well as emergency air travel for you and your traveling partner to bring you back home. The cost is relatively inexpensive as it covers you for the duration of your trip only.
What advice would you give to seniors who are feeling overwhelmed by all the Medicare options available?
Answer: It's easy to get caught in the weeds! Please work with a local agent who has access to a variety of companies. They can work with you to explain the options in your area and find a plan that fits your needs. There is never a fee to work with an agent.
Does Medicare Advantage cover home health care?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplements must cover everything that Medicare covers. Medicare covers home health visits. How it's covered depends upon your plan but many plans will cover home health at a $0 copay but visits are limited. To receive the benefit you must qualify. Please contact your local agent to find out how home health is covered under your plan. There is never a fee to work with an agent.
How do I report a suspicious Medicare billing error without getting in trouble myself?
Answer: Sometimes there are billing errors. In my experience, the number one error is coding something as routine when it should be coded as medically necessary. A call to your provider is usually enough to fix the problem. They simply add the correct code and rebill. If you are being charged for services not rendered or items not received, for example, I would first contact your agent. In this case, you may also contact the provider. The next step would be to report it to CMS which is Medicare.
I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment?
Answer: First, your doctor needs to prescribe this. Next, please call your agent who can contact your insurance company to see if you qualify for a replacement.
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: Your agent should have shown you the details of your prescription coverage at the time of enrollment, including but not limited to prior authorization, quantity limits and step therapy. Contact your doctor about prior authorization for those particular medications and they will send prior authorization to your prescription company. Please contact your agent for more information.
I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 66. How should I structure my Medicare coverage to ensure I get the mental health care I need?
Answer: Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans cover mental health visits and hospitalization due to mental health. Part D prescription drug plans cover medications. Please contact your agent to see if your medications are covered. If you do not have Medicare yet, please contact a local agent to help you.
What's the projected impact of an aging population on Medicare Part A hospital funds?
Answer: I just searched online and the second article listed was written in 2008 and stated that Medicare Part A will have insufficient funds by 2019. Be careful of the information you read online. It's good to be informed but don't get caught in the weeds or buy into fear-based articles. If you called Medicare I would guess they would not be able to answer that question, other than Part A funds must be increased every year.
I exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Does Medicare offer any incentives or additional benefits for preventive health behaviors?
Answer: A few Medicare Supplements and some Medicare Advantage plans have a benefit for gym memberships. Some Medicare Advantage plans will pay you a specific dollar amount for preventative visits. I would not choose a plan based on these benefits. Focus on the quality of the medical coverage. Please contact your local agent for more information about the plans in your area.
My doctor wants me to get several preventive screenings. Will Medicare cover all of these at once?
Answer: Some preventative screening are covered under Medicare. Please contact your agent or if you don't have one, call your insurance company.
I just got a $300 bill for an ambulance ride I thought was covered. Am I the only one who didn't know Medicare doesn't pay for all emergency transport?
Answer: I am assuming you have a Medicare Advantage plan. I have not see a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a $0 copay for ambulance service. Please call your agent to review your plan benefits again. If you do not have an agent, please review your summary of benefits and/or call your insurance company. If you are educated about your benefits there will be no surprises.
As a senior, what should I know about the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage before I choose?
Answer: I would call an agent and meet face to face if you can. They can educate you on the plans available in your area and find out what type of plan would be best for you.
What happens if I delay Medicare Part A enrollment because I'm still on my spouse's employer plan?
Answer: Enrollment in Medicare Part A is automatic and there is usually no cost to you. Maybe your are thinking about Medicare Part B. As long as your spouse is actively working you could stay on that plan and DELAY MEDICARE PART B enrollment. Please speak to a licensed insurance agent to compare cost and benefits vs. Medicare enrollment with a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans. Face to face meetings are best.
I tried calling Medicare and got transferred five times. Is there any way to get straight answers from them?
Answer: I have found calling early in the morning on Wednesdays and Thursdays have shorter hold times. Please call your insurance agent to see if they can offer assistance.
I just got Medicare Part A, and I'm worried about hospital stays. How do I know if my overnight stay will be covered fully?
Answer: Please contact your insurance agent who can explain how all the Medicare benefits work, how they coordinate with Medicare Part B, a Medicare Supplement, a Medicare Advantage plan or an employer health plan.
I'm a low-income senior who can't afford my prescription drugs even with Medicare Part D. What specific assistance programs should I apply for?
Answer: Please contact Medicaid as soon as possible and make an appointment to see if you qualify. There may be an office in your area. Some hospitals offer financial assistance if you are low income but do not qualify for Medicaid.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: Ask them if they can seek treatment (other than an emergency) with any doctor/hospital/facility nationwide that accepts Medicare. Ask them what their annual maximum out-of-pocket is in-network and out-of-network? Ask them if their plan changes from year to year.
My doctor wants me to try acupuncture for my back pain. Will Medicare cover any of this?
Answer: Medicare does not cover acupuncture however, some Medicare Advantage plans offer some coverage. Please contact your insurance agent for more information about plans in your area.
I'm getting conflicting information about whether Medicare covers my specific medication. How can I get a definitive answer?
Answer: Please contact your insurance agent for assistance. If you don't have an agent, please contact your prescription insurance company.
What are the red flags I should look for when interviewing agents? I want to make sure I'm not just getting sold to but genuinely advised.
Answer: Instead of looking for red flags (If one is a hammer one tends to look for nails.), instead I would focus on important attributes. Are they an EXPERIENCED agent - how many years have they been in business? Does the agent have access to MULITPLE COMPANIES and access to multiple plan types? Is the agent LISTENING to your concerns? Ask yourself, would you invite them to your home or would you hire them if you were an employer?
What are some lesser-known benefits or services that my Medicare plan might cover that I could be missing out on?
Answer: Without knowing what your plan is, that question should be answered by your agent. If you do not have an agent, please call your insurance company for that information. You could also request that you have a local agent assigned to you which costs you nothing.