Daniel Keane, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Medicare is a highly regulated Federal Program. The thing I like best about being a Medicare Agent is that I must be certified by the Federal Government each year. This requirement ensures that I am up to date and providing seniors with accurate information.

Answer: Medicare Plans may be different in each state and possibly

different in each zip code. In general, the benefits remain constant but the requirements for obtaining them may differ in each state.

Answer: Medicare Plans may differ in each city and zip code in each state. Medicare plans may differ in many ways depending on location, income and health of the beneficiary.

Answer: Insurance whether a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medigap Plan is a transfer of Risk. Medicare Advantage Plans, in my experience, do save seniors money if designed properly.

Answer: Keeping Original Medicare is an option, but you are exposed to deductibles, and 20% coinsurance on Part A and Part B.

Selecting Part C Medicare Advantage Plan lessens the risk of exposure to deductible and coinsurance.

Answer: The benefit of working with a Medicare near you is twofold:

1) the agent will know the local health providers, Doctors, Hospitals and Pharmacies.

2) The Medicare Beneficiary can remain in contact with a local agent vs a remote agent that has no local knowledge, may not understand the local medical practices in the area.

Answer: A Medicare decision most people will regret later is not signing up for Part B and Part D in a timely manner. Many people regret not contacting a certified professional to advise them on how to design Medicare solutions.

Answer: The risk is being subjected to deductibles on Part A and B and 20% coinsurance on medical bills. The coinsurance on a $100,000 medical bill could be as high as $20,000. A Medigap plan is not required as one could also go with Medicare Advantage Plan.

Answer: I have no idea what your employer plan covers. We would have to sit down and compare your employer plan with Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage Plans in your area.

Answer: By enrolling in Part A, you have taken the first step, but many other questions will have to be answered. Do you have group or individual insurance in force right now? Part A may be primary on your hospital stay and your individual and group insurance may be secondary. In the event you have no insurance in place then you will be subject to the Part A deductible.

Answer: The new Medicare Drug payment plan helps beneficiary's budget monthly with their prescription costs. You would have to qualify for drug payment plan through your pharmacy.

Answer: Medicare can be very confusing to not only beneficiaries but also uncertified professionals. Certification can be obtained through AHIP and each carrier the professional represents. Help is available through fully certified professional.

Answer: A decision to go with the cheapest option can be made very expensive in the long run. Each beneficiary is different and before a decision can be made a professional should determine your prescription cost, doctors, hospitals. In addition, there could be chronic illnesses, income and other items to take into account before decisions are made.

Answer: Generally, if you are living in two locations throughout the year you should be on a Medigap plan. Medigap plans cover you in both locations as you can obtain services from any provider that accepts Medicare beneficiaries.

Answer: Due to a chronic illness you may qualify for additional special needs programs. SNP's and the chronic conditions are listed on the CMS website.

Answer: Creditable coverage is defined as health insurance or prescription drug coverage that meets or exceeds the coverage provided by Medicare. If your employer plan is credible you may remain on it and once you separate from employment you have 8 mos. to enroll in Medicare.

Answer: You should consult a Medicare professional. I can look up your mom’s drs, prescriptions and hospitals to make sure she would be covered.