Daniel Underwood, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Your friend could have either a $0 Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement (which usually costs a monthly premium but covers more). Costs depend on both the type of plan and the ZIP code you live in.

Answer: Medicare covers most of the cost for approved medical treatments, but you may still have to pay deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. How much you pay depends on whether you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or extra coverage like a supplement.

Answer: You can find new doctors in your network by checking your plan’s online provider directory or calling the customer service number on your insurance card. Always confirm with the doctor’s office that they still accept your plan before making an appointment.

Answer: A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance starts covering costs. A copay is a set dollar amount you pay each time you get a service, like a doctor visit or prescription, even after your deductible is met.

Answer: Some hospitals are not taking Medicare Advantage because the insurance companies pay them less and often require extra approval before care. This can slow down treatment and make it harder for the hospital to cover costs.

Answer: Seniors can lose their Medicare Advantage plan if the plan leaves their area or raises costs a lot. Changes in doctors or plan rules can also cause them to lose coverage.

Answer: If you’re already retired and getting Social Security at 65, you’ll usually be signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. You can choose to keep Part B or decline it if you have other coverage.

Answer: Medicare pays for many doctor visits you can do by phone or video, especially if you live in a rural area. This helps you get care without traveling far, but some visits might still need to be in person.

Answer: When you retire, think about signing up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties. Also, compare Medicare plans to your employer coverage to find what works best for your health needs and budget.

Answer: I've been on my employer's health plan but am retiring soon. What should I consider when moving to Medicare?

Answer: You can usually keep your Medigap plan when you move to a new state like Florida. But it’s a good idea to call your insurance company to see how your plan works there.

Answer: The main benefit of Medicare Part D is that it helps lower the cost of prescription drugs, making medicines more affordable for you.

Answer: Medicare usually pays for regular care and tests you need during a clinical trial, like doctor visits and lab work. For special treatments based on your genes, Medicare may cover them if your doctor says they’re necessary, but it’s good to check first.

Answer: Original Medicare with a Part D plan is often better for frequent travelers because it lets you see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the U.S. Medicare Advantage plans usually require you to use a network, which can limit your care when you’re away from home.

Answer: Medicare covers home health care like skilled nursing visits, physical therapy, and help from a home health aide if your doctor says you need it. These services are usually for people who can’t easily leave their home and need care to recover or manage a health condition.

Answer: If you’re having trouble paying your Medicare premiums, there are programs that can help lower your costs, like Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs. I can help you find out if you qualify and guide you through the application process so you get the support you need.

Answer: If you delay Medicare Part A because you’re still covered by your spouse’s employer plan, you usually won’t face a penalty, as long as you sign up when that coverage ends. It’s important to enroll during your Special Enrollment Period to avoid gaps in coverage or late penalties.

Answer: Absolutely! I remember a client who was really overwhelmed trying to switch from their Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare and add a Medigap policy. I took the time to walk them through the steps, explained how to avoid any penalties, and helped them find a plan that fit their needs and budget. Hearing how much easier it made things for them was incredibly rewarding.

Answer: You might face a penalty if you don’t sign up for Medicare when you turn 65, unless you have other qualifying health coverage, like from an employer. The late enrollment penalty can make your monthly premium higher for as long as you have Medicare.

Answer: Neither is “better” for everyone—it depends on your needs, budget, and how you use your healthcare. Medicare Advantage usually costs less each month and offers extra benefits but requires using the plan’s network, while Medigap costs more but lets you see any Medicare doctor with fewer bills.

Answer: In most cases, the Statement of Appointment (SOA) should be filled out directly with the licensed agent you’ll be meeting with. This helps protect you and ensures the meeting follows CMS rules.

Answer: Yes. Medicare allows a rehab stay to start up to 90 days after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay if there’s a documented medical reason, like needing time to recover from surgery before beginning rehab.

Answer: Starting in 2025, your Medicare Part D drug costs will be capped at $2,000 a year, and insulin will be no more than $35 a month. Plus, Medicare can now negotiate prices on certain high-cost medications, which should help keep your costs down.

Answer: What I enjoy most about being a Medicare agent is helping people feel confident and informed about such an important decision. Building long-term relationships and being a trusted resource for my clients is truly rewarding.