Darko Bozic, Medicare Insurance Broker
Darko Bozic
Medicare Broker Licensed in OH
Contact Details
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Location
Middleburg Heights, OH
Darko Can Help With:
About Me
Your local licensed health insurance broker specializing in Medicare plans. Covering Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown areas. We can come to you, you can come to us or we can meet somewhere in the middle. Open 7 days a week.
Q&A with Darko Bozic
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: We feel that every Medicare beneficiary should have an insurance broker who will work with them. There is not a single downside to having a professional help you choose the right product. Brokers work with multiple carriers and can present you with many options. There is no cost to you. We will educate you, answer your questions and assist you with making your decision.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans, not all, are free. Zero monthly premium and there is no catch to that. These private plans get paid by the government to take you on as a client. They come with extra benefits that the original Medicare does not have. With the Advantage plans you agree to use the providers who are in network as oppose to the original Medicare which is accepted by a larger number of providers.
Do Medicare Advantage plans really save seniors money in the long run? Why or why not?
Answer: It is really impossible to tell. Every situation is unique. Let's say you compare an Advantage plan with a Supplement plan. Advantage plan could cost as low as $0 monthly (still have to pay Part B), includes a prescription plan as well as some dental, vision and hearing benefits plus some other extras such as over-the-counter debit card. Supplemental plans do not offer any of those and might cost let's say some $200 per month. You still have to pay your Medicare Part B premium, get a separate drug plan as well as dental/vision/hearing coverage but you get more freedom when choosing your providers ,little if any co-pays, no referrals,...For some additional clarity, of all Medicare beneficiaries about 50% have an Advantage plan and about 20% have a supplement plan.
What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?
Answer: Find a local agent and meet face to face if you can. Seniors get bombarded with phone calls and there is sinply no way to know who's calling you. Never give out your personal information to unknown people calling you. There is no downside to talking to a local agent/broker and there are many upsides. It doesn't cost you anything and they will know your market better than someone calling from another state or country.
My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?
Answer: Those memberships usually come with Medicare Advantage plans. Maybe you are on original Medicare (Part A and B) only or you might have a Medicare Supplement plan.
I'm considering genetic testing to assess my cancer risk based on family history. Will Medicare cover this preventive approach in my situation?
Answer: Generally, no. Medicare might cover it if your doctor orders to help with your current treatment. If it is purely for preventive informational purposes it most likely will not be covered.
I'm living solely on Social Security of $1,400 monthly and can't afford my Medicare premiums and copays. What assistance programs might help someone in my situation?
Answer: You should apply through your state for something called Medicare Savings Programs. Based on your income and resources you might qualify for one of 4 different programs. For example. Someone making less than $1585 a month and has less than $9660 in resources might qualify for the Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program which helps pay for Medicare Part B premium and also provides you with Extra Help which pays for your prescription drugs.
My Medicare Advantage plan advertised dental coverage, but it barely covers anything. Is this normal?
Answer: Most, if not all, advantage plans come with some dental coverage. It ranges from $1000-$5000 in maximum annual benefits. Every plan has a Summary of Benefits and the more detailed Evidence of Coverage document which clearly state what the plan does and does not cover. Prior to any dental procedure we advise that you check with your dentist's office to see what would be covered prior to your appointment.
I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Answer: Original Medicare does not cover dental cleanings. Most advantage plans do. You could add a stand-alone dental plan to your original Medicare.
My husband passed away and now my Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs?
Answer: Your Medicare premium (Part B) should not go up because of your husband's death. Neither should your Medicare Advantage plan's premium. Only Medicare Supplement plans can have their premiums go up after a spouse dies if both spouses had the same plan and were receiveing a family discount. I cannot give a definite answer without taking a look at your situation and what type of plan you have.