Darlene Murphy, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: No, not really. A good advisor will always give you advice on multiple topics and products so you can choose which one you prefer. Advisors should also be free of charge and not biased towards your personal preference.

Answer: First verify with the hospital and then if you feel you were misled, you may want to call and ask for a SEP. You can also look at using the hospital but paying more for services.

Answer: Yes, the absolutely handle telemedicine calls and mental health counseling. Both original under Part B and Medicare Advantage plans cover these services.

Answer: There is not mych difference in the education approach, having an Advisor looking at multiple options is the key to proper understanding and communication.

Answer: Sure it is okay, we just ask that you are clear about your intentions as to not take advantage of their consultation and time.

Answer: Be there in-person with them to learn what the program does and does Not do. Help them make decisions on their care for later in life, while they can still choose. Listen to their concerns about how they will age and become less independent. Their concerns are Real!

Answer: The amount in which you would pay for a calendar year maximum out of pocket. Your MOOP is $6700, you will have deductibles, co-pays, bills, up to $6700.

Answer: Yes because true Original Medicare does not provide the same benefits. So who actually pays for it?

Answer: All plans offer those services if Medicare approves the service, and therefore, the provider can charge for the service.

Answer: Sometimes picking the lowest plan can be more of a hassle when you start getting bills, then it is to pick a plan with a medium high monthly premium. With a high deductibles you must come up with the deductible before any of the 20% of me. With a monthly premium a little bit larger you generally only have to cover a small and will deductible instead.

Answer: Yes, you must always come up with the deductible in the beginning of the year however, Medicare does still cover the first 80%. You will receive bills up to the deductible amount. Once you’re deductible as me, you don’t have any more bills to worry about, but you do have to worry about the physical therapy allotment allowed for visits. That is different depending on different diagnosis.

Answer: Navigating through Medicare, especially the long-term care side of it is pretty confusing as Medicare does not cover most long-term care, especially custodial. I suggest seeking an advisor in your area to help you with the plans available and resources within your state and Counties.

Answer: It is not and should be turned over to CMS for review. Most plans Do Not cover groceries, therefore; it is marketing/selling points for phone solicitors.

Answer: Researching by themselves without a qualified and trusted representative for that local area. Plans are different in states, county, and coverage. Choosing wisely is being well informed.

Answer: No. However, if you have a plan with a flex card, it may have grocery benefits included. But Medicare or the government is not the one supplying the card, it is the insurance company.

Answer: Potentially, 20% of approved services not covered by Original Medicare. Plus, Part A & B deductibles, and the rate per day for care not covered.

Answer: Not many differences between face-to-face and virtual/remote. I help both ways it is dependent on the client. For some seeing the black and white printouts, is easier than doing online.

Answer: Medicare does not look at pre-existing when you sign-on originally. You will be covered primary by Medicare for approved expenses, and the secondary must cover the balance as outlined by your supplement.

Answer: Need, yes. Have to, No -- Unless you are very familiar with how plans work in conjunction to your healthcare planning, and medications; it is highly suggested you seek council from an Advisor.

Answer: Recipients of a Part D plan now have their out-of-pocket expenses capped at $2,100 for deductibles and co-pays, thanks to the cost reductions introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Answer: Paying for Medicare benefits, Part A, throughout your work life is not paying for Part B of Medicare and/or the secondary insurance coverage. An insurance company does not have to insure you outside of the timeframe when no medical questions can be asked.

Answer: the Annual Enrollment period is from Oct 15-Dec7th, for calendar year plans. You may change with other exceptions, should you move, have a financial change, etc. You may also have a state with the Birthday rule. Situationally it could be a number of different times, depending on where you live.

Answer: In California, family caregiver support is available through a state and local network. The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), funded by the federal Older Americans Act, through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Services include respite care, information assistance, legal resources, and limited supplemental aid.

Answer: You will receive the care you need, pay US dollars, and then return to the states. When state side, we can then submit claim forms for some reimbursement through Medicare and secondary insurance.

Answer: We could research the available plans in your coverage area, however; sometimes you are better off receiving said me medications through other means.

Answer: As of 2025 there is no longer the 'Donut Hole.' By eliminating the donut hole, Medicare Part D prescription plans will switch to a three-phase design that includes the deductible phase, initial coverage phase, and catastrophic coverage phase.

Answer: By way of a face-to-face appointment or zoom to explain Medicare 101 to them in length. If you make it simple to understand and grasp most do.

Answer: Fortunately, Medicare Part B covers a wide range of outpatient mental health services.

Counseling, if the main purpose is to help with your treatment.

Testing to find out if you’re getting the services, you need and if your current treatment is helping you. Psychiatric evaluation, Medication management, depression screening, etc are covered with Part B medical.

Part B covers mental health services and visits with these types of health professionals:

Psychiatrists or other doctors

Clinical psychologists

Clinical social workers

Clinical nurse specialists

Nurse practitioners

Physician assistants

Marriage & family therapists

Mental health counselors

Answer: It helps eliminate the 'donut hole' and keeps out-of-pocket costs down for recipients to $2000 per year in deductible and co-pays cost.

Answer: Delaying your Social Security Income won't affect being covered by Medicare; however, you will need to Apply for your Medicare benefits and agree to payment terms for your Part B Medical coverage.

Answer: Is anything 'Free'. Not really, but they may have a no monthly premium cost. Biggest thing to be aware of is the out-of-pocket expenses that are related to certain services rendered.

Answer: Long-Term Care or extended rehab care in or out of facilities. There is no coverage for custodial or ADL care.

Answer: That is depending on the person, but most defer or delay signing up for Part B as their other coverage is just as good. Just be careful, as the employee coverage has deductibles, Medicare does not pay for.

Answer: Your provider needs to submit for the equipment and get it covered by way of being medically necessary. Most times it is more than just writing an order for the device, it requires further documentation.

Answer: Yes, you may enroll, however; your premiums may be different than others enrolled in Medicare. You also must be a US citizen.

Answer: You May be penalized if you do not have other creditable coverage at the time you were to enroll. If you or your spouse are still working, you are able to defer Part B when you turn 65.

Answer: There are several online programs that help support seniors with medication alerts, reminders, etc.

Answer: Good question, Yes, it is more expensive over time. Again, seek an advisor that can help keep down your overall costs with co-pays, deductibles, and monthly premiums, if allowed in your area.

Answer: Yes, it can and is worth it, if you like managing your own HealthCare. It may cost more, but it gives you more options too.

Answer: That is specific to each individual person, and coverage area. No 2 cases are exactly alike, seek help from a trusted advisor.

Answer: I like helping people know the differences in coverage throughout their area, and across the Nation. Serving many communities and giving back is what makes me happy.

Answer: You may be denied a Medicare Supplement, however, there are certain times of enrollment where no health questions apply. Supplements are covered by private insurance companies, so they can deny acceptance.