David Haynes, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The sales regulations can be burdensome at times and unnecessary in my opinion. Mainly the required 48 hour rule and Scope of appointment. Other than that the regulations are necessary. I would regulate further national outbound call centers and eliminate any off shore call centers. This is all my opinion of course.

Answer: Yes. Some Medicare Advantage plans are not available in every area. If you move, it is wise to check out if your plan is available in your area.

Answer: One of the main reasons can be the costs associated. You still have to pay your Part B premium, you would likely need to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan and it would good to have a Dental Vision and Hearing plans as well.

You do have more freedom, go to any physician, DDS, etc. that accepts Medicare.

Another consideration is that to get the best rate one needs to usually register during the open enrollment period to avoid underwriting.

Answer: One thing to watch out for is an automated call that might call you to an out of country agent. I would be wary of this myself. Ask for the NPN number of any agent you may deal with over the phone, especially with inbound robocalls that transfer you.

Answer: Yes. There may not be as many Medicare Advantage plans available in rural areas, but their will be plans to choose from.

Answer: Often the doctors they may want to see are not on their plans. Nothing is perfect by any means. Medications may not be on their plans formulary also. just a couple of reasons…

Answer: I know some who are very good. As a senior I would want to work with someone who is in the same boat so to speak. But, as I said, I know some younger people who ae very good and diligent.

Answer: That would depend on if the plan is offered in that county. Also, if there is travel involved to your physicians/dental professionals you use, you may want to check out if there were others you would like to see in that plan. If the plan is not offered in the new county, you would need to change.

Answer: Anytime. If you are looking for a plan in the current year, start researching. If looking for a plan for the next year, begin looking as soon as they come out. Oct 1 or shortly thereafter for next year plans.

Look even if you are just curious to get an idea how things work.

Answer: Many clients use the OTC cards although what surprises me, is that some people don't even know they have one. They did not go through the information that was sent to them, but most importantly, is the agent did not go through the process of explaining the benefits. Be careful who you use to help you. I would recommend a local agent. Not that all call centers are "bad" per se, but there are some bad actors. Just my opinion on that.

Answer: The 20 percent that is owed for part b services is mitigated by Part C so that can save money for a person that uses frequent services. also there is a maximum out of pocket expense for Medicare advantage. This will save money.

Answer: The event should have been more like an educational event. Granted there are usually some snacks provided but if it seemed like a time share pitch, the event was not done professionally. Just my opinion

Answer: One of the biggest disadvantages of a MA plan is that many of them require you to see certain doctors in network and also HMO plans require a referral. There are some restrictions of coverage while traveling in an area where the plan is not offered. Emergency is always covered outside your coverage area. That is about all I can think of. Still a much better deal than original Medicare. Some people choose to use a Medigap plan that allows for for greater flexlibility.

Answer: There are many advantages to working with a local agent. A local agent will know the nuances of the local market and should be available year round to help with questions or problems. Often a major call center agent is a seasonal employee for enrollment season and may not be available when you need them. This is not the case for all call centers of course, but there is a track record for many.

Answer: very pushy salesperson who tells you all your medical providers are in network. That often takes research. Go with local agent or agency with a good reputation. Avoid national call centers although many are good and legitimate, but there are some bad actors.

Answer: Depends on what you want to pay in the long run. Original Medicare can get quite expensive if you use medical services frequently. You don't want to pay that 20 percent that Part B does not cover. Basically Part B is 80/20 while a Medicare Advantage plan has a Maximum out of pocket provision (Moop). Do the research.

Answer: Many (most) Medicare Advantage plans have some provision for dental and vision coverage. Some plans cover quite a bit while others will not take care of a lot. It pays to shop around with the assistance of a local broker.

Answer: Frankly yes. Different areas have different plans. Not really sure of the rationale of this but it is just the way it is.

Answer: I don't think there are any "tricks" but each plan has doctors that are in network. Some plans allow out of network physicians to be seen, but usually at a higher cost. Of course it pays to do your homework and research. I would suggest working with a local broker who understands the local landscape and plans. It is not advisable, in my opinion, to deal with a national (or foreign) call center. Customer service is a must and a full time local agent will be available if problems or questions come up.

Answer: Good question. I don't know the answer to that one. Maybe the client and broker didn't "click" and the beneficiary went with someone else. That is fine of course, but the person who needs a Medicare plan should make sure they work with someone who understands the local business and is interested in keeping a client long term.

Answer: I enjoy helping people close to my own age who have questions about Medicare. I will be eligible in a few short months and that is the main reason I decided to get into the business after retiring from teaching.

Answer: This is something that needs to researched very closely. Medicare Advantage plans tend to differ quite a bit on what they will and will not cover as far as dental. Some have great benefits, while some just mainly focus on preventative, such as routine cleanings, check ups, etc. Implants and other prosthetics may not be covered by some plans, but other plans will help defray some cost. Work with a local broker who understands the market and can help you compare and contrast, would be my advice.

Answer: It goes up slightly for 2026, but it is very important for those who must take many medications, or those that can be rather expensive. When the maximum out of pocket is reached, it is reached for the year. Many times a person does not come close to the MOOP (as they call it). It just depends on the person's health and requirements.

Answer: This depends on the plan. It pays to shop around and it is quite possible,(but not a certainty) that your doctors will be on a plan that is right for you. If not, then yes, there may need to be changes made to some of the providers. Some people with the means to do so will stick with a doctor that is not in network but will likely have to pay the full price for service.

Answer: I would say not doing some research and not finding a trusted advisor that would be able to help them with any questions and concerns they may have. Stay local with a local agent who can take the time to help someone compare and contrast various plans in the area. Above all, go with someone who will be there to help them if needed year round.

Answer: This is just my opinion of course, but I would not be interested in the large national call center advertisements. I would instead focus on advertisements from local people in the industry who understand the area plans, will take the time to work with you, and (this is very important) be there to help year round if there is a problem or questions. Sometimes a local agent may not send out mailers but are very competent and have been around and will be around to help. Research the agents in the area. As a (near) senior eligible in just a few short months, this is the advice I would give.

Answer: As a person about the reach 65, I find it enjoyable and rewarding to work with folks facing the same questions about Medicare that I had. As a veteran, I also find working with Veterans rewarding. It is all about trying to help people navigate the system in an ethical and professional manner.

Answer: That depends on the person and their needs or preferences. Often a person will compare/contrast different options and choose to go with a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Answer: It would be advisable to get a medical Power of Attorney. With this Medical professionals and others involved in the care of your parent will have legal authority to discuss care and also you will have legal authority to manage and make decisions concerning their care.

Answer: There are numerous reasons to work with a Medicare agent. Many agents are local to the community and have a good understanding of the various plans that are available in the area. There are also benefits that one may not realize they have or could have with with a plan and it is important and ethical for a Medicare agent to explain them properly. Also, it is important that a Medicare agent be available year round for questions and concerns.

Answer: Many Medicare advantage plans offer telehealth options. You would have to have a primary care provider and go from there. Plans will differ on copay amounts. thank You