David Wiley, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Not utilizing an agent in making their decision in selecting their Medicare coverage. This can be an extremely costly mistake. Agents charge no fees but offer a wealth of experience and knowledge about plans meeting a client’s needs.

Answer: AI will definitely be a part of claims decisions in the future, but it will not be the end all as you will always have the ability to appeal to a real person.

Answer: They don’t. They are as if they didn’t exist as it does not count toward meeting your prescription deductible or your maximum out of pocket. Their cost is totally on you.

Answer: It does as it counts not only what you pay but counts the total negotiated cost that your insurance company pays as well.

Answer: Protects your assets from market declines. If your goal is to eliminate risk ( growth and decline in the investment market) then annuities provide safety. However, the tradeoff is lower returns than what the investment markets have historically yielded.

Answer: You have 60 days before and 60 days after your move to change your plan. If you have a Medicare supplement, such as Plan N or G, then it should not be effected at all.

Answer: AI is already playing a role in claims, but the human element will always be available as the answer may sometimes fall into a grey area rather than black & white. That said, AI will continue to play a part in Medicare decisions and of course in the enrollment process.

Answer: All preventative vaccines are covered at no charge. Flu, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Covid are covered by Medicare. In short, all immunizations are covered.

Answer: Original Medicare only covers a complete physical every 3 years (due to Affordable Care Act), whereas Medicare Advantage plans provide them every year.

What’s included is annual female exams as well as internal medicine checkups, which can include an EKG. Men get their internal medical exams, including PSA screening and EKG’s. Periodic Colonoscopies are also covered as are bone density exams for women.

Answer: Yes, all Medicare Advantage plan benefits are based on where you physically live (zip code and county). Medicare Supplements are not, however, you must keep the carrier informed as to your current address.

Medicare Advantage plans are loaded with extra benefits over Medicare A & B with a Medicare supplement, but all Medicare Advantage plans are based upon where you live.

Answer: In my opinion, there are no surprises with a Medicare Advantage plan if you stay in Network. With original Medicare and a med supp you sometimes encounter balance billing, which means you pay more.