Dawn Lathe, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Additionally, Original Medicare currently does not cover hearing aids, glasses, dentures, and most dental care. Current Medicare enrollees can chose a Medicare Supplement which can cover most or all of their outpatient Medicare Part B expenses after a yearly Part B Deductible is met.

Answer: Annuities can provide a steady income stream during retirement, helping to cover essential expenses and supplement other income sources like Social Security.

Answer: You should review your Medicare plan annually, especially during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), for changes in your health, costs, and provider networks. Signs that it's time to switch include rising premiums or copays, new or different medication needs, your doctor or pharmacy leaving the plan's network, or a change in your health status that requires different coverage.

Answer: Medicare generally covers bariatric surgery for those with a BMI of 35 or higher, plus at least one obesity-related health condition like diabetes or heart disease, and who have been unsuccessful with prior weight loss attempts.

Answer: Before the 2025 changes, you can find financial assistance by checking for generic alternatives to your medications, looking into pharmaceutical assistance programs, applying for the federal "Extra Help" program, and exploring State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.

Answer: Yes, it is common for Medicare Advantage plans to have limited dental coverage, with the focus often on preventive care like cleanings and exams, while extensive procedures have high out-of-pocket costs or are not covered at all.

Answer: Yes, Original Medicare offers incentives for preventive care through a variety of services that are covered at no cost to you. Medicare Advantage plans, an alternative to Original Medicare, may offer additional incentives like gift cards for completing certain health-related activities.

Answer: No, a rapid decline in health alone is not a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) (SEP) qualifying life event. Moving, getting married, having a baby are qualifying life events. However, you may make changes during open enrollment period.

Answer: Private insurance companies have the flexibility to choose which extra benefits, if any, they include in their specific plans, and these benefits can vary by plan, carrier, and location.

Answer: If you picked a Medicare Advantage plan and you are now facing high copays, you can take several steps, depending on the time of year. Options are switching to a new plan during an enrollment period, applying for financial assistance, or speaking with your providers about your costs.

Answer: Choosing a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan over Original Medicare, only to face significant access issues and costs later. This is particularly true if one's health declines. It is difficult to switch back to Original Medicare with a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy, which provides more freedom of choice. Especially, involving limited provider networks.

Answer: You will receive personalized quotes, help with navigating options, and get support after you enroll, all at no extra cost to you.