Deborah Kemp, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Let them know you are there to help them and answer any questions they may have. In person would be the same but would be able to visually identify the emotions and concerns.

Answer: Medicare only covers short term care, medically necessary rehabilitation after a hospital stay no longer term like nursing home care is covered.

Answer: Yes. Special needs plans are for people with specific chronic illnesses, on Medicare or Medicaid or an individual needing institution care.

Answer: It depends on how much you are hospitalized if an Advantage or Hospital Idemnity plan would be a good option for you.

Answer: Premium’s go up due to health cost or an increase in your income in the last 2 years. Unexpected increases in income can trigger an increase.

Answer: No. Medicare Part A & B does not. Some Medicare Advantage C plans and Medigap companies do include that in their plans with no cost to you. You can check by go to Silver sneakers eligibility page or call your insurer.

Answer: You can call your plan directly and see if it’s listed. You can also go to your Medicare account and look on Medicare Plan finder or talk to your pharmacist.

Answer: That you can go to any doctor ,specialist , or major facility nationwide. The only requirement is that they accept Medicare.

Answer: Before you turn 65 and before open enrollment. Looking ahead at plans gives you time to select a plan that fits your budget and to see if your doctor is in network. It also allows time to decide if you need vision, dental and hearing coverage.

Answer: This will qualify you for a Special enrollment period where you can choose a new plan. If you don’t enroll in a new plan before your advantage plan ends you will automatically be enrolled in original Medicare.

Answer: Yes you receive a preloaded card that can be used at several places to purchase over the counter medication. You will need to make sure you use everything on the card by the end of the month or lose what’s on the card.

Answer: Part B covers durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and etc. Your doctor will have to write a prescription for it and send it to a Medicare medical equipment supplier for you .

Answer: What is my yearly maximum out of pocket. Does reset on January 1? What are the gaps in coverage? Deductibles?

Answer: Yes you will be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B. Your Part B premium will be deducted from your check. You will need to get a Part D medication coverage or Medicare Advantage or a Medigap supplement plan.

Answer: No Part B is not enough. It will not cover prescription medication, dental, vision or hearing. It will only cover doctors, outpatient, home health care, durable medical equipment and preventive screenings, shots , vaccines and yearly check ups.

Answer: You can file a level 1 appeal with all medical necessary documents within 65 days. If urgent ask for an expedited appeal. Check local resources for help also.

Answer: You can as long as they are in network to avoid paying out of pocket. It is best to check to see if your doctor is in network and see if you have a HMO or PPO plan.

Answer: More knowledge of the area you live and what doctors and resources are available to you. A better understanding of distance issues or lack of resources for a rural area.

Answer: First is to gather information like health priorities, doctors , budget , medications and if they travel. Check to see if they will need vision, dental and hearing coverage. Then check local resources. Then we can see what plan would be best for them and their budget.

Answer: Yes. A medical POA can make a huge difference in someone’s care. I would advise everyone to have one in case you are unable to speak for yourself.

Answer: You need to check your plan and see if the specialist is in your network and if you need a referral. If you have been given medication check your Part D and see if it is covered. A rare disease my also qualify you for a SEP(special enrollment period)or C SNAP.

Answer: Yes under your Part B. It only covers manual spinal alignment if medically necessary. It will cover office visits if medically necessary and your initial evaluation.

Answer: A Medicare agent works for one or a few specific insurance companies. A broker works for several companies independently and can compare several options for you. Neither one can charge you a fee or sell you original Medicare.

Answer: You will pay $350 a day for days 1-7. On day 8 it will pay 100% because your deductible will be met.

Answer: A Medicare Advantage plan includes your Part A , Part B, Part D and dental and vision. Original Medicare includes Part A & Part B. What is best for you depends on your health and your choice of doctors.

Answer: Some Advantage plan companies require a referral for skin conditions. Also some dermatologist offices require it. Check to see if they are in network.

Answer: Yes but you can call your doctor’s billing office to see if they accept your plan. See if you can change through a qualifying life event.

Answer: Not true. Medicare pays for any necessary scans, x rays or test order by a doctor or hospital. There is no age restriction.

Answer: There are a few. Not covering dental, vision and hearing is an out dated rule that needs to be addressed. Permanent penalties for Part B & Part D.

Answer: PPO plans offer flexibility. This allows you to see any doctor, schedule appointments with specialists without a referral and is a great option if you travel. You will have to pay more if the doctor is out of network. You can check and see if a doctor you would like to see is in network first to prevent from paying more.

Answer: Medicare will pay for routine cost like lab test, doctors visits or hospital stays that are a part of the clinical trial.

Answer: Yes. Part B can help cover cost of out patient care, home health and any medical equipment. Yes you need to go through enrollment especially for drug coverage.

Answer: We need to see where you are located to see what is available in your area. If there is not one conveniently located I will be happy to help via phone or zoom call.

Answer: Medicare is for anyone turning 65 . This includes anyone on disability. At 65 and on disability your insurance will change to Medicare.

Answer: I am here to help you find the plan that works best for you. Working with multiple companies gives me access to many different options that can fit any budget.