Deborah Webster, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
Hey there, my name is Deborah, and I am your local Medicare advisor and agent. I specialize in Medicare and am devoted to helping you find the best plan that matches your specific needs and financial situation. I will take care of the daunting task of comparing plans from well-known national and local companies for you. Even better, my services are completely free! Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Deborah Webster
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: I enjoy helping seniors navigate the Medicare space. I offer after-sales customer service to assist them as they use their Medicare plans and also offer ancillary products to improve their coverage.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: They are not "free" plans, these plans are a pay-as-you-go plan. They do offer benefits that original Medicare does not offer, such as coverage for Dental, Vision, and hearing.
How might climate change-related health issues (like heat stroke) influence Medicare policies?
Answer: Medicare coverage is set up by CMS (center for Medicare and Medicaid services) If regulations are changed in the future, that we cannot predict but an illness such as heat stroke are covered by Medicare.
I'm caring for my elderly parent with dementia. How can I get legal authority to manage their Medicare?
Answer: Contact an Elderly Care Attorney to help with full Power of Attorney. They assist with setting up a Medical or full power of attorney status. This way, you can have full control of what is happening with your loved one. Typically, not a very expensive investment to have the authority to make decisions on behalf of a family member who can no longer make those decisions on their own.
Isn't it concerning that Medicare Advantage plans are taking over the system?
Answer: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements are the only two options available to lower the gap left with traditional Medicare. We are currently seeing a strong trend toward Medicare Advantage plans with our seniors. Neither option is wrong, it's about making sure that the coverage you choose fits your situation. The system is designed the way it is; we can only maneuver within what systems we have to work with.
My friend got her cataract surgery covered by Medicare, but they didn't cover the lens she wanted. How does that work?
Answer: Traditional Medicare does not cover eyewear. I cannot really answer this question in detail because I do not have enough information about what plan she was enrolled in. I would need more details about the circumstances in this situation.
I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?
Answer: Most of the Medicare Advantage plans will cover diabetic counseling. This counseling is covered at no cost to the member. Diabetic testing supplies are also covered on these plans at no cost to the member.
What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: this is concerning that you don't have your preferred hospital in the network. Are you on a Medicare Advantage PPO plan? This would still allow you to go to that hospital (although you may pay a higher co pay), If it is an emergency situation, your plan would still cover an out-of-network hospital.
My diabetes medication is super expensive, and I've heard horror stories about Part D not covering what people need. Should I go standalone Part D or get it through a Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: Either way insulin are now capped at 35 per month you do need to make sure the insulin you are taking is on the formulary of the plan. That is where an agent like myself can help guide you through the plans.
I live in California but might move to another state next year. How will my Medicare coverage change if I relocate?
Answer: Original Medicare is the same regardless of what state you reside in. Your supplemental plans will have to change to what is offered in the state you reside in. You will want to contact your agent or your plan to find out what is provided in the state you are relocating to.
I'm a smoker trying to quit. What smoking cessation benefits does Medicare offer for someone in my situation?
Answer: Your plan may offer smoking cessation coverage. Typically, the Medicare Advantage or Part C plans offer smoking cessation. You can look it up in the insurance company's evidence of coverage or call customer service, or your agent if you are unable to find the information in the evidence of coverage.
Does Medicare cover Ozempic and other drugs prescribed for weight loss?
Answer: Drug plans do cover many weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. Be sure to look at your drug formulary to determine which medications they cover as well as any deductibles or co-pays that may apply to this medication, to determine what your out-of-pocket costs may be.