Debra Hartman, Medicare Insurance Agent
About Me
Hey there, my name is Debra, 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 Debra Hartman
My friend said she got a free annual physical with Medicare, but my doctor billed me. What's going on?
Answer: You may have had additional tests or an exam that was different from the Medicare wellness exam. Please call your clinic billing department to ask for a detailed explanation.
What should I look for in a Medicare plan if I travel frequently both domestically and internationally?
Answer: Ask for a plan that covers all of the US, very limited coverage is available when you go out of the country, I always advise to purchase travel insurance for cruises, out of the country vacations too.
Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?
Answer: Always show your card, it may have out of network benefits if they say they don't take your plan. Please show your medicare card as well if this is a new provider that you are seeing.
Can you explain how Medicare works with other types of insurance like Veterans Affairs benefits or employer plans?
Answer: Medicare can be primary or secondary payer depending on the other insurance coverage and individual circumstances.
Best to check with your employers plan and the VA plans.
If the employer has more than 20 employees, your employers plan would be primary.
Isn't it time for Medicare to completely overhaul how it approaches senior care?
Answer: Yes, many experts and advocates believe it is time for Medicare to undergo a significant overhaul in how it approaches senior care. While Medicare has been a lifeline for millions of older Americans, several critical issues point to the need for reform.
Fragmentation of Care
Medicare often treats conditions and services in silos—hospital care, physician services, home care, etc.—with poor coordination between them. Seniors with chronic or multiple conditions can experience disjointed care and repetitive services.
Solution: Move toward integrated, value-based care models like Medicare Advantage (MA) plans or Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), but with stronger oversight and transparenc
Inadequate Long-Term Care Coverage
Medicare does not cover most long-term care services, such as help with bathing, dressing, or eating—support that’s vital for many seniors.
Result: Seniors often deplete their savings and turn to Medicaid for long-term care, creating both personal and systemic financial strain.
Solution: Incorporate long-term support services into Medicare—either through new benefits or a hybrid public-private solution.
Underinvestment in Preventive and Home-Based Care
While preventive services are covered, Medicare still leans heavily toward reactive, acute care. Seniors would benefit from stronger support for preventive, home-based, and palliative care.
Solution: Expand coverage and reimbursement for home-based primary care, telehealth, and geriatric care teams.
Mental Health & Social Isolation
Medicare has limited mental health coverage, and many seniors suffer from depression, dementia, and loneliness, which can worsen physical health.
Solution: Increase access to mental health professionals, community-based support, and addrss social determinants of health
Medicare Advantage Oversight
MA plans are growing fast, but some prioritize profi
Do I have to apply for Medicare if I am still working past 65?
Answer: If you are working and have full health and creditable drug coverage you do not have to enroll in Medicare.
You can enroll in Medicare Part A at the time you turn 65 years old if you want, it will not cost you anything.
What's the financial risk of sticking with Original Medicare without a Medigap plan?
Answer: Not all medical, drug fees may be covered, you may have out of pocket expenses.
Can be a risk if you have limited income