Denise Berg, Medicare Insurance Broker
Denise Berg
My Life & Health Solutions
Medicare Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ, CA, GA, KS, LA, MD, MO, MT, NM, NV, OR, PA, TX, UT, WI and WY
Contact Details
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Location
Conifer, CO
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Phone
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Website
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About Me
Since 2015, My Life & Health Solutions has served Conifer and the surrounding Colorado communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members.
“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 37 plans/products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.”
Q&A with Denise Berg
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: The biggest mistake that I see those newly eligible for Medicare is not comparing the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans with those of Medicare Supplement. If you apply for a Medicare Supplement plan when you're first eligible, there's no underwriting and you are given an opportunity to leave it and try out a Medicare Advantage is the Medicare Supplement is not beneficial or not a good fit.
What's your go-to strategy for helping someone decide between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Answer: My strategy is to explain each and ask follow up questions like;
a) Do you travel within the US and do you reside in another state for 6 months?
b) Do you want the freedom to see any doctor?
c) How do you feel about copays?
d) Would you rather have one card to access your all of your benefits?
e) Would you prefer not to have a schedule for preventive services that limits exams?
Why does Medicare have so many coverage gaps, and is it designed that way on purpose?
Answer: Original Medicare was designed to provide Hospital Services and Doctor Services. However, with those gaps in coverage, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans were offered help fill in some of the gaps. With most Medicare Advantage plans offering Dental, Vision and Hearing; and Medicare Supplements plans providing additional benefits for the Hospital and Doctor Services portions.
I'm retiring next year - do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: Yes - you can sign up for Parts A and B 3 months prior to your birthday, the month of your birthday and the 3 months following your birthday. Once you have Parts A & B, you should work with an agent (there is no cost to you) to help you choose your best options, whether it is a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan, Hospital plan, Dental, Vision, and/or Hearing coverage.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: I'd reply to your friend with a Medicare Advantage plan by saying: With a Medigap plan, you're free from copays at the doctors and specialists office, and depending on which Medigap plan you have, you don't have to worry about out of pocket costs for hospitalizations.
My pharmacist mentioned the Medicare "donut hole" is going away in 2025. What does that actually mean for me?
Answer: The donut hole has disappeared as of 01/01/2025.
Your yearly out of pocket prescription costs are capped at $2,000.
Who can help me figure out this Medicare "maze and alphabet soup" it's so confusing.
Answer: A licensed and Medicare certified agent can explain Medicare. Most importantly there's no cost for their help.