Diana Garner, Medicare Insurance Broker
Diana Garner
American Senior Benefits
Medicare Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH and TN
5+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Hartford, KY
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Diana Can Help With:
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement
- Prescription Drug
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plans
- Hearing Plans
- Individual / Family Plans
- Group Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Final Expense Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Short Term Care Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Annuities
About Me
Hi! My name is Diana. I am a Retirement Specialist with American Senior Benefits in Evansville, IN. I live in Hartford, KY.
I am very focused on providing the service you expect and deserve. I also enjoy giving back to the community through hosting or participating in charity and other events. I have worked hard to be here to help families protect their futures from unforeseen losses. My ultimate goal is to help ease the financial burden that medical, long-term care and final expenses can create. I dedicate my time to meeting with you when you are available.
I am a proud member of The American Legion Post 87 Auxiliary Unit out of Hodgenville, KY. I proudly support our Veterans and work closely with them to find the coverage that provides added benefits to their current situation.
I want to build a relationship with you and look forward to working with you. Developing solid plans to protect you and your family is highly important. I am committed to assisting you in finding the most suitable plans that align with your unique needs and budgetary constraints. I will tackle the challenge of sifting through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies so you don't have to. What's more, my services are entirely free!
Reach out to me today to explore your insurance options. Be sure to mention that you discovered me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Diana Garner
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Navigating the world of Medicare is challenging. Enrolling can be difficult, but with guidance, it becomes easier. Working with a Medicare agent can be beneficial because they can help you navigate the complexities of Medicare, compare plans, and find the coverage that best suits your needs and budget, saving you time and effort.
Being knowledgeable about the different types of Medicare plans allows us to be prepared to explain the benefits, coverage, & cost of each one. By assessing your individual health needs, medications, and budget, we can recommend the most suitable plan.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans are offered as zero-premium plans, but there are a few plans that do have a monthly premium. They can not be truly considered "free" because other costs are associated, such as your Medicare Part B Premium, and you may incur possible deductibles, copays, and coinsurance when seeking medical care up to a defined max-out-of-pocket amount.
Even with that being said, there are low-cost plans called Hospital Indemnity plans that can be purchased to help combat those out-of-pocket expenses.
Can you help me understand Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) limits in Medicare plans, from your experience as an agent?
Answer: The maximum out-of-pocket, also referred to as MOOP, is a limit on the amount of money you are responsible for paying when receiving covered medical services in a plan year. Once the limit is met, your plan will cover 100% of your covered health care costs for the remainder of the plan year.
The MOOP resets each year and is subject to change. All Medicare Advantage plans must set an annual limit on your out-of-pocket costs.
Why does Medicare allow insurance companies to bombard seniors with confusing mail and TV ads?
Answer: I wouldn't say Medicare allows it; however, private insurers aggressively market Medicare Advantage plans to gain enrollment and sometimes use tactics that can be confusing.
Some ads or mailings can be misleading, such as promising benefits at a specified amount that isn't correct.
Medicare beneficiaries are more vulnerable. That's why I recommend working with a broker you trust to handle your insurance needs. I tell all of my clients to call me with any questions they have about anything they see on TV or receive in the mail. This is my way of protecting them from being enrolled in a plan that isn't a good fit for their situation.
Most of the time, the people on the phone you reach to go over your benefits, don't discuss all aspect of your needs such as medications, doctors, etc.
My Advantage plan says I need a referral just to see a dermatologist. I thought PPOs didn't require that - was I wrong?
Answer: Some Medicare Advantage plans still have referral requirements. It is always a good idea to carefully review the plan documents to see if referrals are required.
I need home health care after my surgery, but Medicare denied coverage. What are my appeal rights?
Answer: The notice you receive from Medicare, which includes details on why home health care was denied, will also include information regarding your appeal rights and the steps to take.
First, you must file an internal appeal (redetermination) with the Medicare Administrative Contractor, which involves submitting a request form with supporting documents.
If the Medicare Administrative Contractor denies your coverage after reviewing, you may request reconsideration by a Qualified Independent Contractor.
If denied again, you can request an Administrative Law Judge hearing. This involves a formal hearing in front of the Judge, and you will present evidence and argue your case.
If the Judge denies your claim, you can appeal to the Medicare Appeals Council.
If you are still unsatisfied, you may have the right to seek judicial review in the Federal District Court.
I'm a smoker trying to quit. What smoking cessation benefits does Medicare offer for someone in my situation?
Answer: Medicare provides some support to help beneficiaries who are trying to quit.
Medicare Part B covers a variety of preventive services, and smoking cessation counseling is included.
Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans may cover prescription medications or nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays that require a prescription.
What's a red flag in a phone call that it might be a Medicare scam targeting my personal info?
Answer: The biggest red flag is when the caller asks for your personal information. Legit Medicare reps will never call you unexpectedly and ask for your info, such as Medicare or Social Security number.
Scammers may:
1) pressure you to act right away
2) claim there are new or better benefits available then ask for your Medicare number
3) promise free or discounted services in exchange for your info
4) offer large refunds or rebates
I make it a point to tell my clients to be cautious when answering the phone, and if they do get a call about new benefits, they need to tell the caller, "I need to speak to my broker and confirm with them". Most of the time, the caller will either hang up or pressure them more but they call me and I can review what they were being told. Most of the time I have found the information they were given was inaccurate.
What imbalance exists in prescription drug spending, and how has it impacted overall costs?
Answer: Generic drugs in tier 1 and tier 2 are generally still $0 co-pay as long as your medications are on the plan's formulary. High-tier medications have co-pays up to the max out-of-pocket of $2,000. The highest medications are newly introduced medications or specialty medications.
Most Part D (prescription drug) plans now have a higher monthly premium and a deductible, where before there were a few with $0 to low premiums and a $0 to low deductible.
In the United States, we do not have a price negotiation system. This allows the drug manufacturers to set prices. We also don't use value-based pricing, where drug prices are determined by the value they offer to patients, leading to potentially overpriced drugs.
I'm worried about affording my medications even with the 2025 changes. Are there additional assistance programs I should know about?
Answer: Even with the coverage gap being eliminated and a max of $2000 out-of-pocket being set, medications can still be costly.
Medicare Beneficiaries can:
1) Apply for the Low-income Subsidy (extra help) through Social Security
2) Apply for the state-based program called the Medicare Savings Program
3) Apply for patient assistance programs offered by the drug manufacturers or non-profit organizations.
Every year I stress over picking a plan and still end up surprised by the bills. Is there any way to just get peace of mind with Medicare?
Answer: If you are still surprised by the bills you receive, that tells me two things:
1) You are more than likely on a Medicare Advantage plan
2) Whoever you are working with to sign up isn't explaining your benefits, copays, coinsurance, or deductibles clearly.
To ensure you fully understand the plan you choose to enroll in, it is best to work with someone who will explain everything to you.
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, there are plans called Hospital Indemnity plans that you can sign up for that will reimburse you for inpatient hospital stays, ambulance service, outpatient surgeries, and other specified benefits.
I'm considering a smartwatch that monitors my heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation. Will Medicare help cover this type of wearable technology?
Answer: Medicare only covers medical devices that are deemed necessary and prescribed by physicians. Smartwatches are considered to be for general health & fitness.
My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?
Answer: SilverSneakers and other fitness programs are benefits usually provided with the Medicare Advantage plans. Even though both of you are on Medicare, there is a difference in the plans you enrolled in.
The fitness programs are not included with Medicare Supplement plans or in Original Medicare Part A & B. To receive that benefit, you would need to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan with the fitness benefit included.
If I need hospice care in the future, can my Medicare plan cover it?
Answer: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Hospice benefits are covered under Medicare Part A for terminally ill individuals.
I'm confused about which vaccines Medicare covers. Can you explain which ones are free?
Answer: Medicare Part B covers vaccines for the Flu, COVID, Pneumonia, and Hepatitis B. Part B also covers vaccines if you’re exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria by accident, such as a tetanus shot or rabies shot
Part D (prescription drug) plans cover vaccines for RSV, Shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough), and vaccines that are "reasonable and necessary" to prevent illness and are not covered by Part B. Part D may also cover vaccines required to travel internationally.
I have multiple medications; how can I ensure my Medicare Part D plan covers them all without breaking the bank?
Answer: As an insurance broker, I follow specific steps to find the right plan for my clients.
I always enter their medications and dosages into the system, select their preferred pharmacy along with other local pharmacies where medications might be less expensive, and then the system will list plans by lowest drug and premium cost to highest drug and premium cost. I compare costs across many plans and explore available financial assistance programs like Extra Help or manufacturer programs you may qualify for.
If you do not work with a local broker, use Medicare.gov to input your specific medications and dosages to see how costs will vary across plans in your area.
What demographic challenges will Medicare face in the coming years?
Answer: There will be significant challenges to face because more and more people are signing up for Medicare. That is due to people living longer and rising healthcare costs.
The number of Medicare beneficiaries continues to rise, putting a strain on the program's resources. People living longer means they will need Medicare coverage for a longer period of time. The costs of medical care is increasing nationwide, leading to higher overall Medicare spending.
The combination of these factors poses a significant threat to the financial sustainability of Medicare, potentially requiring future reforms and adjustments to maintain its long-term viability.
Is it true that Medicare pays for dental implants?
Answer: Medicare Part A & B do not cover dental implants, however, some of the Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) that offer dental benefits may cover implants and/or other services.
There may also be some other standalone dental plans that offer coverage for dental implants.
How can I lower my Medicare Part B premium if my income drops after retirement?
Answer: You can request an adjustment from the Social Security Administration by filing Form SSA-44. This form allows you to demonstrate a life-changing event, such as retirement, that has affected your income and may qualify for a reduction or elimination of the increased premium.
If your income drops significantly, you may qualify for the Medicare Savings program, which can help cover the Part B Premiums.
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: Before making any decision, you should review both options. Check the cost of your medications with a standalone Part D plan and the Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage.
When on Medicare, you have the option to select a Medicare Supplement with a Standalone Part D plan (prescription drug plan) or select a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.
The option you choose will depend on your budget and income. I would never recommend someone have just Medicare A & B with a Standalone Part D plan because then they would be responsible for all of the Part A & B deductibles and copays.
Once you decide which option is best for you based on your budget, you can search for the Standalone Part D or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage that is best for you based on your medications.
As a broker, it is my responsibility to help my clients find the perfect fit.
I picked a Medicare Advantage plan because of the dental and now I found out it only covers cleanings. Why didn't anyone tell me this upfront?
Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans cover more than just cleanings. This is something that your broker or agent should have gone over with you. Your plan's summary of benefits should also provide more details as to what your plan will and will not cover.
As an insurance broker, I always discuss the benefits of my clients' plans or any plans I recommend. You should be able to call your agent/broker and have them clarify, or you can contact me, and I will be happy to review it with you.
What advice would you give to seniors who are feeling overwhelmed by all the Medicare options available?
Answer: It's no secret that trying to understand the different parts of Medicare can be overwhelming. Navigating the world of Medicare is challenging. Enrolling can be difficult, but with guidance, it becomes easier. However, enrollment in Medicare A and B is just the first step!!!
You have a choice to make. Which option will best help you cover what Medicare doesn't? That involves choosing between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. There could also be penalties you are not aware of.
I understand the unique concerns you face. It can be tough to find trustworthy information. I am here to provide the clarity and direction you need to move into this next stage of your life with confidence and ease.
I recommend that clients sit down with a professional who knows how to assist them. I don't recommend working with someone over the phone. Find someone local who has good reviews and let them assist you.
I've been paying into Medicare for years, and I'm not sure why my specialist visits still cost me so much. What am I missing here?
Answer: What you paid in all those years covered Medicare Part A premiums. When you retire, Medicare Part A is free if you worked for the last 10 years. Medicare Part B will have a premium that you will pay.
Your costs for specialist visits are likely because of deductibles, coinsurance, copays, or even the fact that you are seeing an out-of-network doctor.
If you are ONLY covered by Medicare Part A and B, Medicare Part B covers doctor's services, but it has a deductible and coinsurance.
If you are covered by Medicare Part A, Part B, and a Medicare Supplement, it will depend on what supplement you are covered by. Plan F has no copays, coinsurance, or deductible. Plan G has a small deductible to meet, then it will cover everything 100% for the rest of the year. Other plans will have deductibles and coinsurance.
If you are covered by Medicare Part A, Part B, and a Medicare Advantage plan, there will be copays that you must pay until you reach the maximum out-of-pocket limit on the plan. Depending on where you live and what plan you are covered by, that maximum out-of-pocket can range anywhere from $2,000 up to $10,000.
There is also the issue that your specialist may not accept Medicare assignment (they agree to bill Medicare directly), so they charge you more (15%) than the Medicare-approved amount, which leads to a balance you have to pay.