Diana Muhammad, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: That's great that you have a wonderful spirit of independence in doing for yourself. Whether or not you need assistance in planning for your Medicare needs would depend on your level of knowledge. Seeking out a professional could only enhance your planning efforts. Any decisions to be made would be yours anyhow. I'm made to recall the saying, "The more you know, the further you grow." A professional Broker/Agent may share with you things you may not considered or have taken into account.

I'm available if you would like to test your knowledge and/or further it.

Diana Muhammad

Your Community Independent Insurance

Broker/Agent

Contact me.

Answer: Great question! As long as you Re enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan, such as an employers' benefits plan, or if you are entitled to a Special Enrollment Period you should not have to pay any penalties.

Answer: If you have questions regarding your billing issues, you can refer to the numbers that are provided on your statement or on the back of your ID card. If you continue to have issues you can refer to your Evidence of Coverage and/or your Benefit Summary pages.

Answer: Great question! The advantages of working with an Agent are, among many, you can get your questions answered, directly. You can speak to someone who is familiar with the Plans in your area,and most importantly, it can cut down on the time you would save from doing it yourself.

I am happy to help!

Answer: I'm sure you are not the only one who is unaware of the Coverage of their Medicare Plans. This is why it is important to view the details, read the Summary of Benefits, and the Evidence of Coverage before and after you purchase a Medicare Plan. Visiting MedicareGov website will give you a clear understanding of what is covered by Parts A & Parts B of your Original Medicare.

Answer: Your mom need not worry. Each Plac, Carrier, have the ability to verify providers and prescription drugs on their website. These tools help in the decision-making of choice. You may also go to Medicare. Gov and research. If I can be of assistance, please advise.

Diana Muhammad

Broker/Agent.

Answer: Yes. Medicare Plans are prov5as as annual service. As long as you continue to pay your premiums you will continue to be provided healthcare services, whether you use them or not. Your Medicare Plan and services are provided based on your permanent legal address.

Answer: Medicare and Medigap Plans are not one and the same. Medicare is offered by the federal government. Medigap Plans are Supplemental Plans offered by private insurance companies that have contracted and been approved by Medicare to provide services. Insurance companies provide services based on risks. Medigap Plans participants go through an underwriting process.

Answer: Your social security benefits is separate from your medical benefits. It's okay if you choose to delay receiving your social security benefits; particularly, if you are still working or have not reached full retirement age. However, applying for Medicare when you qualify is necessary to avoid fees and penalties. You have a seven month windows in which to apply for Medicare. You can apply 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and you have up and until three months after you turn 65 to sign up for Medicare A and/or B, depending on your situation. An agent such as myself can assist you.

Answer: Medicare plans are not a one size fits all. There could be a number of reasons why one may feel that having a MA plan is no longer best for them. It could be cost, services, or the comfort of familiarity and simplicity. The good thing is one has options to returning back to Original Medicare if they so desire and qualify. Being familiar with what your needs are, and reviewing the Plans' details through comparisons becomes vital in helping one to make the best decision for one's self, at that time. Remember, Plans may change offered services from year to year.

Answer: Good evening! I understand how the cost of healthcare could become expensive; and fortunately our government understands this as well. There is assistance available that each state provides, that you may qualify for; such as Low Income Subsidies. Speaking with an agent could guide you through this process. Also, you can go to Medicare.gov where you can obtain further guidance. You may reach out to me, and i would be happy to assist.

There is assistance available.

Answer: The donut hole has been eliminated. All Part D Prescription Drug plans have alternative coverage benefits. One pays for their drug costs in three phases, Deductible, Annual Out-of-pocket threshold, and a Catastrophic phase once the Annual Out-of-pocket threshold has been met. Your Broker can speak to you more specifically in choosing a plan that is best for you.

Answer: Knowing which enrollment period the client qualifies for should help lead the conversation, informing them of their options. If they are considering switch, knowing why and what their current needs are should guide the conversation.

Answer: Yes. If you enter into Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, and decide to opt out of your Medigap, you would have a guaranteed reissue benefit for a period of 12 months. You will also have a SEP for 2 months after losing your coverage with your employer. You will need documentation with date of loss.

Answer: You will want to research your plans formulary list to see if the drugs are covered, as well as discuss with the researchers to learn of its potential to be placed on the market. There are tools used by Medicare for managing drug costs. Great question! Definitely needing further research on the matter.

Answer: Actually. It would be the MA plan that would be best. A PPO, PFFS plans would be more suitable for travelers. You should always inform the provider that you have a Medicare card, to verify its acceptance.

Answer: Medicare plans are not a one size fits all. The gap would depend on the need. Having just Original Medicare (Parts A&B) may be sufficient for one individual. Someone else may need a supplemental coverage that is not offered, such as Dental and Vision. It is important to talk to a Broker to discuss comparative plan options. Enrollment periods are approaching. You should start early to take your time to compare plans prior to a qualifying enrollment period.

Answer: Such an individual would want to make sure they are enrolled in Medicare Part A, and determine if they would remain covered for Part B by their employer. Making these decisions in a timely manner is important to avoid any penalties. A Broker/Agent can assist with the transition. Excellent question! If further assistance is required, please advise

Answer: In truth, preventing the need for treatment is a great thing, makes for a healthy society. If the food industry and environmentalists followed suit the society would probably need less treatment. It's the balance we seek

Answer: Annuities are used to help supplement your retirement income over a life time. They are living and/or death benefits.

Answer: If you would like to file an appeal of a decision by Medicare, you may reach out to your Broker or refer to your Summary of Benefits where you can find written instructions as to how to file an appeal. You may visit your Medicare health plans website or go to the medicare.gov website

Answer: Congratulations on your up and coming retirement. Knowing what to do with your Medicare should be of great concern. The question becomes whether or not you will remain covered by your employer for Part B or will you want Part C, in which case you will need to enroll in Parts A & B, Original Medicare. Also, being enrolled in original Medicare qualifies you for Supplemental Plans. You have options. Compare plans and make the decision before retirement, as not to have a lapse on service. Good luck! I am available if you desire further assistance.

Answer: An Agent is licensed, certified, and trained to assist individuals who qualify for Medicare. As no two persons are alike and Medicare is not a one size fits all, an Agent can offer guidance and assistance in helping one make the best choices for each individual.

Thank you for your great question! If i can be of further assistance, please advise. Enjoy your Day!

Answer: That's a great question. I would say although each plan is different and each year brings about changes. It would really depend on the individuals' needs. However, I would say that the Medicare Advantage Plans are competitive. Each bring great and similar benefits.

Thanks for the question. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Enjoy your day!