Diane Andree, Medicare Insurance Agent
Diane Andree
ABC Medicare Plans Broker
Medicare Agent Licensed in NY
Contact Details
-
Location
Mastic, NY
-
Phone
-
Website
-
Facebook
Diane Can Help With:
About Me
Diane Andree has had over 20 years experience in the health insurance industry, the last 10 years focusing on her Medicare clients. She is an Independent Agent who helps people better understand their Medicare Plan options. Diane prides herself on finding the best fit to meet the needs of each client she works with. Being Independent has always allowed Diane to work for her clients without being limited to one company. Recommendations are unbiased and entirely based on the needs of the client. Diane can help clients in English, o puede explicar todo en Español.
Q&A with Diane Andree
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: I feel very lucky that I get to meet the nicest people in my career. I love helping people understand their choices. When we first meet, clients often tell me how confusing enrolling in Medicare can be and knowing what to do as far as choosing a plan. The best moment is when they are able to make an educated decision based on their personal situation with confidence.
Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare, and how can agents help prevent bad decisions?
Answer: Change isn't easy in many situations. Medicare, with all it's different parts, and rules, and choices can be overwhelming. People tend to put off making decisions when they feel unsure or confused. Many people work with an independent broker because they can save you research time by being able to compare several plans side by side. They consider your personal needs, clearly present your options and help you enroll in the plan of your choice. At ABC Medicare Plans Broker we explain all the different parts of Medicare A, B, C and D. We compare a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a drug card. We explain the difference in premium cost and the out-of-pocket potential expenses, the difference in extra benefits and the difference in doctor choice. This is all at no cost to the client so why not have professional guidance? I honestly don't understand why anyone would choose not to work with a Medicare Broker.
I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?
Answer: If you are turning 65 soon, and want or need to enroll in Medicare, your Initial Enrollment Period allows you to start enrolling up to 3 months before the month of your birthday for an effective date of the 1st of the month, of the month of your birthday. In other words, if your birthday is June 12, you may start enrolling in March. If you enroll in March, April or May, your effective date will be June 1.
In this example, you may also enroll, as part of your Initial Enrollment Period, in June, and up to 3 months after your birthday. Your effective date will be the first of the month after you enroll.
Does Medicare cover emergency care if I'm traveling in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico?
Answer: Yes(Si), you have coverage anywhere in the US and its territiories with Medicare and Medicare Plans, including Puerto Rico.
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: If you are aready retired and collecting Social Security when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. Your card should arrive timely, amonth or two before your birthday.
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: If you are not already collecting Social Security, you will need to enroll in Medicare. The first thing to do is enroll in Part A and Part B. You can do this onine, at our local SS office or you can make a phone appointment.
I got a call from a "Medicare agent" promising me free groceries and I almost fell for it. Why is this kind of marketing allowed?
Answer: This kind of marketing is not allowed. No one is supposed to be soliciting you regarding Medicare or enrolling in a Plan or any special offers that you might not even qualify for. Please do not give out any personal information to anyone over the phone that you don't know.
How does moving to a new state affect my Medicare enrollment timeline?
Answer: You need to live in the service area of your plan. Moving to a new State creates a Special Enrollment Period. Your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for 2 full months after you move.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Many people work with an independent broker because they can save you research time by being able to compare several plans side by side. They consider your personal needs, clearly present your options and help you enroll in the plan of your choice. At ABC Medicare Plans Broker we explain all the different parts of Medicare A, B, C and D. We compare a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a drug card. We explain the difference in premium cost and the out-of-pocket potential expenses, the difference in extra benefits and the difference in doctor choice.
Why is regular Medicare better than an advantage plan?
Answer: Generally speaking, there are more benefits to having a Medicare Advantage Plan than to stay in Original Medicare. Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are not covered by Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans often offer different levels of these benefits. With Original Medicare you'll have out of pocket expenses unless you purchase a separate plan like a Medicare Supplement, and a separate Prescription Drug Plan. A Medicare Advantage Plan typically includes your Prescription drug plan. The one benefit to having Original Medicare versus an Advantage Plan is the doctor and hospital network. With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor and be treated at any hospital that accepts Medicare. With an Advantage Plan, you would need to make sure your doctors and your preferred hospital are in the network.
My income fluctuates significantly year to year from investment distributions. How can I avoid IRMAA surcharges when I have an unusually high-income year?
Answer: IRMAA charges are calculated each year based on your tax return of two years ago. In any one year, you have a fluctuation, you can appeal an IRMAA by filling out an SSA-44 form. this can be found on and downloaded from the SSA.gov website.
What's the process for signing up for Medicare if I'm already on disability benefits?
Answer: If you’re under the age of 65 and receiving disability benefits from Social Security, you get Medicare automatically after getting disability benefits for 24 months. You should receive a welcome package with your Medicare card approximately 3 months prior to your Medicare effective start date.
What's the biggest frustration Medicare agents have when helping clients enroll?
Answer: Medicare and Social Security do not do a good enough job helping clients understand that Social Security and Medicare are two different things. Many people are waiting past the age of 65 to retire because full Social Security benefits comes much later at age 67. If you are not yet collecting your SS, then you are not automatically enrolled. Clients need to enroll early and allow 4-6 weeks sometimes to show up in the system. Waiting for clients to finally get in system, even when they already had Part A and are waiting to get Part B, can be frustrating for clients, and I am frustrated for them.
What happens if I delay Medicare Part A enrollment because I'm still on my spouse's employer plan?
Answer: Nothing. As long as you are covered by your spouse's plan, enrolling in Medicare is optional. You may voluntarily enroll in Part A. It's free as long as you or your spouse has worked 10 years (40 quarters) and has been paying into Medicare.