Dino Pappadis, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans are also known as Medicare Part C. Nowadays, most Medicare Advantage plans come with a zero premium and various co-pays or Co-insurance for services. Some services such as preventive care comes at no co-pays.

Medicare Advantage plans can provide coverage for prescription drugs when you choose the appropriate plans.

Medicare re-imburses the plans to provide care to the ones that enroll

Answer: The biggest mistake one can make when choosing a part D plan, is to simply choose based on cost of premium and not taking into account the drugs and tiers coverage in the formulary

Answer: A Medicare broker represents several Carriers as opposed to a Medicare Agent that may be captive to one company

Answer: No, Original Medicare does not normally pay for Groceries.

Such extras are sometimes offered by health plans based on qualifying

Answer: Call us. You qualify for extra benefits such as groceries, Dental, Vision etc. The truth is, soon most of these benefits are subject to qualification

Answer: Medicare on its own does not cover Prescriptions. Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries must enroll in a prescription plan to get coverage

Answer: What are the coverages, limitations and gaps of Medicare and what are your options to protect yourself

Answer: When you have Medicare Advantage (MA), Original Medicare (Part A) officially covers your hospice care, even if you stay in your Medicre Advantage plan. Hospice care focuses on comfort (palliative) rather than cures for a terminal illness with a 6-month life expectancy. Medicare covers 100% of most hospice costs, including medications, nursing, equipment, and counseling, with no deductibles and very low copays.

Answer: Currently most Medicare Advantage plans offer availability to fitness programs as well as reward healthy behaviors with awards and rewards

Answer: Enrolling in a plan that is not suitable for your needs. That is why it is important to do a due diligence and work with a local Agent or Broker

Answer: Yes it is absolutely fine to meet with multiple brokers or agents. It is important to feel comfortable with the agent you choose to work with

Answer: A local Medicare Agent understands the local area dynamics, availability of plans as well as local providers networks.

Answer: That information is not available until October of every year when the Annual Election Period begins

Answer: It is not allowed to receive unsolicited calls from agents unless you provide a permission to contact. That is why it is important to work with a local compliant Agent

Answer: Building life long relationships with people that need you the most.

A lot of times we receive tears of joy and appreciation for the life changing help we provide

Answer: Creditable coverage is actuarial equivalent coverage. Having such coverage, protects you from penalties for non enrollment in a prescription plan or Medicare Part B when you become eligible

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans work extremely well, as long as you stay within the contracted network of providers and Hospitals

Answer: It is very rewarding helping folks with their Medicare options. A lot of times the solutions we provide are life changing to the members that sometimes have to make decisions between food and health care

Answer: Original Medicare does not normally cover such devices, however some Medicare Advantage plans may cover such devices

Answer: Part B deductible is no longer covered by any Medigap plans (unless it was a grandfathered plan such as plan F).

Currently Part A deductible is covered unless you are enrolled in a High Deductible plan

Answer: Medicare pays the insurance companies a certain amount per member per month and transfer responsibility of care to the plan. In exchange, the plans must offer actuarial benefits equivalent or better than Original Medicare

Answer: The Medicare and You book will answer most Original Medicare questions. A local Agent will be able to answer questions on Original Medicare, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans.

Answer: Doctors work with both Medigap plans if they accept Medicare, and Medicare Advantage if they are contracted with the plans.

Answer: A local Agent will take time to understand your needs, conduct a thorough analysis of your desired network of doctors and Hospitals as well as make sure all your prescriptions are covered in the formularies and make sure you will be enrolled to the suitable plan for your needs

Answer: Original Medicare does not cover routine annual physical exams.

However, it fully covers a "Welcome to Medicare" visit (within 12 months of signing up) and a free Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months to create a personalized prevention plan, which includes health assessments, risk factors, and screenings.

The annual Wellness Visit is not a "hands-on" physical exam (e.g., no blood pressure check or listening to heart) but a review of your health history and a customized plan.

The Annual Wellness Visit is free if your provider accepts assignment.

Routine Physicals: You will pay 100% out-of-pocket for a traditional, comprehensive physical exam.

Howeverif you enroll in a Private Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) your plan may cover annual physicals, so you should check with your specific plan.

Wait Time: You are eligible for an annual wellness visit after you have had Part B for at least 12 months.