Donna Lueders, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: In your situation, you should work with an agent as there are several issues going on. Depending on where you live, there could be a special enrollment period that would allow you to enroll into a plan outside of the open enrollment period.

Answer: If you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can always be proactive and ask your current doctors if they accept that particular plan. The alternative would be to ask what Medicare Advantage plans do they accept and make a selection from there. Please be mindful there's no guarantee that even if the doctors are in network when you switch, they may not stay in-network or renew the carrier's contract mid-year.

Answer: Before you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, it's always good to confirm if your doctor is in network. The easiest way is to contact all the providers and ask which Medicare Advantage plans they accept in your area.

Answer: ome Medicare Advantage plans are not offering over the counter incentives. Additionally, dental, hearing, and vision components are only offering preventative services. Please speak with an agent or review your plan carefully before making a decision If these items are of importance to you.

Answer: Working with a Medicare Agent ensures you receive the most comprehensive evaluation of your health insurance needs for your budget. There is no cost to you for an agent's services and they can help you navigate the policy should you have questions after enrollment. I highly recommend working with an agent if at all possible as no two situations are the same.

Answer: One red flag would be asking for your Social Security number. Another would be asking for your banking information. That's why it's important to find an agent you can trust so they can guide you with finding a plan right for you.

Answer: It is important to review your plan's summary of benefits and evidence of coverage in order to make an informed decision regarding which plan is right for you and your budget. For instance, Medicare Advantage Plans has co-pays and deductibles. You could also consider getting a hospital indemnity plan to offset some if not all the out of pocket expenses you're incurring.

Answer: If you're already collecting Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled Medicare. The monthly premium for Medicare Part B ($202.90 in 2026) will be automatically deducted from Social Security.

Answer: That would depend on your plan. If you review your summary of benefits and/or evidence of coverge you'll be able to see what charges are associated with out of network providers.

Answer: Medicare supplement plans and Medicare advantage plans can be challenging for a side by side comparison. What a person needs to do is an analysis of their costs, coverage, and change. What are their anticiapated medical costs? Are their doctors covered under a Medicare Advantage plan? Finally, are you willing to evaluate your coverage and costs annually? This should be done especially if a person selects a Medicare Advantage plan due to the changes in network and drug formularies.

Answer: If you're having a challenge paying for your medications you can apply for extra help via the site Medicare.gov. Additionally, you can contact your drug plan carrier and ask for the prescription payment plan options which spreads the medication costs over the course of the year. Another option would be to contact your senior center and ask if they have a prescription coverage program.

Answer: You can go to Medicare.gov and do a search for the find a plan that covers my drug/s. Additionally, you can apply for extra help on the same website (Medicare.gov) which, if you qualify, could help you cover the costs. Since the cost is a barrier, you can ask your prescription drug carrier to enter you into the prescription payment plan which would spread the costs throughout the year. One last option would be to connect with your local council on aging to see if they have a prescription care coordinator that could help you find alternative ways of paying for the medication.

Answer: In order to determine a person's option, the first step would be to complete a thorough needs assessment. Only then, can an agent develop a strategy to determine which alternative is in the person's best interst.

Answer: It depends on the plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency visits. It's important to get with an agent who can explain your options. If you have a Medicare supplement plan a/k/a Medigap plan, you most likely will have coverage in Canada and Mexico, but again it depends on the carrier.

Answer: You can apply for Extra Help at Medicare.gov. If accepted, it would help reduce your medication expenses. The application is relatively simple to complete and is income based.

Answer: The short answer is yes. You must have a doctor certify you need the services. You must be homebound, and need the skilled care.