Elayne Cotton, Medicare Insurance Agent

About Me

Hey there, my name is Elayne, and I am your local Medicare advisor and agent. I specialize in Medicare and am devoted to helping you find the best plan that matches your specific needs and financial situation. I will take care of the daunting task of comparing plans from well-known national and local companies for you. Even better, my services are completely free! Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!

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Q&A with Elayne Cotton

What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?

Answer: My career background revolved around education. So, educating seniors, as I am one myself, is my number one priority when discussing the Medicare program and completing a Needs Analysis so that the plans I will be presenting to the beneficiary are meeting all of their concerns (i.e., doctors in network, prescriptions covered, and/or ancillary benefits).

What's the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?

Answer: Flexibility is the key word to this answer. PPO and HMO plans are similar in that they all have co-pays for services. However, the PPO is a much larger network of providers with no referrals needed. The HMO plans will often have lower co-pays but the network of providers is more restricted.

What are Medicare’s coverage options for mental health apps or virtual therapy platforms for seniors with depression or anxiety?

Answer: One's coverage will depend on whether they are on the Original Medicare (Parts A & B), or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C). Both options will offer mental health coverage. However, the MA plans will include other options like the telehealth apps, group or single therapy sessions or other supplemental mental health services. These services can vary between plans.

How to know if a Medicare agent is legitimate?

Answer: A legitimate Medicare agent will be morally compliant at all times with all the rules and guidelines that are set in place by the federal agency, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. They will be properly licensed in all states where they offer services. They will be properly approved and accredited by the carriers whom they are representing.

I've been dreading hitting the donut hole each year. How will its elimination in 2025 change what I pay throughout the year?

Answer: The donut hole is no longer a problem - it's been eliminated! And the maximum out of pocket for medications is capped at $2,000.

Additionally, for the first time, the beneficiary can spread out the payments for the year with a capped monthly cost, instead of paying the pharmacy the full price when the medicines are purchase.