Frank Adkisson, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The current 2026 premium is (for most people) $202.90. 2027 numbers should arrive in mid-November. There is a government formula that determines those premiums. I am not privy to how they derive the numbers.

Answer: That's a healthcare question. I would not be qualified to answer that. I work in the insurance field; I support people receiving their healthcare in the manner they choose. But I don't weigh in on their preferences.

Answer: Yes. A territory like Puerto Rick (or the USVI) is part of the U.S. and Medicare is a US based health system.

Answer: ANY unsolicited phone call is a red flag. It is a violation of Medicare marketing rules. Ultimately if you elect to sign up for a plan, you will have to disclose personal info. Do you want that info with someone who doesn't follow the rules?

Answer: IRMAA = Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

Bottom line: The government believes those with higher than typical incomes can afford to pay more into the system. There are multiple brackets you can find by doing an internet search. The dollar amounts for IRMAA are different for single folks versus married couples. And the brackets change annually and are adjusted for inflation.

The IRMAA is retroactive by 2 years. So your income of 2024 (as reported on your tax return) affects an IRMAA for 2026.

Answer: I guess I would need more specifics to know how to answer.

Typically if you have a 10-year work record or are married to someone who has a 10+ year work record, you qualify for Medicare. End of story. When you got married does not factor in the equation.

Answer: It only applies in an EXTREMELY rare situation where someone is hospitalized in excess of 90 days. In that unlikely scenario, the member could end up with an additional 60 days of Medicare coverage. This can only be accessed once in a lifetime.

Answer: You can't just go out and say, "I need a wheelchair." There needs to be a prescription from a doctor typically. Medicare does cover it, but not at 100%. Depending upon the type of Medicare plan, there could be some out-of-pocket.

Answer: So many questions.

WHO changed your plan? You? Or did an agent assist?

I'm not sure what you are referring to as a "review period." Are you talking about the Jan/Feb/Mar enrollment window?

Without some clarification, I'm afraid I can't help more than asking more questions back.

Answer: When is it appropriate to delay Medicare or should it ALWAYS be at age 65? That comes up often.

Another misconception is that everyone pays the same premium to have Medicare Part B. Higher income individuals can be in for a surprise when it comes to their Part B premiums.

Answer: To not try to do everything by themselves. There's nothing wrong with trying to be informed of the constantly changing landscape of Medicare but one should not try to do it alone. And since there is nothing out of pocket in having an agent as an advocate for you, why wouldn't you select a seasoned informed agent?