Fred Manas, Medicare Insurance Agent
Fred Manas
Manas Associates
Medicare Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC, FL, GA, MA, MD, NC, NJ and SC
20+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Brooklyn, NY
Fred Can Help With:
About Me
Greetings! I'm Fred, a Medicare insurance agent dedicated to serving your local area. Medicare is my area of expertise, and I'm committed to helping you pinpoint the most suitable plan for your individual needs and budget. I'll handle the research and comparison of plans from top national and local companies, so you can relax. Plus, my assistance comes at absolutely no cost to you. Reach out to me today to discuss your Medicare insurance possibilities, and remember to mention you found me through Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Fred Manas
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: Assisting people navigate the myriad of questions and concerns regarding medicare, supplements and advantage plans.
How can I make sure I'm not overpaying for my Medicare plan, and are there any tools or resources you recommend?
Answer: I provide comparisions evidencing the multiple options/products for the medicare plan(s) you are considering.
I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Answer: Original Medicare, generally does not cover routine dental care, such as:
dental exams,
cleanings,
fillings,
dentures,
and extractions.
However, there are limited exceptions where Medicare may cover dental services.
e.g.
1.) dental care necessary for a medical condition, such as before or after surgery
2.) dental care provided as part of inpatient hospital care and/or
3.) dental care related to an emergency situation
NOTE: Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are private health insurance plans, often include dental services that traditional Medicare does not. Individuals should do a side-by-side comparison of separate dental insurance policies to supplement their Medicare coverage in order to obtain comprehensive dental care.
My friend says the new Medicare drug payment plan in 2025 will help with her expensive medications. Would it help me too?
Answer: The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan MPPP) is a payment option in the prescription drug law that works with your current drug coverage to help you manage your out-of-pocket costs for drugs covered by your plan by spreading them across the calendar year (January–December). Anyone with a Medicare drug plan or Medicare health plan with drug coverage (like a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage) can use this payment option. All plans offer this payment option, and participation is voluntary.
If you select this payment option, each month you’ll continue to pay your plan premium (if you have one), and you’ll get a bill from your health or drug plan to pay for your prescription drugs (instead of paying the pharmacy). There’s no cost to participate in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
Why is regular Medicare better than an advantage plan?
Answer: Regular Medicare offers more freedom and flexibility in choosing providers and is generally considered more comprehensive, but can be more expensive.
Medicare Advantage plans can be more affordable and offer extra benefits, but may have restrictions on provider choice and require prior authorization.
Are mental health services like therapy fully covered under Original Medicare?
Answer: No, mental health services like therapy are not fully covered under Original Medicare, but a substantial portion is covered, according to Medicare (.gov). Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), offers coverage for both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, but there are limitations and out-of-pocket costs involved
Can I backdate my Medicare enrollment if I missed my initial window due to a medical emergency?
Answer: While Medicare generally doesn't allow retroactive enrollment for missed deadlines, a medical emergency could potentially lead to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This would allow you to enroll without a late penalty and potentially receive coverage backdated up to six months, but no earlier than your initial eligibility date
I chose Original Medicare to keep my doctors, but now I'm drowning in bills. Should I have gone with Advantage instead?
Answer: If you're finding Original Medicare bills are overwhelming, a Medicare Advantage plan might be worth considering.
Original Medicare offers flexibility in choosing providers, BUT it lacks an out-of-pocket maximum which could lead to potentially higher costs for those with significant health needs.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans often have lower premiums and include a limit on out-of-pocket (OOP) spending, thereby offering some financial protection. However, these plans typically have provider network restrictions and may require prior authorization for certain services, which might not be ideal if you need to see a specific doctor or travel frequently.
I'm considering a smartwatch that monitors my heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation. Will Medicare help cover this type of wearable technology?
Answer: If a wearable device is prescribed by a physician and deemed medically necessary (this is key) for a specific condition (like atrial fibrillation), it might be covered under Medicare's Part B if the device is considered a diagnostic device or part of a broader diagnostic service.
Can I use a health savings account (HSA) to pay Medicare premiums after I retire?
Answer: Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for Medicare premiums, including Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage premiums.
Once you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, you can continue to withdraw funds from your HSA tax-free for qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Specifically, you can remain HSA eligible after 65 as long as you are employed, enrolled in an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP), and not enrolled in Medicare or other non-HDHP insurance.
You cannot use it to pay for Medicare supplement policies (like Medigap).
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you've had certain life events:
losing health coverage,
moving,
getting married,
having a baby,
adopting a child,
if your household income is below a certain amount.
My doctor wants me to get several preventive screenings. Will Medicare cover all of these at once?
Answer: Medicare Part B covers many preventive screenings and tests at no cost.
Many other screenings are covered with no copay or deductible.
Medicare also covers the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).
However, you may need to pay a share of the cost for some screenings or diagnostic tests, and for any follow-up care needed as a result of a screening.
How does life insurance contribute to financial planning?
Answer: Like a good financial plan, insurance takes into account your goals and current financial situation and should evolve as your life changes. In addition to income replacement, life insurance, in particular, can help diversify your portfolio, protect late-in-life risks and even has the potential to provide tax benefits.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: Medicare provides multiple choices from which to choose. The selection process is tailored to the clients needs and wants. Medicare also allows, through certain rules and time periods, for a subscriber to switch from one program to another.
I'm taking a brand-name medication that doesn't have a generic version. How can I find a Medicare Part D plan that will cover it at a reasonable cost?
Answer: The prescription drug plans allow for completion amongst the carriers. You can load your runs on medicare.gov and select Search PDP's.
You will be presented with all the options available in your area. Compare three insurers side by side to see who they are similar and how they are different. Select the plan that fits your budget.
I tried calling Medicare and got transferred five times. Is there any way to get straight answers from them?
Answer: To get straightforward answers from Medicare, try initiating your own call to 1-800-MEDICARE or using the secure online portal on Medicare.gov. You can also explore the online resources and consider contacting a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor for personalized guidance.
Elaboration:
Initiate Your Own Call:
Instead of waiting for calls, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Secure Online Portal:
Explore the secure online portal on Medicare.gov for information and to manage your account.
Online Resources:
Review Medicare.gov for answers to common questions, including how to enroll, understand coverage, and handle appeals.
SHIP Counseling:
Consider contacting your local SHIP counselor for personalized assistance, as they can provide unbiased information and guidance.
Report Unwanted Calls:
If you are receiving unsolicited calls claiming to be from Medicare, report them to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
My friend got her cataract surgery covered by Medicare, but they didn't cover the lens she wanted. How does that work?
Answer: Medicare generally covers the cost of cataract surgery, including the insertion of a standard intraocular lens (IOL), but not advanced or premium lenses that offer more specific vision correction. The "standard" lens covers the basic needs of focusing light on the retina. If a patient desires a lens with features like reduced need for glasses, additional cost is usually the patient's responsibility.
I just enrolled in Medicare, and I've got my Part A and B, but I'm hearing there are gaps in coverage. What are these gaps exactly?
Answer: Medicare coverage gaps refer to the out-of-pocket expenses the subscriber might face beyond what Original Medicare (Part A and B) covers, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. These gaps also encompass areas like prescription drugs, routine vision, dental, and hearing care, as well as some long-term care needs.
How much is spent on healthcare per year the U.S., and what does this amount represent per person?
Answer: in 2023 U.S. health care spending reached $4.9 trillion or $14,570 per person accounting for 17.6 % of US GDP.
I'm confused about the different tiers in Medicare Part D plans. How do they affect what I pay for my medications?
Answer: In summary, the tier your medication is placed on in your Part D plan significantly impacts your out-of-pocket costs. Lower tiers generally mean lower copays, while higher tiers can lead to higher costs.
When is the best time of the year to start looking at Medicare options?
Answer: The best time to start looking at Medicare options is during the Initial Enrollment Period and the Annual Open Enrollment Period.
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) occurs when you are first eligible for Medicare, typically around age 65, and lasts for seven months.
The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing you to switch plans for the following year.