Gary Church, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: For 23 years, I have been honored to serve as a health insurance broker, guiding individuals through their Medicare options with expertise and care. As a Medicare member myself for the past seven years, I understand firsthand the complexities of our healthcare system. My greatest privilege is working alongside my clients, helping them navigate their coverage with confidence and ensuring they make informed decisions that best meet their needs.

Answer: When selecting a health insurance plan. It’s very important to work with a Medicare agent, who will take the time to understand your needs to review your options for the year. The cost is important but being able to get the care you need is as important. You’ll have to keep your current plan until the end of the year. Your opportunity to change is October 15 until December 7 for a January 1 start date. I hope this answers your question.

Bay Area Health solutions

Gary

Answer: There are PRO’s and Cons to any Medicare plan. The question is do you want to manage your healthcare or would you like the insurance company to manage your health?

Answer: Not understanding how to use Medicare and the plans available. When selecting a Medicare plan individuals first cus on the cost. The important question is what are your needs today and in the future. The experience of a Medicare agent is key.

Answer: Medicare cover the cost of any medically necessary procedures. Medicare does not cover annual physicals for example. They do cover wellness visits preventative care that’s on your initial wellness visit.

Answer: When it comes to Medicare Medicare plan is important to the person who is choosing their Medicare plan for themselves not what it works for someone else. The most important thing when being on Medicare advantage plan is your doctor participate with that health plan Medicare advantage plans go from January to December with that offer this year may be different the following year so it’s important to be able to work with a Medicare agent who can help you guide through and look at different options each and every year.

Answer: When it comes to Medicare supplement plans or otherwise known as Medicare gap plans there’s two standardized plans, plan G and N our standardized plans. The premium is based on the insurance company is selling their particular supplement or gap plan.

Answer: The commissions are higher on a Medicare advantage plan. For some agents, it’s easier to sell a Medicare advantage plan in most cases. The client getting that Medicare Advantage plan for the most part at a zero premium. It’s important that the client understand all their options so they can choose the right health plan for them.

Answer: I don’t think Medicare is heading for any any crisis pertaining to baby boomers.

The change would come as the federal government sets up Medicare for all.

Answer: Most cases no you can only change during annual enrollment. If you’re on a Medicare advantage plan and you’re diagnosed with a serious illness. The likelihood of you being able to qualify for Medicare supplement is pretty slim to none due to your health issue and pre-existing health condition.

Answer: Your current health condition has no effect on your Medicare itself comes down to the Medicare advantage plan that you have. Does it allow you to see the doctors and specialist that you wanna see

In network.

Answer: No! the rules is you have to be a resident 5 years. Since you don’t have 40quarters of work history you’ll pay premium for part A and part B

Answer: You can save money. Being on a Medicare advantage plan a question is what the cost when you actually have to use your Medicare advantage plan. It is important that you work with a Medicare agent to review your options and determine which plan is the right plan.

Answer: If you’re on Medicare mental health is supported by Medicare as for your spouse with dementia Medicare will provide health care services. But you’d have to look into local caregivers to be able to help you as far as with with that, but not Medicare.

Answer: With that number is, I don’t know personally we all do know how expensive healthcare is and what healthcare options we have.

Answer: Not sure on that question, but with artificial intelligent in some cases can be a benefit, but may be able to make medical decisions. Not sure if I would want to rely on AI to be able to make a judgment for my care.

Answer: Explain Medicare as health coverage. Would you like to control your healthcare or have the insurance company manage it? I go over the three options: Original Medicare, Medicare supplement, or Gap with standalone PDP and Medicare Advantage plans. Any health care plan has pros and cons.

Answer: Medicare Medigap offers true freedom in healthcare choice, allowing you to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare—no referrals, no network restrictions. In contrast, while Medicare Advantage plans may offer zero premiums, they often require referrals and can change annually. Your doctor may be in-network one year but not the next. If you experience a life-changing event and require hospitalization, unexpected medical bills could reach thousands of dollars. With a Medigap plan, your only out-of-pocket cost beyond the monthly premium is the Part B deductible, which is set by Medicare each year—$257 for 2025."

Answer: If you are only on Original Medicare Part A & B, "Yes", you will have medical bills. Medicare is an 80-20 plan. For Medicare services, Medicare picks up 80%, and you are responsible for 20%. Having a Medicare Supplement or GAP plan, the insurance company picks up your 20% minus the Part B deductible. If you have a life-changing event on a Medicare Advantage plan, you would also be responsible for deductibles and co-payments.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans offer a basic dental plan, usually HMO dental coverage, with a small network of dentists.

Answer: Medicare will usually cover it if it's medically necessary. Medicare says if your doctor indicates that it is medically necessary.

Answer: Not sure with the current administration. What will happen to Medicare plans? It is essential to talk with a Medicare agent at an annual meeting to review changes.

Answer: No, you can not use your HSA to pay your Medicare premiums! HSA is to be used for co-payment for medical expenses. Once you turn 65, you can withdraw your money from your HSA account without penalty. Then if you want to pay your Medicare premium with the money.

Answer: Call Medicare, check their Star ratings, read the fine print, and work with a Medicare agent you feel comfortable with to review information and options for Medicare Advantage plans.

Answer: You can choose any kind care you need, whether it's covered by your Medicare plan or you'll pay out of pocket.

Answer: As of 2025, there are no more donut holes. The deductible is $590, and the max out-of-pocket is $2,000. Depending on your tier level, you may have to meet the deductible.

Answer: An experienced licensed Medicare agent should be able to guide you through the maze and help you to make an informed decision.

Answer: That's not true! Medicare is a health insurance. If you need Life insurance, meet with a licensed agent to review your needs.

Answer: First, Medicare says it has to be medically necessary.

These are some things that Medicare does not cover:

Long Term Care (LTC)

Hearing aids

Cosmetic Surgery

Dental & Vision exams ( If it's medically necessary, like glaucoma)

Adult Daycare

Cosmetic surgery

Answer: Yes! There could be a financial cost that you could face if you needed care. Since Medicare is a 80-20 health plan. (No cap)

Answer: You could! You may end up paying the bill. You have allowed your Medicare Advantage plan to manage your healthcare. If you want to have control over your healthcare, consider going back to Medicare and purchasing a Medicare supplement. Then, you will have control over your healthcare.

Answer: Not sure! The future of healthcare is changing with the current Administration and cuts to social programs will have an effect on healthcare and could on Medicare.

Answer: Depends on whether your company has more than 20 employees; if so, then no, you do not have to enroll. If fewer than 20 employees, then yes, you must enroll in Medicare Part A &B

Answer: Do an annual review during AEP from October 15 to December 7 each year to review your PDP. Work with a Medicare agent or visit Medicare.gov to review all the drug plans. All drug plans are not equal.

Answer: As of now, Medicare does not cover marijuana for treatment. There is a possibility in the future, as marijuana is still a Class 1 drug.

Answer: Dental and vision are basic dental and vision plans. Dental is generally an HMO with a maximum annual coverage of $1500.00. You are limited to a small network.

Answer: Not fully understanding their choices. It's very important that if someone is looking into Medicare, they know all the pros and cons. How is their health is now and in the future?

The question should be based on whether one controls one's own healthcare or the insurance company controls one's care. Budget is also important.

Answer: You can start three months before your Birthday and three months following your Birthday.

You could enroll a little earlier than three months, but sign up within the time frame.

Answer: They should make sure they understand their Medicare health plan, their medications are in the formulary, and their doctors are in-network. They should also know how to use the plan.

Answer: Not necessary! Check with your doctor and the Medical Group to ensure the Medicare Advantage plan is in-network.

Answer: To legally manage your parent's Medicare benefits, you'll need to obtain either a Power of Attorney (POA) or a court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship.

Answer: If you are only on original Medicare, with or without a Gap plan, you can see any doctor, anywhere that accepts Medicare for medical reasons.

Answer: Discount cards do not affect your Medicare or Drug plan. If you're not sure about your Medicare plan or your drug, it's a good idea to speak to a Medicare agent to review your options.

Answer: Yes, open enrollment runs from January 1 to March 31, providing you with a one-time opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. The agent reviewing your plan should have confirmed whether your PCP or medical group is included in the MA network. It's crucial to fully understand how any changes to your MA plan might impact your drug coverage.

Answer: Life insurance serves different purposes depending on when it's purchased. It plays a key role in any financial plan, protecting what matters most. With numerous options available, it's essential to work with a life insurance agent to determine what’s important and take action accordingly.

Answer: There are two types of events: educational and sales & marketing. It's essential to understand the type of event you're attending and what you hope to gain from it. If you have time to research, take the opportunity to review your options and work with a Medicare agent you trust to ensure you're getting accurate information.