Gary Coleshill, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Because you get advice from someone that has been trained in that area and taken numerous exams and tests and been certified by carriers & States to be able to clearly explain your options in what is a very confusing and complex situation. Yet you personally don`t pay them a penny.

By all means do it all yourself. But why would you want to?

Answer: Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, and limited home health.

But it has deductibles ($1,676 in 2025), daily coinsurance after 60 days (up to $838/day), and lifetime limits for psychiatric care.

It won`t cover private-duty nursing or personal items.

Part A alone is not enough as it does not include outpatient services, doctor visits (covered by Part B), and can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs.

To fill the gaps, consider Medicare Part B, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage (Part C).

Part A is critical but rarely enough, most will need additional coverage for full protection.

Answer: Any seminars promoted as educational should be just that and per CMS rules no selling will be involved. Agents use them to inform prospects and to meet them, it adds to the prospects view to the Agent`s expertise (or not). So if you want to learn more about Medicare, by all means attend an educational event.

Answer: Compare and Save

All Medigap plans are standardized by letter (e.g., Plan G, Plan N), meaning the coverage remains consistent regardless of the insurance provider you select.

However, premiums for the exact same plan can differ significantly—by as much as $40–$60 per month—between carriers. Therefore, it's essential to shop around to find the best value. A helpful tip is to consult a knowledgeable broker who can assist you in comparing various plans.

Answer: You are restricted to a network whereas with Medicare Supplement you can go anywhere that Medicare is accepted. There are some out of pocket costs like copays etc.

Answer: It really depends on your needs.

Original Medicare is fine but has no cap on out-of-pocket costs.

Original Medicare will cover 80% of the costs of approved treatment

Medicare Supplement plans can cover the 20% cost difference and give you the flexibility to see any Medical Professional that accepts Medicare.

But there is a monthly premium, and you would also need a standalone drug plan.

Medicare Advantage plans cover what Original Medicare covers plus usually have extra benefits like gym memberships, dental vision etc. MAPD plans have Drug plans built in.

Many plans have zero or low premiums. There is an out of pocket cap, and some co pays will occur. You are usually limited to service with a local medical network.

Answer: If you're in the U.S. and face a medical emergency near the Mexican or Canadian border, Medicare might cover care at the closest foreign hospital.

Similarly, if you're traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state and experience an emergency, Medicare could cover a Canadian hospital if it's closer than a U.S. one.

For those living near a foreign hospital, Medicare may also cover treatment there if it's the nearest option, even without an emergency.

When traveling abroad, consider getting travel health insurance to avoid unexpected expenses.

Answer: Penalty avoidance – The Part B late-enrollment penalty is permanent, so even if you don’t think you’ll need it now, enrolling at 65 keeps the door open without extra cost later.

Freedom of choice – VA care is excellent for many, but it’s tied to VA facilities. Medicare gives you access to a much wider network, which can be crucial if you want to see a specialist outside the VA system or if you’re traveling.

Safety net – Life changes — you might move, your preferred VA clinic could get busier, or you might need urgent care while away from home. Medicare fills those gaps.

Smart coordination – You can strategically use VA for certain services (like prescriptions) and Medicare for others (like local specialists), often lowering your out-of-pocket costs.

Regarding Dental, Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental. You’d need a standalone dental plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.

Answer: There are likely a few naturalistic approaches that seem effective, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. However, there’s the issue of quality control and, of course, evidence. Which ones have been tested enough to ensure they are safe and, of course, actually work?

Answer: The push for healthcare price transparency has transformed the way I work as a Medicare agent. Clients are no longer just asking which plan covers their prescriptions—they’re asking how negotiated rates compare across providers and what their true out-of-pocket costs will be. It’s made my role more consultative and educational, which I welcome.

One unexpected outcome? Some clients have become incredibly savvy—almost like amateur billing analysts. They’re cross-referencing hospital pricing data with their Explanation of Benefits and even challenging discrepancies. It’s a shift I didn’t anticipate, but it’s empowering. People are finally feeling like they have a seat at the table when it comes to their healthcare decisions.

Answer: Medicare offers limited, short-term coverage for skilled care after a hospital stay but typically does not cover ongoing custodial care for daily activities. Individuals should plan for long-term care by exploring non-medical services and considering long-term care insurance to cover gaps. Understanding the difference between skilled and custodial care is crucial for determining Medicare coverage.

Answer: Probably ignoring your advice and going with a plan that their friend recommends even though it`s not such a good fit for them.