Glenn Soucek, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: I want to clarify the different enrollment periods for you. But without knowing which Medicare plan you are currently enrolled in I cannot answer your question properly. Do you have a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan?

Answer: Being a Medicare agent gives me purpose in life. I greatly enjoy educating other seniors, providing information, and assisting with enrollments. Additionally, as a senior on Medicare myself, I have been an agent since 1996.

Answer: What is the one Medicare decision that many seniors later regret? Many seniors do not fully understand their deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses related to their Medicare plans.

Answer: What I enjoy most about working with senior Medicare clients is providing them with information and education to address their concerns about Medicare. As a senior on Medicare myself, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with others in the same situation.

Answer: How can a senior distinguish between an experienced Medicare broker and an experienced Medicare agent?

An experienced Medicare agent has been in the business for several years and offers information on a variety of Medicare supplement plans, rather than just a single plan. Additionally, a knowledgeable Medicare agent should be non-captive, meaning they represent multiple insurance companies rather than being tied to just one. It is important to verify that the agent is licensed in the state by the Department of Insurance. They should also engage in continuing education, and be ethical, trustworthy, and friendly.

Answer: Your friend is not providing you with accurate information about choosing the cheapest Medicare plan. While you may hear about Medicare plans with a zero premium, consider the following important factors: What are my deductibles before the plan starts covering any bills? What is my coinsurance? Is there an out-of-pocket maximum for the year? Be cautious when an agent recommends a zero-premium Medicare plan, as you might end up paying more in out-of-pocket expenses.

Answer: My current Medicare plan has a very small deductible for Part B, which covers doctors' visits. This plan does not have any co-payments, and I can choose any doctor who accepts Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, may have deductibles, co-payments, and higher out-of-pocket maximums for the year. With these plans, you can only choose and see doctors within the Medicare Advantage network. If you select a doctor who is outside this network, you will be responsible for the payments.

Answer: Medicare Part B provides coverage for a variety of medically necessary services, including doctor visits, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, and mental health services. It also covers certain outpatient prescription drugs and a range of preventive care services. Seniors enrolled in Medicare typically have both Part A and Part B; Part A covers hospital expenses, while Part B focuses on doctor services.

Answer: The question is whether you can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for medical premiums after you retire. Once you enroll in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to your HSA. However, you can still withdraw money from your HSA after enrolling in Medicare to help cover medical expenses, including deductibles and even premiums.

Answer: If you have only Medicare or original Medicare Part A and Part B without a supplement, you will typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for an ambulance ride after meeting your Part B deductible.

Answer: The question is whether Medicare will cover the shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is usually covered by Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Answer: A Medicare card can be replaced by contacting the Social Security department. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you should reach out to your insurance provider.

Answer: Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. However, it does cover certain medically necessary eye exams, especially for individuals with specific conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. Seniors on Original Medicare will need to choose a voluntary vision plan to help pay for expenses related to eye exams, frames, lenses, or contact lenses.

Answer: If a person is disabled for longer than two years, they will be eligible to sign up for Medicare before turning 65. At this time, you have the option to select a Medicare Supplement plan, which will be a guaranteed issue. When you turn 65, you enter another guaranteed issue period. During this time, you can either keep your current Supplement plan or switch to a Medicare Advantage policy.

Answer: Although you chose a low-premium plan, you may have been surprised by the bill after visiting the doctor. Your Medicare agent should have explained the co-payments associated with your doctor visits so that you wouldn't be caught off guard. You may be surprised by the bill because you haven't met your deductible. These are important questions that a consumer should ask their agent, and it is also the agent's responsibility to provide this education.

Answer: Medicare does cover screenings for diabetes and two blood glucose laboratory tests each year if your doctor determines you are at risk for developing diabetes. Medicare also covers diabetes outpatient self-management training to teach you how to cope with and manage diabetes.

Answer: Simply put a senior citizen should ask their agent the difference between a Medicare Gap or Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage plans

Answer: Have you talked with your doctor about switching to generic medications to save money? Discuss with your pharmacy about using coupons or discount cards. Contact your Part D insurance carrier to find out if mail-order options can save you money.

Answer: Provided that you have chronic lower back pain lasting over 12 weeks doctor can authorize acupuncture treatments provided under Medicare Part B