Glenn Virga, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: The short answer is yes! Since it is a C-SNP you will be able to do another application. Just make sure to have the condition verified.

Answer: That is a hard question to answer. The short answer is that Med Adv plans have been reducing benefits over the last few years. Medicare Advantage plans were designed to save Medicare money but they have unfortunately cost Medicare 14% more than if the beneficiary had stayed on original Medicare.

Answer: You would have 63 days from whenever your coverage ends with Cobra. The Cobra coverage would be considered creditable coverage.

Answer: Yes you can check. Many times the agent that is selling the plan can look up all of her doctors or the plan itself can look it them up. I would make sure that you look at all factors before joining a Med Adv plan. Every service will now have a copay and you have a max out of pocket to worry about. Traveling can be an issue also. look at the plan outline or evidence of coverage to find those answers. Contacting an agent can be very beneficial for all of these needs.

Answer: Personally, having one can make a difference because you give that to a person you trust instead of having a doctor going to the next of kin. This would prevent having a dispute between family members. Having a living will is better.

Answer: The answer to this is a resounding NO! It is making me have at least 100 characters to post this. So this answer is still NO!

Answer: With some of the changes made to Part D recently this has got better. For 2026 your max out of pocket is $2100 for the year.

Options to help. Part D now has a prescription payment plan to help spread the cost over the year. Contact your plan for this option.

Another option is to see if your state has any programs. In PA we have the PACE program which many people can qualify for.

Another option is thru the federal government called LIS this is income based also.

As an agent I have helped many people get enrolled into these plans.

Sometimes you can get help right from the manufacture this does entail paperwork that needs filled out every year but it can be a big help.

Answer: You should always talk with an agent about this.

To keep this short. If you have several health issues DO NOT GET A MED AVD PLAN! You will spend more in copays.

If you have need for high medical care, you could be limited on the doctors you could see.

When you keep Original Medicare and get a supplement you do not need to worry about these issues.

Answer: Tough question because I feel they have many disadvantages.

1. Being concerned about staying in the network. Not all doctors and hospital systems can be in the network with the different companies. Then you can have a hospital system or doctor leave the plan. Keeping Medicare as your primary you never have to worry about that.

2. That you have to pay 20%-part B medicine till you reach your max out of pocket. What is part B medicine? Chemo falls in this category also any injection you may need. I met with a customer that had 1 chemo treatment her copay was 5k her max out of pocket for her plan is $9700. Once she meets that then she doesn't have to pay. I have met people that reach the max out of pocket by the end of the year and still need more treatment, and they find out that Jan 1st the Max out of pocket restarted.

Answer: I have both products, but I prefer Original Medicare. Why? Simple no networks no Pre-authorizations to get treatments. Go to any doctor of your choice no networks to worry about. Depending on the Medicare supplement plan you choose very little out of pocket once you become ill. Medicare advantage plans have to many gimmicks to buy them then when the rubber meets the road and you become seriously ill you find out the disadvantage of these plans. Then you are asking yourself why anyone didn't tell me about this. Having Original Medicare with a supplement is what I call real insurance it pays. Most people think and Advantage plan is a supplement, but it replaces your Medicare and you have now given all the power to the insurance company to decide. Who do you think has your best interest at heart Medicare or an Insurance company. Who do you want deciding what gets covered or paid for?

Answer: As you can imagine working the last 22 years I have met so many interesting people. All walks of life and experience. I have learned so much from them over the years. I also hear some really good jokes.

Answer: Point blank! Most agents do a terrible job going over the benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan. Most are only interested in making a sale. Also do not buy this product over the phone. So many do and they get burned. The Medicare Advantage plan does send you an outline of coverage but most never read it.

Answer: Original Medicare part A and B does not cover hearing aids. Medicare part C or better known as Medicare advantage will have coverage for hearing aids but you will have to make sure you use the vendor, they have a contract with.

Answer: The biggest thing to do first is to make sure your Part B has started if not make sure to apply.

Two ways in doing this. 1. Set up your SS account on SSA.gov when you do this you can get your SS started and apply for part B. 2. You can go to Medicare.gov and print the application off. You will need Form CMS-40B this is the request for enrollment in Medicare part B. Also you will need Form CMS-L564 Medicare request for employment information. The reason for this is to prove that you had health coverage past 65. This is very important, so you do not get fined for not having part B. Then you can turn these forms into your local SS office.

Answer: If you have a son or daughter that is helping with this then they should be involved in any meeting, you have with an agent.

Answer: Unfortunately many do not know what to do or who to contact. Also many think that it could be very expensive most of the time it costs less than the current insurance they have now.

Answer: With 22 years of experience working with people on Medicare, I have developed a simple and effective way to help people understand the different parts of Medicare. I consider myself more of a consultant than just a salesperson. I prefer to educate a potential client so you can make an educated and informed choice.