Hector Vazquez, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The answer is "yes but It depends". Compared to Original Medicare alone the savings are HUGE! In average advantage members save due to most plans having zero or low premiums and zero or low deductibles with a max annual out of pocket amount something Original medicare doesn't have.

Some people compare Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplements but the comparison is not apples to apples. The big disadvantage Medicare Advantage when compared to med supps is not financial, is the accessibility to providers due to network restrictions. Med supps are standardized mostly while Medicare Advantage plans are designed in many shapes and forms to accommodate different populations, incomes and in some cases even specific medical conditions.

The answer is Yes they could save people a lot of money. Speak to a licensed and objective agent before making a decision on a plan.

Answer: The likelihood is high as the FDA approves more procedures and Medicare updates their policies to include more treatments and protocols while increasing reimbursements.

Answer: In no specific order, Mutual of Omaha, United Health Care/AARP, Humana, Blue cross blue shield, etc. But in my professional opinion as long as the company has a good rating there is very little difference since most plans are standardized.

Answer: Medicare and every other government and corporate entity can and should always do more to address disparities among all seniors.

Answer: Depends on what coverage you have, if on Original Medicare with a supplement all you need to do is find a professional that accepts medicare and talk therapy should be covered by Part B. While psychiatric appointments will be covered by Part B, meds will be covered by Part D.

So there is no need to choose meds over therapy or viceversa.

If on Medicare advantage, all the care and treatments have to be coordinated thru the primary care provider in most cases, unless on a PPO.

Answer: Yes, a lot of Medicare Advantage plans cover therapies like acupuncture and some cover alternative therapies but not all. Speak to a licensed agent before making a choice.

Answer: Do I know all the gaps present in Original Medicare and am I prepared to face them with my choice of plan?

Answer: Trap is such a negative question that I don't use it, but there are gaps in Medicare Advantage like less access to providers and the need for referrals in some HMO's and other things that make advantage plans less appealing to some people.

Answer: if you won't have creditable coverage starting at age 65, you need to enroll in Medicare.

At this point you should have received a Medicare card if you are automatic or should have had a meeting with Social Security to enroll in Medicare if not automatic.

You then should evaluate your needs and decide how you will cover all the gaps present in Medicare or in the plan you will have.

Answer: Individuals receiving social security disability insurance benefits or some railroad retirement board (RRB) disability benefits recipients for at least 24 months, individuals with end-stage renal disease (eligibility based on situation) and people with ALS after 24 months of disability benefits.

Answer: Not choosing a Medicare Supplement during the guaranteed issue period and wanting to join later to find out they don't meet the underwriting criteria.

Answer: While Medicare Part A is automatic for most people turning 65 who have enough work credits, enrollment in Part B is not automatic. If you do not have other creditable health coverage, you must actively apply for Part B to avoid late enrollment penalties.

If you will continue to have employer coverage or another form of insurance when you turn 65, confirm that it is considered "creditable coverage" by Medicare standards. Having creditable coverage allows you to delay enrolling in Part B without incurring a late enrollment penalty once your other coverage ends.