James Beyer, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: You will be eligible for a special election period when you move and have two months to enroll in another Medicare plan.

Answer: Usually it is a good idea to have a hospital indemnity plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. The reason is there can be high out of pocket costs associated with inpatient hospital stays. If you are hospitalized twice in the same year within 60 days you will not pay any additional copays above your first admission. However, if you are admitted outside of the 60 day benefit window you will have to pay again. This is another reason a hospital indemnity plan can be helpful, paying some or all of the costs for you.

Answer: You will need to fill out form L564 and CMS 40B and send these forms to your local social security office. The form L564 will need to be filled out and signed off by your employer or your spouse's employer, proving you had creditable coverage.

Answer: You should get in touch with a local agent that knows your market. They can do an analysis for you and learn your situation, finding the best plan for you.

Answer: Yes, because you are receiving SSI you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare as long as you have paid into social security for 40 working quarters, or 10 years. You can keep Medicare and Medicaid potentially, and you may qualify for QMB. Most of those application notices you're receiving may or may not apply to you. Contact a local agent.

Answer: Yes, with original Medicare you can see a doctor in another state, as long as they accept original Medicare A & B. If you have a Medicare advantage plan, you would need to make sure that doctor is in the plans network.

Answer: Yes, at the riverfront community center there are staff and volunteers certified as CHOICES counselors. They provide free, unbiased information and tools to help you navigate your Medicare choices.

Answer: Original Medicare cards (your A & B) are not issued every year. However, most Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription plans issue new cards for each plan year. Medicare supplements usually do not issue new cards yearly.

Answer: You can obtain an original Medicare card two different ways. You can create an account on Medicare.gov and request a new card, or even print your card! Or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak to a representative and request that they send you a new card.

Answer: Yes, we have several members on our team that speak Spanish! Therefore, we will be able to help you.

Answer: Medicare laws and plans are always changing, working with an agent will allow you to stay informed. Clients are able to call me directly and not deal with 1800 numbers.