James Carlson, Medicare Insurance Agent
James Carlson
Carlson Financial Strategies
Medicare Agent Licensed in MN
35+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Burnsville, MN
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Phone
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Website
About Me
Knowledge, experience, and an understanding of Medicare. Trustworthy, 36 years of Medicare experience, I Make Medicare fun to understand. Call 952-646-9225 to answer Questions and set your appointment.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with James Carlson
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: Contact Medicare and enroll in parts B so you can receive a new Medicare card.
Once you have your card we can discuss options that will meet your needs. Thank you for contacting me.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I explain that all the info received is confusing. I will clearly explain your options and be sure you understand the difference between Advantage and Medicare Supplement plants.
What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?
Answer: You are welcome to call for better clarification. I can send information about both drug and medical coverage.
How do you approach educating clients who are new to Medicare versus those who are considering switching plans?
Answer: If not sure you have the best plan, I would verify the current plan vs some new options. I would explain that some plans may not have wide network, while other plan may better cover your needs. Should you keep it is your decision.
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: This is a challenge. I love the sales process and knowing my knowledge will help to protect the client by making them feel the understand the choices well enough to be willing to pay the monthly premimum.
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: They answer a outside call and get caught by an agent selling plans that will not work in the state of residence.
I picked a Medicare Advantage plan last year, and I'm not sure if my hearing aids are covered. How do I figure this out?
Answer: We can call the carrier or the hearing aid company. This will give the client confidence in me.
it is also an opportunity to help the client understand that the benefit is really a small amount of the total cost.
How will the new 2025 Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap impact seniors and prescription drug costs?
Answer: They love knowing the oop cost can be met if the cost exceeds $2,000. this also gives them good reason to be sure the drug plan is the best for them.
What's the best way for seniors to protect themselves from Medicare-related scams?
Answer: Deal with a qualified and verified agent like Medicare Hub agents. Remind clients that at age 65 many companies will be trying to earn their business. Be careful.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: All beneficiaries know they will not have to pay more. Willing to save the larger cost of the past. There is also a option to pay over a 12 month period at a average cost..
For Medicare Part D, why would someone pick a plan with a high total cost?
Answer: The deductible is included in the 2K max. More important, when expensive and hard to get meds are prescribed, the more costly plan is likely to pay.
If you had to pick just one, what's the worst Medicare-related decision someone can make?
Answer: Making a decision without real good understanding of their options. If they choose a Advantage plan, they may not ever be able to apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan.
If you could change one thing about the Medicare system, what would it be and why?
Answer: Medicare should allow agents not have to review and test annually. We should have reviews less often. Renew every 3-5 years.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: There are many reasons to start medicare even when continuing to work. Les cost, more benefits, less costly drugs.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: First is the network. Second is the risk of having to pay the max oop annually due to a serious medical condition. 3rd, the plan is controlled by the insurance plan, not medicare.
Due to network limitations, proper care may not be available. Many more disadvantages that a supplement plan would cover.
Why am I paying more for Medicare Part B and D than my friends? What is IRMAA and how is it calculated?
Answer: This may be due to not earning 40 quarters. You may be a high earner and are paying an excess premium due to higher income.
How do Social Security and Medicare work together for people with disabilities?
Answer: With Advantage plans an individual can have premiums paid from their monthly check.
This is more convenient and assures there will not be a lapse.
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: Health care is and will be expensive. Be prepared and purchase the best plan that is affordable and makes having care and treatment easy.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: I am more in favor of original Medicare. I know every doctor will see me and I can travel or move and maintain my plan. I am not tired to a network.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: Yes! There are penalties for not enrolling at age 65 in both medical and the drug plans.
Thes can be life time penalties that raise your cost of care.
What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?
Answer: Emergency care in a hospital will normally be covered. There is no major hospital coverage with Medicare. Therefore it is advisable to purchase a policy for traveling outside of the USA.
I've been dreading hitting the donut hole each year. How will its elimination in 2025 change what I pay throughout the year?
Answer: The annual out of pocket limit for all drug purchases is $2,000. The donut hole is not a factor.
The annual deductible applies toward the oop max.