Jason Kidwell, Medicare Insurance Agent

About Me

I’m an independent insurance agent helping individuals and families throughout California understand their Medicare and health insurance options. At Kidwell Insurance Agency, we specialize in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans.

Medicare can be confusing, especially when you're turning 65, retiring, losing employer coverage, or reviewing your plan during Annual Enrollment. My goal is to make the process easier by explaining your options in plain language and helping you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

I believe the best insurance decisions start with understanding—not pressure. I encourage clients to ask questions, take their time, and say, “I don’t understand,” whenever something isn't clear.

As an independent agent, I can help you compare available Medicare options from multiple insurance companies. My services are provided at no additional cost to you, and my focus is on helping you make an informed decision that works for your situation.

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Q&A with Jason Kidwell

Can Medicare be taken away once I have it, or is my coverage guaranteed for life?

Answer: Once you qualify for Medicare and enroll, you can generally keep it for life as long as you continue to meet eligibility and enrollment requirements. Unpaid premiums, voluntary cancellation, or loss of eligibility can affect your Part A or Part B coverage. Original Medicare is the federal program. Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part D, and Medigap are offered by private insurers. Part C and Part D plans can change or leave an area, and you can generally switch during enrollment periods. Part C plans must cover at least everything Original Medicare covers, though costs, networks, and rules can differ. If you have Medigap with Original Medicare and pay your premiums, you generally have the right to keep it unless you made a material misrepresentation when applying. As always, check Medicare.gov to stay up to date on any changes to the program.

I had Medicare Part B for one year, then dropped it when I took a job and re-enrolled a year later. Why was I charged three months of back premiums and a lifetime penalty that I’ve been paying since 2020?

Answer: I can’t see your specific records, but a Part B late enrollment penalty applies when you were eligible for Part B and went without it, and without group health coverage based on current employment (yours or your spouse’s), for 12 months or more. Other coverage, like COBRA, retiree plans, or marketplace plans, doesn’t count. If you had qualifying job-based coverage during the gap, those months shouldn’t count toward the penalty, but you’ll need to prove it. Ask your employer’s HR to complete their part of the CMS-L564 form, and submit it to Social Security along with a request to review the penalty. Employer size can matter, so ask SSA whether it affects your situation. The appeal deadline is 60 days from receiving the penalty letter. If that’s passed, you can still ask whether a late request will be accepted for good cause, especially if documentation was missing or you were given wrong information.

My cardiologist wants me to start cardiac rehab after my heart attack. Does Medicare cover it, and how many sessions do I get?

Answer: Before receiving treatment you should always ask your doctor about Medicare coverage and what is included. According to Medicare.gov website "Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers regular and intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs if you're eligible." A heart attack in the last 12 months is one of the eligible conditions, so you qualify as long as you start within that window. Your cardiologist’s referral is the key piece. Make sure to ask your doctor how many sessions will be covered by Medicare to avoid any surprises.

What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?

Answer: A local Medicare agent is a valuable resource as you navigate your health journey. An agent can educate you not only about the different parts of Medicare but also about your local medical groups and hospitals. Recently, a health plan dropped two medical groups, which would affect clients' ability to see their primary care physicians in those groups. A local Medicare agent can stay abreast of changes and make sure you aren't caught off guard in the new year. While your health may change over the years, your agent doesn't have to. A long-term relationship with a Medicare agent can provide stability and a reliable source of information instead of calling a 1-800 number. If you decide to work with a Medicare agent, look for one who cares more about your situation than making a sale, listens to your needs, and takes the time to explain things when they don't make sense. You should never feel pressured to decide; your health matters too much.