Jennifer Sigman, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: There are several carriers that do include the Silver Sneaker gym membership with their plans. There are also some plans that may include items to use at home if not able to get to the gym.

Answer: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question: it really depends on your health needs, budget, doctors, medications, and how much flexibility you want.

If you are looking at Orginal Medicare it gives you Part A and Part B, however doesn't include prescription drug, dental, vision, or hearing or a limit on your out of pocket medical costs. Where as Medicare Advantage plans often have extra benefits like, dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs and prescription coverage is bundled in.

You can choose to stay with Original Medicare and add in a supplemental (Medigap) plan which would give a bit more freedom, less concern and more predictable medical costs however the monthly fees are a bit higher.

Answer: You didn’t make a wrong choice; Original Medicare lets you keep your doctors, but without a Supplement you’re responsible for about 20% of costs with no cap, which is why bills add up.

A Medicare Advantage plan might lower upfront costs, or adding a Supplement could give you more predictable expenses—it’s just about finding the right fit for you now.

Answer: If your cholesterol medication is on your Part D plan’s formulary (drug list), then what you and the plan pay for that medication counts toward your total drug spending, which is what pushes you into the coverage gap

Answer: If you want to estimate your total Medicare costs with a chronic condition like diabetes, you want to look at more than just the monthly premium.

You would want to add up: Part B premium, your plan’s monthly premium (if any), copays for doctor visits and specialists, lab work and supplies (like test strips or insulin), and your prescription drug costs.

Then compare that total to the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket limit, which shows the most you could spend in a worst-case year.

Answer: You can save money upfront with Medicare Advantage plans because many have low or $0 monthly premiums, but you typically pay copays as you use services. They work well for some people, but if you have more healthcare needs, the out-of-pocket costs can add up compared to a plan with more predictable expenses.

Answer: If you are already on Medicare, then you would not need to sign up again. You are currently on Part A and Part B due to the disability, when you turn 65 your Medicare should automatically transition in the "aged based" Medicare.

Answer: If you delayed Medicare because you had employer coverage, you can enroll when you retire using a Special Enrollment Period. This helps you avoid penalties, but you’ll want to enroll within the set window to ensure your coverage starts on time.

Answer: Yes, MOOP limits can change from year to year based on Medicare guidelines and plan updates. Reviewing your coverage during Annual Enrollment helps ensure you’re still well protected.

Answer: IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an adjustment to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums based on your income from two years ago. If you’re affected, Social Security will send you a notice explaining the amount and if your income has gone down, you may be able to appeal it.

Answer: A Medicare Summary Notice is simply a summary of how your benefits were used, it’s not a bill. I always recommend reviewing it carefully so you feel confident everything is accurate, and reaching out if something doesn’t look right.

Answer: What I enjoy most is bringing clarity and peace of mind during what can feel like an overwhelming time. I approach every conversation the way I would want someone to guide me or my own family, with honesty, patience, and care, so no one feels confused, misled, or pressured, but instead confident and supported in their decisions.

Answer: Original Medicare is a strong foundation, but it doesn’t limit your out-of-pocket costs. A supplement helps protect you from the unexpected so one health event doesn become a financial burden. Without a Medigap plan, Original Medicare only covers about 80% of your medical costs, with no cap on what you could pay out-of-pocket. That means one serious health event could leave you responsible for thousands.

Answer: Prioritize your essential needs and then either use tools available to you like Medical Plan Finder which helps in comparing costs for different plans. Understand what it is that you need and personalize the plan to fit your needs and your budget, ensuring you choose the plan that best fits you.

Answer: One of the biggest mistakes made is waiting too long and not signing up on time, which could lead to penalties. Another mistake made is not doing enough research before choosing a plan that best fits your needs.

Answer: In most cases, losing your employer health coverage would qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period with Medicare. Example of when you would qualify: If you've been covered by an active employer group health plan (either yours or your spouse's) since turning 65, and it ended within the last 8 months, you can enroll in Part B without any penalty. You will need to have a few documents which include Employer verification of coverage and your application for part-B.

Answer: Working with an Agent our job is to make it simple for you and are able to answer the questions you may have. Our goal is help ensure you understand all of your options in plain language so the you do not feel overwhelmed or confused.

Answer: Yes, they are able to be with you and be a part of the conversation and hear what is being said. However, if you are the responsible party and able to understand and sign you will need to be the to sign the documents. Are you wanting to schedule an appointment?