Jeremy Laurin, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The best way to avoid surprise lab bills with a Medicare Advantage plan is to make sure both your doctor and the lab are in your plan's network before the test is done.

One mistake I see people make is assuming that because their doctor is in-network, the lab is too. That's not always the case. Many Medicare Advantage plans contract with specific lab companies, and if your sample gets sent to an out-of-network lab, you could end up with a much bigger bill than you expected.

Here's what I tell my clients:

1. Ask one simple question.

When your doctor orders lab work, ask:

"Which lab will process these tests, and is it in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?"

Don't assume the doctor's office knows your plan's network requirements. Every insurance company has different contracts.

2. Verify it yourself.

Before you have the test done, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

Is this lab in-network?

Does this test require prior authorization?

What will my out-of-pocket cost be?

A five-minute phone call can save you a lot of frustration later.

Better yet, get your agent/broker's help with this (I've done this many times with cients)

3. If your blood is drawn at the doctor's office, ask where it's being sent.

This is where I see the most surprise bills. The doctor's office may be in-network, but they send the specimen to a lab that isn't. Most people never think to ask until the bill shows up.

Here in Pennsylvania, this is especially important because Medicare Advantage plans don't all use the same lab networks. A lab that's covered by one plan may be out-of-network for another—even if both plans are available in the same county.

A couple of simple questions before the blood draw can save you from an expensive surprise later.

Answer: No. When you turn 65, nothing with your Medicare changes really. However, turning 65 does open you up for a guaranteed acceptance opportunity for a Medigap or supplement plan. These plans are more expensive but offer wider acceptance by any doctor in the country that accepts original Medicare. Medigap plans also eliminate any additional out of pocket. Normally, you would have to medically qualify but turning 65 creates a guaranteed enrollment period.

Answer: No. Medicare does not offer any benefits that are related to life insurance, final expenses, help paying for burial or cremation. If you're on Medicare you will have to search for alternatives to help cover your burial/cremation costs, life insurance, or final expense insurance are good options. Some people choose to pre-pay for their funeral at a funeral home of their choice.

Answer: Yes, the cost of Medicare has increased over time. No one knows the future, but with 65 million beneficiaries on Medicare, it's likely the system will become strained at some point without significant changes to something.

Answer: Yes. If you state has a Medicaid program you might be able to qualify for their Medicare Savings Program. This MSP can pay all or some of your Medicare premiums, these state funded plans are separate from Medicare and can also cover most or all of your cost share including premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. People that qualify for Medicare and Medicaid are known as Dual Eligible. Dual eligible medicare beneficiaries are often enrolled into special Dual plans that can offer additional benefits beyond just medical.

Answer: No. Your Medicare can't be cancelled for health reasons. Medicare is an entitlement that you've likely contributed to your entire life, there is no reason they can drop your coverage due to health.

Answer: Nearly all Medicare plans can support you through arthritis and/or chronic pain. Medications and doctors would be the biggest factors to ensuring you have the coverage you want.

Answer: Everyone's situation is different, without knowing more specifics this is difficult to answer. If I had to answer I'd say it might be worth looking at Medigap Plan G, possibly a high deductible Plan G. This makes for a low monthly cost, while still offering significant protection. On the other hand, if this person was looking for an advantage plan I would look for one that offers a Part B giveback and some extra benefits, that would reduce their Part B premium and save them some money.

Answer: If your cardiologist is out of network, no unfortunately not. Most HMO plans have a strict network of doctors, and other providers. If the one you'd like to see is not within that network you can not see them without paying fully out of pocket yourself.

Answer: Unfortunately it's not typical for Medicare to cover something like this. They may potentially cover it on a short term basis, but long term care is generally not covered under Medicare.

Answer: There is a chance you could qualify, and it's worth trying if that's your desire. However, I would caution that the potential cancer diagnosis could make things difficult. Once you are past your initial enrollment period at 65, you would have to answer a variety of health questions. Each carrier has different questions, so if you were to attempt this with me, I would see which ones you'd be most likely to actually qualify for.

Answer: I always tell my clients and prospects that when you work with me, you are getting someone in your pocket. Someone that knows the local market, knows the doctors, the networks, the plans. Working with a Medicare broker or agent gives you an advocate that (if local) you can actually sit down face-to-face with and go over claims issues, questions etc. My agency works holistically with clients to help them in a myriad of ways, to go above and beyond to ensure that we are always working in YOUR best interest. I tell everyone I can we don't work for the insurance companies, we work for you.