Jessica Parker, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
Simply Health Life Insurance makes Medicare simple and stress-free, ensuring peace of mind and healthy living everyday. We specialize in Medicare plans designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering a seamless experience by combining hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage through Medicare Advantage Plans. We also offer Medicare Supplement plans, Prescription Drug Plans, Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans. Reach out for a FREE consultation and let Simply Health Life Insurance guide you to a Medicare Plan that bests suits your needs TODAY!
As a woman-veteran owned business, I pride myself in educating and being of service to our community. The choice is yours. By choosing me as your Trusted Agent, you are one step closer to getting the right help for your health needs.
Q&A with Jessica Parker
I'm considering a smartwatch that monitors my heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation. Will Medicare help cover this type of wearable technology?
Answer: I believe you are asking about Durable Medical Equipment. The first thing you have to know is for Medicare to cover this equipment, it has to be medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor for use at home. The second category you have to meet is finding a vendor that is already contracted with Medicare to provide this type of equipment. I have not heard of a smartwatch getting approved yet for AFIB monitoring. But, Medicare does have a new application that can work well with your current Smartwatch to track your health. (Source: https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/claims-appeals-complaints/claims/share-your-medicare-claims/connected-apps)
There's two more things you can do:
1. Ask your employer if they have a program that can support your health and fitness, they could cover the whole amount or give you some company discounts.
2. Some Medicare advantage plans have a benefit specific to smart watches so call your member services. Ask your plan if they have a partnership for discounts with companies or free smartwatches, it never hurts to ask. Just remember each company plan benefits is based on zip codes and offerings that year.
3. Lastly, work with a Trusted agent, as your agent I can help you find the right answers, if you are unsure of what benefits you get from your plan.
Jessica Parker
I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment?
Answer: Start by speaking with your doctor to see whether a wheelchair is medically necessary for your care. If your doctor prescribes one, make sure you choose a company that accepts Medicare or accepts assignment from Medicare.
Durable medical equipment, or DME, is covered by Medicare Part B when it is medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor for use at home. It is also important to make sure the company supplying the equipment accepts Medicare or accepts assignment from Medicare. After the Part B deductible is met, the client is usually responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
How do Medicare brokers get paid, and does it affect the plan they recommend?
Answer: As a Medicare broker, I am typically compensated when you choose and enroll in a plan I represent. My services come at no additional cost to clients. I also provide face-to-face support as a field agent for the companies I represent, offering a personal, local resource for guidance.
My focus is to help clients review their health needs and choose the plan that best fits their care. The plans and companies I represent are regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and commissions are standardized under those rules. While different companies may offer different incentives to their agents, my priority remains the client’s needs. Ultimately, the client makes the final decision on which plan to enroll in.
Also, as a disclaimer, I do not offer all the plans in your area. If you need all the options available you will need to call 1-800-Medicare, Medicare.gov or your State Health Insurance Program.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: The most common misconception is that Medicare is completely free. The only part of Medicare that does not have a premium is Part A, and that is if you qualify to receive Part A for free.
A Medicare supplement broker told me something about "extra lifetime reserve hospital days". What are those and how do they work?
Answer: Medicare covers upto 90 days and 60 Lifetime Reserve Days totaling to 150 days (there will be a deductible and coinsurance). After that, Medicare stops paying completely. Medicare Supplement kicks in from the 151st day. Beneficiaries can get 365 extra lifetime days. Medicare supplement pays for Medicare eligible hospital costs. Once it’s used up. There is no more.
Do I need to notify Medicare or Social Security if I move to a new address?
Answer: Yes, It is important that you notify Medicare and Social Security of the address change. Also, make sure to report it to your insurance company. You might qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Change, due to your change of address.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: If I were to be your Medicare agent, I can help people understand their choices, compare plans, and avoid costly mistakes. As your agent I can explain Medicare in plain language, check whether doctors and prescriptions are covered, and help with enrollment deadlines and paperwork. I can also help save time and reduce stress by providing one-on-one guidance and ongoing support after enrollment, making Medicare much easier to navigate. Medicare - Let's make it Simple.