Jessie Rhodes, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: First, let me say happy early birthday. Now let's get to your question. The first thing that you need to figure out is if you are going to still be working. If so, do others depend on my employee health coverage? If the answer is yes, then you would contact Social Security so that you could delay your Part B coverage. If the answer is no, then you want to contact an agent to schedule an appointment so that you could address all of your needs and wants when exploring your options. I hope this helps.

Answer: The short answer to your question is No. So as long as you have creditable coverage through your spouse's job that includes prescriptions, you will not be penalized. I hope that this gives you some clarity.

Answer: No, that's not true, as Medicare only covers your hospital and medical coverage. So there is a need to have life insurance to protect your loved ones in case of your death.

Answer: My first response would be to listen to your kids, but then I would recommend finding an agent who could explain to you the difference between the two, and then I would also recommend doing a needs analysis to determine which option is best for you.

Answer: The next step will be to contact Social Security office at least sixty to ninety days prior to retirement so that your Part B is active; then you can have your Medicare plan active and in effect so that you would have seamless coverage.

Answer: The best way to compare is to contact an Agent that has access to multiple carriers in both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement; also, you would want to take a look at how often you use your plan and are you looking for those extra benefits.

Answer: My recommendation would be to get a Medicare Advantage Plan, and one of the reasons is that on most Medicare Advantage plans there is no drug deductible, and with a standalone drug plan, they all have deductibles, so I will always recommend comparing both options.

Answer: So when it comes to the assisted living, I would say that it does fall short due to the fact it leaves that 20% cost that is unknown to the client, but that is where a great agent will advise the clients on the other option that will help cover those costs.

Answer: So when someone is completely new to Medicare, I first explain the options that come with Medicare, such as just having Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement. I will then go over how each option works and the pros and cons of each, then finally I would do a needs analysis to determine which option fits their needs.

Answer: So with the Original Medicare, the Part B deductible doesn't change yearly, but when it comes to the Medicare Advantage plans, they may change on a year-to-year basis, but generally those plans do not have a Medical deductible.

Answer: Each carrier will have a list of dental providers who take the Medicare Advantage Plans, but in most cases, the Dental office will have that information as well.

Answer: So when it comes to Part B, generally everyone pays the same cost unless your income reaches a different threshold. Now, with regards to the different options to cover the 20%, then yes, with Medicare Advantage plans, they will generally start off at zero cost, and a Medicare Supplement plan average cost would start at around $100.00 along with the cost of a PDP plan.

Answer: As someone who was a call center agent, I would say yes, as long as the Agent is licensed and appointed in that state and has the client's best interest in mind.

Answer: Not at this time that I am aware of. So generally, Extra Help assists with your medications cost, so there have been no changes to the $2000.00 cap on medications.

Answer: I would say no at this time, but I would recommend that everyone explore all of their options when looking for a plan to make sure it really fits your needs.

Answer: Generally, Social Security will reach out to you three months prior to turning 65, so then you will know if you have met all the criteria for Parts A and B. Also, if you have health coverage through an employer or spouse, you can choose to maintain it or go to Medicare.

Answer: We all pay into Medicare while we are working, but once you are on Medicare, then no, unless your income is above a certain level; then you will pay.

Answer: What I like the most is helping and educating clients on their options and knowing that once we have completed the process that the clients know they have the right product for their needs.

Answer: Yes, there is a way around this. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, they will cover it after your copay, so when it comes to the Medicare Advantage plan, some companies offer smaller copays than others.