Jill Belvin, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: I enjoy getting to know each person individually and catering to the specific individual needs of each client I work with as well as educating on the plan options that are available so that my client can make the best decision for their healthcare needs!

Answer: I help clients navigate complex medicare issues daily. Medication is an issue that can be difficult to navigate and I help clients determine which prescription drug coverage will be the least cost for medications and provide the best coverage for their prescription drug needs.

I also help navigate starting Medicare after turning 65 and leaving a creditable group plan by submitting the correct paperwork to Medicare to prevent any late enrollment penalty charges!

Answer: It depends on your health and medications. You are allowed to apply to change a Medigap/ Supplemental anytime but the Medigap/Supplemental company is not required to accept you into the plan at the guarantee issue price or accept you at all even if you do apply unless you are in a Guarantee Issue period or you are in your initial enrollment period.

Answer: That could potentially happen, however it would be a challenging and controversial process. Medicare is currently a single tiered system and provides coverage for elderly and low income as well.

Answer: Dental is an expense that traditional Medicare does not cover and that can be very expensive to cover depending on what is required. Some Medicare Advantage plans do include this coverage to some extent.

Answer: Traditional Medicare does not cover eye exams, however some Medicare Advantage plans do cover this. Stand-alone vision coverage can be added for a minimal fee to help with this expense.

Answer: Medicare will face many demographic challenges in the years to come including an aging population, rising healthcare costs and the management of chronic conditions and long term care.

Answer: If you have Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage you should always look at your Medicare plan annual notice of change document that is sent annually to review any changes in your plan. If your plan has made substantial changes that will directly affect you it is a good idea to review the plan and compare to alternative plans.

Answer: Medicare generally does not provide coverage when you are out of the country. It may extend some coverage in an emergency situation but it is always best to carry international coverage plans while travelling outside the country.

Answer: If you are retiring and you are 65 or over 65 then yes you do need to apply for Medicare Part A (hospital) and Medicare Part B (doctor) coverage. You may need to apply at age 65 if your group workplace plan is not considered creditable coverage.

Answer: Provide extensive education on the types of coverage and plans available and do not rush them to make any decisions.

Answer: On Medicare Part D you look at both plan cost combined with prescription drug copay cost to determine what plan would be most beneficial.