Joseph Lipski, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The biggest mistake you can make is not looking up all of your drugs to make sure they are on the carriers formulary. Also, basing your decision on the monthly premium alone, is a common mistake people make, especially if they have tier 3 - tier 5 drugs.

Answer: It all depends on your situation. For some people Medicare advantage is a better situation. For other people a Medicare supplement suits them better. There’s a lot of factors. If you can afford the premiums, a Medicare supplement may be better.

Answer: In order to qualify for a Medicare advantage plan and you’re under 65 you have to be on Social Security disability.

Answer: No outpatient surgery is covered under Medicare Part B. Part B covers doctors' services, outpatient care, supplies, and preventative services like outpatient surgery.

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and home health care.

Answer: Yes, you can continue to see your doctors. If you switch to a Medicare advantage plan providing the doctors are in the network, or if they will accept a PPO.

With an HMO, your doctors have to be in the network. If not, then you have to get new doctors or you have to get another plan.

Answer: Yes. I always recommend that people work with an agent when doing their reviews. An agent will check all of your doctors and medications and make sure that you are in the plan that best suits your needs.

Personally, I never recommend plans focused on ancillary benefits. I always make sure that my clilent's doctors and medications are covered.

Answer: The requirements for Medicare are the same in every state. Regardless of whether you agent at the age of 65 or you acquire Medicare because you’re on Social Security disability.

With that being said, the plans and carriers vary by state.

Answer: It depends on the plan. Some Medicare advantage plans have higher costs than others. It all depends on the network and if your doctors are in the network or not. There are many variables that go into this, which is why you should review your plan annually.

Answer: You do not have to change your Medicare plan, providing the new medication is on your carriers formulary. It is always a good idea to review your plan each year.

Answer: I let them know that I will hold their hands through the whole process. The process begins with dealing with Social Security and Medicare. I help my clients apply for their Medicare and when they, decide, their Social Security. From there I work with them to ensure that they are put into the plan that is best for them, regardless of whether is is a Medigap Planof Medicare Advantage Plan.

Answer: Personally, I talk to people like they are people. I never lead with "Benefits", when the client wants a Medicare Advantage plan. I always let them know that the plan is no good if their doctor/doctors do not take it. I also let potential clients know that I work for them and they are my priority. You need to make sure the agent makes you feel comfortable.

Answer: If you do not have an HSA account, you should get your Part A. If you have creditable converage through your employer, you can delay your Part B.

Answer: When you sign up for your part B you will need to prove that you had credible coverage. There are no forms that you need to send in right now.

Answer: It does under certain conditions. It does not cover general weight loss programs, nor does it cover weight loss drugs.

To qualify for bariatric surgery your BMI needs to be 35 or higher and you have at least one obesity related health condition

You also must be able to show a history of unsuccessful non-surgical weight loss treatments.

Answer: I really enjoy helping seniors navigate Medicare, as it can be quite confusing. Not only do I help my clients with applying for Medicare, but I also take pride in getting them into the plan that best suits their needs, regardless whether it is an Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

Knowing my clients enables me to determine if they qualify for any additional benefits through the state. I am also proficient at helping my clients solve issues that may arise, as I have access to solutions outside of their plan.

My clients are part of my extended family!