Joseph Lombardo, Medicare Insurance Agent
Joseph Lombardo
Medicare Agent Licensed in NY, CT, NJ and PA
4+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Brooklyn, NY
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About Me
Hello all! My name is Joseph Lombardo and I am a licensed independent broker that specializes in Medicare. As an independent broker, I am appointed with many of the major carriers in the states of NY, NJ and CT. I work with you to find the best plan available in your area based upon YOUR criteria, such as your current doctor and specialist.
I’ve been in the insurance business for 12 years and though that time, I’ve been helping my clients understand Medicare and how to navigate it. I have become a trusted resource for them with bi-yearly follow ups, and I offer a dedicated line for my clients to reach me with any questions they might have throughout the year. If you are looking for a high level of service, then please reach out, so we can find the best solution for you.
Q&A with Joseph Lombardo
I've heard Medicare covers an annual wellness visit. What exactly is included in this visit?
Answer: Thank you for the question. Annual wellness includes measurements check such as height and weight, a blood pressure reading and a questionnaire of your health history and family health history. All of this combined can be used to generate a wellness report or a plan of action for your own individual health situation. I hope this helps.
How do you stay up to date with changes in Medicare policies and plan options each year?
Answer: I believe it's important for a senior to have a trusted resource to guide them through the yearly changes in Medicare and Medicare plan changes, such as an independent licensed agent. An independent agent, such as myself, would know about these changes in Medicare policies and plan options and having yearly reviews would help you, the Medicare beneficiary, stay up to date with the latest changes. I hope this helps.
If I start dialysis, how does that change my Medicare eligibility or coverage?
Answer: Thank you for your question. If you are under 65 and have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease), eligibility for Medicare would start on the 4th month of dialysis, however, if you're 65 and over and already qualify for Medicare, your eligibility for coverage for dialysis would start immediately. I hope this helps.
How does life insurance contribute to financial planning?
Answer: In financial planning, you not only want to build wealth but protect it as well. Life insurance is a great way to protect your family from the financial burdens of a premature passing. When designed properly alongside a professional licensed broker such as myself, life insurance can help replace the insured's income, help pay off debt such as credit cards and mortgage and even help with asset transfers when taxes might be owed. In addition to the death benefit, life insurance can be used as wealth accumulator and in some instances help pay for long term care events.
Having a licensed life insurance broker guide you based upon your unique situation is important. If you need any assistance, I would be happy to help.
How does Medicare cover palliative care for serious illnesses, and what’s the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Answer: Palliative care is used to help treat and improve health conditions for those that can make a full recovery whereas hospice care are for those at the end stages of their life, usually with 6 months or less of life. At that point, comfort and quality of life are important forgoing any treatments for a cure in the hospice care stage.
As far as coverage of palliative care from Medicare, it is covered in part of it's regular Medicare benefits as deemed medically necessary from your physician. I hope this helps.
Is it true that Medicare pays for dental implants?
Answer: Original Medicare does not cover dental at all and by extension dental implants. Therefore, if you do go through the option of using original Medicare, in order to get dental coverage and in particular coverage for implants, you would have to get separate dental coverage. Keep in mind this separate coverage would be outside of Medicare, and it would be a separate dental policy.
However, if you wish to get your Medicare through a Part C, Medicare Advantage plan, most plans will cover dental but only a few might cover dental implants. Having a trusted broker would help guide you through and find you the best plan is important in this situation. I hope this helps.
What's the biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan?
Answer: In my opinion, the biggest mistake seniors make when it comes to choosing a part D plan is focusing too much on plan premium. In addition to the premium, the senior should focus on deductibles, copays and the tier of prescription drug they're taking. When you focus on these items, you can get a much clearer picture of your yearly cost for your medications. I hope this helps.
How can I use Medicare to cover occupational therapy for arthritis or mobility issues, and what are the limits?
Answer: Medicare does cover occupational therapy for arthritis or mobility issues, generally in its part B category. Keep in mind, this all has to be medically necessary and approved by your physician. I hope this helps.
Should I keep original Medicare or go with an Part C, Medicare Advantage plan? What is better?
Answer: Both original Medicare and Part C, Medicare Advantage plans have their benefits and drawbacks and to blanketly say one is better than the other would be hard to say. This is why having a licensed broker, who specializes in both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans learn about the seniors own unique situation and help educate them would be important. Once the senior is fully informed, they themselves can make the decision on what would work best for them. I hope this helps.