John Billetdoux, Medicare Insurance Broker
John Billetdoux
JBA Insurance Brokers
Medicare Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL, NC, PA and SC
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Marlton, NJ
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About Me
JBA Insurance Brokers are based in Marlton, NJ where it's principal owner, John Billetdoux was born & raised. John has been helping people with Medicare since 2013 and has many clients from a variety of states. At JBA we recognize that your Medicare plan choice is going to be one of the biggest decisions you make in your life, and it's a responsibility that we take very seriously. Our job isn't to merely put you into a plan and be done with it. Our job is to educate each client so that they can make the most informed and educated choice possible, as it pertains to THEIR specific needs, as not everyone's needs are the same. We want to make sure that you not only recognize your rights & entitlements, but also understand how Medicare and the plans work. We're confident that our service and expertise will have you telling your friends and family about us, as has been the case for us since Day 1. Choosing us as your Medicare Agent is only the beginning of our relationship as we will continue to be your advocate and keep you informed on a regular basis as to what changes you need to be aware of, and how they might effect you.
You'd never consider walking into a court room without a lawyer, or consult with anyone other than a licensed physician regarding a major health diagnosis or decision. Don't leave one of the most important decisions you'll ever make in yourlifetime up to chance, as mistakes may not be reversible. We are licensed, and must re-certify each year to speak on the subject of Medicare, plus our services cost you NOTHING, EVER..
Articles by John Billetdoux
Q&A with John Billetdoux
Are cholesterol injections covered under Medicare Part B or Part D?
Answer: Usually depends on which injection you're having done. As a rule of thumb I always tell my clients that any drug or injectable you need to go to the doctor's office to have administered, is going to fall under Part B of Medicare. So if you have a supplemental/medigap plan, it's pretty much going to be covered by Medicare and the supplemental plan.
Any drug or injectable you have that you must administer yourself, will fall under Part D and so it's treated as any other Part D drug, so there might be deductibles, co-pays, etc.
Does Medicare pay for eyeglasses?
Answer: Medicare does cover but only in very limited situations. If you've had cataract surgery with the implantation of an intraocular lens, then Medicare would cover 1 pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after the surgery, you would still pay your Part B deductible and the 20% if applicable and if the provider accepts Medicare.
If you are merely going to the eye doctor for a new pair of eyeglasses, than the answer is no, Medicare doesn't cover it. And remember that if you have a supplemental/medigap plan, they are bound to Medicare so Medicare tells THEM what they will and will not cover. So if Medicare doesn't cover the cost of eyeglasses than it makes no difference in the world what medigap policy you have, it will not be covered, because Medicare doesn't cover it.
If you have a MedAdvantage Plan than it's a little different. An Advantage Plan will usually give you an allowance towards the cost of eye glasses, but remember that an Advantage plan IS NOT MEDICARE..
If you have a supplemental/medigap plan, you can always purchase a vision/dental policy in addition to your supplemental plan, to help cover the costs of vision and eyeglass expenses.
I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?
Answer: There are a variety of answers to this question because your ability to change your Medicare plan depends on the type of Medicare plan that you are currently enrolled in.... So let's review.
First and foremost, most people are of the mindset that they can basically do whatever they wish during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7) this is absolutely not true, because it depends on what you're trying to do. There are 4 different moves that you can make during the AEP and 3 of them MUST involve a Medicare Advantage Plan.
1)Drug Plan-You can change stand alone drug plans during the AEP.
2)Medicare Advantage Plan to Medicare Advantage Plan-This is a lateral move and can be done during the AEP. Maybe you're not happy with your deductibles of your current MAPD or your co-pays, or the network.. You can make this change every AEP.
3)Supplemental/Medigap to MedAdvantage Plan-A Medicare Advantage Plan is never allowed to ask health questions, so let's so you have a medigap plan, and it's getting too expensive. You can move to the less expensive MAPD during the AEP in the fall. It's important to consult with a broker though, because the coverages are significantly different and you'll want to make sure you're informed as to just how different they are.
4)Advantage Plan to Supplemental/medigap Plan-This move requires health questions, as once you get past your initial enrollment into Part B (for 6 months) a supplemental plan is now allowed to ask you health questions. The fact that you may be attempting this move during the AEP grants you no special courtesies nor considerations whatsoever. If you cannot pass the health questions, then you will be declined or perhaps charged a higher premium based on those health issues.... This is, without a doubt, the most commonly misunderstood move in Medicare. Seniors always think that just because it's AEP, they can move into a supplemental plan, that is 100% NOT TRUE, as your health will completely dictate.
I've been diagnosed with prediabetes. What preventive services does Medicare cover to help prevent progression to type 2 diabetes?
Answer: It's important to first note that there is not a cure for diabetes II. It does cover a range of services that are designed to help keep blood sugar under control and avoid complications such as kidney disease, blindnesss, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations.
There is a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program which is a lifestyle program focusing on weight loss, healthy eating, exercise, long term coaching and there's typically no cost for this.
If you already have Type II Diabetes than there is the Diabetes Self Management Training- Usually up to 10 hours training when first diagnosed..
It will cover the monitoring of blood sugar, nutrition, exercise, medication management and preventing complications.
It will cover Medical Nutition Therapy, Diabetes Screenings, Blood testing supplies, continous glucose monitors, insulin and diabetes medications.
Medicare also covers services to try and catch problems early....
Do I have to answer health questions when switching from one Supplemental/Medigap plan to another?
Answer: In order to move from one supplemental plan to another, you must remember that you’ll have to pass through the underwriting phase. This means the potentially new carrier is allowed to ask you health questions, if they are not satisfied with the answers they receive, they can decline the application or possibly charge you a higher premium than you’d normally be paying.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Supplemental/Medigap plan during the Annual Enrollment Period without answering health questions?
Answer: If you are attempting to make this move during the Annual Enrollment Period, you will STILL HAVE TO ANSWER HEALTH QUESTIONS….and if you do not answer them to the carrier’s liking, they will decline you.
Can I change my Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time?
Answer: You may change your supplemental/medigap plan, 12 months out of the year. You are not bound by the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, if you’re looking to move from one supplemental plan to another, for example moving from an Aetna G Plan to a Cigna G Plan.