Jon Harkness, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Medigap policies offers three things: 1) Peace of mind, 2) Accessibility, and 3) Zero Hassle.

These three things come at a higher premium that a Medicare Advantage Plan which is a bit more budget friendly for those living on a fixed income.

Unlike Part D plans or Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), you can apply for a supplement plan anytime of the year! The only time that offers guaranteed acceptance is the 7-month period of turning 65 (3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after your birthday month). If outside this timeframe, you may be required to go through underwriting in order to be accepted on a Medigap plan.

Answer: Lifelong penalties are a result of not signing up for Part B or Part D, and then later on having to sign up for one or both due to medical conditions.

Medicare gives you the option to not sign up for it, and for the moment it seems like a great way to save money - especially if you are fairly healthy (minimal doctor's visits and prescription drugs) - but in the long wrong it is far more detrimental to your bank account if, one day, you require major medical assistance or go on a brand-name drug.

The penalties are a set-percentage added on to your monthly premium (1%/month or 12%/year) and roll over every month/year. So, if you've not had Part B/D for 10 years you could have a 100-120% interest rate added on to your monthly premium that you'll be required to pay in order to receive coverage.

Best to sign up for your Part B and D when you turn 65 and/or retire to save major money in the long run.

Answer: That really happened! However, now in 2026 it is capped at $2,100.

That is why you want to make sure your agent, when going over plans, has all up-to-date prescriptions on file to make sure that your drug plan has all of them on the carriers formulary. Otherwise, you could very well spend well over the drug-cap.

All deductibles and copays for any prescription on formulary go toward your MOOP (max out of pocket).

Answer: It’s allowed because it’s partially true. There are certain plans, if you qualify for them, that give you monthly allowances/stipends to help with groceries, over the counter drugs, and even sometimes utilities.

Some plans come with a small quarterly allowance, but most plans require you to be eligible for a Chronic Disability Plan (diabetes, cardiovascular disorder,or chronic heart failure) or Dual Complete (which is only attainable if you are currently on Medicaid).

If you are ever curious to whether or not your plan has an allowance/stipend or you would like to view any that you qualify for, it’s best to reach out to a trusted agent who can walk you through the process and let you see with your own eyes what you are or are not eligible for.

Answer: I will get back to you within 24 hours, if not sooner. Once called, I like giving the option to meet face-to-face so that we can discuss your needs and concerns in a more personal interaction. You become my priority and I do what I can to make sure that you are taken care of. I am free, honest, and contracted with all the insurance companies that are in your area (TN, KY, PA, and NC). Any help you need, I'm there for you.

Answer: Three Medicare areas that you can change:

1) Supplemental Plans (Medigaps) can be changed any month - there is not a designated window that you have to hold to. However, if you are past your guarenteed issue (7th-month period) you will most likely be subject to Underwriting which will determine if you can go on to another plan or not.

2) Drug Plans (Part D) can be switched during the months of Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 (AEP - Annual Open Enrollment Period) or if a life-changing situation takes place you can change anytime of the year (SEP - Special Enrollment Period).

3) Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) allows the most change throughout the year. You have the AEP from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. You also have a ONE time change that you can make if you want to go to a different Medicare Advantage Plan from the one you are currently on, or you can switch to a supplemental plan (Medigap) between Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 (OEP - Open Enrollment Period). And depending on your situation you can qualify to change for SEP.

Answer: Medicare has a few premiums that increase every year:

You have the Part B premium which has increased by $10-20/year. On a good note, sometimes Social Security tries to increase monthly retirement payments to help with raises in Medicare premium costs.

Supplement plans will always increase with age, unfortunately.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) tend to be on the more budget friendly side - you are still responsible for the Part B premium, but the secondary premium (Part C) tends to be significantly low depending which plan you take.

Part D (Drug plans) will always change - low to high, high to low copays. It all depends on the pharmaceutical companies of that year.

So in conclusion, yes Medicare is becoming more expensive over time; however, if you find the right agent we know the ins-and-outs of the system that will help make it more manageable for you and your family.

Answer: Medicare agents have the ability to look up doctors in any location that apply for a specific plan, not just an insurance company.

Best and easiest thing for you to do would be to reach out to a local agent and just ask. We will be able to email or print off a alphabetical list according to your needs and once.

Answer: Drug plans change on an annual basis, so the best, quickest, and most reliable way to find out is through an agent.

We(I) will make sure that you receive the best plan on the market, in your area.

Answer: Best way to avoid stress and find the best deal/plan is to find a trusted agent that can do that work for you.

Make sure you talk and meet with that agent so that you can start and/or have a good relationship with them.

A trusted agent is worth it when it comes to Medicare!

Answer: Increased premiums or loss of drug coverage would be the two main signs.

You should review your options every year, as plans change each year

Answer: It depends on the plan. If you were on a Medicare supplement/Medigap plan it’s best to find the cheapest insurance company, as every insurance company no matter the premium is required by law to cover the exact same thing. Getting in on a Supplement/Medigap plan during the guarantee issue (three months before your birthday, the month of your birthday, and three months after your birthday) ensures the lowest premium without fear of any underwriting, instead trying to join a Supp plan later on and not being accepted or with a much higher premium (premiums always increase with these plans annually).

If you’re on a Medicare advantage plan (Part C) or stand alone drug plan (Part D), then it is very wise to check your plan every year during open enrollment to see what next year will offer in terms of drug plan, medical coverage, and benefits as they tend to change on an annual basis.

Answer: Easiest way would be to call the number on the back of your Medicare card (Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan) and ask them if your illness is covered.