Jon Kelderman, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes, Medicare covers hospice care, but does not cover the custodial care where hospice takes place. Doctor and nursing services, Medications for pain relief and symptom control (not curative treatment), Medical equipment and supplies (like wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen), Hospice aide and homemaker services, Social services, counseling, and spiritual support, Short-term inpatient care for pain/symptom management and Respite care (up to 5 days each time to give caregivers a break).

Answer: Part B covers preventative mammograms in full once every 12 months. Diagnostic mammograms will be subject to coinsurance and the Part B deductible.

Answer: It would be inaccurate to say that seniors are losing their Medicare Advantage Coverage. I cannot speak to other areas of the country, but in my state, some plans are leaving, but I am confident that I will be able to find suitable replacements. Align yourself with a good broker/agent, and you should be able to find comparable coverage, or at least in my state.

Answer: Insurance companies, and in particular Medicare Advantage companies, can use prior authorization. Typically, Medicare Supplement or Original Medicare do not have prior authorization. Your plan, no matter which type, is required to cover the same things as Original Medicare. Prior authorization is used to make sure the doctor is using the most effective treatment for your condition. That, by the way, is putting it in the most positive light. There are differing opinions as to whether that is what prior authorization is accomplishing.

Answer: Cataracts and other medical eye issues are covered under Original Medicare. Corrective vision and/or glasses are not covered through Medicare.

Answer: IRMAA is added on to your regular Part B premium for those earning over $106,000 per year if you're single and $212,000 per year if you're married. It's based on your MAGI income going back two years.

Answer: Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans—specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N—offer limited coverage for emergency medical care outside the U.S. My recommendation to my clients is to purchase a good travel health plan. They are relatively inexpensive and offer added protection.

Answer: If you use a good local agent, they will help you check your plan to make sure it works with your pharmacy and your prescriptions. Sorry you had a bad experience. SHIP counselors can also help.

Answer: Three months before the month you turn 65, unless your birthday is on the first of the month. For example, if you were born on September 8, you could sign up for Medicare starting June first.

Answer: A Medicare Supplement or Original Medicare will allow you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare assignment. 97% of Drs accept Medicare! Additionally, many of the larger Medicare Advantage carriers have national networks that will allow you to see doctors in most major cities. A good local agent should be able to help you sort through these questions.

Answer: Not choosing a plan and just signing up with Original Medicare. At minimum, sign up for a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan. Your maximum out of pocket would usually be less than $5000 in Iowa. With Parts A and B only, you have an unlimited maximum.

Answer: Enrolling without an agent or with a telemarketer. I see it all the time, but it's nice when I find them because once they figure out, I will meet with them face-to-face and don't charge for my services, they will usually let me help in the future.

Answer: I had a client who had lost their Medicaid and sort through a number of bills not being paid by their current plan. We were able to get them back on Medicaid and even get the plan to back pay the bills that were not covered. It was really satisfying. I love helping people work through difficult issues.

Answer: Consult with a local broker who has a great reputation. Make sure the broker has access to a large number of both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans in your area.