Jonathan Brower, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans may save money but primarily for people with few health issues who visit the doctor less often. Advantage plans have lower monthly premiums than a supplement plan. Many $O plans are available across the US. Purchasing a supplement assures your medical costs for the year are mostly paid. The more you have to use an Advantage plan the more costly it becomes. Most services beyond preventative will have either co-pays or co-insurance costs. Advantage plans have a maximum out of pocket amount associated with each plan.

You will have to examine your situation and determine which path makes the most sense for you. Seek out a broker willing to walk you through what either plan type looks like for you.

Answer: There are two ways to approach this... Do you prefer to have an expected payment up front or would you rather pay as you go. While current health is wonderful and we hope it continues we have to look at what happens when you need to use your insurance and ultimately plan for a worst case scenario. With this approach you look at your maximum out of pocket with the Supplement and Advantage plan of your choice. Advantage plans in general are very affordable on a monthly basis but can become quickly expensive if they need to be used a lot. Supplement plans have a higher monthly premium but cover co-pay and co-insurances. Speaking with a professional broker will help clarify the path that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Answer: In general Original Medicare does not cover any routine services like eye exams, contacts or glasses. It will cover what are considered medically necessary treatments for more serious conditions like glaucoma and cataract surgery. The vision plans that can be purchased separately or are attached to many Advantage plans typically have more comprehensive benefits including routine exams and allowances for glasses or contacts.

Answer: Yes, original Medicare coverage extends to all U.S. territories. Advantage plan (part C) coverage will vary so it is recommended to check with your specific plan for coverage details.

Answer: Yes, if you don’t have other credible coverage in place you will begin being penalized for both parts B and D. The penalties are permanent.

Answer: That is exactly the type of service that a broker should be able to provide for you. All Advantage plans have to offer at least the same service coverage as original Medicare but many have expanded the benefits.

Answer: I like the opportunity to meet new people and distill a complex subject down to the parts that directly affect them. I am an educator at heart and find great joy in helping others while also providing clear guidance.

Answer: If you are eligible for part B or D and do not have other credible coverage in place you will begin being penalized. The penalties are permanent and will never go away.

Answer: Not taking advantage of the guaranteed issue status for Medigap plans when first starting Medicare.

Answer: I prefer a simple explanation of original Medicare (A and B), the costs and potential penalties. Part D plans are explained as part of the Medigap vs Advantage plan conversation and illustration.

Answer: Definitely maybe! Consult with your HR department at work. Generally it depends on the size of the company. Less than 20 employees will likely mean you will need to start Medicare.

Answer: Plans and their benefits vary widely but I wouldn’t say that this is common. I recommend contacting your plan directly for participating dentists in your area.

Answer: If you are working with an agent they will be able to help you after inputting the drugs into their system. If you are working through Medicare.gov you will need to select PDP or MAPD as appropriate and input the drugs. They should display plans sorted by cost.

Answer: Working with an agent, especially a broker gives you access to all the plans in your area that suit your needs and budget. We can quickly sort through the available options based on your unique needs and explain the features and limitations of each.

Answer: Yes, you will need to continue paying your part B premium and maintain a drug plan (part d) to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.