Joseph Mullen, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Hello,

Thank you for reaching out. Medicare provides coverage for smoking cessation, including prescription medications and counseling services, through Medicare Part B and Part D or via a Medicare Advantage plan. You can get coverage for smoking cessation through Original Medicare (parts A and B) more specifically, through Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance. You can also get coverage under a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Medicare considers services to help you quit smoking as preventive care. This means that in many cases, you don’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or if I can be of further assistance.

Joe

Answer: In New York State, all Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for continuous open enrollment for Medigap ( supplemental) policies. This means insurance companies: Must sell you a Medigap ( supplemental) policy at any time, no matter your age or health status. Cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your health status.

Answer: Choosing between an original Medicare plan and a Medicare Advantage plan depends on your budget, care needs, desired benefits and preferred doctors. Medicare is the federal health insurance program designed for people over age 65, as well as those under 65 with qualifying disabilities. Medicare Part A (inpatient care) and Part B (outpatient care) are known as original Medicare. Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, refers to plans offered by private insurance companies. These plans offer coverage comparable to original Medicare as well as some additional benefits, such as vision or dental coverage. I would need a little more information to advise on which option is best for you. Please contact me at your convenience.

Answer: Medicare part B covers outpatient mental health services that involve diagnosing and treating people with mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. Services are usually provided in a doctor’s or other health care provider’s office, a hospital outpatient department or a community mental health center. Medicare Advantage plans also provide mental health services. Many of these plans offer telehealth visits that lets you connect with a licensed doctor or therapist by phone or video chat.

Answer: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

cover eligible home health services as long as you need part-time or intermittent skilled services and you’re “homebound”. Covered home health services include medically necessary part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care.

Medicare does not pay for 24-hour-a-day care at your home, home meal delivery, homemaker services (like shopping and cleaning) unrelated to your care plan, custodial or personal care that helps you with daily living activities (like bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom), when this is the only care you need.

Answer: Yes, Medicare covers insulin pumps and monitors. The coverage includes blood glucose meters, test strips, lancets, continuous glucose monitors, and durable insulin pumps.

Medicare may cover seizure monitors if they are considered medically necessary for managing a chronic condition

Answer: Many Medicare insurance carriers have smart phone applications that support health administration. Please give me a call to discuss the details.

Answer: If you have concerns about the quality of your care or other services, you can file a complaint (also called a "grievance"). Use the Medicare Complaint Form or follow the instructions in your plan membership materials to submit a complaint about your Medicare health or drug plan.

Answer: Stair lifts are not covered by Medicare because they aren't considered durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare considers stair lifts home modifications rather than DME.

Answer: I'm sorry that happened to you. There are many different Medicare Advantage plans with different dental benefits. It's important to work with a Medicare professional that represents multiple Medicare insurance carriers, to ensure you're getting a plan the meets your needs and budget. Fortunately, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will be her soon (October 15th - December 7th). During the AEP, you can review different plans and make changes.

Answer: Many individuals believe that meeting with a medicare broker will lead to high-pressure sales tactics. Which is due to a small number of agents that have used agressive approaches. At J.Mullen & Associates, our agents take the opposite approach by providing education and guidance allowing you to take your time to make a decision with out being rushed.