Joseph Ritter, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: "I love being a Medicare agent because I get to simplify something that's often confusing and overwhelming for people. Watching someone go from stressed and uncertain to confident and covered is incredibly rewarding."

Answer: Don’t just pick the plan with the lowest monthly premium — pick the one that gives you the best value for your specific health needs.

Too many people get lured in by $0 plans, not realizing they might pay more later in co-pays, prescriptions, or out-of-network surprises. It’s not one-size-fits-all — your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and financial situation all matter. Sit down with someone you trust who can break it down for you. It could save you thousands in the long run.”

Answer: Key Steps:

Download Form SSA-44

You can find it on the Social Security website.

Choose “Work Stoppage” or “Work Reduction” as your life-changing event.

Provide Proof

Include documentation such as:

A letter from your employer confirming retirement

Your final pay stub

A copy of your severance agreement or pension documents

Submit the Form to Social Security:

By mail

In person at your local SSA office

Why This Matters:

Your Part B premium is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from 2 years ago. But if your current income is much lower due to retirement, you can often get your premium reduced immediately — no need to wait two years.

Answer: 1. Look for Independence

Choose a broker who represents multiple carriers, not just one. Independent agents can compare plans from different companies and tailor a recommendation to your needs, not their sales quota.

2. Check Credentials

Ask if they’re licensed in your state and certified to offer Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Don’t be shy — a trustworthy agent will show you their credentials without hesitation.

Answer: ChatGPT said:

Great question — the answer is yes, but with conditions.

You can apply to change your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan at any time of year, BUT…

You may have to pass medical underwriting

Outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months after you first enroll in Part B), insurance companies can:

Ask health questions

Deny your application

Charge you more based on your health

When You Can Change Without Underwriting:

During Your Initial Medigap Open Enrollment

Starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older

No health questions, guaranteed approval

If You Have a Guaranteed Issue Right

You may qualify if:

You’re losing other coverage (like a Medicare Advantage plan or employer coverage)

Your insurance company goes bankrupt or misleads you

You move out of your plan’s service area

Pro Tip:

Don’t cancel your current plan until you’ve been approved for the new one in writing. You don’t want to be left without coverage.

Answer: That’s a smart consideration — and yes, Medicare does cover telehealth, and it's especially helpful for people in rural areas like yours.

Answer: It Protects You from Catastrophic Costs

Before this change, there was no true cap on how much someone could spend on Medicare Part D drugs. People could end up paying thousands every year for life-saving medications — even after hitting the so-called “catastrophic coverage” phase.

Now, starting in 2025, you’ll never pay more than $2,000 out-of-pocket per year for Part D-covered prescriptions — period.

Answer: If You Missed Part D or Medigap Enrollment

Part D: You can enroll during the Annual Election Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

Medigap: You can apply at any time, but may face health underwriting unless you're still in your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have a guaranteed issue right.

Answer: Great and very important question. The short answer is: No, Medicare does not fully cover long-term nursing home care — and many people don’t realize this until it’s too late.

Answer: Most seniors wait because they’re confused, misinformed, or afraid to make the wrong move. A good agent becomes the calm in the chaos — the one person they can trust to get it right.

Answer: What You Can Do Now:

Review Your Plan’s Summary of Benefits

Check which services have high copays.

Look at your prescription drug coverage to spot any gaps.

Use the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7)

You can switch plans once a year to find better coverage or a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs.

Consider a Medigap Plan Instead

If you prefer predictable costs and freedom to choose providers, Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D might be better — but premiums are usually higher.

Talk to a Licensed Agent

They can help compare plans side-by-side based on your doctors, medications, and budget.

Quick Tip:

Don’t cancel your current plan until your new coverage is confirmed — you don’t want a coverage gap.

Answer: Medicare Advantage Plans Often Include More Vision Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage plans cover routine eye exams, glasses, and even some elective vision care.

Benefits vary by plan — some include allowances for frames or contacts.

Answer: If you’re still working and have employer coverage, you can delay Part B without penalty, but you’ll want to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period after you retire or lose that coverage.

Answer: If you prefer personal connection and local expertise, a Medicare agent near you is invaluable.

If you prioritize convenience and flexibility, remote agents can be great — just make sure they’re licensed and reputable.