Juan Carlos Quevedo Lussón, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Moving to another state can affect your Medicare coverage more than many people realize. Here’s a Medicare Relocation Checklist to keep you organized:

-Notify Social Security and Medicare: Call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) or log in at ssa.gov/myaccount to update your address and mailing info.

This ensures you keep receiving important Medicare correspondence and premium notices (especially if you pay your Part B directly).

- Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Your Original Medicare coverage travels with you anywhere in the U.S. You can continue to use any provider who accepts Medicare nationwide. Just confirm your new doctors accept Medicare assignment to avoid surprise bills.

- Prescription Drug Plan (Part D): Part D plans are state-specific, so when you move you’ll likely need to select a new plan available in your new ZIP code. You’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to switch plans. Compare plans at Medicare.gov/plan-compare or contact an agent to receive help.

- Medicare Advantage (Part C): MA plans are tied to service areas; moving out of state almost always requires a plan change. You’ll have a 2-month SEP starting from your move date to join a new plan in your new state.

-Dental, Vision, and Other Add-Ons: If your current MA plan includes extra benefits (dental, vision, OTC, transportation, etc.), check whether equivalent options exist in your new state — many carriers differ by region.

-Supplemental (Medigap) Policy: Medigap policies are state-regulated. Some states require new underwriting when you move; others have guaranteed issue protections.

-Medicaid or Extra Help (if applicable): If you receive Medicaid or LIS/Extra Help, you’ll need to reapply in your new state, since eligibility rules vary.

Answer: Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, but their provider networks are smaller than traditional dental insurance. Some dentists accept only specific carriers or plan types. Others may not take Medicare Advantage dental at all, even if they accept regular PPO dental plans.

What you can do:

- Call your plan’s member services (the number on your ID card) and ask for an updated list of in-network dentists near your ZIP code.

- Use your plan’s online provider directory, but always call the office to confirm before scheduling.

- If no providers are convenient, ask if your plan allows out-of-network reimbursement (some PPO or POS Advantage plans do).

If access is too limited, you can change plans during the next AEP or SEP, choosing one with a larger dental network or flex card benefit for dental costs.

In short:

Yes, it’s common — dental networks under Medicare Advantage are often narrower than expected. The best solution is to confirm providers directly and, if needed, compare plans that offer broader access next enrollment period.

Answer: There’s no single plan that guarantees full coverage for arthritis or chronic pain, but many parts of Medicare do offer helpful support — and many Medicare Advantage plans add even more. It is always wise to have an agent/broker review your needs, area of residence and actual coverage to determine which plan offers the most benefits for your condition.

Answer: If you already have Medicare because of disability, you don’t need to sign up again when you turn 65. You’ll automatically transition to Medicare based on age, and your coverage continues without interruption.

Here’s what usually happens:

- You’ll receive a new Medicare card in the mail showing your updated effective dates (Part A and Part B).

- Your premiums and benefits stay the same, unless you decide to make changes — for example, joining a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D prescription plan during your Initial Enrollment Period at age 65.

* In short, you’re already covered — but your 65th birthday gives you the chance to review your options and see if there’s a plan that better fits your health or budget needs.

Answer: What I enjoy most about being a Medicare agent is the impact it has on people’s lives. The opportunity to help others. Helping clients understand their benefits, save money, and feel secure about their healthcare is incredibly rewarding.

Answer: When working with clients who are brand new to Medicare, the goal is to make the process simple, visual, and personal. Here’s how I would approach it:

1) Start with the basics: Explain what Medicare is, who qualifies, and the main parts — A (hospital), B (medical), C (Advantage), and D (prescription drugs) — using clear examples.

2) Use visuals and real-life scenarios: Show how coverage works with simple charts or comparisons, like “Medicare Original vs. Medicare Advantage.” Focus on needs, not jargon: Ask about doctors, prescriptions, and travel habits to match plans to their lifestyle.

3) Explain enrollment timelines: Review important dates like Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) to prevent penalties.

4) Empower them: Encourage questions, give printed or digital guides, and schedule follow-ups so they never feel rushed or pressured.

*The focus is always to replace confusion with confidence — making Medicare clear, friendly, and stress-free.

Answer: Here’s what you can do:

1. Make a full list of your medications, including dosages and how often you take them.

2. Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare Part D plans. You can enter your exact prescriptions and pharmacies to see which plan covers them and what your costs will be.

3. Check the plan’s formulary (drug list) to make sure all your medications are covered and note each drug’s tier level, since lower tiers usually mean lower copays.

4. Ask about preferred pharmacies — some plans offer extra savings at specific locations.

5. Consult a licensed Medicare agent — they can quickly compare plans and confirm coverage without any cost to you.

Note: The right Part D plan can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses while keeping your medication routine simple and predictable.

Answer: In most cases, Medicare does not cover medical alert systems (like Life Alert or fall-detection devices). These systems are considered personal convenience or safety items, not medical equipment, so Original Medicare (Parts A and B) won’t pay for them.

However, there are some exceptions and alternatives:

- Certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include coverage for medical alert systems or offer them as part of their extra benefits (SSBCI) for people with chronic conditions.

- Some state Medicaid programs or local senior assistance programs may help cover part of the cost. It’s best to check your plan’s benefits summary or ask your Medicare agent to confirm if your specific plan offers this coverage.

Answer: It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but you’re not alone in this situation.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) gives you the freedom to see almost any doctor, but it doesn’t cover everything. You’re responsible for 20% of most medical costs after deductibles, and there’s no yearly limit on what you can spend.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, by contrast, usually have fixed copays, an annual out-of-pocket limit, and often include drug, dental, and vision coverage — but they work within provider networks.

You don’t necessarily need to switch right away, but during the next enrollment period, it’s worth comparing plans to see if an Advantage option could better fit your medical needs and budget.

Answer: While Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer extra benefits and often lower upfront costs, there are a few reasons some people choose not to enroll in them:

- Limited provider networks – You may be required to use certain doctors or hospitals; going out of network can cost more or may not be covered.

- Prior authorization requirements – Many services need approval before you receive care.

- Travel limitations – Coverage is usually restricted to your service area.

- Potential higher costs if you get seriously ill – Out-of-pocket expenses can add up quickly.

Answer: In most cases, Medicare does not cover medical care outside the United States — including Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s smart to buy a travel medical insurance policy to ensure you’re protected in case of an emergency.

Answer: If Medicare denied your home health care coverage, you have the right to appeal that decision. The appeals process allows you to ask Medicare to review and reconsider its determination. You don’t lose your Medicare rights during an appeal, and help is available from State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) or a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you through each step.

Answer: Medicare can cover blood thinners, but the coverage depends on the specific medication and how it’s prescribed:

- Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans) or Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage generally cover most common blood thinners such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Eliquis, Xarelto, and Pradaxa. You’ll pay a copay or coinsurance depending on your plan’s drug tier and formulary.

- Medicare Part B may cover certain injectable or IV blood thinners given in a medical setting (for example, during a hospital stay or outpatient treatment).

It’s always best to review your plan’s formulary (drug list) or ask your Medicare agent to confirm your specific medication and cost.

Answer: Working with a licensed Medicare agent makes the process easier, safer, and more personalized. An agent helps you understand the different parts of Medicare, compare plans, and identify benefits that match your medical and financial needs. They also explain details like prescription coverage, extra benefits, and provider networks so you can avoid costly mistakes. Best of all, their assistance is free—you pay the same for your plan whether or not you use an agent. In short, an agent saves you time, ensures accuracy, and gives you peace of mind knowing you made the right choice.