Judi Norton, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Helping seniors navigate through Medicare annually. Getting the most coverage based on their individual needs.

Answer: HMO's have lower copays but you must stay in-network. PPO's have a little more flexibility for coverage with out-of-network, but the copays are a little higher.

Answer: Yes. A more natural approach to health for long term is better than providing a quick fix to possibly a surface problem.

Answer: Once there is a serious health problem, you will be unable to go to a Medicare Supplement where you could have gone where you could get the best care independent of in-network and out-of-network than with Medicare Advantage Plans.

Answer: Yes. Many of the Insurance companies that provide prescription drug coverage have programs to level out your payments for the year.

Answer: Specialists are available through Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements for these conditions.

Answer: That once you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, every will remain the same from year to year. Also, that Medicare Advantage Plans should cover more and all doctors should take the plan if the Hospital or the Clinic takes the plan.

Answer: Zero Premium needs to say Zero MONTHLY Premium. Zero cost with a Medicare Advantage Plan is misleading and many clients are concerned about their finances and any word Zero needs to be explained further.

Answer: Yes, but emergency only. Emergency care with Medicare Advantage Plans says "Emergency Care Worldwide." Medicare Supplements have a $250 co payment and you must pay 20% and anything over the lifetime maximum of $50,000 out of the country. Travel Insurance is always a good idea if you are traveling outside the U.S.

Answer: Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) can affect your Part B premium if you are above the Adjusted Gross Income Amount set each year. Social Security is looking at income 2 years back. Filing jointly vs. independent has different Adjusted Gross Income amounts. Looking at your Income Taxes will tell you earnings and you can pull up the chart for IRMAA for the year you are looking to turn on your Medicare Part B.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans all contract with certain pharmacies, clinics and hospitals for the services; in-network and out-of-network copays. Any doctor that takes Medicare or Medigap (Medicare Supplements) does not have out-of-network. Medicare is your primary, it therefore is billed first and the remainder of the charges through Medicare are billed to the Medigap Plan.

Answer: All Medicare Advantage Plans are not "free." They all have copays. It is pay as you go and you will need to meet the Maximum out-of-pocket before the plan pays all the costs. If you spend little time at the doctors, a Medicare Advantage works well. But, if you have health issues and are required to attend a physician on a regular basis, Medigaps are a better choice. Also, if you start with a Medicare Advantage Plan, and you have a rather serious health condition come up, you may not qualify for a Medigap later on. Medigap plans travel well in that any place that Medicare is accepted, you can go. It even moves with you from State to State. Medicare Advantage Plans have to be changed; i.e., zip code change. Each individual is different and needs to be fit for that individual. Neighbors don't always know all the circumstances surrounding an individual.

Answer: 1. Agents are trained to know how to navigate through many areas of Medicare; i.e., how to sign up for Medicare.

2. Agents do not charge for their services so you are basically getting an Assistant at no cost to you.

3. Some Agents will keep in touch to let you know of changes to Medicare Plans each year.

Answer: There really is no 'BEST TIME OF THE YEAR' to start looking at Medicare Options. Everything hinges on your particular situation and the Election Periods set by the Center of Medicare Services.

Answer: Any company that has a 5-Star Rating on their Advantage Plans can take enrollments any time of the year. Yes, it is different than OEP and AEP.

Answer: On a Medigap Plan G, there is a $257 annual deductible that must be met before the plan will pay the remaining balance. You will receive a statement from Medicare indicating that you have either met your deductible or you have not met your deductible. If you have met the annual deductible, the plan pays the remainder for the rest of the year. If you have not met the deductible, you will need to pay the facility where the services occurred up to the amount of the deductible.