Judi Norton, Medicare Insurance Agent
Judi Norton
Licensed Independent Broker
Medicare Agent Licensed in NM
10+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Albuquerque, NM
Judi Can Help With:
About Me
Hi, my name is Judi and I am your local Medicare insurance agent. Medicare is my specialty and I am dedicated to helping you find the best plan that fits your specific needs and budget. I will take on the task of searching through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies so that you don't have to. Best of all, my services come at no cost to you. Get in touch with me today to explore your Medicare insurance options. Be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Judi Norton
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: Helping seniors navigate through Medicare annually. Getting the most coverage based on their individual needs.
What's the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
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.
Don't you think Medicare's focus on treatment rather than prevention is backwards?
Answer: Yes. A more natural approach to health for long term is better than providing a quick fix to possibly a surface problem.
What is the trap of Medicare Advantage plans?
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.
I'm worried about affording my medications even with the 2025 changes. Are there additional assistance programs I should know about?
Answer: Yes. Many of the Insurance companies that provide prescription drug coverage have programs to level out your payments for the year.
Will Medicare cover asthma and other breathing conditions?
Answer: Specialists are available through Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplements for these conditions.
What's the most frustrating misconception you have to clear up with clients about Medicare every year?
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.
How do you explain to clients that "zero-premium" doesn't mean "zero-cost" with Medicare Advantage?
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.
Does Medicare cover emergency care if I'm traveling in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico?
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.
I've heard about IRMAA affecting my Medicare premiums. How can I find out if it applies to me, and how does it work?
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.
What's the key difference in how Medicare Advantage and Medigap handle out-of-network providers?
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.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
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.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
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.