Julia Alves, Medicare Insurance Broker

About Me

I’m Julia Alves, a licensed insurance broker, and I specialize in helping individuals find the Medicare plan that truly fits their needs and budget. With so many options—and so much misinformation—I believe in providing honest, straightforward guidance so my clients feel confident and relieved in their choices.

I work independently, partnering with HST, which allows me to explore all available plans without bias. My approach is educational, detail-oriented, and client-first—I work for YOU, not the insurance companies. I ensure you have the right coverage at the right price.

All my services are completely free, and I offer annual plan reviews to make sure your coverage continues to meet your needs. If you’re looking for a trusted advisor who will put your best interests first, let’s connect!

Contact me today for a free consultation!

Get in touch with Julia using this form

Q&A with Julia Alves

If I have been on disabilty due to an accident, do I qualify for Medicare Insurance?

Answer: The answer to this, like in a lot of questions about Medicare, is: it depends!

Here are 2 questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? (Key Word --> Social Security!)

2. If so, has it been 24 months since you started receiving SSDI?

If yes to both, the answer is YES, you do qualify for Medicare Insurance and should usually be automatically enrolled starting that 25th month.

I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?

Answer: In most cases.. yes!

If you have Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Plan + a Standalone Part D Plan:

- You will most likely want to update your address with Social Security and Medicare

- Standalone Part D Plans are region specific, with your move you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), usually about 60 days, to search for and enroll in a new plan available in your new region.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD):

- Again, these are region specific, with your move you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, usually about 60 days, to search for and enroll in a new plan available in your new region.

In summary

1. Submit address change to Social Security and Medicare

2. It is necessary to review your plan options if you have a MAPD or a Standalone Part D Plan

3. You will have a 60-day SEP to enroll in a new plan available to you in your new region

*TIP: Work with a Licensed Medicare broker like me to help you through all of this :)

I've been diagnosed with prediabetes. What preventive services does Medicare cover to help prevent progression to type 2 diabetes?

Answer: If you’ve been told you have prediabetes, Medicare covers some preventive services you may be able to take advantage of to help you avoid developing type 2 diabetes. One of them is the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP). This free, year-long program includes group classes on healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes, with support for up to two years if you qualify. Medicare also covers free diabetes screenings, nutrition counseling, and weight loss support if you meet certain criteria.

I'm planning to delay Social Security until age 70, but I'm turning 65 soon. How does this affect my Medicare enrollment?

Answer: This answer isn’t one-size-fits-all!

If you're turning 65 soon but planning to delay Social Security until age 70, just know that Medicare doesn't automatically start and delaying Social Security doesn't always mean you can delay Medicare.

If you’re still working and have employer coverage, you might be able to delay Part B (and Part D) without a penalty, but it really depends on your specific situation. If you don’t have other qualifying coverage, you’ll need to enroll yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that starts three months before your birthday month and ends three months after. It’s important to enroll on time to avoid late penalties and make sure you have the coverage you need.

I went to a free Medicare seminar and it felt like a timeshare pitch. Are any of those events actually helpful?

Answer: Yes, some Medicare seminars can be genuinely helpful — especially when they’re hosted by independent brokers who focus on educating you, not selling to you. These types of events walk you through all your options and don’t pressure you to enroll in anything on the spot.

That said, a lot of seminars out there do feel like timeshare pitches. They're often run by agents tied to just one insurance company, so the information is limited and sales-heavy. That doesn’t mean all events are bad — the key is finding one that puts education first.

What to look for:

Hosted by an independent broker, no heavy branding from a specific insurance carrier, focuses on Medicare in general (not just one plan), & no pressure to enroll — just helpful info to get you informed.

If it checks those boxes, it’s probably worth your time!

What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?

Answer: Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover you outside the U.S., but the good news is, you do have options! Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, like Plan G or Plan N, include limited foreign travel emergency coverage. That can help with emergency care while abroad, up to a lifetime limit. Also (this varies by plan but) some Medicare Advantage Plans MAY also cover some limited foreign travel emergency coverage. Another route is to look into travel insurance specifically designed for medical coverage. Especially if it's a longer trip or if you travel frequently, it can give you peace of mind.

I went with Medigap because I travel a lot, but now I'm paying a fortune in premiums. Did I make a mistake?

Answer: Not really! There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Medicare. Every situation is different, but if you’re looking at your monthly premium and starting to wonder if it’s still worth it, you’re definitely not alone.

Medigap is a solid choice… for some people! These plans let you see any doctor that takes Medicare, nationwide, with almost no out-of-pocket costs (depending on the plan). That’s a huge perk if you’re traveling often or just want the freedom to go where you want without dealing with networks or referrals. Many also offer limited coverage for emergencies abroad.

If you value convenience or travel often, and it fits your budget, I don’t think Medigap is a mistake. And even if your travel or budget has changed, it still wasn’t a mistake—your priorities just shifted. The good news? In most cases, your coverage can shift with you. If you’re no longer traveling much or the premium just isn’t working for you anymore, it may be worth looking at other options.