Julie Kovacevich, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Several states have the "Medicare Birthday Rule" which means that during the month of your birthday, you can switch your Medicare Supplement coverage without medical underwriting. The following states participate in the "Medicare Birthday Rule": California, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, W. Virginia, and Wyoming. Most states allow 60 days to make the change, while others only allow 30-45 days. Some states require that you stay with the same carrier, while other states allow you to change carriers, some states require you to stay with the same letter plan type (ex. Plan F, Plan G, Plan N), while other states allow you to switch to a differenet letter plan with equal/lesser coverage. By making a change during this time, you may be able to save quite a bit of money on your premium.

However, if you are healthy and would like to go through medical underwriting, you can do so any time of the year and compare the premiums from different Medicare Supplement carriers.

Answer: That is a great question. Yes, you need to either call Social Security or log in to you SSA.gov account and submit a change of address within 63 days of moving. The move will open up a qualifying SEP (Special Enrollment Period), which will allow you to either enroll in a MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan) or enroll in a Medicare Supplement with a guarantee issue (which means they have to accept you, regardless of health), and a stand-alone PDP (Prescription Drug Plan).

Answer: Guaranteed issue is available only in specific, limited situations after Open Enrollment ends.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and it ends, such as the plan leaving the market.

If you have Original Medicare with employer or union coverage that's ending.

If your Medigap company goes bankrupt or your policy ends through no fault of yours.

If you leave a Medicare Advantage Plan because the company didn't follow the rules or misled you.

The key phrase in all of these is that something has to change with your coverage.

*In most cases, you have a 63 day to make a change.

Answer: Since 2011, I have been helping clients find the right Medicare plan to fit their individual needs. I believe in treating every client like family, which means focusing not on commissions, but on doing what is truly best for each person I serve.

Answer: Even after reaching Medicare age, life insurance can still be very important. Medicare helps cover healthcare costs, but it does not provide money to your loved ones for final expenses or long-term care. Many life insurance policies have long-term care insurance built in as a rider. This benefit can be very helpful. Keeping life insurance can help protect your family financially and provide peace of mind for the future.

Answer: Many people like PPO plans because they typically do not require a referral to see a specialist. However, that does not necessarily mean the specialist or doctor's office won't request one. Some physicians may still require a referral based on their own office policies, so it's always best to check directly with the provider before scheduling an appointment.

Answer: If you are already collecting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you are typically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. However, if you are still working and have employer coverage that is considered as good as or better than Medicare, you can delay your Part B and Part D enrollment without facing enrollment penalties.

It's important to remember that once your employer coverage ends, you have a limited window to enroll. In many cases, you have 8 months to enroll in Medicare Part B & Part D. Missing those deadlines could result in penalties or gaps in coverage, so it's wise to plan ahead.

Answer: This is a complex question that does not have just one answer. It will be dependent on several factors:

What type of plan are we talking about? (Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, etc.)

When did the prior insurer cease operations, and when did the member apply for the new coverage?

Which guaranteed issue right are we invoking here? (There are multiple, and the retroactivity rules differ.)

Was the member within an active guaranteed issue window when they applied, or did they miss it due to not being notified?

The January 1 retroactive effective date is one outcome under certain circumstances, but it's not automatic for all guaranteed issue scenarios. The specifics of your situation will determine whether that applies.

Answer: Unfortunately, this is something I hear all too often when meeting with new clients. That's why it's so important to review your Medicare plan and prescription drug coverage each year to make sure your medications are still covered, costs remain competitive, and to identify any drugs that may now require a prior authorization. I make it a priority to review my clients' plans annually, and they always hear from me before the Annual Enrollment Period so we can discuss any important changes and make sure their coverage still meets their needs.

Answer: Yes, you can apply for Medicare benefits without starting your Social Security benefits. In that case, you would be responsible for paying your Part B premium directly until you begin collecting Social Security, at which time the premium is typically deducted from your monthly benefit. You would also need to pay a premium for Medicare Part A if you have not earned the required 40 quarters of paying into Social Security through work history.

Answer: That's an excellent question - and honestly, one of the main reasons it's so valuable to work with someone like me who specializes in Medicare plans and benefits. The short answer is that some plans help cover Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, while others do not. I'd be happy to help you review your options and find the right answer for your specific situation.

Answer: Original Medicare Parts A and B typically do not cover Life Alert or medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may include this benefit as part of their coverage. I also work with several companies that offer medical alert systems at an additional cost, helping you find an option that fits your needs and budget.

Answer: I will help clarify the complexity of Medicare and advocate for you when you may need it most. Being licensed with multiple carriers provides me access to the plans in your area. Everyone's situation is unique. I take the time to understand your individual needs - whether that means keeping your trusted doctors, making sure your prescriptions are covered, or finding the plan that fits your lifestyle and budget best.