Juliette Chihade, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Different brokers and agents may explain things differently, emphasize different factors, or ask questions that surface needs you hadn't thought about. A second or third conversation often brings clarity.

Look up their reviews on social media and find out how long they have been in business.

Answer: Part B Premium has changed and Part B Deductible has change as well.

Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 and Part B Deductible is $185.

There will be fewer Medicare Advantage Plans offered.

Medicare is now testing prior authorization requirements in certain cases This a major shift from prior years. One of the new rules, insurers must respond to urgent requests within 72 hours and standard requests within 7 days.

Answer: This is a great questions.

It all depend on your situation.

Are you 65 years old, or not.

Will you loose health coverage through the employer?

If you are already 65, did you enroll in Part B?

Answer: As always Medicare cover treatments if it is medically necessary requested by a physician.

Medically Necessary is the key to get covered or not.

Answer: Medicare doesn't offer financial rewards for healthy behavior, but it does cover a strong set of preventive services at no cost to you, including an Annual Wellness Visit, flu shots, cancer screenings, cardiovascular screenings, and diabetes prevention programs. These are free once you've had Medicare Part B for 12 months.

Answer: Ask your doctor's office for an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)

If Medicare might not cover a service, your provider is required to give you an ABN in writing before the procedure. This form tells you why coverage may be denied and estimates your cost. If they don't offer one, ask for it.

Or

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE. Have your Medicare card and procedure details handy. A representative can tell you whether a service is typically covered.

Answer: Medicare cover all medically necessary tests. If it is prescribed by your physician medicare covers those tests. As long as your doctor orders the test and documents a medical reason, Medicare should cover it. Routine screening without symptoms is generally not covered.

Answer: Yes, Medicare does cover an Annual wellness visit. This intales the following:

Health risk assessment by answering medical questionnaire.

Your Vitals are taken: Blood pressure, weight and BMI

Checking for signs of dementia

Depression screening

Review of your current conditions and medications. SO bring a list of your prescription if you are taking.

After the wellness visit you will have annual physical that medicare pays for as well.

Answer: Medicare covers all medically necessary procedures andMedicare can cover several types of post-surgery recovery, but with limits:

Part A covers your inpatient hospital stay and up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility (fully paid for the first 20 days, then you share costs through day 100, nothing after that).

Part B covers outpatient rehab (physical, occupational, speech therapy) at 80% after your deductible.

Home health care is covered if you're homebound and a doctor orders skilled nursing or therapy.

Not covered: custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, etc.) or long-term nursing home stays beyond 100 days.

If you have Medicare Advantage, check your plan before surgery — rules and prior authorization requirements may differ. A Medigap policy can help cover your out-of-pocket costs like SNF coinsurance.

Answer: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) requires no changes when you move — just update your address with Social Security. It works nationwide.

Medicare Advantage or Part D plans are regional, so moving likely means your current plan no longer covers you. Your move triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) of about 2 months to pick a new plan. Notify your current plan and use Medicare.gov to find new options.

Medigap policies travel with you, but you may want to shop for a new one in your new state since premiums vary.

Key actions: Update your address with Social Security, notify your current plan of the move, and contact your new state's SHIP program (shiphelp.org) for free local guidance.

Answer: Congratulations on the upcoming milestone! Here's what you need to know about Medicare enrollment at 65:

Your Enrollment Window

You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month itself, and 3 months after. Since you're turning 65 next month, you're right at the start of that window, which is ideal timing.

f you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you'll likely be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. Watch for your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail.

If you're not yet collecting Social Security, you need to sign up manually.

Answer: Your Medicare is Protected:

Bankruptcy does not affect your Medicare eligibility or your current coverage. Medicare is a federal benefit tied to your age and work history, not your financial status. You will not lose your Part A or Part B coverage due to bankruptcy.

Answer: As a licensed agent, I offer educational presentations tailored specifically for seniors, helping them navigate and understand how Medicare can support them throughout retirement.

These sessions follow Medicare guidelines closely and are focused entirely on education and never mentioning any insurance company or plan. It is strictly educational.

Answer: Common screenings that are covered at no cost are:

Annual Wellness Visit — a yearly check up to review your health and create a prevention plan (different from a regular physical)

"Welcome to Medicare" visit — a one-time visit in your first 12 months of Part B

Mammograms — screening once every 12 months for women 40+

Colonoscopy — frequency depends on your risk level

Cardiovascular disease screenings — cholesterol and other blood tests

Diabetes screening — if you're at risk

Bone mass measurement (DEXA scan) — for those at risk for osteoporosis

Lung cancer screening (low-dose CT) — for qualifying current or former heavy smokers aged 50–77

Depression screening

Certain cancer screenings — cervical, vaginal, colorectal, prostate (PSA)

Answer: "You get what you pay for."

It means that lower-priced options often come with lower quality, fewer features, or hidden tradeoffs. Your Medicare Advantage experience is a perfect real-world example of it in action. The $0 premium looked attractive upfront, but the higher copays on the back end are the "cost" you're now paying.

Answer: Yes this normal. An agent must ask you to sign a scope of appointment which will allow him to discuss the plans you have selected on that form only.

Answer: You can still use the hospital anyway and understand the cost

Medicare Advantage plans vary in how they handle out-of-network care:

PPO Plans allow out-of-network care but at a higher cost-sharing. There for you'll pay more, but you're covered.

HMO Plans) generally don't cover out-of-network care at all, except in emergencies. Going out-of-network with an HMO could mean paying the full bill yourself.

Answer: This is a common point of confusion, so you're not alone! Here's what's likely happening:

Part A vs. Part B:

When you sign up for Social Security, you are automatically enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B — so you didn't miss an enrollment window. The key difference is the cost:

Part A:

generally premium-free for most people, because you paid into it through payroll taxes during your working years. That's why you may never see a bill for it.

Part B (medical insurance, doctor visits, outpatient care, etc.) has a monthly premium that most people pay. In 2026, the standard premium was $202.90/month, though it can be higher depending on your income (this is called IRMAA).

So the bills you're receiving for Part B are expected and legitimate, it doesn't mean something went wrong.

Answer: Medicare Options for Chronic Kidney Disease

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) — A solid foundation

Covers dialysis, kidney transplants, lab tests, doctor visits, and some medications

Important: People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) qualify for Medicare at any age

Best paired with a Medigap/Supplement plan to cover the significant out-of-pocket costs!

Answer: The freedom of choosing any physician that accept medicare any where in the US without needing a referal is a great benefit that people take for granted.

Answer: Over the next 2–3 years, several digital engagement trends are poised to materially reshape how healthcare interacts with patients. These are driven by technology, changing patient expectations, and healthcare delivery models, and will influence communication, care coordination, personalization, and access

Answer: Medicare Covers the following:

1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Assessment

Covered under: Medicare Part B

Cost: $0 (if provider accepts assignment)

2. Cholesterol (Lipid Panel) Testing

Frequency: Every 5 years (or more often if medically necessary)

Cost: $0

3, Blood Pressure Screening

Frequency: At least once per year

Cost: $0

4. Diabetes Screening

Frequency:

Once per year if normal risk

Up to twice per year if you’re overweight or have other risk factors

Cost: $0

Answer: The Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov allows you to enter your prescription drugs and pharmacies to determine coverage and costs for both stand-alone prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, showing available coverage and computing your total annual cost for each plan including premiums, deductibles and copays

Answer: This the comparision between Plan G vs Plan N

Choose Plan G if you want:

The most predictable coverage

No copays for visits or ER care

Protection from excess charges

Coverage similar to Plan G, but you’re okay with small visit copays

To trade a bit of cost certainty for upfront savings

Answer: Medicare expanded continuous glucose monitor coverage in April 2023 to any Medicare recipient prescribed insulin to treat diabetes, regardless of insulin type or amount, making approximately 1.5 million more people eligible.

Answer: Medicare is not long-term care insurance. It mainly covers medical care, not ongoing assistance with daily living.

Answer: Medicare treats asthma as a covered chronic condition, so you'll have access to the medications, equipment, and treatments you need to manage your breathing issues effectively.

Answer: You might also want to contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free one-on-one counseling to help you evaluate your options.

Yes, a health change is exactly the kind of situation where reconsidering your coverage makes sense, and Medicare provides protections and options to help you find better-suited coverage.

Answer: Many Medicare Advantage plans already offer mobile apps that let members view benefits, track claims, see digital ID cards, and sometimes access telehealth or wellness features. This is becoming a standard part of the member experience.

Answer: There are many diffirent ways to reduce cost of medication while on Medicare:

Ask about generics - Generic medications can cost 80-85% less than brand names.

Ask your doctor if there's a generic alternative.

Use preferred pharmacies

Consider 90-day supplies

Financial Assistance

Manufacturer patient assistance programs - Many drug companies offer free or reduced-cost medications for people who qualify based on income.

Good Luck

Answer: This depends on many factors, such as :

Are they capable to make decisions themselves?

Are they 65 or older?

What about Social Security income?

Are they US Citizens?

Has any one of them been working and paying medicare taxes for 10 years?

If you need further help, please call me and will walk you through the steps.

Answer: I completely understand your hesitation and uncertainty about an agent's intentions.

As for myself, I know my own motives when clients reach out for help with their Medicare plans. My approach is straightforward: I present all verified information about Medicare and insurance options, ensuring I'm specific and transparent about any fine print or complex terminology so my clients fully understand everything. I also provide everything in writing. My goal is that through this thorough, honest process, my clients will recognize my genuine commitment to helping them.

If you're evaluating any agent, I'd suggest checking their Google reviews and seeing how long they've been in the business, these can be telling indicators of their reliability and track record.

Answer: The maximum you pay (MOOP) Maximum out of Pocket for 2026 under part D is $2,100.00 after you reach that amount), you would not be paying for prescription any more.

Answer: No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does NOT cover dental implants.

In the event that a patient needs dental work as part of a covered hospital procedure (like jaw reconstruction after an accident or tumor removal). That makes dental treatment is medically necessary.

Answer: Original Medicare covers 80% of your approved medical bills.

Either you get Medicare Supplement Plan that covers hospitals and physicians services or

a Medicare Advantage if it is available in your county.

Contact me to learn more about the options available for you.

Answer: Protect your Medicare card. Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Never give your Medicare number to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you unexpectedly.

Verify Before You Trust

If someone claims to be from Medicare, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly

Only discuss your Medicare with your doctor, official insurance agents you contacted yourself, or verified Medicare representatives

Check your Medicare Summary Notice regularly for services you didn't receive

Red Flags to Watch For

High-pressure tactics or creating urgency

Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency

Anyone asking for banking information to "process a refund"

Contact me for more questions.

Answer: Yes, it's generally okay to work with a Medicare agent from another state, but there are some important considerations:

Agent licensing - Insurance agents must be licensed in your state to sell certain products. Some agents hold licenses in multiple states, while others don't.

Answer: One of the things you can do:

If you rarely meet your Part B deductible, a high-deductible Plan G might save you money

Consider whether you really need first-dollar coverage or can handle some out-of-pocket costs.

Second thing might help reduce your cost, is:

Take advantage of discounts

Household discounts if you and your spouse both buy from the same company

Automatic payment or electronic billing discounts Non-smoker discounts.

Answer: If you are under your wies health insurance plan, you should not owe a penalty in your situation, as long as you meet the requirements for creditable coverage.

Answer: Plan N covers Medicare approved diagnostic tests like MRIs at the same level as Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

If your MRI is outpatient (most common):

Medicare Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount

You pay the remaining 20% coinsurance (Plan N does NOT cover this copay for outpatient services)

You may also have a copay of up to $50 for the emergency room visit or up to $20 for other office visits if applicable

Your Part B deductible ($257 for 2025) applies if you haven't met it yet

If your MRI is inpatient when admited to the hospital::

Plan N would cover the coinsurance and copayments after Medicare pays its share .

Answer: Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, but whether your overnight stay is "fully" covered depends on a few key factors:

What Medicare Part A covers:

Your stay must be medically necessary and ordered by a doctor

You pay a deductible ($1,676 in 2025) for each benefit period

After the deductible, days 1-60 are covered at 100%

Days 61-90: you pay $419/day coinsurance

Days 91+: you pay $838/day (using lifetime reserve days)

Answer: Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery and basic monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), which correct vision at one distance - usually for seeing far away. These are considered "medically necessary" to restore basic vision after cataract removal.

However, Medicare typically doesn't cover premium lenses.

The reasoning is that these premium options go beyond what Medicare considers "medically necessary" - they're viewed as providing convenience or enhanced lifestyle benefits rather than basic vision restoration.

This creates a gap where you might need these specialized lenses for your specific vision issues, but Medicare only covers the basic option. You're often left paying out-of-pocket for the difference, which can be several thousand dollars.

Appeal the decision if you believe the premium lenses were medically necessary for your condition.

Answer: SEP is about change a change in life event. Worsening your health condition does not qualify for SEP (Special Enrollment Period).

Answer: Yes, you l have to pay for Medicare even if you live abroad part of the year and don't use it, but the specifics depend on which parts of Medicare you have and your individual situation.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Most people don't pay premiums for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can keep this without paying premiums even while living abroad.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This typically requires monthly premiums (around $175+ in 2024). If you're living abroad and not using it, you can disenroll to avoid paying premiums. However, there are important considerations:

You may face late enrollment penalties if you re-enroll later without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period

Answer: 1. Medicare population are living longer years and the cost of health care is going up every year.

2. Insurance cost is going up every year and seniors are going to feel the challenges in keeping their immediate expenses.

3. Will continue to have a big challenge with care givers..

4. Viruses has showed in 2019 and am afraid of new viruses that will impact the new aging population.

Answer: You can contact our office to make an appointment for the Annual Enrollment Period to review your present plan and help you get the plan that best fits your needs.

Juliette Chihade

Answer: Unfortunately Medicare Card does NOT replace your Medicare Advantage card.

For further help, please contact me.

Juliette Chihade

Answer: I am not satisfied so far, as the phone numbers and email addresses provided for inquiries have been incorrect.