Justin Hundley, Medicare Insurance Broker
Justin Hundley
Mountaineer Health and Life Insurance, LLC
Medicare Broker Licensed in WV, FL, KY, OH and VA
Contact Details
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Location
Saint Albans, WV
About Me
Whether you're signing up for Medicare, trying to understand your coverage, or comparing plan options in your area, I'm here to help every step of the way. With nearly a decade of experience in the Medicare space, I’ve guided countless individuals through the process with care and clarity.
I specialize in Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Medicare doesn't have to be confusing—let’s make it simple together.
Q&A with Justin Hundley
I need a new wheelchair, and I'm not sure if Medicare will cover it. What's the process for getting durable medical equipment?
Answer: Medicare Part B will help cover the cost of prescribed Durable Medical Equipment, but how this works can vary based on whether you just have Original Medicare, a Medicare supplement, or a Medicare advantage plan.
If you are on original Medicare you will be responsible for your part B deductible, as well as a 20% coinsurance. You will need to confirm that the doctor (your primary care physician) prescribing the wheelchair, as well as the supplier for the wheelchair, are both enrolled with Medicare.
If you are on a Medicare advantage plan, then you will need to follow your insurance companies rules for getting Durable Medical Equipment. You can contact your current plan provider to learn about their rules and what they will cover.
A Medicare supplement plan can help cover the remaining costs that are covered by Original Medicare as well. Coverage can vary by plan type so it's important to review what plan you are on and what it covers.
You can always reach out to an agent (like myself) to assist you in understand your unique situation.
Are all types of blood tests covered by Medicare?
Answer: No, not all types of blood tests are covered by Medicare. Medicare does cover tests that are deemed Medically Necessary, such as tests to diagnose or treat a health condition, or preventative tests like cholesterol screenings or screenings for heart disease (every 5 years). If it is not deemed Medically necessary then the test may not be covered.
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: If you are already receiving social security benefits when you turn 65, then you will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). Your Medicare coverage will start on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday, or the previous month if your birthday happens to be on the first day of the month.
However, your enrollment into a Medicare supplement, a Medicare advantage plan (Medicare Part C), or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D), is not automatic. I would recommend working with a licensed Medicare agent to discuss what options are available and to help you enroll.
Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare, and how can agents help prevent bad decisions?
Answer: Many seniors delay enrolling in Medicare due to many different factors. This could be due to confusion about enrollment periods, not understanding their different plan options, or thinking that they are enrolled automatically. Working with an agent can help you understand exactly how and when you can enroll in Medicare, which could help prevent lifelong penalties down the road. An agent can also help them understand what options may be available in their market, such as Medicare advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Prescription Drug plans.
What do I do if I cannot afford my Medicare premiums?
Answer: If you are struggling to afford your Medicare premiums then there are a few different programs that you could look into such as Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, or Extra Help (low income subsidy).
A licensed Medicare agent can assist you in navigating your options and how to find out if you qualify for assistance with your Medicare premiums.
What's an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?
Answer: An underrated benefit of Original Medicare is the flexibility to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. This gives you the freedom to see any doctor or specialist that participates with Medicare. This could be different if you are enrolled in a Medicare advantage plan however, so it is important that you work with a licensed Medicare agent to understand your options.
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
Answer: If all you have is original Medicare, then you can expect to pay your Part A deductible before coverage begins ($1,676 for 2025), at which point Medicare will begin to cover the first 60 days of your hospital stay. The copays you can expect to pay are:
Days 1-60: During this time you will have a $0 copay after meeting your deductible
Days 61-90: $419 copay each day
Days 91 and beyond: $838 each day for each lifetime reserve day (you get 60 reserve days over your lifetime)
For this reason, it is important to shop for either a Medicare supplement plan, or Medicare advantage plan in your area. Both of these products can help with the cost of hospital stays in different ways. Working with a licensed Medicare agent can help you understand exactly how these options work.
What's the financial risk of sticking with Original Medicare without a Medigap plan?
Answer: Sticking with Original Medicare without a Medigap plan carries significant financial risk due to potential out-of-pocket expenses. Original Medicare has deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, and it lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, meaning expenses can continue to rise without a limit.
A Medicare supplement plan can help cover most of the portion of Medicare that typically isn't covered, providing peace of mind and predictability. Working with a local agent is the most efficient way to determine what plans are available in your area, and what options would best fit your healthcare needs!
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: The biggest disadvantage of Medicare advantage is probably the limited network of healthcare providers. Unlike Original Medicare or a Medicare supplement, which typically allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, Medicare advantage plans usually require you to stay within a specific doctor and hospital network, much like a standard health plan that you may have had in the past. Due to this, you may be required to follow certain procedures such as getting referrals before seeing certain doctors.
The trade off is that Medicare advantages plans often provide predictable cost sharing and many other benefits that may fit your healthcare needs.
My neighbor says I'm crazy for paying for a Medigap plan when Medicare Advantage is "free." What should I tell him?
Answer: The truth is that there are advantages and disadvantages to both products. While Medicare advantage can often have $0 to very low monthly premiums, it is accompanied by potential out of pocket costs such as copays or coinsurance. A Medicare supplement typically has higher premiums, but often results in much less out of pocket when going to the doctor or into a hospital.
The best advice I can offer is to schedule a time to speak to a licensed Medicare agent so that they can review your situation and help you determine which product would work best for you.