Justin Sonon, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: One regret people can have with Medicare is if they sign up for an Advantage plan and later after being diagnosed with health problems trying to apply for a Medigap plan, forgetting that they are subject to medical underwriting approval.

Answer: People have the misconception that they cannot switch their Medigap plans throughout the year, when in fact, you can.

Answer: Choosing a Medicare prescription plan or Advantage plan based solely on the plan premium can be a costly mistake.

Answer: Plan formularies can change from year to year, as well as plan deductibles and copays, so it's always best to check your prescription options annually or as your prescriptions change.

Answer: Contrary to popular belieft, Medigap plans can be changed throughout the year. You can also change them when moving to a different state throughout the year if desired.

Answer: Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) can help people with limited income cover their Medicare premiums, deductibles and other costs like co-insurance. This is also known as a Medicare Buy-In program.

Eligibility can be vary by state. Extra help with Medicare Part D drug costs can by applied for simultaneously with the MSP. Income and resources can also vary by state, however most states use income and resource limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Types of MSPs include:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) which helps pay for Part A and B premiums, and covers cost- sharing for Medicare-covered services.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) which helps pay for Part B premiums.

Qualified Individual (QI) which helps pay for Part B premiums.

Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) which helps part Part A premiums for individuals under age 65 who a disabled and have returned to work recently.

You can apply through your State Medical Assistance office (Medicaid).

Answer: Life insurance can provide a tax advantaged way to pass on wealth and lower your final expense costs without financial risk.

Answer: Seniors often don't realize that long-term care coverage is not typically covered by Medicare plans.

Answer: If your doctors are considered in network on an HMO style Medicare Advantage plan, you may keep them. If you choose a PPO style Medicare Advantage plan, you may go in and out of network, but should realize that if you go out of network, the cost to see that doctor will be higher than staying in network.

Answer: Longterm, I believe having a Medicare supplement plan, paired with a separate dental and vision plan is the most cost effective way to structure your Medicare coverage.

If you're willing to have cost sharing through deductibles, copays and coinsurance, and are willing to deal with network restrictions, Medicare Advantage plans can also offer a cost effective way to structure your Medicare.

What you need to realize is that if you start out with a Medicare Advantage plan and later down the line want to switch to a supplement plan years later, you'll be subject to medical underwriting, which puts you at risk of being declined for pre-existing conditions.

Answer: While we do not offer in person events, our website's blog page has helpful articles about Medicare basics, including comparisons between Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as prescription drug plan information.

We also offer live pricing and plan details and instant enrollment options on our website's pages for Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans, giving you a way to read about the products, then go and sign up or shop pricing and coverage details.

If you need one-on-one assistance, you can also schedule a call or virtual meeting with an experienced agent for further product support.