Katie Hutchison, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: You want to check the difference between each year. If you are not satisfied with the changes you can reach out to your agent or an insurance agent specializing in Medicare. Especially look at your drug costs and the maximum out of pocket as well as yhe deductible.

Answer: Yes you can get some extra benefits with a CSNP, Chronic special needs plan. There are many different plan options. Each plan is different, you want to make sure the plan you choose is in the network where live and get your care.

Answer: Yes you can contact the company and ask fir information on there savings program or you can call Medicare for more help on your prescriptions.

Answer: Palliative care manages the pain, symptoms, and stress of any serious illness at any stage, and can be given alongside curative treatment. Hospice care is a specialized form of palliative care reserved for the end of life (typically a prognosis of six months or less) where curative treatments are stopped

Medicare pays through Part A , Part B and Part C.

Answer: Part B premium depends on each person's income. Most will pay the minimum, which for 2026 is $202.90. If you have much higher income for the previous 2 years, then your premium will be based on that income. Always best to talk with an agent. You could also receive a letter letting you know if your income was higher and what you could be paying.

Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans have a zero premium. You must still pay your Part B premiums every month. Medicare Advantage plans are pay-as-you-go; you will pay co-pays OR coinsurance for services such as seeing a specialist, hospital stay, outpatient surgery, some labs, testing, etc. Most plans have a zero copay for seeing your PCP.

Advantage plans also have added extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing and some over-the-counter, and most have a built-in Part D with separate prices. Always check with an agent.

Answer: No, you only get one, yours or his; you would have to call and see which one you will be entitled to.

Answer: You should contact a local agent and review your current plan with other plans in the area to see what is the best fit for you.

Answer: Yes, you can receive Medicare benefits if you have never worked or paid into the system. You must be 65, a US citizen, or legal resident for 5+ years. You will have to pay a monthly premium for your Part A. You can also qualify for premium-free Part A through a spouse's work record, a qualifying disability or a specific medical condition.

Answer: IRMAA is based on the previous second year, such as, for 2026, your tax bracket would be based on your 2024 taxes. It would affect your Part B premium.

Single filing, your max is 106,000; married filing joint, your max is 212,000.

If you made more than the max amounts, you would be subjected to pay higher Part B premium.

Answer: IRMAA is based on the prior two years, such as if you are charged IRMAA it will be based on your 2024 income. Once your income comes down, it will change. If your income was based on selling a home, but you put that income back into another home, then you can appeal the action by filling out a form.

Answer: Yes, they are, but most of those policies are geared to a specific chronic illness, such as heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. I would be happy to look at your policy and compare. There are also other policies that have more grocery benefits, but higher out-of-pocket cost.

Answer: I enjoy helping educate people in the Medicare world. It's very confusing, and I can take the confusing out so people can have a better understanding about Medicare.

Answer: Yes, they are covered; the fee depends on what Advantage plan you have. If you have Original Medicare with a supplement, it would be covered; without a supplement, your cost would be 20%.

Answer: It depends on the company you have your Part D with.

Yes, some do, but the tier that they are on could vary depending on insurance company; some companies may not cover it.

Answer: It depends on your situation. Do you use it? You can switch to another company; you would have to ask an agent about the birthday rule in your area. If you have lots of medical problems, then yes, it could be worth it, but if you are very healthy and only go to the doctor once a year, then it may not be worth it.

Answer: You can go to Humana, go to the bottom, on the right side under Member Services, click on Complaints and Appeals. There you can file a complaint or a grievance about your situation. You can also call Customer Support and ask them why the charges are so high.

Answer: Having an agent in your corner will make the process not so scary; they can answer your questions, do research for you and make sure that you have the plan that will fit your life, cover all your prescriptions, and you can keep your Doctors.