Keith McCarthy, Medicare Insurance Agent
Keith McCarthy
Martin & Associates
Medicare Agent Licensed in CA
Contact Details
-
Location
Pasadena, CA
Keith Can Help With:
About Me
Keith McCarthy has been providing Medicare insurance coverage to clients (both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage (Part C), as well as Part D prescription drug coverage since 2016. As an independent agent he represents over twelve companies. Keith's method is to carefully listen to your needs, ask questions, provide you with the information and explanations necessary; and help you make the choice of a plan that best meets your health needs and your budget needs. "I like providing Medicare insurance because I like helping people".
Q&A with Keith McCarthy
What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?
Answer: No, it is not enough.
Medicare Part B provides partial coverage for payments for visits to doctors and specialists (not a hospital - that's Part A); most, but not all lab work (like x-rays, blood tests, etc.); outpatient surgery; chemotherapy, and ambulance.
However: Medicare Part B (1) pays 80% of costs, you pay the remainder. (2) Medicare Part B has an annual deductible for which you are responsible, which is $283 in 2026.
This complexity is a very good reason for you to speak with an independent agent who, at no cost to you, can work with you to assess your needs and budget and provide additional insurance that can address most of these costs.
Are there any pointers or suggestions when looking over my ANOC (Annual Notice of Change)?
Answer: Great question! Every person should scrutinize their ANOC - but not many are even aware that they receive it, let alone, review it.
I discovered that my deductible for Tier 4 drugs (like Eliquis!) went from $0 last year to $250 this year! --The ANOC is a perfect example of "the devil is in the details".
It may also be the opportunity to change plans. For example, In California, when your insurer makes changes that exceed a certain per centage, you may be able to move from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplemental plan without going through the medical questions in underwriting.
I'm confused by all the star ratings for Medicare plans. Do they actually mean anything for the care I'll receive?
Answer: Much of Medicare is confusing once the veneer is peeled back! Star ratings are issued by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (cms.gov), the federal government's department in charge of Medicare. Plans are reviewed annually, and the star-ratings are updated every calendar year.
Star ratings do not apply to Medicare Supplement plans. They apply only to Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans, and Part D (Prescription Drug) plans.
Yes, the star ratings can be helpful in choosing a plan. Star ratings are part of a matrix of considerations you have which include cost, and the choice of doctors and facilities.
What is the best way to compare Medicare plans for my parents?
Answer: This is a good question, but a very general question. There is a great amount of information to sift through - for example, your parents age, location (zip code), health condition, prescription lists, and so on. The best way to compare Medicare plans is to contact an agent and have that person carefully walk through the issues with you.
What happens to my Medicare coverage if I enter a skilled nursing facility for rehab but then need long-term care?
Answer: Good question - this is a difficult question that many seniors may face. Generally speaking, Medicare does not cover long-term care.
If specific medical coverage is needed, Medicare should cover that - but long-term care is a separate expense.
Separate insurance exists for long-term care, and it is quite expensive. In fact, if you're already in need of long-term care, probably no insurer will cover that. The possibility of long-term care is something that all people need to consider in planning for the future.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: At first glance, Medicare appears to be quite simple and easy to enroll. While there is some truth to that idea, in fact, you have an array of choices - and consequences - in selecting your (Medicare) health insurance. There are many insurers available, many plans available, and different time periods that may allow you to make changes (or not).
This is why using a licensed, independent health insurance whom you can trust is extremely helpful.
Amazingly, you pay nothing to your agent for his/her assistance. Agents are compensated by the insurers, based upon the enrollments. An agent has your best interests in mind. Agents have volumes of information about Medicare plans and their subtleties available to them, in order to benefit you.