Kelli Callihan Ostrander, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: The last six months, Medicare has been very difficult to communicate with. I would be happy to help answer your questions. Where are you located?

Answer: I like everything about being a Medicare specialist. It is very fulfilling to help guide people through this confusing maze of choices.

Answer: Yes, I have come across several situation in my 20 years experience where power of attorney was very important. I would advise people to get one in place before you think it is necessary. Without it Medical decisions are much more difficult.

Answer: Many of the Medicare Advantage plans come with a lot of extra benefits that are useful. I just caution people to pay attention to the maximum out-of-pocket amount for each plan and not be swayed into a choice because it has a lot of benefits that they may not need or even use.

Answer: You earn Medicare Part A coverage through years of working so there is no cost to it. There is a premium associated with Part B, most people who earn an average income pay $185/month. Please keep in mind that Original Medicare Parts A and B only cover 80% of your medical costs. Did you enroll in a plan to help you cover the other 20% ? I am happy to help guide you through your choices. Feel free to reach out. Kind regards, Kelli Ostrander

Answer: The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a new payment option for Medicare Part D enrollees that allows them to pay for their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs in monthly installments throughout the year, rather than all at once at the pharmacy. This program aims to help individuals manage their prescription drug costs by spreading them out over a longer period.

Answer: With Plan F coverage there is no copay for ER visits or any other medical services. You have the most comprehensive Medigap plan available.

Answer: Yes, Medicare Part B generally covers Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for individuals with diabetes who meet specific criteria. Medicare classifies CGMs as durable medical equipment and covers them when deemed medically necessary by a healthcare professional.

Answer: One of the biggest frustrations Medicare agents face is the lack of understanding among clients about the differences between Social Security and Medicare, and the enrollment process. Many clients mistakenly believe that they are automatically enrolled in Medicare at the same time as Social Security, or they are confused about the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D).

Answer: Life insurance is a crucial component of a well-rounded financial plan, offering a safety net for loved ones and helping to achieve various financial goals. It provides a financial cushion to cover expenses like debt repayment, final expenses, and income replacement in the event of the policyholder's death. Additionally, some life insurance policies offer cash value accumulation, which can be accessed for loans or retirement income, and can also be used for estate planning and charitable giving.

Answer: Yes, guaranteed issue rights for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies are available outside of the Medicare Open Enrollment period in certain situations. While the Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 – December 7) allows for changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, it doesn't guarantee the right to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. Guaranteed issue rights for Medigap policies are tied to specific situations, such as losing coverage from employer-sponsored insurance, a Medicare Advantage plan, or certain other circumstances.

Answer: Original Medicare covers hospital care and doctor visits in all 50 U.S. states and its territories, as long as providers accept Medicare.

Certain Medicare Advantage plans also provide state-to-state coverage, but some limit coverage to a defined service area.

Your Medicare coverage may be very limited while you're traveling to a foreign place, even in an emergency.

Answer: Medicare does not fully cover nursing home care. While it may cover some short-term skilled nursing facility (SNF) care following a hospital stay, it generally does not cover long-term custodial care, which is the type of care most people need in a nursing home. There are alternatives to consider, such as Medicaid, private pay, and long-term care insurance.