Kelly Allen, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: They can be beneficial - If you attended, you most likely had some questions you were looking for answers to. It should have also brought up new questions you hadn't thought of yet. Always have a one-on-one conversation with several Medicare Agents and work with the one that you feel has your interest at heart:)

Answer: Having the knowledge to relay the information of "How Medicare Works" in a simplified manner so everyone can understand it. Most people tend to overthink what they are "Entitled" to and "Eligible" for and how to receive the most comprehensive options available to them.

Answer: A SOA needs to be completed by the Licensed Agent regardless of location of client. Administrative staff cannot complete a Scope of Appointment on behalf of an Agent.

Answer: That depends, if you have worked up to forty quarters and are entitled to Medicare Part A with or without a cost. If you are eligible for Part B of Medicare, you can defer it if you are still working and have employer group health coverage. If you are still working and have creditable prescription drug coverage through an employer group health plan you won't be charged by Medicare a LEP (Late Enrollment Penalty). Always let Social Security know what you have for health coverage and what you are deferring at least three months before turning sixty-five.

Answer: I believe Medicare Advantage plans will start offering more digital health tools. Not only by the year 2030, but digitally adding what their customers consistently ask for year by year.

Answer: The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has been reducing the cost slowly over time. I regret having to say that those Caps will increase over time as well.

Answer: The most common misconception I hear about Medicare is that it will cost them less money once they have that red white and blue card. What people don't realize or understand are charges and surcharges that are placed on Medicare Part A (for some people) Medicare Part B monthly charges and IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) for higher income earners which dates back two years from the time you become eligible for Medicare. Don't forget about Late Enrollment Penalties that can be added monthly. Also there is no "cap" as to what your Medical expenses could be. Medicare has an 80/20 coinsurance split. Meaning Medicare pays 80% of the bill and you pay the remaining 20% of the bill. Most people think, that's not too bad when seeing a Doctor they go to once or twice a year but what about the Critical Illnesses that bring you to the hospital and if you had a helicopter ride to get there. That would bankrupt most people.

Answer: Yes, two years before you retire, you could have done things to help reduce your Cost with Medicare. I would suggest creating an account on SSA.GOV if you haven't already and familiarize yourself with your account and within six months of turning sixty-five apply for Part A and Part B. I mention Part A (although most people automatically qualify because they have worked and paid into the system for 10 years and or 40 quarters). Never disqualify human error and confirm Part A for yourself as well.

Answer: The system in which Doctor's accept new or existing patients has changed over the years. It's up to the Doctor to only accept referrals by a Primary Care Doctor or another Specialist Doctor. If you are already a patient, you shouldn't need a referral depending on the length of time it's been since your last visit. This applies to not only PPO's but HMO's or any other type of Network of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Answer: Your Medicare representative should have made you aware. Each Prescription Drug Plan has Formularies, short for list of Medicine within that Drug Plan. Each plan has or could have different Medications that are on the formulary and rules that pertain to that medication.

Answer: There are ways to help your Parents feel supported in making any decisions regarding Healthcare. First, review all of your options. Second, consider the costs associated with each option. Sleep on the option you feel is most appropriate to the individual's situation and upon waking if you don't have that "wrong" feeling in your gut, then it's most likely the decision that is optimal for you at this time.