Kim Acacio, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: There are very specific enrollment windows, and they vary depending on your particular situation. If you think you missed your window, get in contact with a Licensed Agent in your area and they may be able to help, or at least clarify. Missing your Medicare enrollment window is different than you Supplement / Part D / Medicare Advantage window.

Know your enrollment periods or you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period and potentially have a lapse in coverage.

Answer: Medicare Advantage Plans are offered in either PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or HMO (Heath Maintenance Organization). The PPO generally offers coverage for out of network, but at a higher cost than in network. HMO plans often offer no coverage out of network.

The flexibility of a PPO is great, but you always want to try to stay in network for best coverage.

Answer: Medicare Part D can be either a Stand Alone Rx plan, or can be built into a Medicare Advantage plan. You can not have both. You can add a Stand Alone Part D plan to your Medicare A & B, or if you have a supplement (ie: Plan F / Plan G / Plan N etc). Many Medicare Advantage plans offer Rx coverage, be sure to verify with your agent.

Answer: Some Medicare Advantage plans have a Zero-Premium, but that does not mean Zero-Cost. You will generally have co-pays for medical care and prescriptions. Co-Pays vary by plan, so make sure to understand your plan and potential costs to you.

Answer: Annual visit is generally considered preventative care, and can be covered in full. Sometimes the doctor bills the visit differently if the care offered was different than just an annual visit. Also, providers will send you a copy of the invoice sent on your behalf to Medicare. Check with your doctor and ask why you are getting billed for an annual visit.

Answer: Meet with a Licensed Agent in your area, remember, there is never a fee to meet with an agent. That agent will ask for a list of your doctors and medications, and compare them to the plans available in your area. Together you review the plans, benefits and network of doctors to find a good fit for you.

Answer: Medicare offers Star Ratings that you should certainly consider. From there, your Licensed Agent can offer additional industry input and help you research the stability of the carriers offering the plans you are looking at.

Answer: Your best option is to meet with a Licensed Agent in your area. The agent will ask for a list of medications and compare to plans available in your area. Premiums vary on Rx plans and that premium should be considered when reviewing total cost of your medications.

Answer: Annual Enrollment runs Oct 15 - Dec 7; during this time you may make changes. There are other enrollment opportunities available if you move to a new area, move into/out of residential living, as well as other Special Enrollment Periods. Contact a local, Licensed Agent in your area to find out your options.

Answer: Each year Medicare Advantage plans change, some people see better benefits than others. Alway review your plan each year, and any other options available in your area. Plans vary by each county, within each state.

Answer: Because there is never a fee to meet with a Licensed Agent, you certainly can meet with multiple agents. The goal is to find a cohesive partner that wants to help you review the available plans, and match to your needs. Medicare regulations do not allow for "mark-up", every agent has the same plan at the same price.

Answer: Selecting a Licensed Agent is like choosing a partner in your coverage. Someone that spends the time to get to know you and truly cares about finding the best plan with you, and not whatever is quick and easy. Healthcare companies all have their own attributes, a good agent with help match you to a plan that works with your individual needs.

Answer: Generally speaking, Medicare covers preventative care and screenings. Always verify your plan to ensure your coverage before incurring medical costs.

Answer: First - There is never a fee to work with an agent. When you work with a Licensed Agent, you have an advocate. Find an agent in your area; that persons knows the plans and care environment to best help you. Establishing that relationship offers you a person to call or sit down with and in turn, that agent should be watching out for you as plans change. When you work with a call center, you will most likely never speak to the same person twice, and you often get mixed messages.

Answer: In the Medicare Advantage world, they are network based. If you make the choice to use an out of network facility, then you are subject to your plan out-of-network benefits. Some plans offer out-of-network coverage at a different rate than in-network, while others do not offer coverage at all if you are out of network. Always know your network.