Kim Gibas, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: This is the most common question when enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

After reviewing both plan types and your specific needs, there is usually a clear and decisive answer to your question. It’s just important that you review both plan types and take your personal needs into consideration when making your decision, and remember its your choice not your friend or neighbors, everyone is different.

Answer: In most cases yes it will. You can easily go to Medicare.gov and search your prescriptions and compare the part D plans in your area, and/or call a Medicare Broker.

Answer: Typically, if you’re dissatisfied with your plan, you have a couple options when you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan; Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7), and Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 - Mar. 31). Generally speaking, dissatisfaction is not a qualification for Special Enrollment Period.

Answer: If your insulin costs have increased despite the IRA's provisions, it could be due to the specific insulin not being covered at the capped rate or other factors such as plan design or changes in the plans formularies . Reviewing your Part D plan's coverage annually during Annual Enrollment Period, 10/15 - 12/7, may help manage these costs, and by reaching out to a Licensed Medicare Broker or by going onto Medicare.gov drug lookup tool to ensure your not stuck with a Part D plan that does not work for you.

Answer: Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy as preventive care for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Although, individuals with pre diabetes, Medicare does not cover medical nutrition therapy directly.

Answer: That’s a great question! If you’ve been on disability for 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled on the 25th month. You can then look into Medicare Advantage plans to add additional coverages.

Answer: When you move out of the service area, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows you to switch back to Original Medicare or enroll in a new plan.

Answer: No original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plan offer coverage for hearing aids, the coverage varies by plan.

Answer: I’m sorry to hear that, but no worries. You can order a new card from Medicare.gov, by logging into your account and request a replacement.

Answer: That’s a great question. It's fantastic that you're looking into your options for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period. Switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) can be a beneficial choice for many beneficiaries, as it often combines health coverage and prescription drug benefits in one plan.

First, make sure you understand the difference between your plan and a Medicare Advantage plan, think about what you like and dislike about your current coverage. Are there specific doctors or medications you want to keep or change?

Next compare Available MAPD Plans: During AEP, which runs from October 15 to December 7, you can explore different MAPD options that are available in your area. Look for plans that cover your medications, have a good network of doctors, and benefits that you are interested in.

After that, use the Medicare Plan Finder on the official Medicare website to compare plans. Additionally, I can help guide you through available options and answer any questions.

Lastly, when you find a plan that fits your needs, you can enroll directly through the plan's website, by calling their customer service, or I can assist you with the enrollment process.

Remember, you have a one time safeguard, if you want to switch back to your Medicare Supplement plan, you can do so within a certain time frame.

If you have specific plans in mind or need assistance comparing options, feel free to ask!

Answer: Hopefully I can clear up some of your confusion. Original Medicare covers comprehensive preventative screenings for early detection such as:

Cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate

Cardiovascular screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease behavior therapy

Bone mass measurements

Diabetes screenings

Glaucoma screenings

And many more.

If you would like to discuss this in more detail, please feel free to call me.

Answer: The worst decision I would say is not doing your research and understanding the difference between a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plan BEFORE you enroll in a plan. Do your due diligence and meet with an Independent Broker for an unbiased evaluation.

Answer: If you’re unsure about what’s covered and not covered, you can review your benefits online or call the toll free number for clarification.

Answer: I can’t say that Medicare agents believe this myth, but most people think they can get Medicare when they take Social Security early, like age 62.

Answer: A zero-premium plan is just that—you won’t be billed monthly for the plan itself. However, you should still expect out-of-pocket costs for things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles when you receive care.

So while the monthly premium is zero, it's important to consider these other costs when evaluating whether the plan fits your budget.

I’m here to help you understand all the potential costs, so you can make an informed choice that works for you!"

Answer: As a Medicare agent, what I love most is the opportunity to help people navigate the complexities of their Medicare options. Solving the Medicare “jigsaw puzzle” for my clients brings me great satisfaction. Each person's health care needs and financial situations are unique, and I enjoy tailoring solutions that best fit their specific needs.

Ultimately, I find fulfillment in empowering seniors to understand their options, helping them secure the best coverage for their needs, and giving them peace of mind as they navigate their healthcare journey.

Answer: In 2025, the Medicare Part D coverage gap, commonly known as the "donut hole," has been eliminated, and a significant change is the introduction of a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Here’s how you can manage your medication costs effectively.

The M3P, or the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan for 2025, is designed to provide a structured way to manage prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

By leveraging this strategy, you can effectively manage your medication costs and benefit from the improved structure of Part D in 2025. If you would like personalized support or further exploration of your options, feel free to reach out!

Answer: As a Medicare agent, I can help you understand whether Medicare Advantage plans can save seniors money in the long run.

Ultimately, whether a Medicare Advantage plan saves money depends on your individual health needs and circumstances. I will complete an analysis to help you determine which plan is right for you!

Answer: As a Medicare agent, I can help you determine if a Hospital Indemnity plan is right for you.

We’ll evaluate your health care needs and financial situation to see if this plan is suitable for you, especially if you have a history of frequent hospital stays.

I’m here to guide you in comparing options and ensuring you understand how a Hospital Indemnity plan fits into your Medicare strategy.

Feel free to reach out for a consultation to ensure you have the right coverage!

Answer: There are specifically designed plans to provide enhanced care for individuals with chronic conditions, including dementia. They often offer additional resources and support tailored to manage these complex health needs.

Home Health Care Coverage: Just like traditional Medicare, chronic condition plans may cover certain home health care services if they are deemed medically necessary. This can include skilled nursing care, therapy services, and home health aide services.

Chronic condition plans often provide additional care coordination and support services that can help those with dementia. This could include monitoring and assistance in managing health conditions, along with access to resources for family caregivers.

If you're looking for specific information about available plan options in your area or need assistance with enrollment, please feel free to reach out!

Answer: Choosing a Medicare plan can be overwhelming. A licensed Medicare agent can simply the process and help you make an informed decision for your health and budget. Here are some key reasons to consider working with one:

1. Help compare plans objectively

2. They understand the local market rules and options

3. They save you time and stress

4. There’s no additional cost to you

5. They provide ongoing support

6. They help you avoid costly mistakes

7. An independent broker, like myself, act in your best interest, as we are not tied to just one insurance company.

Answer: You’ve raised an important question-because Medicare Supplement pricing and availability depend heavily on zip code, state, length of time in the market, and availability for discounts (including household discounts), there really is no one or two-size-fits-all or “best” company. That said, in my experience-and based on industry data and consumer reviews-some carriers tend to perform more reliably than others for many applicants.

I’m happy to help explore options for you.