Kim Humphries, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: As long as you have power of attorney for them. Otherwise, you should be welcome to sit in on the appointments (with the Medicare advisor) so you can help them understand their Medicare options. Kim H.

Answer: No one should be "pushing" anything on you. Agents are supposed to educate and help you choose based on your unique needs. Medicare plans are unique to each person, not "one size fits all." If you are talking about the call centers that call you on the phone or the Television ads, please do not respond to those! Agents are not allowed to call you and try to sell you an advantage plan. Kim H

Answer: Medicare Advantage is not "free", it is "pay as you go" and in some areas there are premiums for Advantage plans. Supplement is pay every month whether you use it or not. Its a personal preference really. There are as many opinions as there are people. Tell your neighbor that Medicare is not "one size fits all", it is very personalized to each person and their medical conditions, income levels, zip code and various other things to take into consideration. Some people feel like supplement is better because you stay on original Medicare and do not have to worry about networks and what the plans are doing from year to year; but not everyone can afford those plans. Its a very personal decision for each person. Kim H.

Answer: You can, you will be speaking to a call center representative and you will only hear what that carrier has to offer. If you call a broker you will have the opportunity to compare many companies and find the right fit for YOU. Brokers work for YOU. The call center rep at the "carrier" works for the insurance company and will try to sell you on their product whether its good for you or not. Kim H.

Answer: Yes, there are no "penalties" if you choose to go back. You always have "original Medicare" that pays 80% of your costs. When you first turn 65, you have a choice to stay on original Medicare with a supplement or choose Advantage. If you choose the advantage, you can drop the plan and go back to original Medicare each year between Oct 15th and Dec. 7th. It's the SUPPLEMENT that is hard to get back on, just depending. 1.) When you turn 65, you have "guaranteed issue" rights to be on a supplement plan without going through underwriting. 2.) If your advantage plan drops you, you have another opportunity for "guaranteed issue" and can get a supplement without question. 3.) If you choose the supplement first, and want to try an advantage plan in the fall, you have a year to try it; if you do not like it, you can go back to the Supplement on "guarantee rights" again. "Your Trial Right". So you have several opportunities to go to a supplement plan, you just have to understand how it works, so you can make smart choices for yourself. Also, later in life, you can drop your Advantage plan, go back to original Medicare, and ASK for a Supplement Plan, but you will have to go through underwriting, and if you have any medical issues or preexisting conditions, they will not take you. However, Advantage Plans do not have "underwriting," they take everyone, it doesn't matter what their medical conditions. Hope this helps..... Kim Humphries

Answer: If you are on an advantage plan, your "Annual Notice of Changes" will arrive in the mail or via email inbox in September. Do not ignore, read it and keep up with the plan changes each year. Call your agent and ask questions. Advantage plans can change every year. Kim Humphries

Answer: The only bad advantage plan is one that you do NOT understand or one that was "pushed" on you by a telemarketer; who doesn't know your doctors or your area where you live. The advantage plans are unique to each individual and should be changed as your health needs change. They are great for some people, but not all. Advantage plans tend to change every couple of years or every year. They are more work then "supplement" insurance because you, as the beneficiary need to always stay on top of what is happening with your plan. Often times folks tend to ignore all the paper work that comes in the mail from your insurance company; really bad idea if you are on an advantage plan. Open your mail, read your bills and work with a local agent who has your best interest in mind. All the "bells & whistles" may sound great, but if they are not imputing your doctors in the system and showing you the different plans available, then they are not acting in your best interest. Kim Humphries

Answer: Have your parent (or you) make an appointment with a local licensed agent/broker. A broker is an agent that has several companies they work with, so they can help you compare the different plans. The broker will have you make a list of your prescriptions so that he/she can check and compare the costs and formularies. Kim H.

Answer: Working with a local agent allows you to build a relationship with that agent/broker who will have your best interests in mind. Sitting down with an agent allows you to see the plans in your area and make sure your doctors and hospitals are in your network. Agents in a "call center" do not meet you and do not know the plans in your area as well as your own agent in your area. I would love to be your local agent if you are in my area of SW Florida. Kim Humphries

Answer: You will need to get with an agent who can check your prescriptions for you. It depends on the tier level and whether they will allow an exception from the Doctor. Some of them will. They might also ask you for "step therapy" first. Step therapy is when the drug plan asks you to try a less expensive drug first before they will allow the exception. Kim H. Bonita Springs, FL

Answer: Rural areas can still have a variety of plans. The best way to find out is to get with an agent in the state you are moving to, they would be happy to discuss with you I am sure. Kim Humphries Bonita Springs, Florida

Answer: Yes, Medicare will pay 80% of your costs and your plan G picks up the other 20%. It doesn't matter how long you have had it. Kim H.

Answer: If you are talking about those commercials on TV...... in a way yes, if you are on Medicaid you MIGHT qualify to receive food assistance. Its only for folks who are on Medicare & Medicaid. The way it actually works is you apply for Medicaid and then a Medicare Agent such as myself can change your Medicare plan to a plan that has food and/or utilities assistance included. So it seems like Medicare pays for it but it really does not. The "plan" will get the money from the state and then the "plan" gives it to you on a type of credit or debit card. Let me know if you have anymore questions or want help with qualifying.

Kim Humphries

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