Kirk Doris, Medicare Insurance Broker
Kirk Doris
Medicare Simplified KC
Medicare Broker Licensed in MO, FL, KS, MD and OK
Contact Details
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Location
Independence, MO
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Phone
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Website
About Me
30 yrs insurance industry experience with over 13 years concentrated in Medicare. Service Disabled Retired Air Force Veteran with expansive knowledge of TricCare and Veterans Administration benefits. I speak Veteran! 84% of my new business is referral based and I look forward to helping you however I can.
Q&A with Kirk Doris
I just got a $300 bill for an ambulance ride I thought was covered. Am I the only one who didn't know Medicare doesn't pay for all emergency transport?
Answer: Your financial responsibility for emergency transport is dependent on your type of Medicare coverage. If you have a Medicare supplemental plan or Medicare Advantage plan, your responsibility could be far less dependent on the terms or your coverage. In either case, you should want until you receive your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) before rendering any payment.
I’m overwhelmed by conflicting advice on when to claim Social Security. Should I take it early at 62, wait for full retirement age, or delay until 70?
Answer: Many struggle with this question as they approach eligibility for social security retirement. The best advise is to consult your trusted financial advisor. Everyone's situation is different.
What are disadvantages of PPO?
Answer: PPO programs are generally the most popular options among seniors electing to use Medicare Advantage plans. The PPO options allows the freedom to seek care from a provider not contracted with the host carrier at a higher cost to the subscriber. Generally the only disadvantage is a higher monthly premium for the plan along with elevated costs when seeking care from a non-contracted provider
I'm on a supplemental Plan N, and I'm curious if my recent MRI is covered or if I'll get stuck with a big bill.
Answer: Medicare Supplement plan N provides benefits for all Medicare approved services to include diagnostic imaging such as an MRI. Plan N covers out-patient care at 100% after the yearly Part B deductible has been met. The Part B deductible for 2025 is $257.00.
I picked a PPO for the flexibility, but now every time I go out of network the bills are outrageous. What's the point of even having a PPO?
Answer: It appears from your question that you elected to enroll in a Medicare Advantage PPO offering. A principal consideration when reviewing Medicare Advantage offers is if the providers you typically utilize are in the plan network. Although PPO options afford a member the ability to seek care from an noncontracted provider - the member is responsible for a much higher copay or co-insurance for that care as well as a significantly higher maximum out of pocket exposure.
I've been paying into Medicare for years, and I'm not sure why my specialist visits still cost me so much. What am I missing here?
Answer: What you pay for services with Medicare is dependent upon what coverage (if any) you have in addition to regular Medicare. If you only have part A & part B of Medicare your outpatient care is subject to a yearly deductible and then 20% co-insurance of the Medicare allowed amount in your area. If you have either a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage program your responsibly under those programs would differ on the plan you were enrolled in.