Kris Neupauer, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: What I love most about being a Medicare broker is the opportunity to truly make a difference in people's lives. I know how overwhelming Medicare can be—there’s so much information to sort through, and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where I come in. Being able to guide someone through that maze, offering clarity and peace of mind, is incredibly rewarding.

It’s not just about finding the right plan; it’s about understanding each person’s unique needs and making sure they get the coverage that works for them. I really enjoy building those personal connections and knowing I’ve helped someone feel confident about their healthcare choices.

Plus, I love staying on top of the latest changes in healthcare, so I can offer the best options and make sure my clients are always in the know.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans often get marketed as "free," the reality is while they usually don’t have a monthly premium (or a very low one), that doesn’t mean they’re actually free. You still have to pay your Part B premium, which for 2025 is $174.70 per month (the standard Medicare fee). And there could be other costs involved, like co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

The reason they’re advertised as “free” is because they often offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. But all those perks come with some trade-offs. It’s really about understanding what you're getting, and sometimes the savings you think you're getting can be balanced out by the costs you might face when you need care.

Bottom line: you might save money up front, but it’s always important to dig into the details and see if the plan actually fits your needs and budget in the long run.

Answer: Medicare doesn’t talk to your psychiatrist and therapist for you, but both of them can still get paid by Medicare for helping you. You just need to keep track of your appointments with both.

So, Medicare helps you pay for both your psychiatrist and therapist, but you might still have to pay some of the money yourself. It’s a good idea to check with your doctors to make sure everything is covered

Answer: What I like best about working with Medicare clients is they remind me of my mother, father and grandparents and I treat them as such. I love knowing that when we work together, you are in the best situation for your health and financial needs.

Answer: It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone—lots of people have this same issue. It just means you might have to do a little extra searching to find a dentist who accepts your plan. That's where I will come in. I will either have a list of dentist in your area that work with an Advantage plan if you choose one or, I will do the work for you IF you chose an Advantage plan.

Answer: California, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon and Washington have the birthday rule and the birthday rule means that within 30 days of your birthday, if you are on a Medigap plan, you can switch a plan to the same or lesser coverage with No underwriting—meaning they can’t deny you coverage based on health issues.

Answer: Do not look to do this on your own. Get advice that gives you options and choices from as many providers you can to ensure it's based solely on your health needs and financial situation.

Answer: The $2,000 out-of-pocket cap is a major step forward for seniors. It provides a clear limit on how much you’ll spend on medications each year and ensures that those with high prescription drug costs won’t be burdened with endless out-of-pocket expenses. This cap will especially help those on expensive medications or those with chronic conditions who need a lot of prescriptions. It offers greater predictability, affordability, and peace of mind for seniors, making their medications more accessible and reducing financial stress.

Answer: Well what is the surgery? That is the only way we can properly assess coverage. If the surgery is medically necessary (like cataract or glaucoma surgery), it’s likely to be covered, but there could still be out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance. If the surgery is elective (like LASIK), it probably won’t be covered by your Medicare Advantage plan. Make sure to check with both your Medicare Advantage provider and the surgical center to understand exactly what will be covered and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Answer: Thinking strictly with their pocket book and ignoring health issues. The first thing that needs to be assessed is your health and then finances. When you do that, you will make a much more informed decision.

Answer: You I haven't made a mistake but it's one of the trade offs that comes with not having a premium or having a very low premium. The important thing to do is make sure you're working with a agent or a broker who can provide you with multiple options and they review your plan with you annually making sure that if you're on an advantage plan and you might think that it is time to switch to a supplement, they will give you the best advice on the next steps, if eligible.

Answer: Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preferences, your level of comfort with technology, and how hands-on you want your Medicare agent to be in guiding you through the process. In my opinion, local is the one that gets the nod since they know your communities.

Answer: It's a great question. I want to make sure that I understand what you're looking for specifically, what alternative treatments are you looking for?

Answer: This is a great question. The easiest and straightforward answer is never try to figure out Medicare, Medicare supplement or advantage plans on your own. You need an agent or a broker.

Answer: They think that Medicare covers everything and they have nothing to worry about. There is nothing further from the truth. This is why you need a agent or a broker to guide you through.

Answer: This is always an individualized answer. Not to be coy, but there are a few questions that have to be asked. First, for someone to go into a medicare advantage plan, we're a medicare supplement plan to make sure that it is going to give you the results you're looking for as your priority. If you have perfect health today and for the rest of your life, then an advantage plan will definitely save you money. And in some cases where you are

In need of moderate doctoring or medical issues, they can still save you money. But beyond a shadow of a doubt, if you get very sick. A Medicare supplement plan will always be the better option. When you weigh everything out. This is why, looking at going into Medicare. All your own is never a good idea. And you should always have help from a licensed medicare, broker or agent.