Kristin Ingram, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Medicare may cover a home health aide for a limited time after surgery, but only if you're receiving skilled home health care ordered by your doctor. The aide's services must be part of a Medicare-covered home health plan and are generally limited to personal care (such as bathing and dressing) while you're also receiving skilled nursing or therapy. Medicare does not typically cover ongoing custodial care or full-time in-home assistance if that's the only care you need.

Answer: Not necessarily. Medigap is often a good choice for people who travel frequently because it provides broad access to Medicare providers nationwide without network restrictions. The tradeoff is higher monthly premiums.

While Medicare Advantage plans usually cost less, they often have network limitations. If you're considering dropping Medigap to save money, be aware that it may be difficult or expensive to get it back later. For someone now on hospice, it's worth reviewing whether the premium still provides enough value for your situation.

Answer: If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and have elected hospice, you generally do not need Part B in order to receive Medicare hospice benefits. Medicare's hospice benefit is covered under Part A, and eligibility for hospice requires Part A, not Part B.

You cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without being enrolled in both Part A and Part B. Original Medicare is defined as Part A plus Part B, and Medicare Advantage requires Part B enrollment.

Likewise, Medigap policies are designed to supplement Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Without Part B, Medigap options are generally not available in the usual way.

If your primary concern is continuing hospice care that is already in place, Part A alone is sufficient for the hospice benefit itself.

Answer: If enrolled during Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) and switched plans: your new coverage typically starts January 1.

Answer: No, your Medigap insurer cannot terminate your policy because all standardized plans are guaranteed renewable. As long as you pay your premiums on time and did not lie on your application, your coverage will continue, regardless of your health status.

Answer: If you already have Medicare because of disability, you usually do not need to sign up again when you turn 65. Your coverage will automatically continue, and you’ll simply transition from disability-based Medicare to age-based Medicare. You may be able to change your plan and/or purchase a Medigap plan when you turn 65.

Answer: Medicare does not cover long-term “maintenance” chiropractic care once the spine is stabilized or if the visits are mainly for ongoing pain relief. It also won’t cover things chiropractors often do, like exams, massage therapy. Some Medicare Advantage plans have chiropractic care as an addition benefit, but benefits and networks can change from year to year.

Answer: Original Medicare is run by the federal government and allows you to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies and usually combines hospital, medical, and often drug coverage in one plan, but it typically requires you to use a network of doctors and hospitals

Answer: Yes, Medicare deductibles for Parts A, B, and D can change annually, typically announced in the fall for the upcoming new year change.

Answer: An underrated benefit of Original Medicare is the unrestricted, nationwide access to any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare, bypassing the network limitations and referral requirements common in Medicare Advantage. This flexibility ensures continuity of care, allows for specialized care anywhere in the U.S., and is invaluable for frequent travelers.

Answer: Yes, you can be denied a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan based on your health history or pre-existing conditions if you apply outside of specific, protected enrollment periods. Insurers can use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge higher premiums for conditions like cancer, heart disease, etc.

Answer: The thing I like most about being a Medicare broker is feeling like I really helped someone. I have had clients cry because I offered them plans that gave them so many more benefits, something they did not know at all was available to them. I make a difference in peoples lives, which is why I’ve done this for decades now.

Answer: You are likely paying more for Medicare Parts B and D than your friends because your income exceeds specific thresholds, triggering the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge. IRMAA is an extra fee added to premiums for beneficiaries with higher incomes, based on data from your tax return two years prior.

Answer: To estimate Medicare costs with a chronic condition like diabetes, calculate fixed costs, as well as other possible outcomes of pocket usages by working with a skilled Medicare broker, as well as using Medicare.gov plan finder tool to compare total annual costs (premiums + out-of-pocket) based on your specific medications and usage.

Answer: Clients often ignore Medicare advice due to cognitive overload from too many options, aggressive marketing tactics promising "$0 premiums," and a misunderstanding of restrictive networks.

Answer: This does not affect your eligibility for Medicare at age 65. You can maintain your Federal Employees Health Benefits alongside Medicare. The two programs will coordinate, with Medicare often serving as the primary payer. Most retirees keep Federal Employee Health Benefits, but you can opt for Medicare Advantage.

Answer: Educating clients new to Medicare involves breaking down complex, information into simple, manageable parts. Key strategies include using visual aids/handouts, conducting one-on-one consultations to assess personalized needs, and building trust through transparent, non-sales-driven education.

Answer: Working with a Medicare agent provides personalized, expert guidance to navigate complex coverage options, compare plans across multiple carriers, and possible issues, all at no cost to you. They offer year-round support, helping with claims, enrollment, and annual reviews.

Answer: Yes, Medicare Part D plans can deny coverage for a brand medication, even if a generic is not available. You can appeal this decision or ask for a formulary exception. Working with the doctor that is prescribing the medication is also recommended.