Laura Shipman, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: The first thing to remember is that if you have a Medicare Advantage plan you have two full months after you let the insurance company know you have moved. Medicare does not know you have moved so you will need to contact social security to change your address this can be done online or contacting them.

Medicare advantage plans are based on the county and state you live in so you will want to check and see if the plan you have is in the city and state you are residing.

I would recommend you let your agent know and see if they can advise you on a plan in your new area or recommend an agent for you in your new area.

Answer: As long as you have Medicare A and B you would receive care for mental health.

The Part B will cover doctors visits regarding mental health.

Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplements will also cover mental health visits.

Please reach out to me and I can assist with discussing the cost of these visits depending on your plan that you currently have whether Medicare A and B or Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement.

Answer: Hi, today's question is: what are some of the misconceptions that seniors have regarding Medicare? Well, there are many misconceptions that seniors have regarding Medicare. Do I need any other plans besides Medicare A and B? Do I need prescription drug coverage, or will Medicare A and B cover my prescriptions? Will Medicare cover experimental treatment? Will I be covered if I go out of the United States for medical coverage? Will my dental and vision be covered under Medicare? Will my long-term care be covered under Medicare? These are many misconceptions seniors have. I'd love to help you, so please give me a call, and I'd be more than happy to answer your questions and help you find the right plan for you, whether it be a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan. Have a great day, thank you!

Answer: Typically if a beneficiary goes outside of the United States there isn't any coverage. Some plans may pay a fixed amount for Emergency medical care outside of the U.S. A few plans may cover a fixed amount for any medically necessary coverage outside of the U.S. It is best to speak to a knowledgeable agent who can speak about plans that may provide this coverage. Also a licensed agent may be able to offer advice on how to provide coverage outside of the U.S.

Answer: If a beneficiary who has only Part A of Medicare is hospitalized as an inpatient then Medicare Part A will cover most of the stay except for the Part A deductible, all Doctor's that provide care including Surgeons.

Part A will not cover outpatient care in a hospital such as ER, Outpatient Surgery and any Outpatient services that are provided by a Hospital.

Answer: I think the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is to not have an agent who knows and understands the plans in their area that the senior resides. The other mistake is for a senior to not have an agent who they can work with and will guide them through the process.

Answer: In this case I would recommend you give your agent a call to discuss the particulars.

Some Medicare Advantage pans will allow out of network coverages some will not.

There may be an opportunity to change your plan so that your specialist will be covered.

Always worth speaking to your agent.

Answer: Speaking from experience people that I talk to are happy with Medicare Advantage plans. In some cases if they did not understand the details of the plans then they may be unhappy. However if they have an agent they can trust who explains the details and they can call with questions or assistance then most clients are happy with Medicare Advantage plans.

Answer: There are some options available for those folks who are prescribed specialty drugs.

One option is to check with your doctor to find out are there other options available that may be effective but cost less money. Another option is to check whether there is a Spap available in your state that may cover that medication. There are also patient assistant programs with some manufacturers that may help pay some or all of the specialty drug.

Answer: You may enroll in Medicare A and B three months prior to your birthday month, the month of your 65th birthday or three months after your birthday month.

Answer: Great question. Medicare will cover your medical expenses that they approve. However, paying for assisted living Medicare does not cover so you would need to look at additional coverage or pay out of pocket.

Answer: I talk with the client and gather information regarding their situation. I educate them on Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans in their area.

Answer: The first steps to take is to assess should you enroll in Medicare A and B. Having an experienced agent can help you navigate and assess what steps you need to take. Here are some questions to consider. Are you enrolled in an employer plan currently? Do you plan to continue to work after 65 and to keep your employer plan? Can you stay on your spouses employer plan? Do you have an individual health insurance plan? Answering these questions will help assess whether you need to enroll in Medicare A and B at this time.