Laura Shipman, Medicare Insurance Agent
Laura Shipman
Healthmarkets
Medicare Agent Licensed in KS
Contact Details
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Location
Olathe, KS
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Phone
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Website
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LinkedIn
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Facebook
About Me
Hey there, my name is Laura, and I am your local Medicare advisor and agent. I specialize in Medicare and am devoted to helping you find the best plan that matches your specific needs and financial situation. I will take care of the daunting task of comparing plans from well-known national and local companies for you. Even better, my services are completely free! Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Laura Shipman
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
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.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
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.
How well does Medicare support seniors who need assisted living, or does it fall short?
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.
I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?
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.
I have Original Medicare, a Medigap Plan G, and a Part D plan, but I'm still facing high costs for my specialty medication. What options exist for someone in my situation?
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.
Why are people unhappy with Medicare Advantage plans?
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.
What should I do with my Medicare plan if I'm diagnosed with a rare disease requiring specialists?
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.
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
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.
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
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.
In what situations will Medicare pay for medical services in a foreign hospital?
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.