Lea Ayres, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: I love making the Medicare process easy for my clients. I treat each client the way I would expect my parents or grandparent to be treated.

Answer: At MediConnect we have several ways for New to Medicare folks to get more information. We have weekly seminars and Webinars. We have a first appointment process that takes the beneficary step by step what to expect when new to Medicare.

Answer: Skilled Nursing. For anyone that has a Medicare Advantage plan Skilled Nuring is always a 2nd thought. After your plan benefit is used up Skilled Nursing becomes very expensive. We at MediConnect have product to protect against what can turn into a very expesive stay.

Answer: Not one person is the same. I educate my clents on both options. For some individuals a Medicare Supplement is the best option for them based off their health needs. Others are very happy with the benefits that the Medicare Advantage Plans offer. I approch this as neither is better than the other.

Answer: Yes, If you lose your job-based health coverage, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Medicare. This period starts the month after your employment or employer-sponsored health insurance ends, whichever comes first.

Answer: It provides a crucial safety net for Medicare Part D enrollees, limiting annual prescription drug expenses and offering much-needed relief, especially for those managing chronic conditions or expensive medications.

Answer: If you're retiring next year and turning 65, you'll need to sign up for Medicare (Part A and Part B) through Social Security, either online or by contacting your local office, to avoid potential gaps in coverage or penalties.

Answer: While Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses, it does cover certain exams and treatments for medically necessary conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Medicare Advantage plans, which are an alternative to Original Medicare, often include vision coverage, including eye exams.

Answer: If you turn 65 and still working for a company that has at least 20 employees you will not be penalized for enrolling in Mediare. A penality will occur when you are 65 and go with out enrolling in medicare and at least having prescription drug plan.

Answer: Medicare generally provides coverage for medically necessary care received on a cruise ship if the ship is in a U.S. port or within six hours of arrival or departure from a U.S. port, and the healthcare provider is authorized to provide medical services on the cruise.

Answer: Yes, you can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and subsequently enroll in a Supplemental/Medigap plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) without needing to answer health questions, as long as you disenroll from the Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare within the first 12 months of your Advantage plan enrollment

Answer: While Medicare Part A helps with inpatient hospital costs and related services, it might not cover everything. It's essential to consider both Medicare Part A and Part B for comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits and outpatient care.

Answer: IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) affects Medicare Part B and D premiums for those with higher incomes, and it's determined by the Social Security Administration based on your income from two years prior. You'll receive an "Initial Determination" if IRMAA applies to you.

Answer: The main difference between a Medicare broker and a Medicare agent is that brokers represent multiple insurance companies and can present a broader range of Medicare plans, while agents typically represent one insurance company and offer a more limited selection of plans.