Lea Ayres, Medicare Insurance Broker
Lea Ayres
MediConnect
Medicare Broker Licensed in PA, CT, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, SC, TN, VA and WV
5+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Pittsburgh, PA
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Phone
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Website
About Me
Greetings! I'm Lea, a Medicare insurance agent dedicated to serving your local area. Medicare is my area of expertise, and I'm committed to helping you pinpoint the most suitable plan for your individual needs and budget. I'll handle the research and comparison of plans from top national and local companies, so you can relax. Plus, my assistance comes at absolutely no cost to you. Reach out to me today to discuss your Medicare insurance possibilities, and remember to mention you found me through Medicare Agents Hub!
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Lea Ayres
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
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.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
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.
What's one hidden Medicare expense that people don't think about until it's too late?
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.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
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.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
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.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
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.
I'm retiring next year - do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
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.
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
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.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
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.
Does Medicare cover health care services on a cruise ship?
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.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Supplemental/Medigap plan during the Annual Enrollment Period without answering health questions?
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
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
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.
I've heard about IRMAA affecting my Medicare premiums. How can I find out if it applies to me, and how does it work?
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.
What's the difference between a Medicare broker and a Medicare agent?
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.