Leann Burkholder, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Part D helps cover many prescription drugs. There are five tiers of drugs, and everyone that is on Medicare must have a drug plan in place or they will pay a penalty every month they didn’t have one for the rest of their life.

Even if you are not taking any prescription drugs, you must have a drug plan in place.

Answer: The simple answer is yes you may however you must return to original Medicare between January 1 and March 31.

Answer: Medicare does not cover any long-term care. There are private insurance companies that you can purchase a long-term care plan.

The sooner you purchase long-term care, the less expensive it is as premiums increase as you age.

Answer: Supplemental plan G and plan N have the same comprehensive coverage. Both have the part B deductible that is going to $257 next year. Plan N has a lower premium than part G but there may be co-pays affiliated with doctors and ER visits.

Answer: Medicare part B covers the standard cataract procedure and lens. If you want to upgrade a lens or upgrade the procedure, then you will pay out-of-pocket for that.

Answer: Before you have any procedure, always ask your doctor what he ir she is going to charge. They all have their own medical billing. Then I would call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask them what your co-pay or coinsurance would be.

Answer: Independent agents must have a scope of appointment (SOA) signed by the client 48 hours prior to the appointment unless the client is a walk-in into an office. A call center must still obtain a Scope of Appointment.

Answer: There is no definitive answer to that. Your Medicare plan, whether it is an Advantage plan or a Medigap policy (supplemental) is completely based on how often you see a physician, including specialists, what medications you take, and what discretionary income you have.

Answer: Most people think that Medicare covers long term care, but it absolutely does not. Seek other long term care insurance policies.

Answer: Working with an agent that adds your current list of prescription medications to your profile and then comparing which company covers your drugs the best. There are 5 tiers of prescription medications, so be sure to understand deductibles and coinsurance.

Answer: I have options for Medicare Supplemental plans that have a lower monthly premium. They may include an annual deductible. Also, ask about increased premiums percentages as that can happen every year.

Answer: Ask about extra benefits, like dental, vision, and over the counter options. Also, ask for comparisons for hospital stays, cat scans, and maximum out of pocket costs.

Answer: The Extra Help program is also known as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS). It helps people with limited income and resources pay for their prescription drug deductibles, copays, and monthly premiums.

Answer: If you are enrolled in Part B, then you must continue to pay the Part B premium so as not to incur a penalty. Medicare does not cover routine care outside of the US, but it will prevent potential gaps when returning to the US.

Answer: Primarily, Part B covers COPD treatment. Oxygen therapy is covered as durable medical equipment (DME) under Part B however it does require a physician's prescription.

Answer: Most everything is digital now and will continue to move forward with AI and other tech features.

Using an agent with the matrix to compare plans in your area can be helpful to making an informed decision regarding your health care.

Answer: Your health is your wealth! Planning for the "what if" is prudent, and having an annual review with an independent agent can help you plan to cover future illnesses that you may incur.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans can be changed during Annual Enrollment period (AEP) from October 15th - December 7th and also during Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1st - March 31st.

Medicare Supplemental plans can be changed at any time of the year, but you will undergo the underwriting process.

Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) can only be changed during (AEP), unless you qualify for a special election period.

Answer: United Health Care has a special needs plan for individual with chronic kidney disease. If you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), there are also special needs plans for you.

Answer: Most supplemental plans and advantage plans have some support for arthritis and chronic pain management. It is based on what prescriptions and individual needs you may have.

Answer: Medicare can be very confusing and difficult to understand. Even maneuvering the website can be difficult for some seniors. As I have intel and access to most major carriers, working with a local agent, like me, streamlines and simplifies the process in investigating the best plan for you.

I take the time every year to listen to your needs, request your physicians, and your prescription medications to find the most comprehensive plan based on your individual circumstances. One plan does not fit all!