Lee Carroll, Medicare Insurance Agent
Lee Carroll
Harbor Crest Advisors
Medicare Agent Licensed in NC
Contact Details
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Location
Raleigh, NC
About Me
Harbor Crest Advisors helps individuals and families in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Garner, Wake Forest, and nearby communities compare Medicare coverage with confidence. Whether you’re turning 65, retiring, or reviewing your current plan, we provide clear, straightforward guidance so you can choose the coverage that fits your needs.
Don’t navigate Medicare alone.
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing plan types, costs, provider access, and prescription coverage. We help you understand your options clearly so you can make the right decision with confidence.
Let Harbor Crest Advisors bring clarity to your Medicare journey.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Lee Carroll
Should I review Medicare coverage even when I like my current plan?
Answer: Yes. Even when you are happy with your Medicare coverage, it is smart to review it each year.
Plans can change their premiums, copayments, drug formularies, pharmacy arrangements, provider networks and extra benefits. Your own doctors, prescriptions and healthcare needs may also change.
What Medicare drug-cost changes are already confirmed for 2027?
Answer: Several Medicare Part D changes are already confirmed for 2027:
- The maximum standard Part D deductible will increase from $615 to $700. Individual plans may charge a lower deductible or no deductible.
- The annual out-of-pocket limit for covered Part D medications will increase from $2,100 to $2,400. After reaching it, you pay $0 for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.
- Negotiated Medicare prices will begin for 15 additional medications, including Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Trelegy Ellipta, Linzess and several cancer medications. Your personal savings will depend on your plan and how the drug is covered.
- The 2027 national base beneficiary premium will be $41.33, although this is not necessarily what an individual pays. Actual premiums vary by plan.
The insulin cost-sharing limit, $0 cost sharing for recommended Part D vaccines and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will continue.
Plan-specific premiums, formularies, pharmacy networks and copayments still need to be reviewed when 2027 plan information becomes available.
How is January through March Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment different from the October through December Enrollment period?
Answer: October 15–December 7 is Open Enrollment.
You can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
- Change Medicare Advantage plans.
- Join, change or drop a Part D prescription-drug plan.
Changes generally begin January 1.
January 1–March 31 is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.
This period is only for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. You can make one change:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or
- Return to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a Part D plan.
You cannot use this period to move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage or change a stand-alone Part D plan while remaining in Original Medicare. Changes generally begin the first day of the following month.
What can I do if my prescription isn't on my Medicare Part D plan's list of covered drugs?
Answer: If a prescription is not on your Medicare Part D plan’s covered-drug list, start by calling the plan to confirm whether the medication is excluded or simply requires prior authorization, step therapy or another coverage requirement. You can ask your prescriber whether a covered alternative would work. Request a formulary exception if your prescriber believes the covered alternatives would not be appropriate. Appeal the decision if the plan denies your exception.
Compare other plans during an eligible enrollment period, making sure all your prescriptions, dosages and preferred pharmacies are checked before switching.
Do not stop or change a medication without first speaking with your prescriber.
Can I have a Medicare Advantage plan if my doctor is with United Health Centers in Fresno?
Answer: Yes, potentially. United Health Centers states that it accepts Medicare and most private insurance, but that does not mean every United Health Centers doctor or location participates in every Medicare Advantage plan.
My prescriptions got more expensive this year. Can I switch to an Illinois Medicare Advantage plan that covers them better?
Answer: Possibly—but higher prescription costs alone generally do not let you change plans at any time.
The next general opportunity is Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7, with new coverage beginning January 1. If you already have Medicare Advantage, you also get one opportunity to change plans between January 1 and March 31. Certain circumstances may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
I’m turning 65 in Louisiana. How early should I start looking at Medicare plans?
Answer: A good time to start reviewing your Medicare options is three to six months before your 65th birthday.
What is the Part D out-of-pocket limit for 2026?
Answer: The Medicare Part D out-of-pocket limit for 2026 is $2,100 for covered prescription drugs. Once you reach that amount, you pay $0 for covered Part D medications for the remainder of the calendar year.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: A Medicare agent can help make a complicated process easier to understand. We can explain your options, review your doctors and prescriptions, compare the plans we represent, and help you understand the costs and benefits before you enroll.