Lee Hampton, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes, you will want to notify both Medicare and Social Security when you move. This not only helps ensure you continue receiving important communications regarding your Medicare coverage, premiums, Social Security benefits, and annual plan information, but it may also qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you need to change your Medicare plan based on your new location.

In many cases, updating your address with Social Security will also update your Medicare records automatically.

You can update your address:

✔️ Online through your SSA.gov account

✔️ By calling Social Security

✔️ Or by visiting your local Social Security office

If you are moving, it’s always a good idea to contact a local Medicare broker who can help you review whether your current plan still fits your needs in your new area.

If you have questions, I’m always happy to help!

Answer: Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) does not typically cover smart watches or fitness trackers because they are considered wellness devices rather than medically necessary medical equipment.

However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include benefits such as:

✔️ Wellness allowances

✔️ Fitness reimbursements

✔️ OTC/wellness credits

✔️ Rewards programs

These benefits can sometimes be used toward smart watches or fitness trackers.

Working with a broker who specializes in Medicare plans can help you compare options and find plans that include valuable extra benefits like these.

If you have questions about your Medicare options, I’m always happy to help!

Answer: Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental or vision services. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include these benefits as part of their coverage.

Because benefits can vary from plan to plan, it’s important to review each plan’s Summary of Benefits to see what’s included—such as exams, cleanings, glasses, or allowances.

Working with a licensed agent can help you compare your options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Answer: Plan benefits only change annually. The new plan benefits take effect on January 1st. You should review your plan each year during the Annual Enrollment Period starting in October.

Your current plan will send you A Notice of Change (ANOC) letter by the end of September. It is important to review this letter as it will highlight the changes to your plan benefits for the following year.

Answer: When you change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), the change takes effect on January 1st. You can use your benefits the moment the plan takes effect.

If you change your plan outside of AEP and use a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), your plan takes effect the first of the following month.

Answer: Yes, you can drop Part B if you move outside the U.S., since Medicare typically doesn’t cover care overseas and you may not want to pay for coverage you won’t use.

Just keep in mind—if you return to the U.S. later, you may have to wait to re-enroll during the general enrollment period (Jan 1-March 31st) and could face a lifetime late enrollment penalty.

It’s a good idea to think about how long you’ll be abroad, what coverage you will have, and your plans to return before making a decision.

Answer: No, you’re not required to change your coverage. Your Medigap plan works anywhere Medicare is accepted, so you’re still covered in Florida.

That said, it’s a good idea to review it. New York uses a different pricing method than Florida so your current plan may not be the most cost-effective long-term.

If you’re in good health, it may be worth shopping for better pricing.

Also, don’t forget your Part D plan—you’ll have a 2-month Special Enrollment Period after your move to choose a Florida-based plan.

Answer: Not all brokers are the same. Some only work with certain insurance companies, so you might not see every option. Others may not focus deeply on Medicare details, like which doctors are in-network or which drugs are covered. Some may concentrate more on enrollment than on making sure the plan really fits your needs long-term.

The good news? A great broker will be upfront about what they can offer and focus on finding the plan that’s truly right for you.

I specialize in Medicare plans and enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients. My goal is to guide you through your options and help you feel confident in choosing the plan that fits your life best.

Answer: Not exactly—but they are related.

A Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) is a type of secondary insurance. It works alongside Original Medicare to help pay for things like deductibles and coinsurance. This can make your healthcare costs more predictable and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

But “secondary insurance” is a broader term. It can also include:

• Employer or retiree coverage

• Medicaid (AHCCCS in AZ)

• TRICARE

💡 Simple way to remember:

✔ All Medicare Supplement plans are secondary insurance

❗ But not all secondary insurance is a Medicare Supplement

Have questions? I’m always happy to help make Medicare simple 😊

Answer: Being passive and not taking action with your Medicare can be cause for the biggest mistakes with Medicare.

These include

- Missing deadlines that can lead to penalties.

- Choosing the wrong plan for your needs.

- Not reviewing existing coverage as plans can change yearly.

- Not verifying if providers are in-network or if prescriptions are in plan formularies.

All of these mistakes can be avoided by seeking personalized guidance from an agent.

Chose an agent that wants to work with you for the long term and not just in the moment.

Answer: First step is to understand that you have a 7-month initial enrollment period that begins three months prior to your birthday month and three months after. Normally your Medicare will start on the first day of your birth month.

There are a number of ways to enroll, call Social Security and enroll over the phone, go to ssa.gov and enroll online, or make an appointment with Social Security to do it in person. Many agents are willing to walk you through the process.

Once enrolled into Medicare, then you can choose if a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you. Once again, agents can be a huge help and take out the confusion and frustration - just give one a call.

Answer: Yes, Medicare Supplement plans can be changed at any time. Keep in mind that you do need to go thru underwriting questions when you change plans.

It is the Prescription Drug plan that has enrollment periods that you have to adhere to.

Answer: When looking at Medicare Advantage plans, there are a few main types, and it really comes down to how much flexibility you want.

The different types of plans are HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans. Less common types include Private Fee for Service (PFFS) and Medical Savings Account plans (MSA)

HMO plans are the most common. They usually have the lowest costs, but you’ll need to stay in-network and often get referrals to see specialists.

PPO plans give you more flexibility. You can go outside the network if needed, and you typically don’t need referrals—just keep in mind it may cost a bit more.

Special Needs Plans, which are designed for people with certain health conditions or who qualify for Medicaid.

(PFFS) Private Fee-for-Service and Medical Savings Account plans—are less common and only make sense in certain situations.

Most of the time, we’re really comparing HMOs and PPOs to find what fits you best.”

Answer: When an individual is on disability and receiving SSDI for 2 years, they will be enrolled in Medicare after the 24th month of being on Social Security Disability Income.

If, for some reason, they were not enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of being on disability, then they should be automatically enrolled when they turn 65. A Medicare card is normally sent 3 months before their 65th birthday. The reason they are automatically enrolled is due to the fact that they are receiving Social Security. In this case, in the form of Disability from Social Security.

If they do not receive a card and are not enrolled, then they would need to enroll themselves either at ssa.gov or by calling Social Security.

Answer: Working with a Medicare agent makes the process a lot simpler. Medicare can be confusing, with a lot of rules and plan options, so I help break everything down in a way that’s easy to understand.

Since I’m independent, I can compare plans from multiple companies and help you find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. I also help you avoid common mistakes that can end up costing you money.

Best of all, my help doesn’t stop after you enroll—I’m here year-round if you have questions or need to make changes. And there’s never a cost for my services.