Leisha Stevens, Medicare Insurance Broker
Leisha Stevens
Medicare Broker Licensed in OH, CA, FL and NC
19+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Groveport, OH
Leisha Can Help With:
About Me
Hey there, my name is Leisha, and I am your local Medicare advisor and agent. I specialize in Medicare and am devoted to helping you find the best plan that matches your specific needs and financial situation. I will take care of the daunting task of comparing plans from well-known national and local companies for you. Even better, my services are completely free! Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Leisha Stevens
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: I enjoy assisting others in realizing the advantages available to them. Medicare can often be confusing, so it's really satisfying to see or hear someone get a straightforward answer to their questions.
Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?
Answer: No, Medicare Advantage plans are generally not free. While some plans may offer a $0 monthly premium, there will still be other out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
The average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is around $17, but this can vary depending on the plan. Additionally, you will still need to pay your Part B premium, which is currently $185 per month.
It's important to compare the costs and benefits of different Medicare Advantage plans before making a decision. Some plans may have higher premiums but offer more coverage, while others may have lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs
Does Medicare cover emergency care if I'm traveling in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico?
Answer: Yes, Medicare does cover emergency care in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico. Medicare covers emergency care anywhere in the U.S., including its territories, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Original Medicare, which is Parts A and B, covers emergency care, and Medicare Advantage plans also cover emergency care when traveling in the U.S.
I'm homebound and need remote monitoring for my heart condition. What Medicare benefits might apply to someone in my situation?
Answer: Yes, remote patient monitoring is covered by Medicare if your program meets their guidelines. As healthcare continues to evolve, Medicare has recognized the importance of RPM for improving patient care, especially for the aging population and those with chronic conditions.
How will the Inflation Reduction Act's Medicare drug pricing changes really affect seniors?
Answer: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) significantly affects seniors with Medicare, primarily by lowering drug costs through price negotiation, capping out-of-pocket spending, and expanding low-income subsidies. This will mean that many seniors will have access to medications at lower prices and with greater affordability, especially those who rely on chronic disease treatments.
Here's a breakdown of how the IRA impacts seniors:
Lower out-of-pocket costs:
The IRA caps out-of-pocket spending for Medicare Part D enrollees at $2,000 per year. This means that seniors will no longer have to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs once they reach the catastrophic coverage phase, which was previously at a higher threshold.
Medicare drug price negotiation:
For the first time, Medicare can negotiate directly with drug manufacturers for the prices of certain drugs. This will lower prices for those drugs and make them more affordable for seniors.
Expanded low-income subsidies:
The IRA expands eligibility for Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy program). This means that more low-income seniors will qualify for reduced copayments for both generic and brand-name drugs.
Capped insulin costs:
The IRA limits cost-sharing for insulin to $35 per month for all Medicare Part D members. This will make insulin more affordable for those with diabetes.
Free vaccines:
The IRA eliminates cost-sharing for all adult vaccines covered by Medicare Part D. This will ensure that seniors can access the recommended vaccines without incurring any costs.
Potential downsides to consider:
While the IRA lowers out-of-pocket costs for some, it could also lead to higher premiums for others.
Some analysts suggest that the price negotiation provisions could disincentivize drug companies from developing new medications.
The changes to Medicare Part D, while beneficial for many, could also lead to some seniors having to pay more for certain medications if their current plan changes.
In summary, the IRA
I've heard Medicare covers home health care, but what exactly does that include?
Answer: Medicare's home health care coverage primarily includes skilled nursing care, therapies (physical, occupational, speech), and medical social services, provided in a part-time or intermittent basis. It also covers certain medical supplies, durable medical equipment, and home health aide services (only if you're also receiving skilled nursing or therapy).