Linda Bolan, Medicare Insurance Agent
Linda Bolan
Medicare Agent Licensed in IN
Contact Details
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Location
Plainfield, IN
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LinkedIn
Linda Can Help With:
About Me
Greetings! I'm Linda, 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!
Q&A with Linda Bolan
What’s one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?
Answer: There are a couple that come to mind, but I do often hear that they wished they talked to Broker before signing up. Medicare is confusing and often they did not know about options or penalties.
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: Most of the complex issues I have dealt with seem to be when a client has Medicare and Medicaid. Often the client doesn't know what he/she has. So I help determine their level of Medicaid if they have it and find a plan that will best fit their needs.
What do I need to do if I didn’t take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring?
Answer: Your first step is to apply for Medicare Part A (Hospitalization) and Part B is Medical. There will be a premium for Part B that changes every January. Typically Part A is at no cost.
If you could change one thing about the Medicare system, what would it be and why?
Answer: Medicare is very complex. The cost of prescription drugs are high and it's difficult for some clients to fill their prescriptions due to the cost. It would be great if pricing was adjusted for Medicare clients
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: It all depends on the individual and what they can comfortably afford. We look at health and also budget to determine the best option for each client.
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
Answer: No, Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care. With Part A you are still responsible for deductibles and coinsurance. These out-of-pocket costs can add up, especially during extended hospital stays. It will not cover long term custodial care.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: The $2,000 drug cost is important to know that this is the most you will pay for prescriptions drugs for the year. This cap can particularly benefit those with chronic conditions or those requiring expensive specialty medications.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: There are penalties involved if you do not have health insurance through an employer and you wait to enroll in Medicare.
If you do have an employer sponsored health insurance, you will not be penalized if you can provide proof of insurance when you decide to retire and go onto Medicare.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: As long as the senior has an employee sponsored health insurance plan they can delay going on Medicare. If a senior is employed but does not have health insurance a penalty is involved for delaying enrollment.
Can you explain how Medicare works with other types of insurance like Veterans Affairs benefits or employer plans?
Answer: Veteran Affairs benefits and separate from Medicare. If a Senior is using the VA, Medicare is not responsible for any coverage. If the Senior also has a Medicare plan and sees a doctor outside of the VA they Medicare may pay.
In the case where a Senior has an employer plan and Medicare. Typically, the employer plan pays first and then it goes to Medicare as a secondary. But employee plans vary and coverage could work differently.
How do discount cards and resources affect my Medicare Prescription Drug plan?
Answer: You cannot use a discount prescription drug card in conjunction with Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. You must choose either to use your Part D prescription drug card or the discount card, you cannot use both at the same time.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Medicare Advantage plans do have some great benefits, but some things to keep in mind are:
Medicare Advantage plans has specific doctors and hospitals in their network, so these plans are network based.
Prior Authorizations are needed for some services, which can cause some delay in necessary care.
It's important to check each year to make sure your doctor is still in the network, as this can change from year to year.
What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?
Answer: Navigating Medicare can be confusing. Having someone come in a talk with parents and have a family member present at the meeting so everyone understands the basics of Medicare is vitally important.
Plan options and going over the plans and comparing them is extremely important to find the plan that best fits their needs.
It's important that if a Broker comes in to talk with the parent they are simplifying the process and giving adequate time for discuss and questions at the same time building trust that the Broker has the client's best interest at heart.
What role do annuities play in retirement planning?
Answer: Annuities can plan a significant role in retirement planning, primarily by providing guaranteed income. This income can be crucial for covering essential living expenses in retirement.
Who qualifies for Medicare coverage if they are under 65?
Answer: There are certain individuals that would qualify for Medicare. Individuals who have Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for 24 months are eligible for Medicare. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease and Individuals with ALS.
It's important to understand that receiving Supplemental Security Income along does not qualify someone for Medicare. The Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment, so they are the best resource for detailing eligibility information.
Which Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) offers the best value for most seniors, and why?
Answer: Plan G offers comprehensive coverage, filling many of the "gaps" in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Plan G will cover your hospital deductibles, Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing coinsurance and Part B excess charges. Plan G does have a yearly deductible that the government changes the 1st of January each year. This plan has the most extensive coverage for anyone just turning 65.
What’s an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?
Answer: The most underrated benefit of Original Medicare is freedom of choice. With Original Medicare you can see any provider as long as they take Medicare. no referrals are needed and it travels well. The coverage is Nation wide.