Linda Davies, Medicare Insurance Agent
Linda Davies
Davies Insurance
Medicare Agent Licensed in IL
Contact Details
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Location
Peoria, IL
About Me
Licensed Agent since 2013
Q&A with Linda Davies
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: Beyond enrolllment, Medicare agents have the opportunity to assist seniors with disabilities in managing Medicare insurance business.
How will the recent attention & auditing around Medicare Advantage plans effect nursing home coverage?
Answer: Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans must cover up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility (SNF) care during a benefit period.
To qualify for SNF coverage, beneficiaries generally need to have been admitted to the SNF within 30 days of a 3-day hospital stay.
Both cover skilled nursing services and therapy services that are ordered by a doctor and medically necessary.
The SNF must be Medicare-approved.
Can you just have A and B and not enroll in anything else and still have good coverage?
Answer: It is important to understand that original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, long-term care, and other out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and co-insurance.
Your health status, financial situation, and additional healthcare needs are all important factors to be considered when enrolling into Medicare.
Can I show my Original Medicare Card instead of my Medicare Advantage card, if my provider doesn't take my advantage insurance?
Answer: When enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive your Part A and Part B benefits through your Medicare Advantage plan except for hospice care which you will continue to receive through Part A.
I was already scheduled for total knee replacement when I took out my policy, will my supplemental plan G still pay?
Answer: Medicare Supplement plans, including Medigap Plan G, typically covers surgeries deemed medically necessary. However, if the surgery was scheduled before you enrolled in the Medigap plan, the coverage may depend on the specific terms of your Medigap plan and the circumstances of the surgery. It is essential to review your Medigap policy details and consult with your insurance provider to understand the coverage for your surgery.
What is Guaranteed Issue for Medicare Supplement plans, and when does it apply?
Answer: Guaranteed Issue Rights (GIR) for Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap protection, allows beneficiaries to purchase a Medigap policy without medical underwriting. This means that the insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing health conditions. These rights apply in specific situations, such as losing employer or union coverage, returning to Original Medicare, or moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan service area. They are designed to protect seniors from unfair medical underwriting and ensure they can obtain a Medigap policy without being denied or charged higher premiums due to their health status.
Am I eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if I lose employer coverage?
Answer: Yes, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you lose your employer health coverage. This SEP typically lasts for 8 months following the loss of your coverage, allowing you to enroll in Medicare without facing penalties. It’s important to inform Medicare of your loss of coverage to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?
Answer: Yes, you can enroll in Medicare even if you have never paid into Social Security due to working overseas.
Keeping in mind that someone who have never worked or worked for fewer than ten (10) years may have to pay a monthly premium for Part A (hospital coverage).
I live in California but might move to another state next year. How will my Medicare coverage change if I relocate?
Answer: When you move to a different state, your Medicare Part A and Part B will not change in terms of medical and hospital coverage, but available plan options and costs will vary based on the state you live in and companies that sell the plans there.
An agent can assist you with important steps to take to avoid a disruption in coverage.
You will also need to find doctors and healthcare professionals that participate in your new plan’s network as well. An agent can help with that too.
To find out how to connect with a local Medicare office once you have moved to a new state, call 800-MEDICARE.
We’ve got you covered on both ends!
I've been dreading hitting the donut hole each year. How will its elimination in 2025 change what I pay throughout the year?
Answer: The specific costs can vary depending on the plan. Some plans may offer coverage that is more robust than the standard design, so there is some plan-to-plan variations.
Given the financial implications of the Medicare donut hole, understanding how your plan impacts your drug costs can help you make better decisions.
Having the donut hole conversation is the best approach to maximizing your Medicare benefits and minimizing your costs.