Lou Ann Pyatt, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans cover services offered by original Medicare as well as additional benefits such as vision and dental. You may want to meet with an agent who offers Medicare Advantage Plans who will review the plans with you.

Answer: Talk with a trusted Medicare agent to review your options. One thing to consider is that there is no annual maximum out-of-pocket cost with Original Medicare, where as Medicare Advantage plans include a an annual maximum out-of-pocket cost.

Answer: Be care in answering unsolicited callers asking for your Medicare ID. If you have an agent, only share your personal information with that person and the Carrier you have your plan through. Also, always review your monthly statements to confirm that you received the services your provider billed for.

Answer: A licensed agent certified in Medicare plans is trained to review your individual situation and offer advise about which plans is best suited for your situation. If you are comfortable that you know the "ins and outs" of Medicare then you would not need help. You are not obligated to an agent who meets with you. Keep in mind, if you enroll using a particular agent, the Carrier compensates the agent.

Answer: Yes. That is fine. Many agents are licensed in states in addition to their state of residence. You just want to make sure the agent is licensed in your state of residence.

Answer: Choose or talk to your doctor about generic brand prescriptions; use mail order for 90 day prescription coverage.

Answer: Recommend that you contact a trusted Medicare agent. You will need to have information concerning your mother's Medicare insurance with the effective date along with any other coverage concerning long term care and other resources.

Answer: It depends whether you have a Medicare Sup plan that includes international travel and of course how long you will be gone. Emergency care would be covered with other coverage. Otherwise you should look into securing travel insurance.

Answer: Many of the Medicare Advantage plans offer incentives for exercising, getting your annual wellness exam, etc. So if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to review your plan to see what incentives are available to you.

Answer: This the required practice for licensed agents. A SOA is a Scope of Appointment which indicates the the topics to be discussed and is required by CMS for licensed agent.

Answer: You may sign up online through Social Security (ssa.gov) or contact a licensed Medicare agent to assist you. If you had "creditable" coverage through employment, you will need a letter from the employer attesting that you had creditable coverage to upload so you won't be penalized for not having creditable coverage.

Answer: Thanks for your question. I don't think any of the benefits are "over hyped." Some benefits are more important than others to some people. So depending on the individual's need, determines how important the particular benefit is.

Thanks,

Lou Ann Pyatt

Answer: If you have been on disability for 24 months, typically you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare A & B.

Answer: Yes. Make sure you are responding to a trusted agent who you have given permission to contact you; request agent's license number and state of license.

Do not respond to questions from a random caller.

Answer: A Medicare agent is educated and certified to offer Medicare products; working with a Medicare agent will save you time and effort in assisting you in learning about your Medicare options. Also, there is no additional cost to you as the agent is compensated by the insurance company if you choose to enroll with a particular plan.

Answer: That could happen, however that is something that would require legislative action. I don't think this is likely since probably most Medicare clients are elderly and the system already takes in consideration certain factors dealing with the population who are Medicare eligible.