Mal Varlack, Medicare Insurance Agent
Mal Varlack
Medicare Agent Licensed in FL
Contact Details
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Location
Trinity, FL
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Phone
Mal Can Help With:
About Me
Hey there, my name is Mal, 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 Mal Varlack
Isn't it concerning that Medicare Advantage plans are taking over the system?
Answer: Is it concerning? On the one hand the only other option is a Medicare Supplement (or high deductible Medicare Supplement) or do nothing and just have Original Medicare. Being that health costs have increased significantly and that more people are looking to not pay now and pay later (as they use their plan) it is the only option. Other factors like the cost of living have made Medicare Advantage for those eligible attractive. Whereas they would have to pay a monthly premium for a Medicare Supplement. So in that regard it’s the best option for those budgeting or trying to make ends meet. On the other hand, it does leave the fact that there are 6 major Medicare Advantage companies ( there are some regional Medicare Advantage carriers) and these 6 you could say are monopolizing the market. So in that regard they’re pockets are so deep that they can lobby for laws and regulation that benefit their stock prices at the expense of the true intention of healthcare
Do I need a Hospital Indemnity Plan if I have Medicare Advantage? What if I am hospitalized twice in the same year?
Answer: If you don’t want to expose yourself to potentially paying the Max out of pocket on a plan, or exposing yourself to paying a $200 some odd daily skilled nursing benefit after the 20th day of rehab or other copays that may hurt financially and emotionally to pay; then YES. I would highly recommend taking out a Hospital Indemnity Plan to offset expenditures you are subjected to pay in the Medicare Advantage Plan. Namely the 2 expenses I mentioned but there are others: cancer meds administered in hospital, as an outpatient or doctors office; ambulance rides are not free either. Hospital Indemnity Plans can be structured to cover some or all of the out of pocket costs of these as well. Even if you go twice a year. They pay you directly and some are what are called Guarantee Issue. That means depending on the carrier and your age you don’t have to answer health questions to qualify.
I'm getting conflicting information about whether Medicare covers my specific medication. How can I get a definitive answer?
Answer: Each Medicare Plan has a “formulary”, which is a document that states which medications are covered in part or fully by that particular plan. You can either call Member services on the back of the card and speak to a representative or call your broker who can also look up your plan and give you the answer as you both go over your medications.
Do Medicare Advantage plans save money?
Answer: Yes. Versus you having no plan at all or Original Medicare. Absolutely. Medicare Advantage Plans have a “cap” on the amount you spend out of pocket yearly. With Original Medicare (just the red, white and blue card) you don’t have a cap and are subjecting yourself to 20% of the cost of healthcare and THERE IS NO LIMIT. Also instead of paying the full bill for a visit or a medication (if covered), you pay a copay (a set amount) or a coinsurance ( a specified percentage).
I missed my Medigap window by a few months and now no one will cover me without underwriting. Why isn't this rule more well known?
Answer: Always best to call a broker who gives you all your options before either turning 65 or leaving an employer plan. Right broker will tell you the timeframes you’re looking at. But please note the state of NY is different. In NY it’s always Open Enrollment meaning you won’t miss you’re window of opportunity there and insurers cannot deny you coverage