Marcie Barnes, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Medicare is a complicated subject. Working with a licensed expert will insure you get all your questions answered and are enrollment is the coverage the best suits your needs

Answer: The plan that is right for someone else may not be right for you. A extensive needs assessment is the best way to determine what will be in your best interests.

Answer: Medicare Part A is only for inpatient services. Medicare Part B is for anything outpatient, including outpatient surgery and doctor visits.

Answer: You can choose to delay Medicare Part B as long as you have credible coverage through employer coverage. Medicare Part A is premium free and you will be enrollment once you turn 65.

Answer: Having a Medicare agent as a subject matter expert is important to maintain consistency. This will also help protect Medicare recipients from fraud.

Being a Medicare agent and having a relationship for the lifetime of my clients is a privilege and honor. The client always knows they have someone to turn to with all their insurance needs.

Answer: As long as you have credible coverage through your job you don't need Part B. You may want to explore your options though. Employer coverage is not always the best option if you have high premiums and Deductibles. Feel free to reach out to me to further discuss your options 9403000312 Marcie Barnes

Answer: Home Health is usually on a short-term basis. For example: You had surgery that required a hospital stay and possibly some time in rehab. When you are discharged to home, your doctor can order a home health professional to come see you so many hours per week until recovered.

Answer: Medicare plans have coverage for worldwide emergency and urgent care. Refer to your evidence of coverage before traveling.

Answer: It's never too early to be educated on how Medicare works. It's always changing and the more you know the better prepared one will be. Not to mention the younger generations have parents that will eventually age into Medicare and they'll be able to advocate for them.

Answer: I wish I knew the answer for that. The best way to stay informed is have one licensed agent as your point of contact. If you have questions you will have a subject matter expert to turn to.

If you don't have one feel free to call or text me Marcie Barnes 940-395-6572

Answer: Concierge medicine is essentially cash pay for doctors who not to take insurance. A provider must Medicare approved in order for you to seek reimbursement for services.

Answer: Assisted living is not a covered benefit of Medicare. You would need a different type of insurance for that. Such as long-term care or an Indexed Annuity with a living benefit.

Contact me for more information Marcie Barnes 940-395-6572

Answer: Yes it is. Medicare Advantage plan coverage are based on your residential zip code and can vary in different counties

Answer: Since there are more than 1 type of Medicare plan, it's in your best interest to have a full needs assessment so you are choosing the plan that fits all your needs.

You can contact me at 940-395-6572

Marcie Barnes

Licensed Benefit Advisor

Answer: No you cannot. Enrollment effective dates are the 1st day of the next month.

You can contact centers for Medicare and Medicais services to see if there's any options.

If there's a special enrollment that can be used they will let you know

Answer: The average Medicare beneficiary on a fixed income will not be assessed the Part IRMAA unless their income is above $100,000 or more or something of great value was obtained or sold causing it to be reported to the IRS

If you are assessed a Part D Irma you will receive a letter from Social Security.

Answer: I believe lack of knowledge is the reason people wait. There are many tools available to assist beneficiaries. Connecting with an agent early on is the best way to be educated and have a subject matter expert at their finger tips. The Medicare Agent Directory is a great way to find a licensed professional to assist you.

Answer: This is something you really need to speak with a licensed agent with to figure out how to help you. You can contact me at 940-395-6572.

Marcie Barnes

NPN 20289709

Answer: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans have worldwide emergency coverage. Cruise ships out in the ocean have their own medical team. I believe you have to purchase medical coverage when on a cruise ship.

Answer: Your question requires more details to give the best answer. I suggest you call licensed expert to further assist you.

Answer: You Medicare Advantage plan provides a list of covered preventative services. Refer to your evidence of coverage or reach out to your insurance company for further details

Answer: One has nothing to do with the other. It could cause issues with providers you were seeing, but doesn't effect your coverage

Answer: Having a licensed professional agent is the best way to stay up to date on changes to Medicare.

Feel free to contact me at 940-395-6572 with any questions you may have

Answer: If you are assessed a Part D IRMAA, it's based on your annual income reported to the IRS.

Consult a tax professional to find out ways to reduce or avoid it.

Answer: I strongly recommend purchasing supplemental coverage for chronic diseases to protect yourself from catastrophic illnesses.

Answer: In 2024 this did go into effect. The Coverage Gap aka Donut hole was eliminated and prescription drug out of max is now $2000.

You can further find this information at medicare.gov

Answer: It would be better explained by a licensed professional agent.

My name is 940-395-6572 and my name is Marcie Barnes. I would be happy to break everything down in simple terms for you

Answer: Sone Medicare plans offer this service. There are also services in your community that assist. Use findhelp.org to locate services in your community

Answer: Good news! There is no Donut hole anymore. Once you reach $2000 in out of pocket drug costs, the plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.

Answer: You can apply for prescription drug assistance at ssa.gov/prescription help.

You can also apply for further assistance through health and human services or hhs.gov for your county.

Answer: The type of coverage one chooses is personal. Something that is a disadvantage for one person may nit be a disadvantage for another.

A thorough needs analysis is needed to determine what type of coverage is best for each individual.

Answer: You will require a preauthorization ordered from your doctor. You will be responsible for 20% of the cost under original Medicare Part B after the $255 Part B Deductible is met or a Medicare Advantage plan

Answer: First thing is to create an account at ssa.gov. if you are still working and have health insurance through your job then you will not need to get Part B. Part A is premium free so you will get it automatically.

If you have already retired then you will apply for Medicare through SSA.GOV.

Once this done then you need to speak to a licensed professional agent to assist with getting the right coverage

You can contact me!

Answer: There may be a special enrollment period we can use. I can help determine if this is possible.

Contact me directly at 940-400-0312

Answer: A request must be made by a doctor and Home Health Services are usually covered at a $0 copay. Please check with your insurance for further information

Answer: This is just a theory, I would ask a doctor why. Doctors prefer original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan because they get paid more. Medicare Advantage plans have contracts and negotiated rates.

Answer: The coverage a beneficiary choses is a personal choice. Medsup plans have a cost that some people can't afford. Medicare Advantage plans offer more comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, hearing etc.

Medsups are like having car insurance. You pay a monthly premium and hope you don't need it. Medicare Advantage is more like pay as you need it.

Answer: It's in your best interest to speak with a licensed professional agent to sort out what your needs are. Finding a plan that serves you best is the end goal.

Answer: First and foremost by speaking with a licensed Health professional agent. Secondly reviewing the Evidence of coverage for the plan you are selecting.

Answer: Original Medicare is basically hospital and medical coverage. That's not any special about the coverage. Adding a Medicare Advantage gives you additional coverage

Answer: If you have VA coverage you have many great options.

You can have Part A only and VA benefits. That is something to consider when the VA covers all your medical expenses.

You can have Part A Hospital and Part B Medical and VA coverage. If you chose this option you are eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan that provides extra benefits that Medicare or the VA doesn't offer.

If you would like to further discuss your options I am here to help 940-395-6572

Answer: When you decide to take your social security benefits is a personal decision. I have watched some good YouTube videos that advise one thing or another.

I personally would take it as early as possible. Since SSI provides regular Cost Of Living Raises, by the time you reach age 70 you will be collecting the "full" amount you would have gotten.

Answer: Everything is subject to medical necessity. If you have a particular blood test in question. Consult your doctor's office. They can assist in determining what's covered.

Answer: I agree with you completely. If you have coverage questions then the insurance company is best to answer those questions. If you are shopping for coverage it is best to speak with a licensed broker to assist you in finding the coverage the best fits your needs.

Answer: Choosing the right coverage is personal choice. What might be good for one individual is not for another.

It's all a matter of preference, budget and lifestyle.

A licensed professional can insure an individual is getting the coverage that is best for them.

Answer: If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand alone prescription drug plan, you will have 60 days from the date of your move to enroll in a new plan in your new state.

You will need to also notify social security of your new address.

Answer: Every licensed agent is provided with a National producer number. You can ask for that number and verify them on Google with their name and NPN.

Answer: You can gleen some good information from events like that. I always recommend speaking directly with a licensed professional agent.

I am an expert in my field and would be more than happy to assist with in depth questions and answers.

Marcie Barnes

Licensed professional agent

940-395-6572

Answer: This is important for people that take several prescriptions or very expensive drugs.

Before this went into effect in 2025, the maximum out of pocket was $8000.

Now once you and other meet a maximum of $2000, all your covered prescriptions are $0 for the rest of the year.

Answer: This is a personal preference. Some people prefer a face to face meeting and others prefer over the phone or video conference

Answer: Every Medicare beneficiary has a choice. Medicare Supplement plans are readily available and don't have the same strict guidelines lines the Medicare Advantage plans have.

Medicare Advantage plans have wider suite of benefits and have premiums as low as $0.

It's the choice of the beneficiary to chose what is best for them.

Answer: Medicare doesn't cover experimental treatment and clinical trials. Typically any insurance providers would not cover this. They're normally paid for by the clinical trial and manufacturer.

Answer: I enjoy most everything about my job. Medicare clients especially because everyone has a story. I find it rewarding to assist my clients find just the right fit for their needs and hearing the sounds of happy clients. I also appreciate when a happy client refers me to their friends and family.

Answer: Yes you can change coverage during Annual enrollment.

There are exceptions to avoid underwriting:

You a new to Medicare within the last 6 months.

You left or lost credible coverage elsewhere

There are other rare exceptions that can be explored at the time of enrollment.

Answer: You can speak with a licensed professional agent and shop plans. Every company offers the same coverage and compete for your business.

You don't have to wait for a special time a year.

Answer: Several Medicare Advantage plans provide a gum membership and incentives for staying healthy.

Medicare alone does not.

Answer: Ambulance companies don't collect your insurance information in an emergency. Look at the payment stub on the back and provide your insurance information. Mail it back to them so they can bill insurance. You may have some cost share after the insurance pays

Answer: I don't believe there is. This might be a question for a tax person.

Medicare premiums are taken out of your social security income which is non-taxable. Doesn't seem logical there are tax deductions available.

Definitely ask a tax person for sure.

Answer: You can see any provider you want as a cash paying patient.

That choice is between and the doctor you want to see

Answer: If you are new to Medicare and didn't have to go through underwriting and were approved. The answer will be yes.

If you did go through underwriting and failed to share this information you may want to speak with the insurance company.

You sign a contract stating the answers to the questions given were true. One of the questions asked is if you have scheduled procedures not yet performed.

Answer: No, once you have a Medicare Advantage plan you present that card as your insurance.

If a provider is out of network and you don't have out of network coverage. You will be responsible for the entire bill.

Answer: As a retired Federal worker you're given Federal Employee Benefits such as Blue Cross health insurance.

Medicare is your primary coverage and your FEP plan is secondary.

There are no other options other than dropping your FEP benefits to have a Medicare Advantage plan.

Your FEP coverage is better, so I don't recommend it

Answer: When I explain a Medicare Advantage plan that has a $0 premium. I explain that although your premium is $0, you will have a cost share on services.

Answer: It's true a lot of people are dropping out of the traditional work force, but that doesn't exempt them from paying taxes.

Medicare and social security taxes are still required to be paid.

Answer: You can consult a lawyer or get legal power of a attorney through an online service. Example Legal Zoom is well-known.

Answer: Contact your plan for assistance on how to file and appeal. You can also call 1-800-Medicare for assistance on how to file an appeal for Medicare.

Answer: To prevent being scammed it's in your best interest to have a trusted Medicare agent that you can speak to about anything insurance.

If you encounter a problem ever, you can call 1-800-Medicare.

Answer: Since Part C aka Medicare Advantage becomes your primary insurance, you are subject to the rules and guidelines of the plan in which you are enrolled.

Answer: Yes you will be eligible for loss of credible coverage special enrollment period. You have 60 days from the date of loss to enroll.

Answer: Medigap policies are private insurance companies that coordinate with original Medicare. They're not subject to CMS regulations.

There are ways around having to go through underwriting such as:

You are new to Medicare

You lost credible coverage

Some states have a birthday or anniversary rule. Caveat is you must already be enrolled in a Medigap plan and wanting to switch to another one.

Answer: Plan F picks up the difference that Medicare doesn't pay.

There are no copays with plan F all you pay is your part B and D premiums and your Plan F premium

Answer: To be eligible for Medicare Part A and B you must have worked and paid into Medicare through your tax contributions for a minimum for 40 quarters or 10 years.

If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A: You might be able to buy it. You’ll pay either $285 or $518 each month for Part A, depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

Part B costs

$185 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You’ll pay the premium each month, even if you don’t get any Part B-covered services.

Who pays a higher Part B premium because of income? go to Medicare.gov for the income chart

You might pay a monthly penalty if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65). You’ll pay the penalty for as long as you have Part B. The penalty goes up the longer you wait to sign up. Find out how the Part B penalty works and how to avoid it.

Answer: There are several scenarios for Guaranteed Issue.

New to Medicare

This could be new to Part B within 6 months or new to A and B within 6 months

Loss of credible coverage

When transitioning from employer coverage or private insurance

There are other scenarios, but these are the most common.

Answer: If you are still working, Medicare Part A aka hospital coverage is just fine as long as you have coverage from your employer.

If you don't take Medicare Part B when you are first eligible. You will incur a lifetime penalty. That is if you did have credible coverage when you first became eligible.

It's best to get both A &B and enrollment in a Medicare plan with a $0 premium. So plans off a Part B reduction.

Answer: Ultimately Medicare Supplement companies all off the same exact products. Similar to car insurance companies. The best strategy is get your coverage at the lowest price. Medsuo policies automatically pay after Medicare pays.

Answer: Medicare Supplement plans can be useful based on lifestyle and health needs. They're a more basic type coverage with no extra benefits like a Medicare Advantage plan has.

It's really just a matter of choice and needs.

Answer: First of all congratulations on the next phase of your life.

Start your application for Medicare now. There will be no penalties as long as you have maintained credible coverage through your job.

Go to ssa.gov to create an account and apply for social security and Medicare.

Once you have your Medicare number which takes about 3 weeks. Contact a licensed professional like myself to find coverage that's right for you

Answer: Plan K may have a lower premium but your out of pocket costs are much higher.

Plan G only out of pocket cost is the Part B deductible.

If you have a tight budget and don't mind copays, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan