Marie Smith, Medicare Insurance Broker
Marie Smith
Medicare Broker Licensed in AL
Contact Details
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Location
Athens, AL
Marie Can Help With:
About Me
Hey there, my name is Marie, 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 Marie Smith
I have Medicare Part A and B since 06/01/2006 because of disability. My husband retired on 4/1/2024, and I now have no other coverage except for Medicare Parts A and B because I missed open enrollment for insurance coverage. Note: SS dropped SSI and changed it to straight SS. Please help.
Answer: You currently have Medicare only, and when your husband retired you had an 8 months Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to pick up additional coverage. Unfortunately, that period has passed.
Here’s the good news: You can sign up for a Medicare drug plan now, so you are protected going forward. You may have a penalty, but enrolling now stops the penalty amount from growing.
Next, I recommend applying for LIS/ Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy). If you qualify, it may remove penalties and allow you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan sooner. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to apply.
If you don’t qualify for Extra Help, your next Medicare Advantage enrollment window is October 15 – December 7, for coverage effective January 1.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: The biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage is that you can only use the doctors in the plan's network.
I'm turning 65 next month and the amount of Medicare mail I'm getting is overwhelming. How do I sort through all this?
Answer: The best way to sort through it is to ignore the pile, look at the actual Medicare basics first, and then compare plans based on your doctors, your prescriptions, and what you can afford each month. All of the Medicare mail coming in before 65 is a lot, but it is mostly just marketing. The information that matters are the official Medicare letter with my red, white, and blue card; and then deciding if you want to stay with Original Medicare or go with a Medicare Advantage plan.
Hey, I keep hearing about Medicare Advantage plans everywhere. What's the real deal with those compared to regular Medicare?
Answer: If you choose to go with Medicare Advantage, you would have some extras like dental and probably a cheaper monthly cost, but you can only chose doctors in their network. If you stay with Original Medicare, you can see almost any doctor you want, and with a supplement most of the bills are handled. However, the premiums are higher and it doesn’t come with the extras. Therefore really, it’s not about who’s right, it’s about what fits them best
My kids keep telling me to get a Medicare Advantage plan, but my friends say stick with Original Medicare. Who should I listen to?
Answer: If she/he chooses Medicare Advantage, she/he will get extras like dental and lower monthly costs, but she/he will have to stay in their network. If she/he keeps Original Medicare, she/he can go to almost any doctor. And if she/he adds a supplement most of their bills are covered; but the premiums are higher and no extras. So I would advise them that it’s not about who’s right, it’s about what works best for their health & their pocket book.
If I start dialysis, how does that change my Medicare eligibility or coverage?
Answer: Dialysis gives you Medicare eligibility at any age. But has special start rules, coverage for dialysis & transplant, and there are differences in how long coverage lasts depending on whether you keep needing dialysis or get a transplant.
Can I keep seeing my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or do I have to find new ones?
Answer: You may be able to keep your doctors, but only if they are in the plan’s network. Do not enroll into any plan until you know if your current doctors, specialists and hospitals are in the plans network.
Are preventative screenings covered by Medicare?
Answer: Medicare covers a wide range of preventive screenings and services to help detect health issues early when they cost less to treat.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: You should work with a Medicare agent because an agent will simply a confusing process. An agent will compare all of your carrier options and offer ongoing support.