Mark Baynes, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Some regret not getting Part D thinking that they don't need it because they don't have any medications- this haunts them later when they do have medications they need to take as Medicare will penalized them for each month they didn't have prescription coverage.

Answer: Medicare is not expected to run out of money entirely or stop operating in 2032 or 2033. However, without congressional action, its Part A hospital insurance trust fund is projected to be depleted, leaving it able to cover only a portion of scheduled hospital costs. That could force policymakers to reduce benefits, cut provider payments, raise taxes, or adopt other measures to close the funding gap.

Answer: Many doctors now are associated with Major Medical Hospitals. Generally if the system is participating in the Medicare Advantage provider, then the Doctor will also accept the plan. Of course there are always some exceptions. Your agent should be able confirm the providers status prior to enrollment in any plan.

Answer: Medicare doesn't cover long term care. It does help with cost of rehab after surgery. In some cases the rehab in done near or in a nursing home setting.

To fully cover nursing home care long term requires a LTC policy ( Long term care) These are quite expensive. The alternative is to spend down to the point when a person qualifies for State Medicaid program.

Answer: Each Medicare Advantage plan has a list of providers that are in network with the plan. Either talk with your agent or call the carrier and ask about a specific practice/doctor. Many plans with send you a hard copy of their providers, just remember these are often out of date when they are printed. So in short best to call your agent or call the carrier direct to inquire .

Answer: Medicare carriers offer different extras depending on the plan. Many plans offer gym membership either thru Silver Sneakers or thru their own network of gyms. You could likely check with your agent to do a plan comparison to see which plan and which carrier has the gym membership along with the medical coverage you need.

Answer: Generally Medicare advantage plans have hearing benefits. Many advantage plans often low or no cost hearing exams and offer discounted OTC hearing aids as well as prescription hearing aids. How much a plan will help depends on factors like the cost of the hearing aid and the plan's benefit structure.

Answer: Pacemakers are generally covered now as outpatient services. Look at your plan's out patient copay to see what the procedure's out of pocket costs would be. On the Medication side check your plan's formulary ( list of covered medications ) to see what is covered. Many heart medications are very inexpensive and some are even covered at no cost .

Answer: Medicare Advantage Plans have network of providers that the plan contracts with. Generally, unless it is an emergency, you have to stay within the network of providers to receive care. Most plans will cover emergency services even if you are out of network.

Answer: Medicare thinks of them as home improvement, rather than necessary medically necessary equipment. Some medicate advantage plans offer limited help.

Answer: Original medicare doesnt consider medical alert systems as equipment that can be covered, though at times some carriers will provide them for little or no cost. Check with your Medicare Plan agent to see if the alert is covered

Answer: Medicare agents who are local are there when you have a question or concerns that need immediate direction or help

Answer: You will need to look at another part D plan and see how your medications are covered. You can in addition check the manufacturer web site to see if they have any programs to help costs Try typing the medication in google with the word or phrase cost ,or assistance