Mark Baynes, Medicare Insurance Agent
Mark Baynes
Baynes Insurance Services
Medicare Agent Licensed in NC and VA
11+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
-
Location
North Wilkesboro, NC
-
Phone
-
Website
About Me
Hello, I’m Mark — your local Medicare insurance advisor.
I specialize in helping people understand Medicare and choose the plan that best fits their healthcare needs and budget. I compare plans from both nationally recognized and trusted local companies so you don’t have to sort through the confusion alone.
My guidance is always free, and my goal is simple: help you feel confident in your Medicare decisions.
Contact me today to explore your Medicare options, and be sure to mention you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Mark Baynes
Does Medicare fully cover nursing home care, and are there alternatives?
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.
My mom is considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan because her friends say it's better. She's scared of losing her current doctors. How can we check?
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 Many plans with send you a hard copy of their providers, just remember these are often out of date when they are printed.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 .
My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?
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.
I need a hearing aid but I've heard Medicare doesn't cover them. Is there any way around this?
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.
Will Medicare pay for heart medications or implantable devices like pacemakers?
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 .
Can I keep seeing my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or do I have to find new ones?
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.
Are stair lifts covered by Medicare?
Answer: Medicare thinks of them as home improvement, rather than necessary medically necessary equipment. Some medicate advantage plans offer limited help.
Does Medicare cover Life Alert or medical alert systems?
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
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Medicare agents who are local are there when you have a question or concerns that need immediate direction or help
I have Original Medicare, a Medigap Plan G, and a Part D plan, but I'm still facing high costs for my specialty medication. What options exist for someone in my situation?
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