Mark Garrett, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Because the deductible always resets the 1st calendar day of the New Year. Often the deductible rate goes up each year. Also, if you start Medicare in the middle of the year you will still reset on January 1st each year.

Answer: That is a broad question. Are you talking about Medicare Supplement Insurance? Are you referring to Part D? Are you talking about Medicare Advantage? Are you referring to premiums or co-pays? The answer would depend on the specific question. To address all of those would take a very long answer.

Answer: Medicare enrollment can be confusing on the best of days. That is why I always recommend using a broker. As a broker I write for all of the top companies. I know the questions to ask, such as who your doctors are, and what medication do you take. I also help you decide what your budget is. I look at factors that are important to you to best manage your health. The best part is you never pay me a fee. Insurance companies pay us.

Answer: It all depends. While Original Medicare certainly provides access to more physicians and hospitals, it also comes with an unpredictable cost factor. Medicare Advantage is certainly one option to explore, but a good Medicare Supplement would be great for predictable cost without surprises. That's why I say you should always explore your options with a licensed broker like myself. We never charge a fee and we do this everyday.

Answer: That all depends on the service. If your Doctor ordered some type of Home Health then you could receive some of those services. But if you are hoping Medicare covers for dementia without a Medically prescribed reason the answer would be know. Dementia by itself does not warrant caregivers or aides.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans are required to be as good or better than Original Medicare. Typically they offer extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing. They also reduce cost to services such as hospital stays, doctors visits, lab work, MRI's, therapy and many other services. They also have a maximum out of pocket that Original Medicare does not have protecting you from catastrophic cost. The big plus is they are usually $0 premium or a moderate premium. Keep in mind, you are still responsible for your Part B premium which will be $202.90 in 2026 for most recipients. Also, make sure you are educated to the type of Medicare Advantage plans and HMO or a PPO. They have different requirements for network.

Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans have minimal dental coverage. If dental is a priority for you we have dental plans you can add on for a nominal fee.

Answer: You can definitely do that. But the only thing they can offer is their plans. They are not going to shop the market to make sure your physicians are all in network or you are getting the best price on drugs. Did I mention.... you do not pay me anything to shop all the plans for you.

Answer: Definitely going the Medigap route gives you a fixed premium with no cost for treatment. Medicare Advantage is fairly predictable unless you have multiple procedures, or are prescribed new medications that could not be accounted for at the time of enrollment.

Answer: Sure, as long as you remain healthy and can be medically underwritten. In Florida you get a free shot at a Supplement at 65 with no medical questions. After that there will be questions and you have to pass underwriting or you may be declined.

Answer: Medicare Part A covers Hospital stays, Hospice, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Medicare Part B covers outpatient surgery amongst many other benefits.

Answer: Currently we are in a state of change. Some of the Medicare plans are not profitable for the insurance companies due to increased usage, declining Medicare reimbursement and the skyrocketing cost of brand name drugs. Every so often the companies have to strategically eliminate bad plans so they can continue to offer you sustainable plans.

Answer: Preventive care is covered by Medicare and all of the plans. Will yours be covered? Most likely, but remember many of these screenings have time limits such as once every 2 years or every five years. It's always good to verify with the insurance company.

Answer: That truly depends on your budget. Medicare Supplements are the most comprehensive allowing you to see any provider in the United States that accepts Medicare. It does come with a monthly premium, but other than your Part B deductible your treatments are fully covered. If your looking for a more affordable coverage Medicare Advantage can be a good option, especially with an added Hospital Indemnity and Cancer plan to fill the gaps.

Answer: Everyone get a free annual wellness visit on a Medicare Advantage plan whether it is a PPO or an HMO. You also get free screenings for procedures like colonoscopies, Mammograms, Diabetic Screening and may more. Vaccinations are also free.

Answer: With a background as a RN I have worked with Seniors since the late 80's. I love my senior population and helping them find the right insurance so they are not worried about the care they receive or whether that care will break the bank. I also love the relationship that I develop with my clients and many I call friends.

Answer: Home health has many Facets. It may be nursing visits or nursing assistant visit. One being skilled visits, the other assisting with baths and mobility. Sometimes Physical Therapy comes to the home to help you get to walking and performing task around your house for yourself. It really is based on what your physician orders home health for.

Answer: When you move to a new state you qualify for an SEP (Special Enrollment Period). The SEP last for 60 days at which time you can shop for a new plan that is particular to the new area in which you moved to.

Answer: I personally cannot say there is a best Supplement company because I write for so many. I tend to write for top companies that have been doing it successfully for many years. There is some nuance to writing Supplements by knowing which companies take certain health conditions that other companies might decline.

Answer: Age really does not make a difference in an advisor. Knowledge is the key. I pride myself on knowing as much as I can about Medicare and Medicare insurance products. Just make sure that whoever you choose can get you the answers you need quickly.

Answer: The annual notice of change comes out in late September or early October. The ANOC will let you know of specific changes to the plan you are currently on. If you do not like the changes in cost to hospital stays, doctors benefits or you are losing valuable extras like dental, vision and OTC, it might be time to shop around.

Answer: It all depends on which plan you have. Some Medicare Advantage plans are exactly alike throughout the state so there is no need to change. Other Medicare Advantage Plans may be offered only in certain cities or counties in your state. A quick 5 minute phone call with me and I can let you know. Medigap (Medicare Supplements) are good everywhere in your state and also other states.

Answer: In my experience I have never seen a company that does not have a true Medigap plan that does not have premium increases at least every couple of years. The reason you use me is to be the expert that knows which companies have the least amount and frequency of increases.

Answer: Working with a Medicare Broker like myself is your best option to get true unbiased results from an expert in the field. I write for all the top companies. I research plans that have your physicians, medications and extra benefits important to you. I base my recommendations on your needs. You never pay me a penny. The Insurance companies pay me when I enroll a client. And, if you choose not to use my services, hopefully I have still made a friend that my refer others to me.

Answer: What is my main priority it selecting a plan. Is it the most comprehensive coverage to last throughout my life time or is it maximize savings. Remember, approximately 80% of your health insurance usage comes after the age of 60. So knowing your priorities really assist a broker in helping you find the best plan for you.