Mark Holmes, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The current grid showing income levels and IRMAA's assigned can be found at Medicare.gov, costs of Medicare, Part B, IRMAA. Use the grid to determine your level, and expect your income from your tax return, 2 years ago, to be the income used.

Answer: That depends on their accepted networks. The smartest approach is backwards. Contact the doctor's office and inquire which plans are accepted before making any decisions, and certainly before dropping any current coverage.

Answer: The decision is related to the applicant's financial situation and any migratory habits. A supplement with Original Medicare, in my opinion, is best for those that are here for part of the year, and there for part of the year, providing access to many different doctors with referrals or authorizations... costing $400-$500 in total with the Supplement, Med Part B, and a D Plan, and maybe some dental and vision to complete the package.

If finances are budgeted more tightly, and perhaps the residence is more stable, I would say an Advantage Plan, Part C, would work well for the lowest premium and all the incorporated benefits of Part D, Dental, and Vision... and quite possibly, a reimbursement toward the Part B Premium each month, which can be substantial in a coupled household.

One other consideration is the IRMA, Increased Medicare B Premium based on income, which can easily double that monthly cost, or more, respectively. See Medicare.gov/costs.

Answer: There have been many dropped and side walked plans this season, realizing the volatility in the Medicare arena, I would stay with my current plan until it was discontinued, as that would create an Open Enrollment for a plan of choice at that juncture.

Answer: Regarding Medicare Advantage, the requirements are that you live in the zip code and currently have both Medicare Parts A and B. There is no reference to your current financial situation, however, you may meet state Medicaid requirements depending on income and hardship.

However, if you're considering a Medicare Supplement, beyond your initial 6 month guaranteed issue period, and any other Special Enrollment guaranteed issue, such as relocating to another service area, you may be declined due to a determination of being unworthy of paying premiums, perhaps, depending on the carrier.

Answer: Should You sign them up? I would need more information please. Are they incapable of signing up themself when eligible? Did they miss their opportunity when first eligible?

If they were eligible in the past and did not get their Part A automatically, there may be reasons not to. However, if they did get Part A automatically upon reaching 65 years old and did not enroll in Part B at that time, then the penalty may be substantial, depending on how long ago that occurred.

If, they are newly eligible for Medicare, then the answer is most likely Yes.

Answer: Physicians Mutual for their exclusive Innovative G and United American for their exceptional history of low premium increases.

Answer: Without a Special Enrollment Period, you will need to wait for Open Enrollment for the type of plan you would like to apply for.

Answer: A national company, such as United Healthcare, Humana, or Wellcare, may offer a nationwide network of doctors to locate necessary services at your location.

As an alternative, you may go to any Emergency Room facility and be considered to be in-network, but it must be an emergency.

And as a third option, you may go to any Urgent Care facility without an appointment.

Some plans may also cover overseas travel emergency medical care.

Answer: A Medicare Advantage plan, Part C, may provide benefits that cover this for you. Different Chronic Special Needs plans may be available, depending on your zip code and qualifying condition, such as AFIB or heart failure, that may offer certain models to choose from.

Answer: Depending on where you live, we may be able to help you with an Advantage Plan without underwriting. I would need more details to be certain, warm regards, Mark Holmes