Mark Michael, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: I truly enjoy being useful. Most of the friends expect to turn 65 and have full medical coverage free.

Being able to share and help understand the ins and outs of Medicare and the changes along the way is very satisfying. And we get to build up lasting friendships

Answer: Yes,

the Medicare hospital deductible starts the day you enter the hospital and ends when you've been out of the hospital for 60 days.

The Medicare part B deductible is an annual deductible.

Then you have the Medicare part D deductible.

Answer: Many states now have instituted the birthday rule where in a certain timeframe around your birthday, you can switch from one company to another on the same letter or less with out the health questions.

Other than that, unless you're in an open enrollment. You would most likely berequired to answer the Health questions.

Answer: 1st you are not legally required to enroll in Medicare. However you are limited in where you receive your medical care.

The LHS is not considered a health Insurance plan by Medicare and so if in the future, you want to Enroll in Medicare part A B and D. You would you could incur lifetime penalties, for part B that's 10% for every 12 months you went without.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans have networks that contract with the doctors and facilities.

An individual doctor can decide to leave that network and there after is out of network.

Answer: Simply put they did not purchase them when they were required to by the regulations set forth in the Medicare program.

It is to your benefit to visit with a trusted Medicare agent to go over the requirements before you are 65 or eligible for Medicare.

Answer: This far Medicare has a limit at 100 days for long term care. Thereafter you are on your own. Best if when young invest in a long term care. When older it is very expensive and limited.

Answer: Medicare is an ever changing market, however one constant so far is the Medicare supplemental G plan that covers the cost left over from your medical and hospital and has a once a year standard deductible on your Medicare part B established by Medicare yearly. In addition, you have the part D Drugs for that you want to back that up with probably $3000 max depending on inflation over the next few years.

The other option is a Medicare Advantage plan which costs very year to year.

Answer: Most Medicare advantage, health, maintenance organizations HMO's require prior authorizations. It's a benefit to you as it assures you're working with the network build. the doctor and the facilities. If out of network, you may be required to pay the full bill.

Which could add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Answer: Receiving Medicare and not enrolling in additional benefits.

Unless you have additional coverage you need to have the part D-drugs or you build up a penalty. In addition, without additional coverage to your part, A&B your left with at least 20% on medical and deductibles on hospital charges. Which can be quite substantial.

The two most common choices are either a Medicare advantage plan or a Medicare supplemental plan along with a separate part D drug plan.

Answer: If your travels are in the US and you want full medical services available all the time a Medicare Supplemental plan accompanied by a part D plan would be the choice.

However, if you travel worldwide, you do have emergency coverage with most Medicare advantage plans out of country.