Marva Becker, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Some Medicare Agents are what is called "Captive" which means they are contracted through a single company. While it may seem they are "pushing" a specific plan they're simply advising you on the plan they are able to provide. Many agents are contracted through several carriers or companies and can provide specifics on several plans.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans are limited to certain doctors and facilities of where care can be established. Plans can also change each year.

Answer: Your Medigap plan can be cancelled if the insurance company that provided it goes out of business. As well if you provided false information on your application or you neglect to pay your premiums the policy can be cancelled by the Insurance company.

Answer: A good agent will provide a well-rounded explanation of both Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types, understanding your options is crucial in making an informed decision.

Answer: If you are in the hospital for 3 days you would be responsible for $350 per day or $1050 total which will be applied to the $1676 deductible. You will continue to pay the $350 until the $1676 is met.

Answer: Every situation is different. A Medicare Supplement for one person may not be the best option for someone else. It's important to meet with a broker who can assess each individual situation and provide all options so that you can make an informed decision.

Answer: A call directly to the Insurance carrier is certainly acceptable. However, working directly with a local broker will ensure that you are aware of all options available to you in your area. As well working with a local broker affords you the opportunity to get questions answered consistently by the same person and you will have a direct line to someone who will keep you apprised of changes in the market and/or changes to your situation.

Answer: In some cases Drug manufacture's help pay for drugs under special programs. Check with your doctor to make sure you are taking advantage of generic brands and always check with your Broker to discuss all of your options

Answer: Medicare Agents are well versed in the details of the Medicare process and the Plans they represent. It's important to enroll during specific timeframes to avoid penalties. Rules are ever changing in the Medicare arena, so yes, it is advisable to get as you go through the process.

Answer: Original Medicare does not cover Medications, Vision, Hearing, Dental or Podiatry. As well there is no coverage for out of the country travel, among other things. While there are co-pays, a Medicare advantage plan will cover most of what Original Medicare does not cover and many of the plans include drug coverage.

Answer: Always listening intently and validating the concerns of a beneficiary. I strive to ask open ended questions to understand the needs of a client. This isn't different from an in-person meeting, however because a remote meeting may not allow me to see the face of the beneficiary, I will ask for more validation in their understanding of what has been covered during the meeting.

Answer: Sadness, overwhelm and guilt are common emotions felt by caregivers. Dealing with these emotions is important to help the caregiver manage the stress and depression often developed when taking on this important task.

Answer: You can but you should always check your existing plan to verify what your travel coverage is. All plans cover emergency situations when traveling but do have their limitations as well.

Answer: The 3 Midnight rule refers to inpatient treatment for 3 consecutive days in a hospital, not including the day of discharge, emergency room care or outpatient treatment.

Answer: A good Medicare agent will provide all options available for a senior. They are licensed to know how plans work and can find the providers who accept the plans. It’s important that seniors know when to enroll to avoid costly penalties and to understand when they can change plans. A Medicare agent provides guidance that benefits the senior and does not steer them to a plan that only benefits the agent.

Answer: The main benefit of Part D is for drug coverage. The amount of coverage is determined by where the drug falls on one of six tiers.