Mary Turner, Medicare Insurance Broker
Mary Turner
Amerilife
Medicare Broker Licensed in FL
18+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Port Charlotte, FL
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Phone
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Facebook
Mary Can Help With:
About Me
Specializing in medicare, I have been a licensed life, health and annuity agent for 18 years. I can help you with your Medicare supplement, Medicare advantage, prescription drug and Marketplace plans. Life Insurance, Long Term Care, and Annuities are also a large part of services offered. I look forward to working with you!
Q&A with Mary Turner
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: One of the biggest mistakes that people make when obtaining Medicare is listening to friend's or neighbor's advice regarding the plan they should choose. Each person is an individual with different needs and the plan that is chosen should reflect that whether it's a Medicare supplement or Medicare advantage plan.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: Original Medicare by itself does not have a MOOP - maximum out of pocket limit - and should be used with a Medicare supplement and drug plan. This coverage has a monthly premium but allows you ease of use and access to any Medicare provider.
Medicare advantage plans typically have no premium and you usually get additional benefits such as dental, etc. They have networks, copays and coinsurance and you may need referrals or prior authorization.
Which option is best for you is based on your specific situation. They are both viable options.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: When I meet with a new Medicare client I review a Medicare checklist that shows the costs of Medicare and what is and is not covered.
Next I ask some basic questions to determine if they qualify for extra help or need to pay a higher premium for their part b and part d.
Then we review the options available and the differences between a Medicare supplement and Medicare advantage plans and determine which path they prefer.
Can I keep seeing my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or do I have to find new ones?
Answer: You may or may not keep your current doctor's when switching to a Medicare advantage plan. Some HMO's and PPO's have extensive networks and your doctors may all participate. If you decide on an HMO you just stay in network. PPO's allow you to go out of network though your cost may be higher.
What shift has been observed in Medicare spending, particularly regarding Medicare Advantage plans?
Answer: The biggest changes I've seen in Medicare advantage plans is with the extra benefits. Dental, vision, OTC, fitness benefits have expanded or been added over the years.
Does Medicare fully cover nursing home care, and are there alternatives?
Answer: Medicare covers up to 100 days of custodial care which is rehab for the most part. Medicare does NOT pay for long term care.
Options for long term care include Medicaid, self pay, long term care policies, life insurance with a terminal clause rider, etc.
Which option you choose depends on many factors such as assets, health, and more.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: You can be penalized if you don't take Medicare at 65. If, however, you have what's considered "creditable coverage" through an employer, you will NOT be subject to a penalty if you enroll later.
I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Answer: I would never change to a Medicare advantage plan for something like dental cleanings. Depending on your situation you could save in one area while adding more expense to another. If, however, you need extensive dental, the right plan could help you save.
I picked a Medicare Advantage plan last year, and I'm not sure if my hearing aids are covered. How do I figure this out?
Answer: There are several ways you can check the benefits of your plan. I would recommend setting up your account online. You can see your benefits, check on claims, your max out of pocket (MOOP) and more. You can locate your plan on the Medicare.Gov and access your summary of benefits and evidence of coverage. If you are looking for a less technical way, just call the customer service number on the back of your card.