Mel Stevens, Medicare Insurance Broker
Mel Stevens
I-Pros
Medicare Broker Licensed in AZ
6+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Scottsdale, AZ
About Me
Medicare can be very confusing with all the rules, options, plans and benefits available and not everybody's needs and wants are the same. I specialize in assisting residents with addressing Medicare questions and ultimately finding the best plan that meets your needs. Call or email today if you have any questions regarding Medicare options and benefits or if you would like to review your current plan. I'm not just a voice over the phone or e-mail we can meet in the office or in the comofrot of your own home.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Mel Stevens
Are there any tax benefits tied to paying Medicare premiums as a retiree?
Answer: Medicare premiums can be tax deductible if 2 requirements are achieved. Number #1 medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and if you itemize your tax deductions.
Can I keep seeing my current doctors if I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or do I have to find new ones?
Answer: When it comes to Medicare Advantage plans, there are many different providers and usually many different plans available per provider. If you are thinking about switching plans, it's important to review the plan and make sure your doctors, specialists and medical facilities that are a must keep are available within that plans network. When researching, be very cognizant of the particular plan. For example, Doctor X may be in network with United Medicare Advantage HMO plan 1 but may be out of Network with United HMO plan 2. In addition, there are many additional options like dental and vision that can vary widely along with wide ranging co-pays and max out of pocket limits from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. When it comes to making sure you make the right decision for yourself and it's important to sit down with a professional to review your options and benefits. It's doubly important if you are seeing a primary doc or specialist that you absolutely must keep in network!
How will advancements in wearable health tech (like smartwatches) integrate with Medicare?
Answer: Currently there isn't much integration with Medicare and items like Smart watches. Smart watches already have the capability of tracking exercise routines, blood pressure monitoring and pulse rate activity. What I see in the future is Medicare companies integrating with Smart Watches and Smart Phones to assist with monitoring health activity and providing incentives for meeting goals and completing tasks.
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: When it comes to applying and enrolling into Medicare, there are many mistakes that can be made. Questions about when to enroll and what type of plan to enroll into is a big decision and often there isn't a lot of information available to make an informed decision. One of the biggest mistakes I have found with Medicare is when and insured signs up for Part B, there is a 60 day window to sing up for Part D, (the prescription drug plan). If a prescription drug plan isn't selected within a 60 day window, Medicare will penalize you for the rest of your life.
What's the best way to compare my current Medicare supplement plan to a Medicare advantage plan?
Answer: The best way to compare your Medicare Supplement plan with a Medicare Advantage plan is to physically sit down face to face to discuss and compare options and benefits because there is a lot to discuss regarding the topic. Many people like the Medicare Supplement plans because it's an open network meaning virtually every provider across state lines accept a Medicare supplement as long as they accept Medicare as payment. Medicare supplement is a very good option for snowbirds that have a second home where they live half of the year. Medicare Advantage plans are network and generally county based and in general your network resides in the state of your primary residence. That being said, if you are visiting Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob and have an emergency out of network, you will still have effective coverage. Some networks are larger than other based on the plan and provider. Medicare Advantage plans are either (HMO) Health Maintenance Organization or (PPO) Preferred Provider Network. Some Medicare Advantage providers have a passport program that would allow in network coverage if you were to travel outside your state for a prolonged period of time. The Medicare would just need to be notified ahead of time. Open Network plans with Medicare Supplement plans are nice but insureds will pay a premium for the flexibility. In addition, in general Medicare Supplements cover medical care but no extras. Prescription drug plans, dental, vision, hearing and other benefits aren't available with a Supplement plan. Medicare Advantage plans may not have as much flexibility; however most plans are at a zero monthly premium and in general they also have additional benefits such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, OTC card and other various benefits attached.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: The best way that I educate clients who are new to Medicare is having a meeting face-to-face. I can speak with them over the phone, during a Medicare 101 event or through something like zoom. Choosing the right Medicare plan and making sure all the I's are dotted and all the T's are crossed, face-to-face is best.
What do I need to do if I didn’t take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring?
Answer: First of all, congratulation on retirement, you deserve it! The first 2 important item are Medicare Part A and Part B. In general, as long as you worked for 10 years or 40 quarters, Part A which is hospital coverage should have already been issued, even if you were still working. You must apply for part B. You can contact Medicare by calling or stopping by the local Medicare or Social Security office. If you are a little tech savvy, I believe the option with the least hassle or most efficient would be to visit on-line and complete a Part B application at: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up/part-b-only. For most Medicare recipients, in 2025, Part B will cost $184.70 a month with a higher sliding scale depending on income. Once you receive you part B effective date you will have 60 days to sign up for a prescription drug plan. Do not delay on signing up for prescription drug plan. Be aware if you pass the 60-day window, Medicare can penalize you for the rest of your life! Along with Part A and B you should also explore the option of Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan to give you additional coverage where Part A and B do not.
I'm turning 65 in three months but still working with employer coverage. Do I need to sign up for Medicare right now or can I wait?
Answer: As long as you are working and your employer medical insurance plan is considered creditable coverage then you don't necessarily have to apply for Medicare Coverage. In general, what will happen is Medicare Part A will automatically become effective once your turn 65 whether you are still working or not. When getting close to age 65 while also working you should do your due diligence and compare your Medicare options, benefits and costs with your employer plan to ensure you are getting the best plan at the most competitive rate that provides the care you need. Sometimes the employer medical insurance is the best option and other times Medicare is the better option.
Can you explain what "creditable coverage" means and when it applies?
Answer: Creditable coverage is Medical Insurance coverage you have through your employer. When you approach age 65 and beyond and still working hard, you have the option to either activate your Medicare coverage or keep the coverage through your employer Medical Insurance plan. Keep in mind that most plans set in place, especially with larger employers or government entities are creditable plans. However, it's always good to double check with your employer. The Human Resource Department is a good place to verify.
I'm confused by all the star ratings for Medicare plans. Do they actually mean anything for the care I'll receive?
Answer: Star ratings are based on items like customer service, paying claims on time and overall customer care. Star ratings range for 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. The higher the rating, the greater the reimbursement from the government to fund the benefits offered to clients. Therefore, it behooves all Medicare Insurance companies to achieve a 5-star Medicare rating. One extra bonus with 5-star plans. If there is a 5-star plan within your area, an SEP or special election period exists where you can enroll into the plan throughout the year.