Melanie McCloud, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: The ability for my team and I to simplify such a complicated health insurance system is extremely rewarding. Our team starts every new client off with a promise - Life Long Service & Commitment to you as our client.

Answer: The word trade off is interesting in this question. Merriam Webster defines it as - A balancing of factors all of which are not attainable at the same time. Medicare Melanie and her team believe that you can have many of the same benefits in an HMO, as you can a PPO. However, in our experience, those with a PPO have really appreciated the ability to continue seeing their providers when there was a mid year contract dispute between their insurer and doctor's office.

Answer: Regarding the experience of Brokers. Your wisdom and intuition will lead you to the right Broker. Experience isn't measured by years when it comes to brokers, however it is certainly a contribution factor. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find professional help, however I do encourage you to look at recommendations from your friends and family at a higher consideration, than recommendations from other professionals, as sometimes recommendations from other professionals, such as your financial advisor could be clouded with other motives. Brokers with experience have a diverse portfolio of insurance products, and the broker you are working with should be able to offer you plans from many different insurance carriers.

Answer: Meeting with multiple brokers could seem like a good idea, but considering that none of the information your broker shares with you is secret, and is easily accessible online, barring any person conflicts, our team does not see it as necessary to meet with multiple brokers. Your Broker is meant to show you options from many different insurance carriers, and you can avoid the hassle of speaking to many different individuals/companies by choosing a Broker.

Answer: If you've lost your Medicare card, you have many options to get another one. Our team encourages clients to call us first, so we can cut through the red tape, however, the easiest way is typically to sign up for an account on Medicare.gov and there will be an option to order your new card.

Answer: When you are moving to a new state, it is more important than ever to find a trusted broker in your new state that can guide you. Moving to a new state can give you access to Medicare plans that would otherwise deny you for pre existing medical conditions. Moving to a new state means new doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. It's important to find an experienced broker in that state who can help you navigate that new world so to speak.

Answer: If you are turning 65 and still working, you should not delay Medicare without an extremely thorough needs analysis with a Broker. When you delay Medicare, you'll later have to -- what we call 'clean up the mess'. When you later try to apply for the parts of Medicare you delayed, you'll have to prove to the Government that you had creditable coverage for the years you've delayed your Medicare. While our team will walk you through this and get it done, I can assure you that when dealing with the government (social security) nothing is ever 'cut and dry'.

Answer: When considering taking social security well before full retirement age, keep in mind that social security (SS) will reduce $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain dollar amount. If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, the earnings limit for 2025 is $23,400. If you are reaching full retirement age in 2025, the limit is $62,160, but this only applies until the month you reach full retirement age.

In addition, if you meet the income guidelines above, you may not have employment provided health insurance and be dependent on coverage through the health insurance marketplace, which is based on your income. When you take social security, that is more income you will have to report on your application, making your monthly premium even higher. This is because social security benefits, both taxable and non-taxable, are considered income when determining eligibility for subsidies and premium tax credits through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This includes social security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits. When calculating your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)

Answer: When deciding whether or not to apply for Medicare if you still plan to work after 65, it is more important than ever to sit down with your trusted broker to discuss options. Many people decide to enroll in Part A because there is typically no monthly premium, however factors such as contributing to an HSA could influence your decision on whether or not to do that. Another top consideration is that you lose your trial right when you do not apply for Part A at 65.

Read more about trial rights below

Trial Right 1:

.

When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time when you turn 65, you have 12 months to switch back to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy.

Trial Right 2:

.

If you switch from a Medigap policy to a Medicare Advantage plan, and then later decide you want to go back to Original Medicare, you have 12 months to do so.

Answer: What is better for one Medicare beneficiary, could be the biggest mistake for you. Unfortunately, there is no 'better' or 'best' when it comes to choosing your Medicare path. It is important that you work with a trusted broker to clarify your options.

Original Medicare only should not be a consideration for most people. The financial gaps within Original Medicare will be catastrophic to most people. However, Original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement plan is what you will want to compare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Most of our Medicare clients come down to the conclusion that it's Freedom VS Cost. The Medicare Supplement provides freedom of choice for a Medicare beneficiary, but typically at a higher monthly cost. The Medicare Advantage plan often has a $0 monthly premium for the plan itself, but you are often bargaining with some of your freedom of choice, such as what doctors you can see.

Regarding the cost of a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, we are referencing what Medicare Supplements & Medicare Advantage plans cost in the state of Florida, as costs can vary across the USA.

Answer: When turning 65, after being on disability, there tends to be a lot of confusion on what steps need to be taken. The most important step is a consultation with a trusted broker, such as licensed agent Medicare Melanie's team. Barring extreme circumstances, you do not need to sign up for Medicare again, but you absolutely should revaluate your options because you now have more options than you did on disability.

One of your options now is a Medicare Supplement. While it would have been possible for you to get a Medicare Supplement when you first went on disability, the companies would have significantly up charged you (Upwards of $1000 per month) Now that you are turning 65, you will pay the normal rates that everyone turning 65 will pay and you'll have the incredible freedom and flexibility that comes with Traditional Medicare.

Thank you,

Melanie (904) 497 - 0610