Melissa Foster, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes—if your coverage is ending due to retirement, job loss, or your employer dropping coverage, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, or both, depending on your situation. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose your coverage moving forward—either a Medicare Supplement with a Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan.

Answer: I don’t think you should worry about Medicare cuts. Company changes their plans every year-sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad.

Answer: Yes, Medicare does cover nutrition counseling (medical nutrition therapy) to help you manage your diabetes – as long as you have a doctor referral and see a qualifying dietitian. Medicare generally pays for three hours in the first year and two hours yearly after that.

Answer: Yes, it’s absolutely OK to talk to more than one Medicare agent. It’s a big decision, and you deserve to feel comfortable and informed. Just don’t have two agents submitting applications at the same time – once you choose someone, stick with them for that enrollment.

Answer: Most people don’t choose a Medicare supplement because they look at the monthly cost. You’ve got $120 plus supplement premium and a separate part D drug plan. That upfront expense scares people off, even though it usually saves money and stress later.

Answer: One of the most common misconceptions is that Medicare covers everything- medicare doesn’t cover many common needs, including routine, dental care, vision, hearing aids, long-term care and most prescriptions. Another misconception is people often think Medicare is free, but part B has a monthly premium, and most plans have deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket responsibilities.

Answer: I always advise Medicare beneficiaries to do an annual review to make sure they’re in the best possible position moving to the next year. Just because it was the best plan for you this year doesn’t mean it will automatically be the best plan next year.

Answer: I can see that, some events can feel that way. When done correctly, a Medicare event should be educational and not saslesy. My goal when hosting an event is to make sure people leave with real answers and feel confident about their coverage. You should always feel free to ask questions and never feel rushed to sign up for anything on the spot.

Answer: YES! YES! YES!

This would require additional data on each service proving effectiveness, the benefit and the overall cost, THEN you have to get the congress or CMS to do a policy change.

Answer: Yeah, this is absolutely a common problem, many advantage plan beneficiaries find that is the case. Most of the time it’s because dentist are compensated at a lower rate and a complicated administrative process.

Answer: I thinks it’s always a good idea to sit down with an expert and go over all your choices before deciding on a plan. As agents, that’s our job. We help you navigate the medicare jungle.

Answer: before enrolling in any Medicare plan, it is important to confirm whether your dentist is in network to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket cost. While every plan offers an online provider directory for clients who aren’t comfortable with technology, I recommend calling your dental office to ask if they accept this particular plan.

Answer: I always advise my clients to do an annual review but with a new condition you may want to do a benefit review early. Due to your new condition you might qualify for a SEP, but if you don’t qualify be ready for the Medicare annual enrollment October 15th through the December 7th.

Answer: Yes, there will likely be some out of pocket costs. All plans are different, with different co-pays and deductibles so this is a generic non specific answer.

Answer: What I like most about being a Medicare is I get the opportunity to make a real difference in people‘s lives. Navigating healthcare can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for seniors. I enjoy being a trusted resource who can simplify the process, explain their options clearly, and help them feel comfortable in their decision. It’s incredibly overwhelming to know that the guidance I provide can lead to better health coverage, peace of mind, and even financial savings for my clients.