Melonie Wood, Medicare Insurance Agent
Melonie Wood
American Senior Benefits
Medicare Agent Licensed in FL and AL
Contact Details
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Serving
Alabama
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Phone
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LinkedIn
About Me
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry
• Licensed Agent in Florida & Alabama
• 25 + years in sales/customer service
• 20 + Years at Dale Carnegie
• VP Sales with several large HR Companies
• Long Term Care Partnership Certification
PERSONAL BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
My mission it to help clients develop and protect their retirement lifestyle against unforeseen losses or setbacks. I hold myself to the highest level of personal and professional integrity by finding the right companies and products to meet my clients’ needs. I promise to only recommend insurance products that are in my client’s best interest.
Q&A with Melonie Wood
What do you enjoy most about working with Medicare clients?
Answer: I work with all types of Medicare members/ Low Income/ Rural/ members on disability & truly believe the key is to educate my members, answer their questions , help them navigate the very complex world of Medicare, help them get on Medicaid IF they qualify, help them find affordable solutions for their medications, Medicare Plans & be a resource for Medicare Members. I am considered an expert in this area.
I am knowledgeable, friendly, honest, experienced, dependable, reliable & my members love working with me.
I meet my clients at their home where they feel secure in sharing their questions & concerns.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I have put together an easy to read Medicare Presentation that I share with all members. This helps answer many questions, explains the difference between Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplements/ Part D Drug coverage. It shows How Medicare rates all the plans from 1 to 5 stars. The difference between HMO & PPO, and I also have a leave behind piece for members
Which Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) offers the best value for most seniors, and why?
Answer: Depend on where the member lives, what they are looking for, price, carrier & if the members are looking for ancillary benefits ( dental, vision, OTC, food.....)
Do I have to answer health questions when switching from one Supplemental/Medigap plan to another?
Answer: In most case Medicare Supplements are underwritten health questions, so in moving from one plan to another, in most cases the answer is yes
What’s one hidden Medicare expense that people don’t think about until it’s too late?
Answer: I carefully review everyone's plan including giving the members an enrollment book that clearly outlines costs for providers/ facilities/ medications, so my members do not have "surprise" costs
I just started on Medicare Part D, and I’m confused about whether my new cholesterol medication counts toward my coverage gap. Can you explain?
Answer: I have a special database that I am able to put a members medication in which will give us the costs . 2025 there is no coverage gap.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: Once a member reaches the $2000 out of pocket cost there is no more cost to the member. If the member is paying $0 for their medication, there is still a retail cost. 25% is counted towards the $2000 out of pocket maximum
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
Answer: A member will have only Part A IF they are still working & covered on their employer plan. Once a person leaves their employer plan, they must apply for part B which covers doctors, medical equipment, out patient, preventive services
What do I need to do if I didn’t take Medicare at 65 and am now retiring?
Answer: Depends on why you did not take Medicare. If a person has employer insurance, which is considered "credible coverage" then when a member leaves the employer plan, they need to contact social security & sign up up for Medicare. This must be completed within 63 days of ending the employer plan
Why do some seniors end up paying lifelong penalties for Medicare Part B or Part D?
Answer: The penalties are based on WHEN a person signed up for Part B/D this is called Late Enrollment Penalty
What’s the trade-off between a Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO when it comes to flexibility?
Answer: I usually recommend a PPO as you can go to an out of net work provider, sometimes at a higher costs depending on the plan, more providers take PPO. PPO is Preferred Provider. HMO requires referrals, and usually have very narrow networks that you MUST stay in, if you go out of network, YOU pay
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: They need to look at the cost. If an employer plan is cheaper, I always recommend they stay on the employer plan. With Medicare, you have a part B that you pay for, Social security will take your Part B premium out of your social security. If you do not take social security yet, you will be billed for your apart B premium. In 2025 is is $185.00
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: No, If you are still on an employer plan, otherwise a person turning 65 MUST sign up for Medicare. You can sign up 3 months before, the month of your birthday & 3 months after. You have 7 months to sign up for Medicare
What does Medicare Part B cover? Is it enough?
Answer: Medicare Part B, or medical insurance, covers medically necessary services like doctor's visits, outpatient care, and certain preventive services
Why might Original Medicare with a Part D plan be better than a Medicare Advantage plan for frequent travelers?
Answer: It really isn't since original Medicare only pays 80%, the member is responsible for 20% of everything which can become costly. and you have to PAY for Part D every month & pay for your medication. A Medicare Advantage Plan includes drug coverage with Tiers 1 & 2 usually $0 costs , depending g on the plan
How can you create a comfortable environment for discussing Medicare with your parents?
Answer: I leave it up to the member where they would like for me to meet with them, usually at their home, or a convenient place they are comfortable with
What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: If a member likes their plan, they can find out where else they can go for services, they also can change their plan, and possibly get an exception to go to their hospital
If I start dialysis, how does that change my Medicare eligibility or coverage?
Answer: Most people on dialysys are covered on their plan. A member on Medicaid-Medicare, all cost would be covered, depending on their plan & cost share
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
Answer: Most Medicare Advantage Plans DO have eye/dental/OTC/Travel/.... Orginal Medicare does not include vision/dental/OTC
What imbalance exists in prescription drug spending, and how has it impacted overall costs?
Answer: The only imbalance that occurs with a Medicare Advantage is IF their medications are not on that carrier's formulary. Otherwise many of the members medications will be covered and typically are $0 costs for a Tier 1 & Tier 2 medication
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: Both Medicare Supplement Plans & Medicare Advantage are good plans for members depending on many factors: Do you Travel a lot out of state? Are costs a concern ? Do you want to be able to go to any provider ? Do you want to pay up front monthly with $0 co pay/$0 doctor visit/$0 for procedures/ $0 hospital stays/......
With Medicare Supplenet you pay monthly whether you go to the doctor or not, these plans can be expensive/ are medically underwritten & you must buy a Part D also. Medicare Advantage includes drug coverage/ caps your costs, are usually $0 monthly premium/ $ for your doctor unless a specialist
What’s the process for signing up for Medicare if I’m already on disability benefits?
Answer: Once a person has been on disability for 24 months, social security assigns you Medicare, socoal security will hold back 6 months to see if the disability will resolve itself. There is no age requirement IF a person is on disability
What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answer: Not being educated on the many different plans/ benefits/ physician networks/ HMO vs PPO/ additional benefits/ co pays/ Medicare start ratings for Medicare Advantage/ not knowing you must have PArt D/ ...
Can you describe a time when you helped a client navigate a complex Medicare issue?
Answer: I had a sweet older lady who had lost her Medicaid-Medicare & was not aware that she no longer qualified for her current Dual Eligible plan. I spent several hours on the phone with her & Medicaid helping her naviagte the confusing world of getting her Medicaid reinstated.
What benefits are there to working with a Medicare Agent near me vs remote/virtual?
Answer: I always recommend to clients to meet with someone in person as they are right there with the member, can answer questions, build a rapport & usually have free promotional stuff to give them
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: In my opinion, Medicare Advantage is a great alternative to Orginal Medicare & Part D, as Medicare Advantage is a "Pay as you go" you only pay IF you use your plan. Most plans have a cap with co-pays, Medicare Advantage includes many additional benefits such as OTC/Dental?Vision/Transportation/...
I’ve been on a Part D plan for a while, and I’m wondering why my generic prescriptions suddenly cost more. Did something change?
Answer: On Prescription Plans Part D, all depends on the Part D plan, formulary/ what Tiers the medications fall in.
I've had a change in my health condition. How does this affect my current Medicare plan, and should I reconsider my coverage?
Answer: on Medicare Advantage Plans there is NO underwriting, so regardless of the health of someone, everyone can get a Medicare Advantage Plan is long is their Part A & B are in effect. Medicare Supplements require medical under writing and based on results could require much higher monthly premiums
If you had to pick just one, what’s the worst Medicare-related decision someone can make?
Answer: The worst mistake, which I see often is incorrect information. Fraud agents telling members they can get $3000 for food/ Not meeting with someone in person to learn what Medicare is, what Medicare can do for someone, review plans in your zip code, understand , compare the plans & make the best choice for you.
What’s one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?
Answer: By making a fast decision without checking IF their doctor is in network, depending on someone else for advice, signing up without truly understanding what their plan is/co pays/ any costs/ benefits
I’m retiring next year—do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: Someone who is retiring and has Medicare Part A & is still on employer insurance will need to have their employer obtain the employee's Part B. Otherwise they will be unable to get any kind of Medicare Advantage OR Medicare Supplement
How is Medicare Advantage expected to evolve in the future?
Answer: Medicare Advantage changes every year depending on the carriers, star ratings, formularies for medications, provider's networks, Hospital networks/ and a hosts of other benefits. Since Medicare is part of Social Security, depending on what the administration does, will effect Medicare plans
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: First check with Social Security and make sure you are issued your red, white & blue Medicare Card. This is original Medicare. Next you will need to sign up for a Prescription Drug Plan OR Medicare Advantage Plan. IF you do not sign up for a Prescription Drug Plan, know as PDP OR a Medicare Advantage Plan, known as MAPD, you will incur a late enrollment penalty that you will pay for the reminder of your life
I'm caring for my dad who has Alzheimer's with lots of medications and I keep getting bills I don't understand. Any tips for not drowning in paperwork?
Answer: It is difficult to answer this questions as there is NO information on what type of paperwork you are having difficulty with. A good agent , like myself can help a member navigate the challenges of bills/ co pay/ co insurances with Medicare
What if I missed my window to sign up?
Answer: Medicare gives everyone 7 months to enroll in a plan. 3 Months before your 65th birthday, the month of & 3 months after. Should a member miss the 7 months, they need to wait until Annual Enrollment (AEP) to sign up & may have a penalty unless the person has an employer plan
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: PLEASE MEET WITH A LICENSED AGENT who is able to write several carriers, not just have an appointment with ONE Medicare Carrier. This way the agent can discuss the pro's & con's of the plans & help the member make the best choice for them
What’s a common trick in Medicare marketing that hides restrictions on doctor choices?
Answer: Unscrupulous agents will not check networks providers and tell members their doctor takes the plan. This is why it is so important to meet with an agent in person.
Does Medicare Advantage cover acupuncture or alternative therapies in some plans?
Answer: Depending on the plan, if it's an HMO or PPO, many PPO plans DO cover acupuncture. not many cover alternative options, this is why you need to look at each plan carefully
What role do you think technology will play in the future of Medicare?
Answer: As technology continues to advance, it will always be a valuable tool, such as submitting enrollments on line, checking provider networks, formularies, ......
Should Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing, or would that just make it more expensive for everyone?
Answer: Many plans already cover the additional benefits of Dental/Hearing/Vision at no additional costs. The amounts covered vary depending on the area and the specific plan
What are some ways to save on prescription drug costs?
Answer: Most carriers have a $0 cost for a tier 1 & 2 drug, many carriers will mail a 90 day supply at 0 costs for tier 1 & 2. I also advise members to get a GoodRx Card as well, and if someone is on an expensive drug, tier 3 or 4, most pharmaceutical companies have a patient assist program to help with expensive medications