Michael Cantrell, Medicare Insurance Agent
Michael Cantrell
Enhance Senior Benefits, Inc
Medicare Agent Licensed in TX
Contact Details
-
Location
Humble, TX
About Me
For more than 15 years, I have dedicated my career to serving and protecting the senior population within long-term care. My background includes hands-on experience as a nurse in skilled nursing settings, as well as five years as a Licensed Administrator overseeing skilled nursing facilities. This combination gives me a well-rounded understanding of both the clinical realities and the financial challenges seniors and their families face. I am also a proud U.S. Army veteran. My military service instilled in me a lifelong commitment to integrity, discipline, and putting service before self—values that continue to guide my work today.
Throughout my career in skilled nursing, I witnessed firsthand the emotional and financial strain families endure when an unexpected healthcare crisis occurs without the right Medicare coverage in place. Those experiences reinforced a core belief: Medicare decisions are not simply about selecting a plan—they are about protecting families when they need it most.
Q&A with Michael Cantrell
Why do some hospitals not accept Medicare Advantage plans for cancer treatment?
Answer: I think the answer to this question has to with authorizations. sometimes the authorizations may delay treatment, may take longer than Drs want
How can I select the right healthcare company and representative to work with?
Answer: Dont find a healthcare company, find a independent agent to work with. Remember, a company is only going to represent that company. An independent agent is someone who represents not one company but multiple companies.
What happens if I delay Medicare Part A enrollment because I'm still on my spouse's employer plan?
Answer: you have to make sure that your spouse's plan has 20 or more active employees to be able to delay without penalties. IF you do delay, you will pick up a Special Enrollment Period when either you both retire or he quits.
How do discount cards and resources affect my Medicare Prescription Drug plan?
Answer: You can't use both at the same time. IF you use a discount card, it wont count towards your deductible. There may be times that the discount card is cheaper that part D and then you have to make the decision to use it or not.
Is it ok to meet with multiple Medicare Brokers and Agents as I start looking for help?
Answer: most definitely, always meet with them and pick the one that you think is more credible. I would do my homework, vetted them really good, get referrals from previous clients. I'm sure I am not everyone's cup of tea and that's ok.
Why, when you turn 78, are you no longer able to get a CT scan?
Answer: I don't think that is a true statement because you are 78. IF the Dr orders it then Medicare will cover it. You may require Prior Authorization but other than that, It should cover it.
Why might Original Medicare with a Part D plan be better than a Medicare Advantage plan for frequent travelers?
Answer: In my opinion, having just original Medicare and part D is not a good idea. Now, having traditional Medicare, a medigap or supplemental plan with part D is better than an advantage plan because there is no restrictions on who you can see. If you live in Texas and travel to Florida, you can see any Dr as long as they take original Medicare. Medicare advantage plans are zip code specific and network specific. The main thing that Advantage plans have to provide is emergency services.
My friend lives in a different city and has a much more detailed Medicare plan. Is their plan dependent on their location?
Answer: This is a two-sided question because there are two main roads you can go down when it comes to Medicare. The first road is by taking traditional Medicare and a supplemental plan. A supplemental plan can go anywhere in the US and if they take Medicare, they take a supplemental plan, or Medigap plan which is the same thing.
The second road you can take is my getting a Medicare Advantage plan which is managed by a private company such as Humana or United Healthcare. Now, these plans are zip code specific, and some do offer PPO which means you can go out of network, but it will cost you. Never chose a Medicare plan because your neighbor or family member has it. Choose it because its what's best for you.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: There are several reasons why working with a Medicare agent is a great benefit to the Senior. Take me for instance, I bring over 16 yrs of skilled nursing experience as a nurse and administrator to my work. I have experienced the hardships that seniors have went thru and I educate my clients on the major holes in Medicare that will cost them money. Another reason why independent agents are good to work with is that I am loyal to not one single carrier. I carry contracts with all the major carriers, and I do what's best for my clients. If you call up say, Humana from TV, well you will only get Humana's opinion on what's best for you and that's usually going to be Humana.
Are there any exceptions for medical nutrition therapy or therapeutic supplements under Medicare?
Answer: Medicare generally does not cover oral nutritional supplements such as Ensure or Boost. However, Medicare Part B may cover Medical Nutrition Therapy with a registered dietitian when ordered by a physician for beneficiaries with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or a recent kidney transplant. I have seen these cases a lot while working in a skilled nursing facility when people come in for skilled services. Certain medically necessary tube-feeding products may also be covered which has to be written in Dr's orders. Now, some advantage plans my have special programs that may supply these types of nutritional supplements but they may be case by case according to the carriers at the time.