Michael Cavanaugh, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: If you are a new Medicare beneficiary, the best choice would be to also enroll into a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan as soon as possible since virtual provider visits would be covered . Having just Original Medicare, without some type of additional coverage is not a wise option.

Answer: This all depends on what a significant difference you are referring too. The healthcare POA allows that person to make decisions on your health status/condition where you are unable to do. If a person is in poor health it may make sense.

Answer: With a Medicare Advantage Plan, which appears to be what you have, there are always going to be co-pays, deductibles and an out-of-pocket maximum. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you will pay for all charges during the year.

With a Medicare Supplement plan, you only have to meet the annual deductible once, then everything else is covered in full. Keep in mind, that there are medical questions you need to answer to see if you qualify, and there is a higher monthly premium.

Answer: When a person is enrolled in SSA for disability, after a 2 year period, they automatically qualify for Medicare at which point they can enroll into a Medicare supplement plan in addition to original Medicare.

Answer: According to CMS. all Brokers are required to have the beneficiary sign a Scope of Appointment prior to discussing any Medicare Advantage or Drug plan. This gives the agent permission to discuss these plans.

Answer: Yes you must continue to pay your Part B . If you don't, and you want to continue upon your return, you will be assessed a penalty monthly going forward for life.

Answer: When you choose an HMO, you agree to see all doctors in the network. There is no coverage out of network, it would be all costs to you. You still have time to change your plan during this OEP to a PPO. I can help you if you are in my service area. PA, NJ, DE.

Answer: I don't know. What is their situation, ages etc. are they new to the Medicare scenario, covered under an employer health plan or some other plan.

Answer: Welcome to Medicare! You should have already received your Medicare ID card. You need to be enrolled in Part A & Part B. This will enable you to participate in any supplement plans you need. I can better explain over the phone. Kindly allow me to help you. Provide your phone number.

Michael V Cavanaugh

Answer: Basically, you need to select a Primary Care Provider and he/she directs all of your care. You also need to stay within a certain service area and cannot go out of the network. Certain services must have prior approval.

Answer: Critical illness coverage is a good idea... to help pay for various out-of-pocket expenses not coverea under Medicare.

Answer: Your plan should be reviewed every year between, Oct. 15th and Dec. 7th. Plans can change each year along with the benefits and cost, if any.

Answer: Honestly, I can't remember when that happened. Medicare beneficiaries usually heed my advice. However, I do recall one prospect that did ignore my advice only to come back to me later.

Answer: Brokers that specialize in Medicare must take vigorous courses every year to keep abreast of all changes that can impact what CMS implements that can improve or reduce benefits.

Answer: Well, I do favor Unoted Healthcare as they seem to have the lowest premium and include some supplemental benefits as well, ie., dental, vision and hearing. ohysicians Mutual is also lower premiums.