Michael Denniston, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: An agent in the area should know all the plans available in that area, pros and cons. However virtual appointments are good to with an experienced agent that is an independent broker.

Answer: The first thing to know is the basics of original Medicare. Explain part A explain part B and why a person may want or need a Medicare Drug approved plan. Explain the importance of enrollment periods. Lay out the difference between Medicare Supplement Plans and the very popular Medicare Advantage plans. Then we weigh out the pros and cons of each way to receive your Medicare coverage based on your needs now.

Answer: Yes I believe Medicare Advantage plans can save a Medicare beneficiary a lot of money, especially if a catastrophic event occurs. Medicare Advantage plans are required to have a maximum out of pocket each year. Original Medicare has no maximun out of pocket. Medicare Advantage plans can also provide a credible drug plan at no additional cost. Many Advantage plans offer extra benefits and savings on things original Medicare does not cover, like a little dental, vision and free gym membership in some cases. There are many very good reasons to enroll in Medicare Advantage also known as part C. Medicare Advantage plans very from zip code to zip code, county to county and state to state. I think it is important to talk with a very experience Medicare plan expert that is independent. Got questions call or email today for a free analysis and quote.

Answer: Medicare will cover genetic testing if a beneficiary is having symptoms of chronic illnesses or is at a genetic risk to get a chronic illness or disease. Should be requested by your doctor.

Answer: Medicare does cover mental illness treatment and counseling. Outpatient counseling and inpatient are available; the maximum inpatient coverage is for 180 days in a lifetime. If you are looking into Medicare Advantage plans, you should ensure that mental illness and psychiatry is included, with the providers you prefer. It is important that you or your agent look at the providers networks to make sure you are covered with the participating Dr.'s and facilities. Do your homework, due diligence before you enroll in any plan.

Answer: Medicare covers eye exams by ophthalmologists to diagnose, treat and detect, eye disease, and overall eye health. Optometry is not covered by Medicare. Optometry is for glasses; optometry is not covered by original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage Plans cover optometry （glasses) as an extra benefit. The Medicare Advantage Plans differ from state-to-state, zip code to zip code and county to county. Be sure and talk with your agent about this in advance of enrolling in any plan. You can also get supplemental policies to cover dental and vision.

Answer: By picking a plan with high monthly premiums you may be able to cut your overall cost by reducing copayments and deductibles. It is best to go over your formulary （list of prescriptions taken） and find out what is the most inclusive and best overall coverage and cost each year. As your prescription coverage changes you may want to change plans accordingly during the AEP （Annual Enrollment Period) each year.

Answer: Normally you will be enrolled in part A （hospital Coverage） automatically when you turn 65. With part B you can opt out if you have a credible coverage plan offered by your employer. If the employer plan is what is considered credible coverage and cost less the part B premium of Medicare, you may want to stay on your employer plan. You should check with your HR to be sure what would be best for you individually. You can enroll in part B when you leave your employer and go onto Medicare A and B. You may find that your employer plan does not cover you as well Medicare plans. You should compare based on your needs.

Answer: Medicare is accepted anywhere in country by Doctors and Facilities that accept Medicare. You want, Medicare and Social Security to have your correct address always of course. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will need to find a plan thats available in that region. You have 60 days to update your plan in the new region. If you have Medicare and a Medicare Supplement there is no need to change plans. Just update your address with the carrier. For more details call.

Answer: The answer to this question is, if it is your first year in a Medicare Advantage plan, the year you turn 65, the answer is yes. After the first year in most states, the answer is no. After the first year IEP (initial enrollment period), you would wait until October 15th to fill out the application so you are underwritten. Once under writing takes place, you will be accepted or not. Depending on your medical history. During your IEP, you have guaranteed acceptance. This is the only time there is no underwriting required, the first year on Medicare.

Answer: If you cannot afford your Medicare part B premiums you should apply for LIS (low income subsidy) also known as extra help. Qualifying for LIS is based on income. There is also the application for MSP (Medicare Savings Plan) which may pay your part B premium. I as an agent work with many clients and help guide them through the application process. It's easy to explain and also submit.

Answer: There many ways to address this issue. Some options are laid out in the Medicare and you booklet for 2025. There is LIS and Extra help available to many that qualify. You can appeal for tier exception if it is a drug you have to have. There are manufacturer programs to save $ and many other options too. Call us today with any of these type scenarios, we can help.

Answer: Seniors entering Medicare have many options that can save money immediately and going forward. You should know all the ins and outs during your IEP (initial enrollment period) work with an expert to guide and educate you, that's your best bet.

Answer: You should not have a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not include your local or favorite hospital. Before you join a Medicare Advantage plan you or your agent should always check to be sure your doctors, hospital and all of your prescriptions are covered in your Advantage plan. If your hospital is not in your Advantage plans network, the needs analysis was not performed or not mentioned before enrolling. This should not happen. You are obligated to stay in the plan you pick until AEP Annual Enrollment Period which is from October 15th to December 7th each year. This date is when you make a change to a plan that has all of your doctors' hospitals and prescriptions covered. The plan you change to will be effective the 1st of January in the following year. There are many more scenarios that are not mentioned here but this is most common question and answer. For more info call or email 888 589 4403 or [email protected]

Answer: Medicare itself does not usually cover patients who wander or need supervision 24/7. If this becomes the case, I recommend LTC insurance. Long Term Care insurance can provide coverage for this. For more details call or email today.

Answer: When you are turning 65 the first thing to do is ensure you have applied for Medicare part B insurance if you do not have a credible coverage, you can keep or perhaps have railroad benefits or tri care for life. You should contact an independent Medicare Certified agent and explore all the options you have during your initial enrollment period. Contact the agent of your choice 3 to 4 months before you turn 65. We can walk you through the process.

Answer: Make sure you know all your enrollment periods and use them to your advantage. Making the wrong selection when picking a Medicare plan can cost you a lot of money in the long run.

Answer: I have not seen any disparities among minority seniors. I have 1000's of clients from all demographics and have not witnessed and am not aware of any disparities among Medicare Beneficiaries. Disparities come in when choosing Medicare plans without a full knowledge of networks doctors and medicines covered. To avoid disparities get yourself a knowledgeable, experienced agent that knows your region.

Answer: Many of my clients are on Medicare Advantage plans that include OTC （over the counter） cards with various amounts loaded on them; Monthly, and quarterly. They use this additional benefit to order everything from toothpaste to wheelchairs. For many people this is a very important additional benefit.

Answer: There is no doughnut hole,. Once you reach 2000.00 out of pocket in 2025 you are paid 100%. You have reached catastrophic coverage. There are options out there to help with the cost of your prescriptions. I myself have found help paying for prescriptions. If you need helpful information or have more questions contact us 800 859 4403

Answer: A PPo is preferred provider organization. The HMO is a Health Maintenance organization. With a PPO you can see any provider that accepts Medicarein many cases anywhere in the country (USA). In network services are less expensive than seeing an out of network provider. HMO plans have a defined network of providers you must stay in your companies net work of providers. Am HMO plan also requires referrals before seeing a specialialist. An HMO is usually less in co-pays. With am HMO you are covered for emergencies where ever you travel in the USA. People who travel a lot of times prefer the PPO due to the ability to see Medicare doctors any where in the country without referrals. Know this information before you enroll is always a good idea. Talk with us anytime.

Answer: When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan the best thing to do is list the Dr's. you need, the prescriptions you take also the hospitals and clinics you would use. Number one, find out if all of your must have Doctors are covered in any plan and network you chose. Make sure your drugs are covered then compare co- pays and total out of pocket for the year. Each year you can change plans during AEP (annual enrollment period) if you find yourself on the wrong plan. It does happen to a lot of people who join without guidance. You may also qualify for an SEP (special enrollment period) you are un aware of. Call us today if you find yourself in this position.

Answer: When your income drops below certain levels you can apply for help with your part B premium payment, its called the Medicare Savings Plan, also part of LIS and extra help. There is help there for people with low means. I can help. Michaels Insurance Solutions (888) 589-4403

Answer: Standard Medicare does not cover Dental cleanings, x-rays, crowns or any normal dental. Optometry is not covered for eye exams to correct vision for glasses or contacts. Hearing aids are not covered. Cosmetics are not covered like face lifts etc... LTC （Long Term Care） is not covered by Medicare. If you need these extra benefits you should speak with us. 888 589 4403

Answer: Medicare part A covers hospital stays. When you are admitted into the hospital Part A covers days 1 through 60 after you have paid your co-pay. Days 61 to 90 you pay a daily co-pay. If you stay beyond 90 days you have 60 days lifetime reserve days with a daily copay. If you would like more details, or have a situation in particular you would like to ask about, contact me today, I can help. 888 589 4403.