Michael Ferraro, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: If someone is in good health with limited funds, sometimes it makes sense, especially in NY where we have MED_SUP's that are guaranteed issue. Always boils down to building a relationship with a brother with ethics and morals.

Answer: Generally speaking, in an hmo you need to see a doctor in network. Some plans have point of service option, however you will pay more.

A PPO advantage plan would be better for this scenario.

If you want to continue to see Dr's, out of Network It might be worth running the numbers to see if you are paying more than just going into a Medicare supplement plan

Answer: Medicare 101’s are my favorite way to educate seniors about Medicare. You can make presentation fun, I usually serve food and get positive feedback

Answer: Medicare looks at is procedure covered. It doesn’t look at the technology that is used to do the procedure. As long as your dr says it is medically necessary and the drs office accepts Medicare assignment. There should be no issue

Answer: Mental health services are covered however there is limitations varied costs depending on the plan. This should be reviewed with your Medicare broker.

Answer: This is something that can be verified with your Medicare broker. A good broker reviews plans in September and knows what is being offered in the marketplace.

Answer: If you are on disability you are automatically qualified to receive Medicare. There is a waiting period however. After being disabled for two years. On month 25 you will automatically be enrolled in Part A&B. You should receive a card 3 months before. Then you can pick a med supplement & prescription drug plan or Medicare advantage plan

Answer: The trend is going that way. Now over 50% of retirees have a Medicare advantage plan. This is handled by private companies, as well as prescription drug plans. It’s just my opinion, but I believe it’s too large of a program. The government will fight like hell to not let go of control. Although this year we have seen some major govt programs get taken apart. I think it’s something to watch. However, I believe no matter what happens the solution will remain the same. Every year input your drs and medications and review plan changes to make sure you are getting the most out of Medicare. It’s my opinion is having a good relationship with your Medicare broker. They are more than likely to have their finger on the pulse of what’s going on.

Thanks.

Mike.

Long Island Senior services

Contact us.

Answer: First I make sure they unerstand how Medicare works.

Next I check to see if they can afford a Medicare Supplement.

Then we go over overall health. Many Dr visits? Often at a specialist?

I then do a side by side comparison of a med sup and Medicare Advantage plan and explain this is just a general example so you can see how it works.

We then talk about their risk profile and I make a formal recomendation.

Once they choose we put together a list of Dr's and Medications (Even if they are going with Medigap) and compare plans

By the end of this process it's usually pretty clear to the client what they should do.

Answer: Bankruptcy does not affect your Medicare status. However not paying your premiums on your med-sup or Medicare Advantage plan will. If you declare bankruptcy, continue to pay your premiums and you will be in good shape.