Michael Hixson, Medicare Insurance Broker
Michael Hixson
Empower Seniors
Medicare Broker Licensed in OK, AR and TX
14+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Oklahoma City, OK
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Michael Can Help With:
About Me
Hi, my name is Michael and I am your local Medicare Insurance Agent. Medicare is my specialty and I am dedicated to helping you find the best plan that fits your specific needs and budget. I will take on the task of searching through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies so that you don't have to. Best of all, my services come at no cost to you. Get in touch with me today to explore your Medicare insurance options. Be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
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Q&A with Michael Hixson
I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?
Answer: Yes, Original Medicare Part B covers Nutrition Counseling for individuals with Diabetes. You may be able to receive more help with a Medicare Advantage Plan. Some of these types of plans offer gym memberships and other things that Original Medicare does not offer.
What's the projected impact of an aging population on Medicare Part A hospital funds?
Answer: I'm here to assist with general information about Medicare and related services. For specific inquiries like the projected impact of an aging population on Medicare Part A hospital funds, I recommend consulting detailed reports or resources from official Medicare websites or financial analysts who specialize in healthcare economics. If you have any other questions about Medicare or if you need help with something else, feel free to ask!
I applied for a Medigap plan and got denied because of my health history-how is that even legal when I've paid into Medicare for years?
Answer: A "Medigap" or Medicare Supplement Plan is offered by insurance companies. They are not offered by the Centers of Medicare Medicaid Services. In other words, these are Private Plans that pay the Co-Pays that Original Medicare doesn't cover. The time to buy these types of plans is during your Open Enrollment Period. During this period there are no health questions. This period is up to 6 months be for your 65th birthday and up to 6 months after your 65th birthday or up to 6 months after your Part B effective date. If you missed these opportunities, there are some ways you may qualify for Guaranteed Enrollment with loss of credible insurance or in some states a birthday rule.
How does the Part D "catastrophic coverage" phase work once I hit the out-of-pocket max?
Answer: For year 2025 Part D has had a great change. In previous years when you entered into the Catastrophic Stage of your Drug Plan, you would have a copay that was determined by if it was a generic or name brand drug. You would pay the higher of the defined copay or 5% of the cost of the drug. For 2025 you no longer have a copay in the catastrophic stage, meaning that you will have a maximum of $2,000 drug cost for the year. Some may pay less than that depending on how CMS calculates and credits the copays that you paid.
I have Original Medicare, a Medigap Plan G, and a Part D plan, but I'm still facing high costs for my specialty medication. What options exist for someone in my situation?
Answer: Original Medicare and your Medigap Plan G only cover cost associated with your Part A and Part B coverage, Hospital and Doctor coverage. Your medications are covered by Medicare Part D and you should shop Part D coverage each year during Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 - December 7, because each year the Premiums, Plan Formularies and Copays change.
I use a continuous glucose monitor for my diabetes that connects to my smartphone. Will Medicare cover this technology for someone with my condition?
Answer: Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not always as cut and dry of an answer as you'd like. Yes, Medicare states what they do and do not cover, but there are other correlating factors that go into a service or procedure being covered. Factors like the procedure's medical necessity, the doctor's participation, and how the bill is coded are some variables that affect the answer to this question.
If you need more specific guidance or have other questions regarding Medicare coverage, please feel free to reach out!
Do Medicare Advantage plans really save seniors money in the long run? Why or why not?
Answer: Absolutely! With Original Medicare, there is no STOP to your risk of cost. With Part A the Hospital Deductible is $1,676 for days 1-60, then a per-day copay of $419 for days 61-90 and $838 per-day copay for days 91-150. After that Original Medicare doesn't cover any cost. Outpatient cost or Part B has an annual Deductible of $257 and a 20% unlimited copay. All Medicare Advantage Plans have what is called a Maximum Out Of Pocket limit. This limits your risk.
I am a member of a federally recognized tribe here in Arizona. I receive all my medical needs through the Indian Health Service at no cost. Do I still have to have Medicare?
Answer: Let me ask you a question, are you ever in need of care and not be close to a Tribal Health Facility? I bet the answer is Yes. I am Michael Hixson and I am Cherokee and live in the Oklahoma City Metro Area and the closest Indian Hospital is in Ada, Oklahoma over an hour away. Yes, you could go to a local Emergency Hospital but you better submit your claim within 72 hours to Indian Health Services and then hope that it gets approved. With having Original Medicare, you have more options for your health care and have peace of mind that you won't be paying 100% of the bill. If you are Native and need help with your Medicare Options, give me a call. I can explain your unique situation.
Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan mid-year if I’m diagnosed with a serious illness?
Answer: In most cases, No. After you have passed your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment, you must pass underwriting to be able to qualify for a Medicare Supplement. There are exceptions in some States. There are states offer a Birthday Rule like Oklahoma. In Oklahoma you have 60 days from your birthday to enroll into a Medicare Supplement Plan without answering Health Questions. You will need to check with your state for any exceptions.
How can I plan for Medicare costs if I expect to need long-term custodial care in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Answer: Original Medicare does not cover Long-Term Care, Dental, Vision or Hearing. For Long-Term Care you have 3 options for coverage, Long-Term Care Policy, Life Insurance Policy with a Long-Term Care Rider or an Annuity with a Long-Term Care Rider.