Michael Yost, Medicare Insurance Broker
Michael Yost
BOST Benefits
Medicare Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI and WV
Contact Details
-
Location
Youngstown, OH
-
Phone
-
Website
-
Schedule An Appointment
-
LinkedIn
Michael Can Help With:
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement
- Prescription Drug
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plans
- Hearing Plans
- Individual / Family Plans
- Group Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Final Expense Insurance
- Critical Illness
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Short Term Care Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Annuities
About Me
I have been in the insurance industry for 20 years. I am able to assist with a range of Medicare options, including supplement plans, advantage plans, and prescription plans. If you have questions or need help with Medicare plans, feel free to reach out to me for a no-cost review.
Q&A with Michael Yost
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: Should I enroll in a Medicare plan or stay on my group health insurance plan? Many people think Medicare is too confusing and they don't want to deal with it now. They feel very comfortable with their group plan because that's what they are used to. So many families I've spoken with over the years got better coverage on Medicare and paid less, saving $$. People may be missing out on better coverage and savings if they don't take time to compare and talk with a broker about their options.
What's your go-to strategy for helping someone decide between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Answer: My strategy is to best explain both options to someone and let them decide what is best for them. Medicare is a very complicated system and people need to understand how their plan options work so they can make an informed decision.
I'm turning 65 soon, when can I enroll in Medicare?
Answer: You can enroll 3 months before turning 65. You can also enroll the month of your date of birth and 3 months after. This gives you 7 full months to apply when turning 65.
Why do some agents push Medicare Advantage plans over Medigap-should I be skeptical?
Answer: Yes you have to be careful on who you meet with. Agents should be independent and show both options equally. Unfortunately some agents do push advantage plans because they pay more commissions. If you meet with an agent that does push one plan over another, you may want to look for someone else to help you with your options.
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: I would find and work with an independent solid broker that can help go through and explain your options. You need someone to help you review your situation, possibly compare your current health insurance to the Medicare options, and help figure out what your best option is. If you are definitely going to enroll in a Medicare plan, your first step is to enroll in Medicare Parts A + B.
I want to get a shingles vaccine. Will Medicare cover this preventive service?
Answer: Medicare does not cover the shingles shot. The shingles shot is covered under Part D (a prescription plan). Once you enroll in a prescription drug plan, the shingles shot should be covered at 100%.
If I move to a rural area, how might that limit my Medicare Advantage plan options?
Answer: There may be less advantage plans available to choose from. Also you may have to stick with a PPO as it may be harder to find doctors that are in networks.
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
Answer: Medicare does not usually cover routine eye exams. However, there may be exceptions that they would cover (Medicare would cover an eye exam after cataract surgery).
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: Some people that are on Tier 3 medications or higher would be saving alot of money with the new $2,000 max. It used to be $8,000 and was dropped to $2,000. There's been some significant changes last AEP with how the drug structures work and it's been a nice improvement/savings for many seniors.
I just moved to a new state. Do I need to do anything with my Medicare coverage?
Answer: Yes most Medicare plans are county based. If you move out of a service area, you most likely will have to change plans.
My diabetes medication is super expensive, and I've heard horror stories about Part D not covering what people need. Should I go standalone Part D or get it through a Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: There's been some nice changes in the drug structures of Medicare, especially with diabetes medications. That's where meeting with a broker (someone like us) can help compare the drug plans in your county with the medications you take, to see what the better route to go is.
What's one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?
Answer: That they did not enroll in a Medicare plan sooner. They stayed on their employer insurance when they could have switched to a Medicare plan, while working, and got better insurance coverage and saved $$.
Are Medicare plans and requirements different for every state?
Answer: Yes plans vary by county. If someone moves out of a county or service area, that person would probably have to change plans to the new county they are in.