Mirian Mercado, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: It is a real issue, but you should be aware of it and not afraid of it. The good news is Medicare has systems in place to detect fraud and most suspicious billing is caught and corrected. Beneficiaries are usually not responsible for fraudulent claims if reported properly.

Answer: Prevention is covered today, a wide range of preventive services such as

Annual wellness visits

Vaccines like flu, covid, pneumonia

Cancer screening mammograms, colonoscopies, etc

Diabetes and cardiovascular screenings

Tobacco cessation counseling

Answer: No Part D plan guarantees coverage of every possible medication, if a medication isn’t covered your doctor may request a formulary exception or discuss alternative mediations.

Answer: Yes, Medicare advantage plans provide a set dollar amount towards hearing aids. Routine hearing exams at no additional costs.

Answer: A client was turning 65 and still covered under spouses plan and was confused about whether she should enroll in Medicare. I reviewed her current plan, explained how Medicare would coordinate with employer coverage and helped them understand possible late enrollment penalties. My client avoided gaps, penalties and felt confident about enrollment.

Answer: Yes , you can change Medicare supplement plan at any time during the year, during open enrollment you are guaranteed the right to enroll after that period ends in many states you could go though medical underwriting

Answer: Yes, it depends on the situation if you qualify for special enrollment

If you move

Lost other coverage

You became eligible for Medicaid or ended Medicaid

If you already have Medicare advantage plan you can switch to another Medicare advantage plan during January 1-March 31

Answer: Yes

You can stay in a hospital for several days and be considered outpatient

Or be formally admitted and considered inpatient

Your out of pocket costs may differ

Answer: Coverage can end if premiums are not paid

If you live outside a plans service area

Loss of eligibility

You enroll in a different plan

Answer: Medicaid is based on income and financial eligibility

Medicare is based on age or certain disability

Answer: Save time comparing plans

Understand your Medicare choices

Find plans that fit your doctors and prescriptions

Get help with enrollment deadlines

Ongoing support and review of coverages

Understanding costs beyond premiums