Monica Hughes, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans are possible because private insurers receive monthly, government-funded payments for each member.

These companies cover costs by managing care, limiting networks, and charging copays for services, rather than charging members a monthly fee.

Answer: The best way to protect yourself against Medicare scams is to guard your Medicare number like a credit card, hanging up on unsolicited calls, and reviewing "Medicare Summary Notices" for fraudulent charges. Never give personal information to strangers, as Medicare never calls, texts, or visits homes uninvited to sell products or demand info.

Answer: Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and is broken into two parts:

Part A covers hospital stays, nursing facility care, hospice care and home-based healthcare.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers) and many preventive services, like shots, vaccines and annual checkups.

With Original Medicare, once you pay your deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and then you pay what’s left (your coinsurance or deductible).

A Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative health insurance option that private insurance companies offer. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans often bundle additional benefits into a single plan, making it easier to manage your healthcare needs. It includes everything in Original Medicare plus more. Some benefits Medicare Advantage plans may include:

• Prescription drug coverage

• Vision Services (e.g., eyewear, routine eye exams)

• Dental care

• Hearing Services (e.g., routine exams, hearing aids)

Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer wellness programs, fitness memberships, and expanded telehealth options, providing greater flexibility and value to members. These extra benefits can vary by plan and insurer, so it’s important to review the specific offerings when choosing a plan.

Answer: The key shift in Medicare spending has been a growing concentration of both enrollment and federal dollars in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are run by private insurers instead of the traditional government program

Answer: You are responsible for an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior exceeds certain thresholds

Answer: IRMAA does not go away automatically if your income drops; you must report the change to Social Security. Because IRMAA is based on tax returns from two years prior, you must file Form SSA-44 to request a new determination based on a "life-changing event" (such as retirement, divorce, or significant income loss).

Answer: If you are enrolled in a dual special needs plan, then you will qualify for a benefit that gives you the option to purchase healthy foods like meat, fruits & vegetables. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to give me a call & I will be more than happy to assist you.

Have an amazing day!

Monica Hughes

Contact me.

Answer: One of the most common misconceptions is that Medicare covers all healthcare costs. But realistically, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover everything, specifically, it usually doesn't include long-term care (custodial care), dental, vision, and hearing services, often leaving beneficiaries with significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Answer: The best way to get an accurate comparison for your parents would be to speak with a licensed agent who can best explain & compare all available plans in your area. They would also be able to explain all the benefits your parents would qualify for.

Answer: You would get hands on detailed information, from a licensed agent in your area. The agent would provide all info that would award you the best benefits available to you.

Answer: That would depend on the current plan you’re enrolled in. That’s how all the options are determined.

Answer: Yes you should always look for coverage in your current county because you coverage may change, you may qualify for more benefits, and you may have more cost savings.

Answer: Can you givre me your DOB & your medicare number (the red white & blue card) so i can see exactly what coverage you have.

Answer: You should work with an agent so you can receive answers to all of your questions in real time and learn about any additional benefits that may be in your area.

Answer: It really depends on where you’re moving & what benefits they offer. How soon are you moving & where are you moving to?