Nadia Jackson, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: You can if you are married to someone who has worked or paid into the system. If you are not married to someone who did qualify there are extra costs to get Medicare Part A and B.

Answer: Don't give out your Medicare number to just anyone! Make sure they are vetted and licensed. If you are getting calls and you didn't sign up for permission for people to call you regarding Medicare they are call centers and just want your Medicare number to sign you up on X plan for their benefit. Protect that number and only give to people you trust.

Answer: Your Part C co pay is all you pay. If your Medicare Advantage plan doesn't have a deductible you are only paying your co pay. If you were on Original Medicare only, chances are you are coming out of pocket the full deductible even for a one night stay in the hospital plus 20% co insurance for any remaining costs. On an advantage its only $350 for the day so if you are in for only 2 days you pay only $700 and no other remaining costs unless labs, imaging are involved those are separate co pays but they all go towards your Max out of Pocket, on Original Medicare there is no Max out of Pocket. Talk with your broker or agent to make sure you are comfortable with your hospital co pays there are options to help alleviate those high costs.

Answer: Maximum Out of Pocket also known as MOOP is the most you will pay in a calendar year. If your MOOP is $2000, and the worst of the worst happens that year in and out of hospitals, doctors visits, surgery's etc., no matter what, the most you will pay in that year is $2,000. Most of your part B co pays and coinsurance go towards your Medical MOOP, now your prescriptions have a separate MOOP and can be discussed with your Broker or Agent.

Answer: There are Medicare Savings programs, you can speak with your broker on how to apply or reach out to Social Security in your area to get the correct information on how to apply for the program to alleviate some premium costs.

Answer: I love the stories! This is why I like to meet in person. You are able to grab someone's full attention and really connect. I love that I am helping people too, it makes me feel good to know I am someone they can depend on.

Answer: You will only be penalized if you don't have creditable health coverage. If you are still working at 65 and your employer offers you health insurance, as long as that employer has more than 20 employees you will be deemed creditable and can delay your Medicare. If you work for yourself or own a business but you employee less than 20 people you are not under creditable coverage and will need to enroll into Medicare or be penalized.

Answer: Benefits with working with a local agent or broker is you have someone you can see in person. You also have someone who knows the area you are in, what hospitals are near by even Dr's people recommend. An agent who is local is more than likely more available to assist with urgent matters as well vs someone over the phone out of the area.

Answer: Medicare Advantage and PDP plans do help with inhalers usually on a prior authorization term. Make sure to review your medical concerns and conditions with your broker so they can find that plan that best fits your health needs.

Answer: Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans do work with Silver Sneakers there is also another plan similar called One Pass that works just like the Silver Sneakers program too.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans can change each year, it is important to review your Annual Notice of change when it is sent to you in Sept/Oct so you are not shocked in January. The reason for these changes are funding received, healthcare cost trends, insurance decision to change benefits, or federal policy. Medicare Brokers are here to help with questions regarding changes. Make sure you align with one who fits your healthcare needs.

Answer: Medicare does not cover full‑time caregivers or personal home health aides for dementia care if the help is mainly custodial — such as bathing, dressing, meals, or supervision.

Medicare may cover some home health or part time care for "skilled medical care" ordered by a doctor, such as nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy.