Nathan Danovski, Medicare Insurance Agent
Nathan Danovski
HealthMarkets
Medicare Agent Licensed in NC, GA, SC, TN, VA, WV and WY
10+ Years of Experience
Contact Details
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Location
Mooresville, NC
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Phone
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Website
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About Me
As a long term resident of Iredell County, I look forward to serving my Iredell County neighbors and the surrounding areas to provide the best choices for your health and life insurance needs. I pride myself on providing a personal experience to identify your unique insurance options within your budget. As a HealthMarkets Insurance Agent, I can offer a wide variety of plans for your health, Medicare, dental, vision, supplemental, and life insurance options. Call me today to schedule a free consultation and no-obligation quote. I am available to meet with you in-person, over the phone, or thru a variety of virtual options.
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Q&A with Nathan Danovski
Do I have to answer health questions when switching from one Supplemental/Medigap plan to another?
Answer: Medigap plans are underwritten in most states once you’re outside your initial enrollment window (usually 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B). That means:
• Insurance companies can ask about your health
• They can deny coverage, charge more, or exclude pre-existing conditions
You don’t need to go through underwriting if:
1. You’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6-month window after you enroll in Medicare Part B).
2. You qualify for a guaranteed issue right, such as:
• Your current Medigap plan ends or stops covering your area
• You move out of your plan’s service area (for Medicare SELECT)
• You lose other creditable coverage (like employer or union coverage)
• You’re within 12 months of trying a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch back to Medigap (the “trial right”)
If you’re switching Medigap plans just because of cost or benefits, and you’re outside of those protected periods, expect to answer health questions — and possibly be declined.
I'm confused by all the star ratings for Medicare plans. Do they actually mean anything for the care I'll receive?
Answer: Medicare gives plans a 1 to 5-star rating (5 is best) based on several factors, including:
• Member satisfaction (from surveys)
• Customer service
• Managing chronic conditions
• Preventive services (like screenings and vaccines)
• Drug safety and accuracy (for Part D)
Higher-rated plans usually have better customer service, fewer complaints, and do a better job helping members stay healthy.
• Plans with 4 stars or more are generally considered high quality.
• Bonus payments go to plans with 4+ stars, which can mean more money for extra benefits (like dental, vision, or OTC allowances).
Use star ratings as a starting point, but not the only factor. Always also check:
• Your doctors’ network participation
• Your prescriptions and their cost tiers
• Maximum out-of-pocket limits
• Extra benefits that matter to you (like travel coverage)
If you travel a lot or have specific health needs, sometimes a lower-rated plan might actually serve you better than a 5-star plan.
I went with Medigap because I travel a lot, but now I'm paying a fortune in premiums. Did I make a mistake?
Answer: Why choosing Medigap was probably a smart move for you:
• Travel-friendly: Medigap (especially Plans G or N) gives you nationwide access to any provider that accepts Medicare — no referrals or networks.
• Predictable costs: You avoid the surprise out-of-pocket costs that come with many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
• Foreign travel benefits: Some Medigap plans cover emergency care abroad, which Advantage plans often don’t.
• Flexibility: You aren’t stuck navigating HMO/PPO networks or needing prior authorizations.
But yes — the premiums can sting.
• Medigap premiums (especially at older ages or in higher-cost states) can feel steep — often $150–$300+ per month, depending on your plan and area.
• On top of that, you still pay your Part B premium (~$174.70/month in 2024) and Part D drug plan separately.
What to consider before switching:
If you’re thinking of jumping ship to save money:
• You may have to go through medical underwriting if you want back into Medigap later (unless you qualify for a special guaranteed issue right).
• Medicare Advantage can be cheaper up front, but:
• Travel flexibility is limited
• Networks can change yearly
• Cost-sharing can add up quickly if you need more care Final Thought:
You didn’t make a mistake — you made a decision that prioritized freedom, flexibility, and protection. That’s smart if you:
• Travel often
• Want to avoid networks and surprises
• Value access over saving every dollar
But if cost is becoming a burden, we can explore:
• Switching to Plan N or a high-deductible Plan G
• Comparing your current plan to lower-cost carriers
• Running a full Advantage vs. Medigap cost analysis
How much is spent on healthcare per year the U.S., and what does this amount represent per person?
Answer: 2023 estimate is 4.7 Trillion That's $4,700,000,000,000 and the approximate per person spending is $14,423.00
What's the most important question I should be asking about Medicare that I probably haven't thought of yet?
Answer: “How will my Medicare choices today affect my ability to change coverage in the future?”
“If I develop a chronic condition later, will my plan still cover the specialists and medications I’ll need?”
What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?
Answer: Listen first
Understand their concerns, priorities (like keeping doctors or managing prescriptions), and what confuses them.
Don’t rush: Medicare is complex. They may need time to feel confident.
Use plain language: Avoid jargon when explaining Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap.
Highlight timelines: Help them remember key dates (like Initial Enrollment Period or Annual Election Period).
Create a checklist: Note their doctors, medications, and preferences (e.g., low premiums vs. low out-of-pocket cost.
Let them lead: Ask questions like, “What matters most to you?” or “How would you like me to help?”
Avoid taking over: Instead, offer to help them navigate, not decide for them.
Review annually: Revisit their plan during the Annual Enrollment Period to ensure it still fits their needs.
How do you stay up to date with changes in Medicare policies and plan options each year?
Answer: Staying up to date with Medicare changes is crucial as an agent- both for compliance and to serve my client well. Here's how I do it effectively:
Subscribe to Offical CMS updates thru CMS.gov
Join carrier newletters with all the majors for example United Health Care, Aenta, Humana, Wellcare and more
Complete annual certifications thru the Carriers and AHIP
Attend webinars and events
Network with other agents