Nicoletta Catalucci, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Yes! The good news is, you may have some special protections! If UHC is ending your Medicare Advantage plan for 2027, you may be able to switch to Original Medicare and get certain Medicare Supplement plans without having to qualify based on your health.

My advice? Keep the letter you received from UHC and start looking at your options early.

You generally have up to 63 days after your coverage ends to apply, but I wouldn't wait until the last minute!

Answer: If your health coverage is still active, your employer should check “No” where the form asks if your coverage has ended and leave the coverage end date blank.

If you're still working, they should enter the current month and year in the “Still Employed” section.

My advice is to make sure your employer completes and signs the form correctly before submitting it to Social Security.

Answer: Yes!

If you're a military retiree and eligible for Medicare, you generally need both Medicare Part A and Part B to keep your TRICARE For Life coverage.

Medicare usually pays first, and TRICARE For Life helps cover remaining eligible costs.

My advice is to enroll in Part B on time to avoid losing your TRICARE benefits or having a gap in coverage.

Answer: The Medicare-approved amount is the amount Medicare allows for a covered medical service.

If your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, it means they agree to accept that amount as full payment, although you may still have a deductible or coinsurance to pay.

My advice is to simply ask your doctor's office, "Do you accept Medicare assignment?" before your appointment. This can help you avoid unexpected bills.

Answer: Original Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, with up to 12 visits in 90 days and additional visits if you're improving.

However, it generally doesn't cover naturopathic doctors or most alternative treatments. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits, depending on the plan.

My advice is to always check what's covered before scheduling an appointment, so you don't end up with unexpected costs.

Answer: One of the biggest warning signs is seeing charges for medical services, tests, or equipment you never received.

Be careful if a provider recommends unnecessary treatments or asks for your Medicare information for services you didn't request.

My advice is to always review your Medicare statements and ask questions if something doesn't look right. If you suspect fraud, report it to Medicare. It's always better to be safe and protect yourself!

Answer: I would recommend contacting Social Security and asking them to review your Medicare premiums.

Bring your corrected 1099, amended tax return, and proof that the IRS received the correction. Medicare generally uses your income from two years earlier, so changing your 2023 income could lower your 2025 premiums, while your 2024 income may affect 2026.

If Social Security finds that you overpaid, you may also qualify for a refund. I would definitely ask them to review each year separately.

Answer: Not everyone pays the same amount for Medicare.

Your costs can depend on your income, work history, and the coverage you choose.

Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A, but Part B has a monthly cost that may be higher depending on your income.

My advice is to review your options carefully, because you may also qualify for programs that help lower your costs.

Answer: Yes, absolutely!

You can switch from your SCAN Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment, from October 15 through December 7.

Your new coverage would begin January 1. Turning 66 doesn't affect your ability to make this change. Just remember, you may need a separate prescription drug plan, and if you're considering a Medicare Supplement, it's important to check your eligibility before switching.

Answer: The five main things I would compare are your doctors and hospitals, monthly costs and copays, prescription coverage, extra benefits like dental and vision, and whether you need referrals to see specialists.

To explain the exact differences between your two plans, I would need to review their benefits, since coverage can vary depending on the specific plan and year.

Answer: If keeping your current doctors is important to you, Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement may give you more flexibility.

You can generally see any doctor who accepts Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans usually have a network of doctors.

My advice is to check if your doctors accept the plan and compare the costs before deciding. The best choice really depends on your needs and budget.

Answer: Yes, you can often pay out of pocket to stay in the same facility, as long as they allow it. However, paying for another month doesn't automatically restart Medicare coverage.

With Original Medicare, you generally need 60 days without hospital or skilled nursing care before a new benefit period can begin, even if you stay in the facility.

You must also meet Medicare's requirements to qualify for coverage again. I recommend checking with the facility before making any decisions.

Answer: The prescription drug deductible is generally paid once per year, not separately for each drug tier.

Some plans only apply the deductible to certain tiers, while others have no deductible at all.

My advice is to check your plan's drug coverage details so you know exactly what to expect when filling your prescriptions.

Answer: Working with a Medicare agent can make things much easier.

A good agent will take the time to understand your needs, explain your options, and help you find a plan that fits your doctors, medications, and budget.

Most importantly, you'll have someone to answer your questions and guide you through the process, so you can make a decision you feel comfortable with.