Oscar Molina, Medicare Insurance Agent
About Me
Oscar was born and raised in the city of Los Angeles, California in the northwest part (El Sereno). Near Alhambra and the Pasadena area. In 1993 he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah after marrying his wife Letty and they have lived there for the last 31 years. They have two daughters who they are extremely proud of and are “hijasmaravillosas.”
Oscar knows first hand the heartbreak of losing ailing parents who suffered through cancer and copd. Both his parents have passed on now, but he was there when they needed him and knows what medicare will and will not pay. This is especially true when the doctor at the hospital said, “your mother can no longer stay here, she has to go to a nursing facility or go home. He was forced to make a critical decision and decided to take his mother home and had hospice get involved. Hospice was a service of heavenly angels.
This is the reason why he decided to become licensed as a healthcare agent and help seniors with their medical needs. He believes in helping his elders before, during and after the enrollment process. There are a myriad of services that medicare provides and he explains services in a simple and logical manner. His mantra is being Oscar the Overseer, which means he truly cares for his clients and does his best for them. He gives protection and peace of mind.
Oscar enjoys watching his UCLA Bruins play football and any other sport that his alma mater participates in. He is a patron of the arts and attends the symphony, going to plays and enjoys delicious food. His favorite meal is chicken mole with rice, beans and a whole lot of TORTILLAS. He and his wife do their best to spend time together and they enjoy time with their daughters.
Q&A with Oscar Molina
I've been on my employer's health plan but am retiring soon. What should I consider when moving to Medicare?
Answer: Medicare gives you an eight month window to get on Medicare. Whether it be Original or Advantage after you retire. It is best to consult with Medicare.gov and an agent who can guide you on what type of Medicare coverage is best for you.
Should I keep original Medicare or go with an Part C, Medicare Advantage plan? What is better?
Answer: It depends what your needs are and what type of budget you have. It also depends what type of benefits you are seeking and what you are comfortable with. For example., Original Medicare offers the flexibility to go to any doctor or specialist that accpets Original Medicare. No referrals are needed. The downside is that you have to apply for Part D medication coverage separately and you may need a Medigap Supplement to cover what Orignal Medicare does not cover.
Part C has a network it covers and to keep cost down you need to see doctors and specialists in this network. A referral is needed from your PCP. If your plan allows you to go out of network it will cost you more. The advantage it does have additonal benefits like vision, dental and hearing that Original Medicare does not. It all depends on what you need and what types of features you seek.
Does original Medicare require referrals before visits to specialists?
Answer: Original Medicare does not require a referral from your PCP to see a speciaiist. As long as the specialist accepts Original Medicare you can contact this physician directly and have a consultation. This is throughout the entire USA.
What if you have Medicare and SSI or you have both Medicare and Medicaid how do you qualify for LIS or Extra Help?
Answer: You don't have to apply for Low Income Subsidy or Extra Help to pay for your Part D benefits, because you automatically receive it once you are deemed eligible.
How long after I apply for Medicare A&B will I receive my Medicare card?
Answer: You will receive your medicare card in about 2 to 4 weeks. On the other hand, if you already are receiving Social Security payments you get your card automatically within 3 months before you turn 65 years old.
Which is better: a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap policy?
Answer: It depends on the needs and preferences of the beneficiary. The choice is based on whether you prioritize lower monthly premiums (Medicare Advantage) or lower, more predictable, out-of-pocket costs with greater doctor flexibility (Medigap/Medicare Supplement). Medigap typically suits those wanting to see any doctor and limit high medical costs, while Advantage plans are better for lower up-front costs and added benefits like dental/vision.
How can I avoid or reduce IRMAA charges on my Medicare premiums?
Answer: To avoid or reduce Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) charges, which are based on your tax return from two years prior, you must lower your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Key strategies include using Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs, contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts, managing capital gains, and filing a Form SSA-44 for life-changing events.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: I am Oscar Molina and as a agent I can answer your questions and guide you to choice the right plan for you. Not all plans fit everyone. My services are at no cost or obligation and this takes the pressure off of you. I can also explain the major parts of Medicare in a simple and easy way to understand, which is truly important. If I don't know the anwer to a question I know where to find the resources to get you an answer in a timely manner. My philosphy is the beneficiary is the important one and this guides my intentions.