Patricia Stiffler, Medicare Insurance Agent
Patricia Stiffler
Options In Insurance
Medicare Agent Licensed in CA
Contact Details
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Location
Anaheim, CA
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Phone
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Website
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Patricia Can Help With:
About Me
33 years experience. Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. National Association of Health Underwriters Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Q&A with Patricia Stiffler
I'm worried about the 'donut hole' in my Part D plan. How do I manage my medication costs once I enter it?
Answer: The Coverage Gap (donut hole) was eliminated. However, a lot of the plans have a deductible of $615. Medicare has established a monthly payment plan where high-cost drug copays are spread out over the year. You need to contact your Part D RX plan about the monthly plan payment option.
My friend lives in a different city and has a much more detailed Medicare plan. Is their plan dependent on their location?
Answer: Plans benefits can differ from county to county. There are also special needs plan that may have other benefits available, based on the medical needs.
I've been paying into Medicare for years, and I'm not sure why my specialist visits still cost me so much. What am I missing here?
Answer: It depends upon what you have for your Medicare coverage. If you only have Medicare and not an additional Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan, then you are paying about 20% of their costs. If you have a Supplement plan, you may have to meet a $257 deductible first, depending upon the plan you have. On an Advantage plan, you would be paying copays according to your plan benefits
My husband passed away and now my Medicare premiums went up. Why does losing someone raise your costs?
Answer: I am so sorry for your loss! It may be because you had a household discount while you and your husband were both on the plan together,
I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?
Answer: If you have either as Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D RX plan, the Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15 to December 7. You can change your plan at that time. If you have a Medicare Supplement plan (Plan F, G, N) and you live in California, they utilize the birthday rule. You can change to an equal or lesser plan during your birthday month, up to 60 days after.
Why might Original Medicare with a Part D plan be better than a Medicare Advantage plan for frequent travelers?
Answer: The biggest reason is that you can use a Medicare Supplement plan anywhere in the country. Unlike a PPO, there are no networks. The doctor or facility just has to accept Medicare.
I'm turning 65 next month and the amount of Medicare mail I'm getting is overwhelming. How do I sort through all this?
Answer: The best thing to do is to work with an agent who specializes in Medicare. Once we know what is important to you, we can find the plan that fits those needs.
What should I do if I miss the Medicare Open Enrollment period, and I want to change my plan?
Answer: The Medicare Annual Enrollment period is from October 15-December 7, 205. At that time, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan or your Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Any change will be effective on January 1, 2026. There is an additional Open Enrollment Period from January 1-March 31 where a Medicare Advantage enrollee can make one change to their Medicare Advantage plan, or they can cancel their Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare and add a Medicare Supplement plan and Prescription drug plan. However, the Open Enrollment Period does not apply to those who want to change just their Part D RX plan.