Paula Duffy, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Getting married later in life doesn't affect your Medicare coverage or costs unless you are in an Employer coverage. Check with your employer if there is special elections when one get married.

Answer: Plans are offered based on the area where the member resides. It is based on the service area and what insurance companies offer plans in that area.

Answer: I am paid by commission. I look at an individual needs when offering a plan. It is not what I get paid it is what is right for the member.

Answer: You will need to connect with the insurance company or your agent that handles your part d plan. They can explain how the benefit works and if you need prior authorization for your medication. The maxium out of pocket has changed but your medication must be processed through your benefit for the cost to be reduced.

Answer: You will need to contact social security or medicare to see if you meet the criteria.

There is an application online that can help and also check with a licensed medicare agent and they can guide you through the process.

Answer: Members that are eligible for Social Security Disability for 24 months that are under 65 years of age. Also a child that is disable or End-Stage Renal Disease could receive Medicare based on their parents credits.

Answer: Yes Medicare seminars are provided to learn about the plans benefits. You can ask questions about your plan details.

Answer: You would want to review your coverage with a licensed sales agent during Annual Enrollment period. Annual Enrollment period runs October 15-December 7 each year.

They will go over your options.

Answer: Your Original Medicare will not change however your Advantage Plan will need changed. If you have a Supplement you can look at your options at the new state. Check with the state that you are moving into to see about your options.

Answer: You will be charged for Part B unless you are in your state buy in program. Your rate is based on your income and could be higher if you are subject to the Part D Irmaa. Part A is available to individuals who have paid into social security for at least 40 quarters.

Answer: The annual wellness visit. This is a benefit that is offered to anyone that is enrolled in Part B and is recommended to have every 12 months.

Very helpful for individuals to review there current health conditions and create a plan for the year.

Answer: Possibly branding or wanting to have same plan as their spouse. Not everyone has the same needs. As an agent I am transparent about why Medicare doesn't have family plans for this reason.

Answer: You can always review your options with a sales agent like myself. Your needs may change or you may be content with your current plan.

Answer: Please check with a sales agent on your options. You can delay your Part B as long as you have creditable coverage through an employer.

Answer: You don't need to delay Part A. Part A doesn't cost you anything if you have earned it and it will coordinate with your employer benefits.

Answer: You can change your plan during Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15- December 7 of each year. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan then you can also change your plan during Open Enrollment Period (OEP). OEP begins January 1-March 31 of each year. Keep in mind you can only make one change during OEP.

There are other times you may have an opportunity to make a change. Please check with a sales agent to see if you qualify for an opportunity.

Answer: If a consumer is receiving social security disability for 24 months they will become eligible for Medicare. If they have met the above criteria and have worked 10 years or 40 quarters paying into social security then they will be eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost.

Answer: You can qualify for Medigap Guarantee Issue if losing creditable employer coverage. You should enroll within 63 days of losing that coverage.

Answer: You will need to review your evidence of coverage for what your benefits cover.

After that please either contact member services or your agent to have them review what your options are and if there is an appeal address.

Answer: You can qualify for an SEP in certain medicare conditions. It will depend on what your diagnosis is determined.

Answer: Yes you will receive an Annual Notice of Change each year for your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Prescription Drug plan.

Answer: in the event of an emergency, private ospitals will accept medicare plans. Otherwise if the medicare plan is a HMO or PPO, please check that they are in network.

Answer: There is no longer the coverage gap "donut hole". They used to have that stage when buying your prescriptions and you would have to pay a percentage of the prescription. That stage is no longer applicable.

Answer: Life insurance is not related to Medicare Health Insurance so that statement is false. I would recommend having both.

Answer: I am a licensed agent that has to register with the state.

I am certified to sell for Unitedhealthcare

Answer: Depending on your plan you can have coverage. Please contact me for more information to review your options.

Answer: Depending on your income you can receive Medicare Advantage plans for "free".

Medicare Advantage Plans can be "free" as far as the premium but you may be subject to copays for certain procedures.

Answer: Listening to an individual needs and assisting them when it comes to selecting the right medicare plan.

Many different options are available and I feel I can help seniors navigate the medicare process because it can be overwhelming.