Paula Segal, Medicare Insurance Broker
Paula Segal
ClearGuide Advisors, LLC
Medicare Broker Licensed in PA and NJ
Contact Details
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Location
Morrisville, PA
About Me
Medicare is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
I'm Paula Segal, founder of ClearGuide Advisors, an independent Medicare advisor serving individuals and families across PA and NJ. With over 20 years of experience, from customer care to the C-suite, reducing costs, and guiding clients through complex health plan decisions, I started this business because everyone deserves a trusted guide through the Medicare maze, with the time and attention this decision deserves.
Unlike agents who represent a single carrier, I'm completely independent and appointed with a wide range of carriers in PA and NJ. My clients have access to an excellent selection of plans across Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, long-term care, and life insurance, and we explore those options together to find what fits their health needs and budget.
What makes my approach different is the depth of service I provide. I take the time to truly understand your situation, explain your options in plain language, and stay by your side long after enrollment. When plans change, when your needs shift, or when open enrollment comes around, I'm here, including when coverage and claims questions arise.
If you're turning 65, retiring, or wondering whether your current coverage is still the right fit, let's talk. No cost, no pressure, just clear guidance when you need it most.
Q&A with Paula Segal
Are Medicare Supplement plans the same thing as "Medicare Secondary Insurance"?
Answer: To answer this question, I would need details about the Medicare Secondary Insurance policy.
It is common to hear Medicare referred to as secondary insurance when someone has other coverage that serves as their primary insurance.
For example, if someone is 65 or older, enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B, and still has coverage through active employment, the employer insurance may serve as their primary insurance with Medicare as their secondary insurance.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: I wish I could provide a simple answer. However, it depends on your specific circumstances, and it would be irresponsible to provide guidance without knowing more about you.
Are you or your spouse still employed and enrolled in employer health coverage? Does the employer have 20 or more full-time employees? Then, the employer plan may serve as your primary coverage, allowing you to delay Part B without a penalty while you remain covered under the employer plan.
If still employed and enrolled in health/prescription insurance, is Part D creditable - meaning is the coverage as good as or better than Medicare Part D coverage? Employers that offer insurance are required to provide covered employees with an annual notice of Creditable Coverage indicating if the coverage is considered Creditable by Medicare.
If your employer coverage is not as good as Part D coverage and you do not enroll in Part D when you first become eligible at age 65, you will be required to pay a Part D penalty of 1% for each month you did not have creditable coverage.
If you're enrolled in COBRA, that is not considered creditable coverage, and you would be penalized if you delay Part B and D enrollment.
Medicare has many rules, timelines, deadlines, and some exceptions based on an individual's circumstances. Please consult with an experienced Medicare advisor who can help you avoid unnecessary penalties.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids, or do I have to pay out of pocket?
Answer: Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover hearing aids. However, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you may be eligible for a benefit that can help with your hearing aid costs. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by companies such as Aetna, Cigna, Devoted Health, Humana, and many others depending on where you live.
Also, you may be able to purchase a separate dental, vision, and hearing plan that will provide coverage for hearing aids. However, you will typically have some cost sharing even if your insurance provides hearing aid benefits.
If you work with a Medicare insurance agent, contact them as they can help you understand what benefits you may be eligible for.