Pete Alberti, Medicare Insurance Broker

About Me

We are an health insurance agency for Medicare Supplement/Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug and Dental Plans. We can also help with insurance for those under 65 needed an individual or family health insurance plans. Feel free to contact us for help.

Pete founded Kentucky Health Solutions, now Trucordia Insurance Services, brings more than 25 years of insurance expertise to the clients he serves. A proud University of Kentucky graduate, he partners with over 20 top national carriers and focuses on Medicare planning, as well as supplemental life and health coverage that helps people feel confident about their insurance coverage.

Rooted in Lexington, Pete is deeply involved in the community, supporting organizations like the Bluegrass Council of the Blind and Bluegrass Farm Charities. Outside the office, he enjoys exploring the country with his family in their RV. This year, they are planning a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. Also, you’ll usually find him on the sidelines with his wife, Emily, cheering on their kids, Grady and Devin, at soccer and volleyball games.

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Q&A with Pete Alberti

Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?

Answer: You can delay Medicare without penalty if You (or your spouse) are still working and covered by a group health plan from an employer with 20+ employees. Then you can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) after that coverage ends —penalty‑free.

What's the biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan?

Answer: The two major mistakes people make when choosing a part D plan would be not getting one at all because they take no medication‘s or not searching their medication’s amongst all plans offered in their area. The best place to search your medication’s with your pharmacy is on medicare.gov. While agents don’t enroll Members any longer, they can certainly be a helpful guide when looking for a Medicare part D plan.

Can I be turned down for a Medicare Advantage plan because of my health?

Answer: No — a Medicare Advantage plan cannot turn you down because of your health. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must accept you regardless of your health status as long as:

You have Medicare Part A and Part B, You live in the plan’s service area, and you apply during an eligible enrollment period.

Does Medicare cover vision care?

Answer: Yes, Medicare can cover medically conditions, such as cataract, glaucoma, etc. however traditional vision coverage for check ups glasses and contacts may not be covered. They can be covered through a Medicare advantage plan for a standard alone dental vision plan if needed.

Do Medicare Advantage plans save money?

Answer: The question of whether Medicare Advantage plans save money is complex, with varying perspectives. Here's a breakdown of key considerations:

Potential Cost Savings for Individuals:

* Lower or Zero Premiums:

* Many Medicare Advantage plans offer low or even $0 monthly premiums.

* Out-of-Pocket Maximums:

* These plans typically have a limit on your annual out-of-pocket expenses, providing a degree of financial protection. Traditional Medicare lacks this cap.

* Additional Benefits:

* Many Medicare Advantage plans include benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing care, which can lead to cost savings if you utilize these services.

* Consolidated Coverage:

* Medicare Advantage plans often combine Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D (prescription drug coverage) into a single plan, streamlining costs.

Concerns About Overall Costs:

* Higher Costs to the Medicare System:

* Reports, such as those from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), indicate that Medicare Advantage plans can cost the Medicare system more than Original Medicare. This is due to factors like how the plans are paid, and coding intensity.

* Potential for Hidden Costs:

* While premiums may be low, Medicare Advantage plans can involve copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs that can accumulate.

* Prior Authorizations and Network Restrictions:

* Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorizations for services and have network restrictions, which can limit access to certain providers and potentially lead to unexpected costs.

In summary:

* For some individuals, Medicare Advantage plans can offer potential cost savings through lower premiums and added benefits.

* However, from the perspective of the overall Medicare program, there are concerns that these plans may increase costs.

* It is very important for an individual to carefully review the details of any medicare advantage plan they are considering.

Are Medicare Advantage plans really "free," or is that just clever marketing?

Answer: The concept of "free" Medicare Advantage plans can be misleading. While some Medicare Advantage plans advertise $0 monthly premiums, it's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean you won't have any healthcare costs. Here's a breakdown:

* $0 Premium Doesn't Mean $0 Cost:

A $0 premium means you don't pay a monthly fee to the private insurance company offering the Medicare Advantage plan. However, you'll still likely have other out-of-pocket costs, such as:

* Co-payments: Fixed amounts you pay for specific services (e.g., doctor's visits, prescriptions).

* Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you pay for services.

* Deductibles: The amount you pay before your plan starts covering costs.

I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?

Answer: It's great you're planning ahead for your Medicare enrollment! Turning 65 is a significant milestone, and understanding the Medicare process is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the first steps you should take:

1. Understand Your Initial Enrollment Period:

* Enrollment begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after that month. This 7-month window is your primary opportunity to enroll in Medicare.

* Missing this window can lead to late enrollment penalties.

2. Determine if You'll Be Automatically Enrolled:

* If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll likely be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

* If you're not receiving Social Security, you'll need to enroll manually.

3. Learn About Medicare Parts:

* Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

* Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctors' services, outpatient care, and preventive services.

* Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private health plans that offer Medicare benefits.

* Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

4. Decide Which Coverage You Need:

* Consider your current health status and anticipated healthcare needs.

* Evaluate whether Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is right for you.

* If you choose original medicare, you will likely need to enroll in a part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

5. * Employer Coverage: If you're still working and have employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B. However, it's essential to understand how this might.