Rachael Metcalf, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Oh Man!!! This answer is so hard to put into 2 sentences! The thing I love the most about being a Medicare agent is my clients. They are the best! I love seeing them every year. Talking to them on their birthdays. Checking in with them quarterly. God has certainly blessed me.

Answer: There are plans that are Zero Premium ($0). So yes, you can get a zero monthly premium plan.

The clever marketing comes into play when I hear the commercial saying, " If you have Medicare you are entitled to received $4300 back...." etc. Always have a local agent who is looking out for you.

Answer: I am guessing you are on a Medicare Supplement? Unfortunately this is one of the downsides to this type of product. Here is my advice if you would have come to me....depending on the carrier you may be able to switch to a cheaper supplement without any issues. Second thing, if you are that healthy then start all over. Put in an application for a new G plan with a different carrier. If healthy then you can qualify. Then you would be starting all over with the prices and the increases.

Answer: No medigap plans cover you anywhere. But, depending on the state you moved to, it may have a cheaper rate and you can still get guarantee issue from moving one state to another.

Answer: Regardless of what product you choose you will have mental health coverage. The benefits have been on the plans.

Answer: Medicare does not. But your Medicare Advantage plan will have that benefit included. It is not just limited to primary care. (covers, PCP, spec, rehab and mental health therapy)

Answer: So depending on what plan you choose, will be the way the lenses are covered. Many plans have a $0 copay or an amount like $30 copay.

Answer: This is such a hard question to answer sometimes as an agent. It usually needs more conversation to say that. Or for me to ask questions to get to the bottom of why that is a good thing or not for you. But getting any form of coverage is not a mistake.....at least you have coverage right now.

Answer: That means you are going to only be put of pocket $2000 before your drugs are at no cost.

It is a great reduction in Rx.

Answer: Original medicare does not cover that. But advantage plans cover it with a $0 copay.

So not sure what you are on....I am guessing a supplement?

Answer: No medicare does not pay for groceries. Now a medicare advantage plan may have those benefits on them for you. Most plans with groceries are for 2 distinct reasons....1. full medicaid with full medicare. 2. you have a chronic conditions. (ie. diabetes, heart, COPD etc)

To figure out if you qualify, always check with your local agent or call me :)

Answer: It isn't that they don't like them per se...it is because they have a higher oversight. Things need to be approved by the carrier. They like to just run the tests for payment on original medicare. They do not want to have a insurance plan tell them no. Now, this could be a good thing and maybe a frustrating thing. But medicare abuse is a real thing.

Answer: 1. Employer-so if you have group coverage and are planning on working at your job past 65, you do not need to take out your Part B and pay the premium. Medicare will be a secondary to your group.

2. Veterans- medicare advantage plans work well with VA coverage. There are specific plans just for the beneficiaries who use the VA. You can get all or some of your Part B premium from medicare reimbursed. You can have a second opinion with a doctor outside of the VA on advantage plans. Just take note: if you do not get your prescriptions through the VA then the VA medicare advantage plan will not work for you.

Answer: Yes! On Original medicare you have to meet your deductible which is $257 this year and then after you met it then you would pay 20%. If you were on an advantage plan, there are copays for those services which can range from $15-$35 depending on which plan you are on.

Answer: If there is a plan available in your county that CMS has given 5 star status to, you can enroll into it any time during the year.

AEP-is your annual time to make changes. That goes from Oct 15-Dec 7

OEP-you have a chance to make a 1 time change from a like product to a like product. That timeframe is Jan 1-March 31

Answer: I do not. Medicare does not focus on treatments.....that would be your doctor. Medicare has a huge and I mean huge list of preventative tests, immunizations, shots and visits that are all covered by medicare at no cost to the medicare beneficiary. So to me they focus more on keeping you healthly so you have less treatments.

Answer: Nothing happens to your medicare coverage. Skilled Nursing has a limit of 100 days. Medicare does not cover long term care.....that is what a long term care plan is for.

Answer: No. Not at all. This is a great way to have coverage for those who are healthy, those who have high cost rx and don't want to pay the drug deductible ($590), Silver sneakers, dental, vision or other perks............so no not at all.

Answer: Their clients and how long the clients have been using them. By meeting them and talking to them. A local agent that likes in your community would be the best resource.