Richard Allen, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Original Medicare provides 60 lifetime reserve days. These are extra, non-renewable days of inpatient hospital coverage that kick in if you are hospitalized for more than 90 days in a single benefit period. Once used, they are gone permanently.

Answer: No, you do not need to carry your original red, white, and blue Medicare card. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your plan's ID card acts as your primary insurance card. You must show it at every doctor's appointment and pharmacy.

Answer: No — you cannot be denied a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan simply because of your health or pre-existing conditions, as long as you meet the basic eligibility rules.

Answer: Online: Log in or create a secure account at Medicare.gov or your my Social Security account. Once logged in, select the “Replace Your Medicare Card” option and follow the instructions to have a new card mailed to you. Make sure your mailing address is current, as the replacement card will be sent to the address on file. You can also print an official copy from your online account if needed.

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Answer: To verify if a Medicare agent is legitimate, check their licensing status through your state’s Department of Insurance and ask for their National Producer Number (NPN).

Answer: We hear that all the time. You wanna work with someone who can offer both Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage to tell you all the good and bad, all the pros and cons about Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement.

Answer: Yes — Medicare Part D and other prescription drug plans can drop a medication from their formulary or change its coverage rules during the middle of the year, but there are important rules and protections.

Answer: Routine services that would normally be covered under Medicare may be covered for participation in a clinical trial. But, clinical trial services and experimental treatment will not be covered. Any covered services would most likely be subject to prior approval. Likewise, your OOP responsibility would apply for covered services. Your provider should work with Medicare or other Medicare plan coverage carrier regarding specific criteria to actually participate. I also recommend the patient discuss with a carrier nurse to determine any patient responsibilities.

Answer: You do not enroll yourself in the Medicare GLP‑1 Bridge program — your doctor submits a prior authorization and prescription to CMS’s central processor (Humana), and once approved, you fill your prescription using the Bridge BIN 028918 and PCN MEDDGLP1BR.

Answer: Go to medicareagentshub and type in your zip code. A list of agents in the area will populate. You will also want to do your due diligence on whatever agent you choose.

Answer: You should contact a licensed agent to help you with the plans in the area you are moving to. Once you move you will have a SEP (special enrollment period) to go into a new plan.

Answer: To choose the right healthcare company and representative, look for a licensed, Medicare agent who represents multiple carriers. They should review your doctors, prescriptions, and budget to recommend the best plan for your unique needs. Representative should have more than 3 years experience with Medicare and love working with seniors.

Answer: You shouldn't worry about Medicare cuts. Medicare carriers are still providing great benefits. Having an experienced agent will help you manage your Medicare benefits.

Answer: All Medicare Supplement plans offer the same coverage with a difference in price. A Plan G for all carriers are the same coverage.

Answer: If you are a diabetic you should qualify for a Special Needs plan specific for your chronic condition. Which could be for chronic conditions such as heart problems and diabetic conditions.

Answer: Medicare typically covers 80 percent of the Medical expenses leaving you or your plan with the remaining 20 percent. You can choose a Hospital Indemnity plan to help with the gaps for inpatient hospital visits.

Answer: Based on your zipcode, you may have less benefits in a rural area instead of a more populated area. You could consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement and choosing any doctor or hospital that accepts original Medicare.

Answer: There are Medicare Advantage plans with zero co-pays for doctor visits. Check with your agent. It all depends on your zipcode.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are private alternatives to Original Medicare, offering varied structures such as HMOs, PPOs, PFFS, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) to bundle medical, hospital, and often drug coverage. These plans often include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, with most requiring the use of specific, cost-saving networks.

Answer: No you are not alone. That's why it is vital to find a licensed and certified Medicare agent that will be able to educate you and help take care of your medical needs. The agent should also be able to direct you to the current Medicare and You booklet found on the Medicare.gov website.

Answer: Doctors are able to change networks whenever they want. Your agent should be able to find a doctor in your area that accepts your plan.

Answer: You will need to have your agent enroll you in a Medicare Advantage Plan in your zipcode that covers in-home caregivers.

Answer: Call your provider and let them know what Medicare plan you are enrolled in to keep their system updated.

Answer: You should work with a Medicare Agent to stay abreast of the changes each year and ensure you are enrolled in a plan that is beneficial to you and your medical needs. A Medicare agent can also educate you on additional benefits available in your area.