Richard Norcross, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: If you tell your plan before you move you typically get 3-4 months. 1 month before you move, the month you move and 2 months after your move.

If you tell your plan after you move you typically get 2-3 months. The month you notify them and 2 months after that.

Answer: Most doctors prefer Medigap plans over Medicare Advantage. There are no referrals or plan restrictions and have less of an administrative burden on their office

Answer: Check if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If there is a 5 star plan available in your area, you can switch to it one time per year at any time.

Answer: Normally this surgery will be covered completely after you pay your Plan G deductible. Make sure all doctors and hospitals involved accept Medicare first before having the surgery.

Answer: This depends on the individuals needs. The person’s health needs, budget, doctor preferences all come into play. I would always recommend a Medicare Supplement first if the budget allows it. If not, then we can explore the other options to see what fits the best.

Answer: Your premiums likely increased because you have a change in your filing status. IRMAA adjustments happen automatically when a spouse passes away but you do have an option to appeal the raise in cost.

Answer: Yes, you can use an HSA to pay for your Medicare premiums after you retire. You can NOT make any further contributions to your HSA after you are enrolled though.

Answer: A small number of drugs drive most of the costs and a small number of patients use the most expensive drugs. This causes higher premiums across the board for all beneficiaries and increases out of pocket costs.

Answer: If you are in a Medicare Advantage HMO you normally can not go out of network. You will most likely have to pay for the full bill yourself unless it is an emergency.

Answer: The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling into Medicare is not enrolling at the right time or misunderstanding how the parts work. Having a broker help you can avoid late penalties, higher costs, or gaps in coverage.

Answer: If you are paying more for your Part B and Part D it is likely because of IRMAA.

IRMAA is the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount and is calculated by income levels with a 2 year look back.

Answer: Paying for a high end Medigap plan depends on your health situation, risk tolerance and budget. It is not necessarily overkill but some people pay more than they need.

Answer: Medicare does not cover most routine dental care, Vision care or Hearing care. It also does not cover long term nursing care, care outside of the United States or routine foot care.

Answer: Original Medicare, Part A and Part B does not cover everyday living expenses.

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer grocery or food benefits as an extra supplemental benefit.

Answer: Original Medicare, Part A and Part B are the same in every state.

Medicare Advantage plans vary by location so can be different from state to state

Answer: What I enjoy most about working with Medicare clients is helping them choose the best plan for their situation. Knowing that I have put a client in the best situation so they can have peace of mind makes all the work worth it.

Answer: No, you will not have to sign up for Medicare again.

However, you will have a new initial enrollment window that will allow to change coverage if you want.

Answer: Family history alone usually is not enough.

Some exceptions will sometimes be covered, including you currently having cancer or the doctor documents that the testing affect treatment.

Answer: No, you are not the only one.

Medicare only covers ambulance transport under specific conditions, and even then it usually doesn't cover 100%

Answer: Both Medigap and Medicare Advantage have advantages and disadvantages. My job is to help you choose the one that fits your situation best!

Answer: Medicare covers the cataract surgery procedure and a standard lens.

If you want an upgraded lens it is considered an elective upgrade and you will have to pay for it.

Answer: Long term stability is important but annual reviews are necessary because plans change each year.

The goal isn't to change your plan every year but make sure that the plan you have is still the best plan for you.

Answer: With an agent you will get expert guidance from someone who can compare multiple plans.

It costs you nothing and can help you avoid costly mistakes while receiving ongoing support after enrollment