Robert Evans, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: Medicare Part D is a stand-alone prescription drug plan. It covers prescription drugs since it’s not part of original Medicare which is just Part A (hospital) and Part B (Doctor visit). Medicare Advantage plans offers same benefits as Original Medicare plus additional benefits. Some of the benefits of an Advantage plan Routine visit for eye exams, dental exams and vision. Usually at $0 co-pay. Other benefits may include enhanced dental coverage depending on plan. Plans may also include a basic gym membership. Advantage are worth at looking into for these are additional benefits not included in Original Medicare.

Answer: Since you have had a change in your medical conditions, yes. You should look into whether or not you are eligible for a different plan such as a chronic plan or a dual plan depending on the change in your medical condition. It may open up a special enrollment period for you under those circumstances.

Answer: Original Medicare covers hospitalization which is Parr A and doctors visit which is Part B. However, an advantage plan will also cover those and extra benefits such as, routine eye, exam physicals, and hearing exam and some even offered a gym membership basic and the price is upfront as to what you will pay

Answer: Yes. You can receive a mammogram for screening once every 12 months if you need a diagnostic mammogram, it can be more frequent than that.

Answer: Right now you’re under an annual enrollment. Which runs from October 15 to December 7 once you move to a new state that initiates a special enrollment period in which you have 60 days to choose a plan that is in that area. Also, January 1 starts a new enrollment. Which is open enrollment from January 1 to March 31.

Answer: You can change your plan during Annual Enrollment. Annual Enrollment is from October 15 - December 7. You have another opportunity during Open Enrollment from Jan 1 - March 31 if you made an election during Annual Enrollment. Also there are Special Enrollment periods if you have a qualifying event. Such as you moved to different service area; Plans change or discontinued in your area.

Answer: That is truly a personal matter one I’m not qualified to answer. You may want to consult a Financial Advisor

Answer: Talk with pharmacist where you get your prescriptions filled. They have list of your medications. They can tell you what’s covered and possibly approximately the cost.

Answer: Long-term care (LTC) plans aren’t healthcare insurance. MediGAP is healthcare insurance plans. LTC plans helps cover chronic or disabilities such as bathing; dressing. It is different from healthcare plans

Answer: One of the main things is to know is if your doctors are in the network. Once it’s determined what network your doctors are then you can look at other benefits of the plan. The other thing to know is what prescriptions are covered and estimate cost based on tier.

Answer: I cannot comment on this as I’m not licensed or certified for the state of South Carolina. Recommend contacting licensing agent or calling 800 number in your area.

Answer: Part B covers medically necessary and preventive services, including doctors' visits outpatient care, medical supplies, mental health care, durable medical equipment, and certain outpatient prescription drugs that are not self-administered. There is a monthly premium for Part B, and often you also pay a deductible and 20% coinsurance for other services you receive. Is it enough? That depends on your healthcare needs. Some people are just fine with original Medicare. Others maybe looking for additional benefits provided in a Medicare Advantage plan or a MEDSUP

Answer: That can become confusing. Meet with a broker that offers plans in your service area. That way based needs analysis you can choose a plan suited for you

Answer: The cheapest plan may not have all the benefits that you need. Each person needs are different when it comes to health coverage. When you sit with a licensed agent and do a needs analysis based on your healthcare needs then you can choice a plan that’s suited for you.

Answer: Yes and no. No because they be contracted with several carriers. That way you can see plans in your area that are available that you qualify for. Yes because they may only represent one carrier and those are the only plans they present.

Answer: Yes, it is possible to get a Medicare guaranteed issue Medigap supplement after losing your employer coverage, however you must apply within 63 days of your employer coverage ending, and you can only buy certain plans (typically A, D, G, or Plans F/C if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020). As always speak to an agent

Answer: Yes, Medicare will cover preventive service such as cancer screenings. This includes lung; prostate; cervical and vaginal screening mammograms and colonoscopy.

Answer: There can be a few reasons. One reason is that some plans and carriers may exit the service area and seniors aren’t aware they need to sign up. Another reason is that they may been accidentally switched to plans not in service area.

Answer: Depending on the Medicare advantage plan your doctor may be in network that is one of the first things. A licensed agent should check for. Yes original Medicare covers 80% of the cost and you’re responsible for the other 20% with Medicare advantage plan you know what your cost are Whether they’re in network or out of network.

Answer: You can consult a licensed health agent that focuses on Medicare. They should be able to walk you through the different plan options that may be available in your area.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans are not free. They may have no monthly premiums but you still are required to pay your monthly Part B premium.

Answer: When discussing it with an agent that should be one of the first things they check. Ensure all of her doctors are in network. This includes Primary Care Physician and any specialist she may see.

Answer: Medicare Summary Notice is a document is for people with Original Medicare receive to review their healthcare claims. It summarizes the services billed to Medicare, what Medicare paid, and what the beneficiary may owe. They are typically mailed every 4 months, but you can also access them online.

It is not a bill.

Answer: Acupuncture is covered in Medicare Part B. Always check with providers to ensure that it’s covered.

Answer: If you only have original Medicare it is not included. Most Medicare Advantage plans include either Silver Sneakers or UHC has Renew Active.

Answer: Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that will cover them. Depending on plan the benefits will vary.

Answer: Since you are moving to a new state you’ll have to get a plan in that service area. The first thing is to ensure all of your doctors are in network for whichever plan you choose. Second that any prescription drugs you’re taking is covered and at what level. Also check to see if you qualify for Medicaid. After that it’s just a matter of choosing the benefits in a plan that suits you and your lifestyle.

Answer: Regular Medicare covers hospitalizations and doctor visits. A Medicare Advantage plan order the same but also offer more benefits. Dependent on the Medicare advantage plan it will cover your prescription drug plan which regular Medicare does not cover. Also a Medicare advantage plan can offer gym memberships and a set rate for other services such as skilled nursing facilities hospitalization stays lab work and a host of preventive services. Suggest you speak with an agent to compare different plans and see which ones provide benefits that are suited for you.

Answer: No you do not need to sign up again. However I do suggest you talk with an agent to see what changes if any are being made to ensure your plan still provides you the benefits you need.

Answer: Is this a Medicare Advantage plan or ACA plan? Please clarify so I can provide an accurate answer.