Robert Pennington, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: I am a senior myself and have been a Medicare Broker and Advisor for 25 years. I have personally been through or have worked through most any situation that a senior may be dealing with. I enjoy working out these situations from my personal experiences.

Answer: I have along time elderly client that called me today upset because I was the only one she felt she trust in what she was facing and didn’t want to lose me as her Agent and Advisor. She is having to move from NC to TX so her daughter can give her the care she needs. I told her to worry no more, because I can handle her Medicare coverage needs when she moves to TX and I will still be her Agent. She was one happy lady.

Answer: I don’t find any disadvantages as long as a PPO Plan is being used. I don’t use HMO Plans unless it’s a Chronic Illness Plan.

Answer: That it is unaffordable and limited coverage.

Answer: The fact that don’t have copays when using their Plan.

Answer: I recommend Medicare Advantage because it covers Medicare Part A, B, C, and D plus Dental, Vision and Hearing and a multitude of other Benefits. With Original Medicare, you pay 20% of all cost plus paying for Rx, Dental, Vision, and Hearing out of pocket.

Answer: Hooking them up with a Medicare Broker and Advisor that can share more than one Plan and properly fit the best Plan to meet their needs.

Answer: I suggest taking Part A and as long as they have creditable medical and Rx coverage, wait until they are ready to quit to apply for Part B

Answer: Only during OEP, AEP or have an SEP.

Answer: It covers 80% of day to day medical needs and some Rx. It would not be enough if you were having to pay 20% of a large medical bill.

Answer: SSA uses two years of tax returns to determine decrease in income to make a change.

Answer: If your on Medicare A and B only you would 20%. If your on a Medicare Advantage Plan, it usually has a copay that would be deductible for the MOOP.

Answer: If your on A and B only, you have to purchase a separate Dental and Vision Plan. If your on an Advantage Plan, Dental, Vision, and Hearing are included.

Answer: Advantage Plans will save money if your on a PPO Plan and pays in and out of network. HMO Plans pay in network, but normally you pay out of network.

Answer: If you’re retiring at age 65, you can apply for Part and B three months prior to your birth month. This allows time to to get this in place so you can research Medicare Plans.

Answer: Someone who qualifies for disability benefits qualifies for Medicare benefits after 24 months.

Answer: Medicare G is the most comprehensive and most expensive. Plan K is less expensive but has a higher max out of pocket. Ideal for someone in good health and able to pay out of pocket.

Answer: Medicare Supplements do not cover eye exams and would require a separate Plan to cover eye exams. A Medicare Advantage Plan covers Dental, Vision, and Hearing.

Answer: I don’t know except it is very confusing to the senior market. Because they don’t know anything about Medicare, they often get lead into Plans and Benefits that either don’t work or fit their needs. They need a Medicare Broker and Advisor to guide them.

Answer: Some Medicare Advantage Plans provide Smoking and Tobacco cessation counseling to stop smoking or tobacco use in the Medical Benefits. Some provide counseling visits over a 12 month period at no cost to you.

Answer: The changes for 2025 will not affect prescription prices. Rather than have the donut hole and a $8000+ max out of pocket, the most any senior will pay in 2025 will be $2000. This can be set up on a 12 month pay from SS or you can pay as you go until you pay $2000 out of pocket and pay $0 for the rest of the year.

Answer: The maximum a senior will pay out of pocket for Rx in 2025 will be $2000. This can be

Setup on a 12 month payment plan and be deducted from your SS each month. When you order or pick up Rx through the year, you pay $0.

Answer: The Medicare hospice covers virtually all aspects of hospice care with little out-of-pocket

expense to the patient or family. As a result, the financial burden often associated with caring for a seriously ill patient is lifted. Families making end-of-life decisions for a loved one need compassion and support, not financial worries. The Medicare Hospice Benefit helps alleviate these concerns.