Ryan Raphael, Medicare Insurance Broker
Ryan Raphael
Senior Insurance Benefits
Medicare Broker Licensed in MO, AZ, GA, IL and TN
Contact Details
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Location
St. Charles, MO
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Phone
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Website
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Facebook
About Me
I'm the owner/broker of Senior Insurance Benefits, and known as the Medicare Man. I have been helping seniors since 2003, and can explain the Medicare maze on simple terms!
Q&A with Ryan Raphael
What's one piece of advice you wish every senior knew before picking a Medicare plan?
Answer: To make sure they talk with an expert that knows the plans in their area and is thorough looking up any meds and doctors.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: Without a doubt when they are turning 65 and if they're working or if they have a spouse is working, that they have to sign up for Medicare or they'll pay penalties.
Is Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage better? Why do you recommend one over the other?
Answer: In my opinion, I feel like Medicare Advantage can make sense for many people. However, I am all about narrowing down to figure out which plan is best for the person's needs not my needs.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Answer: Having to deal with prior authorizations. Although people are typically used to that anyway. There is often misconceptions about the network size but usually many doctors take several of the Advantage plans.
Who qualifies for Medicare coverage if they are under 65?
Answer: A person under the age of 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have a disability, ALS, or end-stage renal failure.
Why is the new $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for drug costs important?
Answer: This is very important because it gives an opportunity for a person to at least know they cannot spend more than $2,000 on their medicines. To me, this is a major deal breaker(in a good way) for so many people.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: You will not be penalized if you are a spouse is still working and are a part of 20 or more employees. Then there are no penalties.
How will the new 2025 Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap impact seniors and prescription drug costs?
Answer: This can turn into a likely major savings for many seniors. At least they know they cannot spend more than $2,000 on their prescription drugs.
What’s an underrated benefit of Original Medicare that many people overlook?
Answer: I would say one of the most underrated benefits of original Medicare is a person can see any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare.
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
Answer: The only time Medicare covers eye exams is if it's a medical necessity. Regular eye exams are not covered by original Medicare.
I’m retiring next year—do I need to do anything with my Medicare?
Answer: If you are retiring next year and are apart of 20 or more employees, you do not need to do anything with Medicare until you are within 3 months of your retirement date.
Is Medicare Part A enough for hospital coverage?
Answer: Medicare part A only is not enough coverage for hospital. There is a large deductible so that's exactly why people need some sort of Medicare Plan.