Sam Silva, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
Hi, I'm Sam, your dedicated Medicare insurance agent. With a deep passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of Medicare, I am committed to finding the perfect plan that suits your unique needs and budget.
My expertise lies in evaluating a wide range of options from nationally and locally recognized companies, ensuring you have access to the best coverage available—without the stress of comparing plans on your own.
The best part? My services are completely free to you.
I handle all the research and comparisons so you can focus on what matters most—your health and well-being. Whether you're new to Medicare or looking to make changes, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch with me today to explore your Medicare options and secure the peace of mind you deserve. Don’t forget to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Sam Silva
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: Helping individuals understand their options gives them peace of mind and a sense of security.
Each client has a unique story, and being able to guide them through complex decisions makes the work meaningful.
It’s also rewarding to build trust and long-term relationships that go beyond a single enrollment.
What's the most frustrating misconception you have to clear up with clients about Medicare every year?
Answer: Delaying enrollment can lead to lifelong penalties, and that’s often something they don’t find out until it’s too late.
It takes time to help clients understand that planning ahead is essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
They often assume that once they turn 65, all their healthcare costs disappear, which unfortunately is not the case.
My doctor prescribed physical therapy, but I'm not sure how many visits Medicare will cover. How do I find out?
Answer: Review Medicare Summary Notice – This document shows what Medicare has paid and what you may owe.
Check Supplement or Advantage Plan summary of benefits– If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap, coverage rules may vary.
I'm confused about all these different Medicare costs - premiums, deductibles, copays. How do they all work together?
Answer: Premiums keep your coverage active.
Deductibles are what you pay first before Medicare kicks in.
Copays/coinsurance are your share of the cost after that.
Are mental health services like therapy fully covered under Original Medicare?
Answer: If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, your costs and coverage may differ, but plans are required to offer at least the same mental health benefits as Original Medicare.
Part B covers outpatient therapy with a 20% coinsurance after you meet the deductible. Inpatient services are covered under Part A but have limits and additional costs.
My doctor wants me to try acupuncture for my back pain. Will Medicare cover any of this?
Answer: No, Medicare generally does not cover acupuncture for back pain under Original Medicare.
However, Medicare Part B does cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain, but only if it meets specific criteria.
My plan covered my cataract surgery but not the lenses I actually needed-how do they get away with that?
Answer: In most cases, Medicare covers cataract surgery, but it does not cover the cost of lenses if you choose premium intraocular lenses.
Standard lenses are covered by Medicare, meaning if you need a basic lens to restore vision, Medicare will usually pay for it.
So with all these 2025 Medicare changes, should I be switching plans or staying put?
Answer: Given the recent changes in Medicare for 2025, it's a good idea to review your current coverage to ensure it aligns with your healthcare needs.
The Trump administration has approved a significant $25 billion increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, providing a major financial boost to health insurers. This could lead to enhanced benefits or lower costs in some plans.
I'm caring for my elderly parent with dementia. How can I get legal authority to manage their Medicare?
Answer: Power of Attorney gives you the legal right to make healthcare decisions on behalf of your parent, including managing Medicare benefits.
If your parent is unable to make decisions on their own and does not have a POA in place, you may need to apply for legal guardianship through the court.
I need home health care after my surgery, but Medicare denied coverage. What are my appeal rights?
Answer: Request a Reconsideration by contacting the company that handled your Medicare claim.
You can request reconsideration by calling Medicare or submitting a written appeal.
Provide any additional supporting documents that may support your case, such as your doctor’s orders or evidence of medical necessity.
you can request a review by the Medicare Appeals Council.
I'm worried about choosing the wrong plan and being stuck with it. How often can I change my Medicare coverage?
Answer: Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7)
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31)
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events
Trial Period for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement (Medigap)- Trial rights.
I'm interested in a robotic knee replacement surgery that my surgeon recommends for my specific anatomy. How does Medicare coverage work for this advanced procedure?
Answer: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers medically necessary knee replacement surgery, including the hospital stay (Part A) and outpatient services (Part B).
Robotic-assisted surgery is generally considered a type of minimally invasive surgery, which may offer benefits like smaller incisions and faster recovery, but the coverage would be the same as traditional knee replacement if it’s medically necessary for your condition.
I keep hearing about free preventive services with Medicare. What exactly is free and what will I still pay for?
Answer: free : Annual Wellness Visit
If a preventive service leads to additional tests, treatments, or a diagnosis, you may have to pay.
How do I budget for Medicare costs if I expect my health to decline in the next decade?
Answer: Estimate Future Health Care Needs.
Build an Emergency Fund for Health Costs.
Consider State Assistance Programs.
Consult a Financial Advisor.
Know your premiums and out-of-pocket costs: Plan for the fixed costs of Medicare and any potential increases.
How can I lower my Medicare Part B premium if my income drops after retirement?
Answer: To lower your Medicare Part B premium after retirement due to income drop, contact our Medicare Specialists. They stay updated with the latest plan options and regulations.
Can you explain what "creditable coverage" means and when it applies?
Answer: means that the prescription drug coverage you had from another source (like an employer, union, or other group health plan) is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as standard Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage without laps in coverage till you switch to Medicare PDP or MAPD plan.
What's the best way to compare my current Medicare supplement plan to a Medicare advantage plan?
Answer: is to evaluate them side by side across the areas that matter most to your health and financial situation.
Medicare Supplement, Works with Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Medicare Advantage. Replaces Original Medicare.
What are some lesser-known benefits or services that my Medicare plan might cover that I could be missing out on?
Answer: Especially those on Medicare Advantage plans—often overlook valuable benefits that could save money or improve their quality of life. eg: - Fitness Programs, Routine Dental, Vision & Hearing, Transportation Services, Meal Delivery, Over-the-Counter (OTC), ect....
Does Medicare cover eye exams, or are seniors left paying too much?
Answer: Not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: Not covered unless you recently had cataract surgery.
Medically Necessary Eye Exams:
Covered by Original Medicare if related to a medical condition, such as: Diabetes (diabetic retinopathy screening: once per year), Glaucoma (high-risk patients: once per year), Age-related macular degeneration, Eye injuries or infections.
Can Medicare pay for my groceries?
Answer: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not pay for groceries. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may help with groceries under certain conditions.
Does IRMAA go away automatically if my income drops, or do I need to report it to Social Security?
Answer: IRMAA does not go away automatically.
If your income drops, you must report it to Social Security to request a reduction.
How can I make sure I'm not overpaying for my Medicare plan, and are there any tools or resources you recommend?
Answer: The best way to ensure you're not overpaying—or under-covered—is to work directly with a licensed, ethical, and experienced insurance broker.
Think of a broker as your Medicare attorney.
You wouldn’t represent yourself in court without a lawyer.
Likewise, you shouldn’t navigate Medicare alone when there’s so much at stake financially and medically.
As licensed brokers accredited by CMS and active in this field for over a decade, we are trained to do more than just enroll you in a plan. 8336000669
We take a full, analytical approach that includes:
- A personalized financial and needs assessment
- Side-by-side plan comparisons
- Review of your prescriptions, doctors, and demographics
- Evaluation of all costs: premiums, deductibles, copays, and hidden out-of-pocket expenses
- Ongoing support beyond enrollment
We do this ethically, transparently, and with your best interest at heart.
Don't take plan advice from doctors, pharmacists, or friends who aren’t licensed.
Even well-meaning advice can be misleading if it's not rooted in proper Medicare training and compliance.
The right broker is your healthcare advocate—your insurance attorney—making sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
If you’d like, I can run a full benefits and cost analysis based on your current plan and what’s available in your ZIP code or state. Just say the word.