Sandy Johnson, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: To avoid the potential of getting scammed, I suggest that you contact a local licensed Healthcare Agent. Therefore, you have a point of contact and face to face contact if needed. The agent can give you up to date information on Medicare plans and changes as they take affect.

Answer: This is normal when you are approaching 65. However, it would be to your advantage to contact a local licensed agent in your area to go over your the details of Medicare and to make sure that you understand your options in order to make an informed decision about your healthcare.

Answer: If you had creditable coverage that ended when your husband retired, you have a Special Election Period due to that event. You have 63 days to take advantage of the Special Election Period. However, if you do not enroll during that window, you are now subject to Late Enrollment Penalties as well.

Answer: Medicare Plans differ from County to County which may even involve some plans not being available in all areas. That being said, you can have the same plan name in two different counties and the benefits can be different.

Answer: If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can call the customer service number located on your member card and ask. If you have a Supplement or Original Medicare only, you can call the customer service number on your Prescription Drug Card to inquire.

Answer: Not necessarily. If the new medication doesn't raise your overall drug cost, then no. But if the new prescription raises your cost significantly, speak with a licensed Medicare Agent to research if a different plan is a solution or if that medication would be about the same regardless of your plan. Furthermore, have a licensed Agent to give you an annual review each year to set cost expectations.

Answer: You can get CT Scans after 78 and beyond. However, due to the possible health risk involved once you have reached age 78, you medical professional must deem it to be necessary and authorize the procedure.

Answer: Original Medicare Part A and B do not cover hearing aids. However, a large majority of Medicare Advantage Plans do have built in Hearing Coverage. Also, stand alone Hearing coverage can be purchased separately with original Medicare.

Answer: When looking for a Medicare Supplement, the main objective is customer focused value. That being said, the company must be credible with a track record of great customer service, has been in the industry for a period of time, and has competitive rates.

Answer: If you have Part C Advantage Plan and have an inpatient hospital stay, you are responsible for the first 7 day at a rate of $350 per day in the example that you gave. Days 8-90 are normally at $0 after that. Each plan has its own rate and set number of days that you are responsible for.

Answer: A large number of Medicare Advantage Plans have no Premium, but they are not free. They have copays for certain services that align with the plan, as well as a Maximum Out of Pocket amount.

Answer: Medicare Part B covers most preventive screenings at no cost to the client. This includes such things as Flu Shots, Bone Density Test, and Annual Wellness Visits to name a few.

Answer: Typically with Supplement Plan C your bloodwork is covered. Please call your provider to confirm if there are any special situations that may or may not be included.

Answer: Yes, Medicare covers IV chemotherapy under Part B if administered in a doctors office and under Part A in administered in a hospital. Typically, you would have co-pay amounts if you have an advantage plan which varies by carrier. If you have a supplement, most charges are covered with some exceptions.

Answer: Durable Medical Equipment such as wheelchairs are covered under Part B or 80% of cost by Medicare. you are responsible for the remaining 20% of the Medicare approved cost. It does require approval from your doctors as being medically necessary prior to purchase.

Answer: These ratings are based on customer experience with the carrier. Therefore, you have an unbiased opinion about the carrier.

Answer: Yes! this is always a good idea to make sure that the changes that are listed in your ANOC are clearly understood and that you can make a educated decision about your current plan.

Answer: Medications are grouped by carrier in tiers. Those tiers are typically 1-5. Tiers 1 and 2 are typically your generic lower cost medications while tiers 3-5 are higher in cost. Each carrier has their own formulary and can differ from carrier to carrier as to which tier a medication falls in. That's why it is important to know prescription drug cost when selecting a carrier for your medications because cost will vary.

Answer: Actually the two, Original Medicare or Regular Medicare and Medicare Advantage work together.

You can't have a Medicare Advantage Plan without Regular Medicare. That being said, it is subjective in terms of one being better because each individual situation is different. Also, the Medicare Advantage Plan helps with the non-capped 20 percent cost that Regular Medicare has.

Answer: The worst Medicare-related decision someone can make is not getting a full understanding of how their Medicare options work and what is covered. Also, not verifying medications and doctors if they choose the Medicare Advantage option.

Answer: You can apply for your State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, as well as State Medicaid Programs for assistance with your prescriptions

Answer: A Green Card holder must live in the US for 5 years to become Medicare eligible, however if you have a qualifying disability you may be eligible earlier.

Answer: You can call the Social Security Administration and request a replacement card. Or, if you have set up an online account on Social Security Administration site, you can request the replacement yourself.

Answer: Typically, Medicare covers preventative services such as Wellness Visits, Vaccinations, Screening Tests, and Counseling Services at no cost. These are all yearly benefits with your plan.

Answer: That is a matter of personal preference as it pertains several factors. Those factors vary by individual.

Answer: This is a common situation. You can enroll in Part A premium free if you qualify and delay your Part B enrollment until the employer coverage ends.

Answer: The best way to avoid surprise bills for lab test under a Medicare Advantage Plan is to go over your Evidence of Coverage alone with the summary of Benefits thoroughly with your agent or a representative with the company. Be very specific with your questions so that they can be addressed.

Answer: No. If you have only original Medicare, Parts A & B, you must also have Part D to be considered "Creditably Covered". I highly recommend that you go beyond that options and I'm here to help you understand why and make a sound decision that works for you.

Answer: I love the opportunity to help clear up the confusion about Medicare while building genuine relationships with my clients. It's always awarding to know that you have helped someone and eased their concerns about such an important decision.

Answer: While all Medicare Advantage Plans may not be accepted at certain hospitals, there are many hospitals that do accept Medicare Advantage Plans. It's always a good idea to have an agent who can research this information for you and place you in a plan that covers your referred locations.