Shaneathia Armstrong, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Some folks don’t take the advice because they’re worried about change or they think the cheapest plan must be the best. Others may listen more to a friend’s story than the details I share. In the end, it’s usually fear of change or too much information at once that makes them resistant.

Answer: What I like most is being able to guide people through something that can feel really confusing. A lot of folks don’t know what questions to ask or what coverage they truly need, and I enjoy breaking it down so they can feel confident and protected. Seeing the relief on their face when they realize they’re covered the right way—that’s what keeps me going.

Answer: Just because you stay overnight doesn’t mean Medicare calls it an inpatient stay. Always ask the hospital, “Am I admitted as an inpatient?” so you know how it will be covered.

Answer: Yes, you can still enroll in Medicare, but the rules are a little different. If you haven’t paid into Social Security, you may have to pay a premium for Part A (hospital coverage). Part B (medical coverage) is also available, but it always comes with a monthly premium. Some people qualify through a spouse’s work history, even if they didn’t pay into Social Security themselves.

Answer: You can qualify for Medicare under 65 if you’ve been on disability for 24 months, have End-Stage Renal Disease, or have ALS.

Answer: I’m sorry to hear your health has changed. When something like that happens, it’s always a good time to take another look at your Medicare coverage. You’ll want to make sure your doctors, treatments, and prescriptions are all still covered the way you need them to be. Depending on your situation, you might even qualify to make changes before the regular enrollment period.

Answer: I usually tell folks the best time to start preparing for AEP is late summer, around August. That way you’ll have plenty of time to get your schedule set, update any materials, and make sure everything is ready before things get busy in October. Some people like to do a little light prep in July, but August is when most of the real planning kicks off.

Answer: Yes, you can qualify for Medicare if you’ve been on disability. In most cases, if you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare (Parts A and B). Some conditions, like ALS or end-stage kidney disease, may qualify you even sooner.

Answer: Medicare does not fully cover long-term nursing home care. It will pay for short-term skilled nursing care (like rehab after a hospital stay), but only up to 100 days if you meet certain requirements. After that, you’re responsible for the costs.

For long-term care, most people rely on Medicaid, private long-term care insurance, or personal savings. Some families also look at alternatives like assisted living, in-home care, or adult day programs, depending on the level of support needed.

Answer: That’s a question a lot of people are asking. It’s true that as baby boomers age into Medicare, the program is facing financial pressure. The trust fund that helps pay for hospital coverage (Part A) is projected to run into funding issues in the coming years if nothing changes.

But it’s important to remember that Medicare isn’t going away. Congress has always stepped in to make adjustments when needed, whether that’s raising revenue, changing payment structures, or finding savings in other areas. The bigger challenge will be making sure the program keeps up with rising healthcare costs and the growing number of people relying on it.

So yes, Medicare faces challenges, but calling it a “crisis” may be too strong. It’s more about making sure lawmakers act in time to keep it sustainable for future generations.

Answer: Medicare can feel overwhelming, and that’s where an agent really makes a difference. I help you compare plans side by side, explain things in plain language, and make sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered without breaking your budget.

The best part? There’s no extra cost to you — and you’ll have someone to call year-round if questions or issues ever come up. I also review your coverage each year to be sure you’re still in the right plan as things change.

At the end of the day, working with an agent gives you peace of mind and saves you time and stress.

Answer: At 66, the most important thing is making sure Medicare covers both your mental health visits and your prescriptions. Part A and B cover hospital and outpatient care, and you’ll need a Part D plan that includes your medications. If you want lower out-of-pocket costs, you can add a Medigap plan, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles it all together—just check that your doctors and therapists are in network.