Shannon Brenneke, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: I always suggest working with a licensed Medicare Agent in your area as they have training specific to your location, and expertise on the best options to fit your needs.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium cost to clients as they received funds from the Federal Government when you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The Government provides these funds to the insurance company in return for the Insurance company taking over the full administration of your Medicare A&B benefits.

Answer: If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you typically become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of receiving those benefits.

Answer: You can use the HSA funds to pay for your Part A, B and/or D premiums. You may not pay for a Medicare Supplement premium with your HSAfunds.

Answer: I have a handout that explains how and when to enroll in Medicare A&B, and also explains the differences between Med Supp and Med Advantage. I use this during meetings and make notes for them as we go regarding each subject, on their handout.

Answer: Some clients are easily persuaded by family/friends advise. Unfortunately, the advise typically is unfounded, and those advising are basing their knowledge of Medicare from Facebook and TV advertisement which does not explain full details to make an educated decision.

Answer: Many dentists do not contract directly with insurance companies, however, if your plan is a PPO plan, you should still be able to utilize those dentists. Be sure to ask your dentist if they will still file the claim for you, even if they are not in the network, so you can utilize the plan benefits.

Answer: You could add on a Hospital Indemnity policy which will assist with paying you directly for some of the out of pocket expenses you incur. There are many options you can add on such as Cancer, Accident, Critical Care, etc for typically a low cost.

Answer: The Annual Enrollment period does not allow you to switch from Med Advantage to Med Supplement without health questions. You may switch from one Med Advantage company to another with no health questions during the Annual Enrollment Period. Otherwise, you would need to answer health questions and be approved if you want to move to a Med Supplement from Med Advantage.

Answer: Telehealth visits can be covered by Medicare depending on your location, and the location visit. The rules are changing in the Fall of 2025 it is best to check with Medicare prior to your Telehealth visit for final details.

Answer: To save premium on your Medicare Supplement we could review the Plan N option versus the Plan G option. This would provide premium savings, with a small increase in costs for Services.