Sharri Crawford, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Unethical brokers might skip discussing crucial elements like Part D prescription drug coverage or the vital Medigap Open Enrollment window if those topics do not offer them a financial return.

Medicare brokers understand the nuances of different plans and can provide tailored advice based on your healthcare needs, budget, and personal preferences.

Answer: Every Medicare Advantage plan is different. If you specifically need Dental, then that should be your focus when looking for a New Plan. Plans change every year, and sometimes plans will have good dental plans one year, then cut back on those benefits the following year. This is why it is always important to view your ANOC letters each year.

Answer: Original Medicare will only cover 80% of your medical, and there is no limit to maximum out-of-pocket. This is why most people will either add a Medicare supplement or choose a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans will give you security in knowing exactly what you pay for health services.

Answer: Medicare agents and brokers both assist with plan enrollment at no cost to you, but agents (especially captive ones) often represent specific insurance companies, while brokers work independently with multiple insurers to compare options. Brokers typically offer a broader, more unbiased selection of plans, whereas agents offer specialized, in-depth knowledge of their specific company's policies.

Answer: Yes, look at the difference between the present year and the upcoming year; this is the whole purpose of the ANOC letter. Most of your Doctor visits and Hospital co-pays may or may not have small changes. If you had $3000 Dental, Glasses $300, OTC $75 per quarter, these extra benefits can change a lot. I have seen Dental drop to $1000-$500 on some plans. The Extra Benefits is what you will need to pay the most attention to.

Answer: Most Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly plan premium; you just pay Medicare Part "B," which is around $202/mo. Since you can get a Medicare Advantage for $0, you should look and make sure your doctors will be covered under the plan you choose. Each company offers different additional benefits, so you have to look and see which of the benefits you want more of, then choose the plan that fits your needs.

Answer: Your Doctor is the one who will give you Medical Options as to what you need. All depending on what procedure it is may request prior approval from your insurance before procedure is done.

Answer: Yes, your daughter can work with a broker as long as you are able to give the agent consent for your daughter to speak on your behalf. The other way is if your daughter has a POA for your health care.

Answer: When your Dad's Social Security income changes, the Part B premium usually also goes up. If he is only getting Social Security benefits, then his Part B premium will change a small percentage too.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans will give you a max out-of-pocket. With Original Medicare, there is no max out-of-pocket. Medicare is an 80% insurance; they pay 80%, and you pay 20%, no stop loss.

Answer: No. Income will not determine if you will be eligible for Medicare. Depending on how much you get from Social Security, you could be eligible for Medicaid.

Answer: First would be does the consumer have the money to pay for a Medicare supplement?

If money is tight, then I would recommend looking at Medicare Advantage plans.

Second is the consumer someone who spends 6 months in another state or travels a lot?

If they travel, then I would recommend Supplement, so it will cover them wherever they are.

Answer: NO. HMOs are Health Maintenance Organizations. When you are in an HMO, the plan specifically says you must stay in network; if you go out of network, you will pay 100% of the bill.

Answer: The insurance companies themselves on most plans have a $0 monthly cost.

Medicare consumers still are required to pay their Part "B" premium. Medicare usually deducts this out of your Social Security check monthly before you get your check.

Answer: Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan will save you money because most plans have a $0 monthly premium. Advantage plans are a pay for services as you go.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans, both HMO and PPO, allow you to do preventive service.

You should be able to see your primary doctor and get your Annual wellness physical at $0 cost.

Answer: You can begin the process 3 months before your 65th birthday. Your Medicare will begin the first day of the month you turn 65.

Answer: Most Medicare plans will not retroactive plans, they will only start plans beginning the next month.

Answer: Brokers have a good knowledge of all the plans in your area and are able to recommend a plan that will fit your needs. We look up your doctors to make sure they will take the plan we are recommending.