Sherri Haskell, Medicare Insurance Broker
Sherri Haskell
Coast to Coast Health Insurance Solutions
Medicare Broker Licensed in CA
Contact Details
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Location
San Rafael, CA
About Me
Sherri Haskell brings a rare integration of health care knowledge and financial expertise to her work at Coast to Coast Health Insurance Solutions. Before entering the financial and insurance sectors, she spent over six years as a Cardiovascular Critical Care Nurse Specialist, gaining an intimate understanding of how health systems operate and how profoundly the right choices can impact people’s lives. Sherri later built a distinguished career as a Registered Investment Advisor, where her strategic insight, analytical skill, and transparent communication helped clients achieve their financial goals and protect their assets through well-structured programs. Today, as a Licensed Insurance Producer with C2C, Sherri combines these strengths — medical insight and financial strategy — to provide health plan guidance grounded in knowledge, integrity, and trust. Her mission is to help every client make informed, confident decisions that support both their health and peace of mind. Outside of work, Sherri enjoys time with her horse, Trina, and shares her passion for liberty-based horsemanship, a philosophy rooted in respect, trust, and communication, the same values that guide her client relationships today.
Q&A with Sherri Haskell
Are all types of blood tests covered by Medicare?
Answer: Medicare covers blood tests when they are medically necessary or specifically approved preventive screenings, but it does not cover every routine lab panel.
If the test is covered, Original Medicare typically pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible for many outpatient lab tests, unless the test is one of the preventive services Medicare covers at 100%. Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same Medicare benefits, but they may have different copays or network rules
What should I do if I find out that my preferred hospital isn't in-network with my Medicare Advantage plan?
Answer: If your preferred hospital is not in your Medicare Advantage plan, this is a justified reason to look at other Advantage plans to see what hospitals are within their networks.
It is acceptable, based on certain conditions, to make changes. Do you have a knowledgable Medicare specialist that you work with? Please reach out if we can be of assistance.
Can you explain Special Needs Plans in Medicare?
Answer: Special Needs Plans are carve-out special plans that offer dedicated care and services to serve people with specific health or financial situations.
There are a few different types of plans based on the underlying conditions.
* D- SNP for people with both Medicare and Medicaid (Medical in CA)
*C- SNP for people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, Kidney disease, dementia, heart failure, COPD
* I-SNP. This is for "institutional" type patients living in a nursing facility or having that level of care at home.
They work through Medicare Advantage plans and often offer extra benefits. These are good considerations for patients with complicated or chronic health needs and can be less expensive
If Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are better for long-term coverage, why don't more people choose them?
Answer: The answer to your question is a bit nuanced. Each plan offers different elements, and they also differ among the plans. Much of the choice has to do with personal needs and preferences, and even sometimes your location.
The choices are broad and can be a little complex. It all comes back to your personal preferences, your preferred medical practitioners, your required services, your preferred pharmacy, and the medications you are prescribed, and of course, your budget. One plan is comprehensive (Advantage) and the other (Supp) is more a la carte.
Another factor is the changing environment. The Medicare system is constantly making changes to be aware of.
Does Medicare cover Breztri?
Answer: Breztri, a prescription inhaler, is covered by insurance when prescribed for approved conditions, such as COPD maintenance.
Most Medicare and Part D plans list Breztri on their formulary, but whether or not YOUR particular plan includes this coverage and at what price should be researched. Some plans show Breztri at different pricing levels, and some plans may require prior approval.
It appears that about 80% of formularies do not require prior approval. You can check your specifics at Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov and enter “Breztri Aerosphere” to see if your current Part D plan covers it and what the tier/copay is.
My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?
Answer: SilverSneakers is a special health and fitness program for seniors offered through some Medicare Advantage plans, and a few Medicare Gap plans.
Your friend is likely enrolled in a different type of plan than you are. As an example, Silver Sneakers is not offered through Original Medicare (Part A and B), but it is offered in many of the Advantage plans.
If you like, this is easy to check the plans and eligibility so that you can also take advantage of these benefits.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Reasons for working with a Medicare agent or broker? Unfortunately, this industry and the landscape of options, stipulations, conditions, and eligibility periods are not only confusing but are constantly changing.
If you are working with a dedicated agent, they will know you personally, your family, and special situations, offering services and extra benefits that you may not otherwise be aware of.
And this is FREE to you! The agent should never charge a fee, as the Agent is compensated by the industry carriers and agencies. Take advantage of this valuable service with someone who you trust and who will stay with you for years!
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: Congratulations! Your initial enrollment in Medicare is quite simple. If you have been paying into Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you'll usually be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically, around your 65th birthday. You'll receive a notification in the mail.
Next, you should review the information and the card that is sent to you. If you are still working and receiving health care benefits from your employer, you will want to decide if this is the best time to accept Plan B or delay it.
If you are not being enrolled automatically, you have a 7 month window (3 months before your birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after) to enroll yourself. You can visit your mySocialSecurity account online, or visit the SS office.
That is the initial setup. After you have Parts A and B, you have two main ways to get your coverage:
• Stay with Original Medicare and add a separate Part D drug plan, and possibly a Medigap (supplement), or
• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that combines A, B, and usually drug coverage in one plan.”
It's important to know that enrollment in your Plan D, which is the prescription drug plan is mandatory and will you will suffer penalties if not done within the initial enrollment period.