Stephanie Calvillp, Medicare Insurance Broker
Stephanie Calvillp
North Star insurance partners
Medicare Broker Licensed in TX
Contact Details
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Location
Katy, TX
Stephanie Can Help With:
About Me
Selecting the right health plan can be confusing, which is why I’m here to help. To get started, please contact me so we can review your health benefit needs. I represent many health plans and can help you find the one that best fits your needs.
Directions to My Office
Q&A with Stephanie Calvillp
What happens if I delay Medicare Part A enrollment because I'm still on my spouse's employer plan?
Answer: If you’re on your spouse’s active employer plan and it’s creditable coverage, you can usually delay Medicare without a penalty. Once that coverage ends, you’ll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare. You’ll just need proof from the employer when you enroll later.
I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?
Answer: It’s not exactly a preventive service. For diabetes, Medicare covers nutrition counseling under Medical Nutrition Therapy (Part B). It is covered, but it does require a doctor’s referral. Once you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare usually covers it at 100% as long as you use a Medicare-approved provider.
I'm on Medicare Part B, and I'm wondering how my physical therapy visits are covered. Do I have to hit my deductible first?
Answer: Yes, with Medicare Part B, physical therapy is covered, but you do have to meet your Part B deductible first. Once that is met, Medicare usually pays 80% of the approved amount, and you’re responsible for the other 20%. As long as your doctor says it’s medically necessary and the provider accepts Medicare, there’s no set limit on how many visits you can have.
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: The best part for me is hearing how happy my clients are after I’ve helped them. When they’re satisfied enough to refer me to their friends and family, that really means a lot. It tells me I’m doing my job the right way.
When is the best time of the year to start looking at Medicare options?
Answer: Most people look at Medicare options during the annual enrollment period, which runs October 15 through December 7 each year. That’s when you can review your plan and make changes for the following year.
If you’re turning 65, you’ll first enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, a 7 month window that starts 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
There’s also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch or make changes.
How does Medicare handle coverage for experimental treatments or clinical trials?
Answer: Medicare may cover certain costs for approved clinical trials. However, Medicare generally does not cover the experimental treatment itself if it has not been approved. Coverage can vary depending on the type of study and treatment.
I just moved from New York to Florida and have Original Medicare with a New York Medigap plan. Do I need to change my coverage?
Answer: If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you can generally keep your coverage when you move to another state because Medigap plans work nationwide. However, it's still a good idea to review your coverage and update your address with Social Security and your insurance company.
What does Medicare Part A cover, and is it really free?
Answer: Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. For most people, Part A is premium free because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working (earned 40 quarters). Keep in mind, though, that there can still be deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I already have VA health benefits?
Answer: No. If you have VA health benefits, you are not required to enroll in Medicare at age 65. However, VA coverage does not protect you from Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties if you delay enrollment. It's important to consider whether you may need care outside the VA in the future and the potential penalties you could incur if you do not enroll in Medicare when first eligible.
What are the reasons why I should work with a Medicare agent?
Answer: Medicare is complicated, and a Medicare agent helps make it easier. We compare plans, explain benefits, make sure doctors and medications are covered, and help people choose a plan that fits their needs. All at no cost to them.