Steve Adlman, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: A person on SSI is normally not entitled to Medicare when they turn 65. A person receives SSI because they did not have sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Income). SSDI comes with Medicare and sometimes Medicaid depending on the persons income.

Answer: Yes, the changes will help you. Once your out-of-pocket for your prescription medications reaches $2,100 for a calendar year, you will reach the catastrophic level and pay $0.00 for all of your prescription medications the rest of the year.

Answer: Medicare hospital days will automatically reset when a person is out of the hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 consecutive days.

Answer: Medicare does cover eye exams and any medical issues with your eyes. Routine eye exams are covered but refraction is not covered when you have a routine eye exam. Refraction is the part of the exam that the eye doctor does to see if your prescription needs to be changed. Medicare does not cover glasses or contact lenses.

Answer: Medicare does cover these tests. If your primary insurance is Original Medicare, these diagnostic tests are covered under Medicare Part B. There is an annual deductible of $283 for Part B medical services. After the deductible is met, Medicare covers 80% of the approved charges. If you have a Medicare Supplement, it will pay the remaining 20%.

If you are enrolled in a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan, you will have a copay or coinsurance for these diagnostic tests.

Answer: Bankruptcy will not affect your Medicare options. Your credit history has no bearing on your Medicare options in the future.

Answer: There is no need to disenroll from Part A since it is free. It is fine to disenroll from Part B if you are covered through an employer group health plan.

Answer: It is a good practice to review your Medicare plan with your agent once a year. Once you have reviewed your plan, you can decide whether to make a change or update it.

Answer: You can be denied a Medicare Supplement. When you first activate your Medicare Part B at age 65 or older, you have six months to enroll in a Medicare Supplement without having to answer health questions. In other words, your acceptance is guaranteed. There are other guaranteed rights a person may have to enroll in a Medicare Supplement without answering health questions.

Answer: All Medicare Supplement insurance companies are equal. Medicare approves the claims, then the Supplement must pay its part. If Medicare approves a medical service or treatment, the Supplement must go along with Medicare's decision. Finally, what gets you into see a doctor or hospital is your Medicare card, not the Supplement. If the doctor or hospital takes Medicare, they must accept your Supplement regardless of which company provides it.

Answer: I would recommend enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B. Part B will enable you to see doctors outside of the VA system if that becomes medically necessary. You can always enroll in a standalone individual dental plan that is separate from Medicare.

Answer: The Medicare Savings Program in your state may help if your income meets the program's eligibility requirements. If you qualify, the state will pay your Medicare Part B premium, so it will no longer be deducted from your Social Security check. You will also be enrolled in the Extra Help program, which provides low-cost prescription drug prices.

Answer: Your doctor must order the test and certify that it is medically necessary to manage a hereditary cancer risk. There has to be a documented family history.

Answer: Medicare will cover a CT scan regardless of your age if it is medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans may require preauthorization before you can obtain the scan.

Answer: I would not, due to diminished mental capacity. If they have a spouse or a son or daughter, I could work with them. I may consider that.

Answer: The biggest mistake is picking a plan based on its low premium rather than how it covers your medications. It is also very important to review your prescription drug plan every year during the annual enrollment period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

Answer: Part B of Medicare will cover a bone density test every 24 months. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria: being postmenopausal, having low estrogen levels, using long-term steroids, or having a history of bone fractures.

Answer: No, you do not have to sign up for Medicare. You will have a 6-month opportunity, starting in October, to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan with no health questions asked. Your acceptance is guaranteed.

Answer: Yes, a rehab stay can be delayed, up to 90 days after a 3-day hospital stay. This depends on medical necessity and a doctor's certification that starting sooner is not appropriate due to recovery. Delays of more than 30 days require strong justification to maintain coverage.

Answer: As an independent Medicare advisor, I can simplify the complexities of Medicare parts and plans for you. My goal is to provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you find the best available health insurance options. I can help you make informed decisions about your Medicare coverage and secure the benefits you deserve.