Steve Dunn, Medicare Insurance Agent
Steve Dunn
Medicare Agent Licensed in CA
Contact Details
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Location
Carlsbad, CA
Steve Can Help With:
About Me
Hi, my name is Steve and I am your local Medicare insurance agent. Medicare is my specialty and I am dedicated to helping you find the best plan that fits your specific needs and budget. I will take on the task of searching through plans from nationally and locally recognized companies so that you don't have to. Best of all, my services come at no cost to you. Get in touch with me today to explore your Medicare insurance options. Be sure to mention that you found me on Medicare Agents Hub!
Q&A with Steve Dunn
I've been on a Part D plan for a while, and I'm wondering why my generic prescriptions suddenly cost more. Did something change?
Answer: Medicare Part D plans can change coverage amounts annually. Sometimes generics can be moved to higher tiers with higher co-pays. That is why it is important to actively manage your plan. Part D plans are not managed by the governmnt and can vary greatly between providers.
It's ok to shop plans and seek the one tht best fits your needs.
What do you like most about being a Medicare agent?
Answer: I love providing direction and showing value to an often confusing offerring. I've had great success saving hundreds of dollars to those who are often on fixed incomes.
I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Answer: The original medicare (parts A and B) don not cover routine dential cleanings. Medicare poart C usually covers preventiative services like cleanings (but not all part C plans are the same). Medicare Advantage (part D) will save you provided the dentist is in network.
What happens if I am already retired and collecting Social Security when I turn 65?
Answer: If you already retired and are collecting Social Security when you turn 65, your Medicare enrollment happens automatically.
I'm planning a long trip overseas. What happens if I need medical care while I'm away from the US?
Answer: Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the US. However, some Medigap supplemental insurance (like plans G or N) cover 80% of emergency care abroad - up to $50,000 lifetime with a $250 deductible.
Will I be penalized if I do not enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
Answer: Penalties do apply. For example, you will pay a 10% higher premium for Part A (hospital insurance) for four years and a 10% higher monthly premium for part B (medical insurance) for every 12-month period you delay. This penalty is cumulative and last for life. Fort example, if you wait 5 years, until you are 70 to enroll in part B, you will pay a 50% higher monthly premium. The penalties for part D (prescription drug coverage) starts after 65 days after your 65th birthday and is 1% of the national base premium times the number of uncovered months. This penalty also will last for life.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids, or do I have to pay out of pocket?
Answer: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids, routine hearing exams, or fittings. If you have Original Medicare, you'll likely need to pay for hearing aids out of pocket.
However, many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), offered by private insurers, do provide coverage for hearing aids and related services. Coverage specifics, such as copayments, coverage limits, and the number of hearing aids covered per year, can vary significantly between plans. Costs can range from $0 to over $1,000 per hearing aid, depending on the plan and the level of technology.
If you're considering Medicare Advantage, it's essential to compare plans available in your area to find one that meets your hearing aid needs. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to explore options.
Additionally, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, approved by the FDA in 2022, offer a more affordable option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices can be purchased without a prescription or medical exam and are available online and in stores. Prices range from under $100 for budget models to $1,000–$2,000 for high-quality aids. While OTC aids may not be suitable for severe hearing loss, they provide a cost-effective alternative for many.
If a senior is turning 65 but still working, should they enroll in Medicare or delay it?
Answer: Enrolling in Medicare while still working depends on serveral factors: the type of current health insurance coverage, the amount of employees and if you want Medicare as your primary or secondary isurance.
If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, enrollment in Medicare is advisable. Medicare would become your primary insurance and your employer's would be secondary. Your initial enroment period is 3 months beofre to 3 months after your 65th birthday. Those who want Medicare as a secondary insurance cans still enroll in Part A (hospital insurance) because it is premium free (assuming you or your spouse has paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years).
Consider delaying enrollment if your employer coverage has 20+ employees, You can delay Part B without penalty, Most Part B's have a monthly premium of $174.70/month. Also, consider delayinbg enbrollment if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA). Once you enroll in any part of Medicare, you can no longer contribute to an HSA.