Steven Maicus II, Medicare Insurance Broker

Answer: Building lasting relationships with my clients, the meetings the laughs getting to know the family, and most importantly the feeling of peace knowing I am doing something that actually makes a difference in peoples lives.

Answer: What's the biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a Medicare Part D plan?

You should have an Agent do a proper needs assessment to make sure all of your medication is covered and review alternative options to meet your needs and budget.

Steve,

Answer: While you need immediate solutions, be aware that major changes are happening in 2025, including the elimination of the "donut hole" and a new $2,000 out-of-pocket spending cap, which may help you further in the future.

Answer: Delaying Social Security until age 70 has no impact on your Medicare eligibility, but you must still sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Which starts three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday & three months after your birthday-(7month Enrollment window)

If you don't enroll in Medicare Part B during this period, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty unless you are covered by a qualifying employer-sponsored health plan.

Answer: Although know one has a crystal ball seeing into the future, it has been said, a focus on targeted benefits like Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for specific populations, more robust integration between Medicare and Medicaid for dual-eligible individuals, and the implementation of newer technologies like AI to streamline administration.

Answer: Not really, Medicare does not cover medications like Ozempic when they are prescribed solely for weight loss, unless there prescribed for diabetic reasons, then its down to the correct plan for coverage, most Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage MAPD plan, will have certain RX coverage for these certain kinds of medications.

Answer: Honestly, While these changes are expected to save beneficiaries billions, some potential negative effects include higher copayments or stricter management for certain drugs, which could lead to treatment abandonment for some individuals.

Answer: Compare plans with an Agent,

compare a high-deductible Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan with a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan

Answer: No, your income does not affect your eligibility for Medicare, which is based on age or disability status. However, if your income is above a certain level, you will have to pay a higher premium for Medicare Part B and Part D, a surcharge called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). If your income has recently decreased due to a life-changing event, you can request a lower premium by filing a life-changing event form with the Social Security Administration.

Answer: A plan needs to be right for your specific situation, as the best choice depends entirely on your personal healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle. Have an Agent do a proper needs assessment.

Answer: Most good agents will have a fair review online, most great Agents will be highly ranked in there plan area, and 90% of there business is referral business because they take care of there clients.

there is an old saying,

know one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care"

Steve,

Answer: To get Medicare coverage for a wheelchair, you must first have a face-to-face evaluation with a doctor who confirms your medical need for it. The doctor will write a prescription or order, and a Medicare-approved supplier will need to submit a prior authorization request for certain types of wheelchairs

Answer: Honestly its procrastinating, not enrolling on time, and making assumptions about their needs, you should always have your Agent do a needs assessment, this help us pick the plan that is right for you the 1st time.

Answer: Plan G has higher monthly premiums but offers more comprehensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs at the point of service, while Plan N has lower monthly premiums in exchange for some cost-sharing (copays and potential excess charges)

Answer: Yes, the changes to Medicare Part D for 2025 are designed to lower your out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. Specifically, the annual out-of-pocket limit for covered drugs will be capped at $2,000. Once you reach this limit, you won't have to pay any copayments or coinsurance for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.

Answer: If your income drops after retirement, you may be able to lower your Medicare Part B premium by requesting a review of your Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) through form SSA-44. This form allows you to report a life-changing event, such as retirement, that has affected your income, potentially leading to a lower IRMAA and a reduced Part B premium.

Answer: Yes, you need to take action regarding Medicare when you retire. Since you are likely over 65 and planning to retire in 2025, you will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This SEP begins when you retire or lose your employer coverage, whichever happens first. You should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B during this SEP.

Answer: Yes, you will likely be penalized if you don't enroll in Medicare Part B when you're first eligible, which is when you turn 65. You'll pay a penalty on your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B, and the penalty increases for each 12-month period you delay enrollment.

Here's why and how it works:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

You're first eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A and B during your IEP, which starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your 65th birthday.

Steve,

Answer: Working with a local Medicare agent is personal and gives you the ability to build a lasting relationship.. You gain a " Go To " resource helping you navigate your Medicare needs.

Answer: You may have to answer health questions when switching from one Medigap plan to another, but it depends on your specific situation and the state where you live. During your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can typically switch plans without answering health questions. However, outside of this period, or in states with less favorable rules, you may have to answer health questions and could be turned down or charged more for pre-existing conditions.

Answer: Part A: Covers inpatient physical therapy in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Part B: Covers outpatient physical therapy, which is the most common type.

Medical Necessity: Medicare will pay for physical therapy that is deemed medically necessary to improve or maintain your health

Answer: PPOs offer greater choice in healthcare providers, including those outside the network, while HMOs typically require staying within the network for covered services.

Answer: Its personal, I love the relationship that I have with my clients & being available to answer questions and give peace of mind, Medicare can be confusing I love being a trusted local resource.