Steve Schnell, Medicare Insurance Agent

Answer: It depends on the Medicare plan you enrolled in. If you're unsure, you can contact your agent or call the customer service number for you plan carrier.

Answer: Every doctor has the option to contract with Medicare Advantage carriers, or to accept Original Medicare, or both, or neither. The vast majority of Drs in the US seem to accept Original Medicare.

Answer: The rules are advertised pretty frequently. In fact, most seniors I meet say they are overwhelmed with agents/brokers contacting them about options. It's important to have an agent who can help you with your Medicare situations when they come up before your choices become limited.

Answer: An annual PSA test, a colonoscopy, or a mammogram are all covered procedures within restrictions set by Medicare. Some Medicare plans offer additional preventative procedures being covered. Ask your agent about Cancer protection plans as well.

Answer: All healthcare plans only cover SOME preventative procedures, and each plan/company decides which ones they cover.

However, there are companies in some states who offer plans that cover ALL Preventative. Hopefully you can find an agent who contracts with one of them.

Answer: It depends on what kind of Medicare coverage you have. Some plans you have to pay some, others you don't. An agent can help you find a plan that fits your needs.

Answer: If a provider drops a plan, you have some guarantee rights under Medicare that allow you to obtain new coverage. CMS has 7 guaranteed rights for Medicare participants.

Answer: Only if she has a Power of Attorney over you. She can ask general questions, but not make decisions without you present and your consent.

Answer: The rising cost of medical costs not covered by Medicare is partly due to the number of people using Medicare, and partly due to medical insurance costs in general.

Answer: No, SEPs are specific and for specific things like, life changes (moving outside and area, a job change, marriage, etc..), a chronic illness condition, or sometimes due to a natural disaster that would affect a normal SEP period.

Answer: It depends on the type of coverage. Agents must be licensed and certified to offer certain types of Medicare plans. So.e types pay specific rates regardless of carrier, other pay contracted commission rates.

Answer: You might have a premium. Also, you still have network restrictions to avoid out of network services.

Answer: This is one of the reasons it's important to work with an independent agent. Some agent work in multiple areas, and can offer solutions that help prepare better for all of a person's retirement years.

Answer: Sometimes a person may qualify for a Guaranteed enrollment rule. If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan that stops being offered from one year to another without you disenrolling, you get the opportunity to return to Original Medicare and purchase some Medicare Supplements offered, but not all.

Answer: I get to be a problem solver, and because I am an independent agent I never have to worry that I can't solve a person's needs in a way that benefits them. I have real relationships with a large majority of my clients, some of them for more than a decade.

Answer: Medicare Advantage plans work for some people, but not everyone. They have network restrictions and costs are based on income and plan options. Everyone should work with an insurance professional to find the right Medicare option for their personal needs.

Answer: It depends on the plan and dept you were with. An agent can help you figure out which option will be best for you during your 65+ years.

Answer: It's important to review plans at least an annual basis. There have been many changes to Medicare, Medicare plans, and govt rules the last few years.

Answer: Call Medicare, call the company your Medicare plan is with, or call your agent if you have one. Having a licensed professional may be the fastest solution.

Answer: You can use medicare.gov, or work with a licensed professional who can help you look at various factors to determine what plan will fit your needs best.

Answer: It's important to work with a licensed agent because there are annual changes and options regarding Medicare. Senior get a lot of conflicting and confusing marketing regarding Medicare, and an agent can help sift through the noise to help them find plans that fit their needs best.

Answer: Yes, once the Part B deductible is met. All Medicare covered costs will be paid by Medicare or your plan.